Seoul Nearby Travel Guide | Romantic K-Drama Spot at Yongyeon Pond, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Discover Yongyeon Pond at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a romantic K-drama spot near Seoul known for stunning sunsets, scenic fortress walks, peaceful night views, and unforgettable seasonal landscapes loved by travelers and photographers alike.

Contents

Basic Information About Yongyeon Pond

Photo of the scenic fortress trail, Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, and Yongyeon Pond at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, taken in May 2026

Attraction Name	용연 (龍淵, Yongyeon Pond, =Dragon Pond)
Type of Cuisine	Korean street food
Address	190 Yeonmu-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Hours of operation	Open 24 hours year-round
Parking	Visitors are encouraged to use the nearby Hwahongmun Public Parking Lot.
Admission	Free
Visitor Etiquette & Guidelines	⚠️ The entire Suwon Hwaseong Fortress complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly at all times. • No smoking or drinking alcohol within the heritage site • No eating or drinking within the heritage site • No pets allowed inside the heritage site • Do not pick flowers or damage trees • No graffiti or vandalism • No littering, including pet waste • No bicycles, kick scooters, or other wheeled mobility devices allowed • Entering the water at Yongyeon Pond is strictly prohibited • Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted; however, some gates have stairs, uneven curbs, and steep slopes. Please be aware that the walking paths around Yongyeon Pond run close to the water’s edge, which may pose a safety risk. Parents, guardians, and companions are advised to exercise extra caution. • Pets must be kept on a leash and muzzled when required • Pet owners must carry waste bags and clean up after their pets • Visitors are asked to refrain from entering the heritage site while wearing overly revealing outfits, including provocative cosplay attire

King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, relocated the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado, to '화성(華城, Hwaseong)' in Suwon and later developed a planned new city and fortress around it. Applying the traditional Korean feng shui principle of baesanimsu — building with mountains behind and water in front — he constructed Hwaseong Haenggung Palace between Paldalsan Mountain and Suwon Stream. The fortress walls were designed to follow the natural terrain, surrounding both mountainous and flat areas in harmony with the landscape.

As a result, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress presents a uniquely dynamic appearance. From afar, the fortress looks grand and imposing, while up close, its gates, pavilions, and water structures create a rhythmic architectural flow. The character “Hwa (華)” in “Hwaseong” symbolizes prosperity and longevity. In 1997, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo of the scenery around Yongyeon Pond in Suwon, taken in May 2026

Suwon Hwaseong was built as a massive fortified city to protect the area surrounding Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, the king’s temporary royal residence. In this context, '용연(龍淵, Yongyeon Pond)' represents only a small section of the entire fortress complex. In fact, the true centerpiece of this area is Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, also known as the Northeastern Watchtower, which is officially designated as a Korean Treasure.

The picturesque view of Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion reflected beside Yongyeon Pond is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful scenes in Suwon Hwaseong. Right next to it stands Hwahongmun Gate, the fortress’s northern floodgate, making the area especially convenient to explore in a single walking route. For this reason, the Yongyeon area is considered one of the core sightseeing zones of Suwon Hwaseong, where visitors can appreciate both natural scenery and the refined beauty of late Joseon-era fortress architecture. It is also one of the most popular spots among tourists.

The Chinese characters for Yongyeon are 龍 (dragon) and 淵 (deep pond), meaning “the pond where a dragon resides.” Long before the construction of Hwaseong Fortress, this area was already known as a crescent-shaped deep pond formed naturally by the curves of Suwon Stream. According to local legend, a dragon that had spent a thousand years cultivating its power while waiting to ascend to heaven once lived here.

The dragon secretly watched over a young woman who visited the pond every day and eventually fell in love with her. Torn between remaining on earth for love or ascending to heaven, the dragon ultimately chose ascension. However, at the very moment it rose into the sky, it could not let go of its feelings for the young woman and fell back down into Yongyeon Pond. Legend says its body became the surrounding hill, while its head turned into a rock formation now known as Yongdu Rock, or “Dragon Head Rock.” From that time onward, the pond came to be known as Yongyeon.

When the water level at Yongyeon rises, excess water flows westward into Suwon Stream through a drainage outlet. Remarkably, the circular stone sculpture of an imugi — a mythical proto-dragon from Korean folklore — built into the outlet during the construction of Hwaseong Fortress still remains well preserved today.

In Korean and broader East Asian mythology, dragons are sacred imaginary beings typically described as having the body of a serpent, the legs of a bird, the antlers of a deer, and the scales of a fish. Legends also tell of the yeouiju, a mystical wish-granting jewel said to rest beneath a dragon’s chin. This concept bears a striking resemblance to the magical wish-granting orbs featured in the Japanese manga and anime series 'Dragon Ball(ドラゴンボール)'.

Traditionally, dragons were believed to ascend into the heavens during the spring equinox and descend back into the waters during the autumn equinox. As a result, they were worshipped as deities that controlled rain, wind, and water. In agricultural societies where access to water was directly tied to survival, ponds and reservoirs associated with dragons were regarded as sacred places. This is one reason why many ponds throughout Korea still bear the name “Yongyeon” today.

Photo of Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, taken in April 2024

During the construction of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, the hill surrounding Yongyeon Pond and the nearby Yongdu Rock served as a key strategic vantage point overlooking Suwon Stream, Hwahongmun Gate, and the surrounding area. Because the location provided an excellent view for monitoring enemy movements and activity outside the fortress walls, King Jeongjo ordered the fortress walls in this section to be built higher than usual and constructed a military observation pavilion at the highest point. That structure is now known as Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, officially designated as Korean Treasure No. 1709.

For this reason, Yongyeon Pond should not really be viewed as a completely independent attraction. Historically and visually, it functioned as part of the defensive landscape surrounding Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, almost like a natural moat supporting the watchtower itself. In practice, the two locations are best experienced together as a single integrated sightseeing area rather than as separate destinations.

The name '방화수류정(訪花隨柳亭, Banghwasuryujeong)' comes from the Chinese characters 訪 (to seek), 花 (flower), 隨 (to follow), 柳 (willow), and 亭 (pavilion), meaning “a pavilion where one wanders among flowers and willow trees.” True to its name, the pavilion is famous for its beautiful scenery throughout all four seasons. Historical records say that whenever King Jeongjo visited Hwaseong, he enjoyed practicing archery at Banghwasuryujeong while composing poetry inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Today, the pavilion’s sunset and nighttime views reflected across Yongyeon Pond are considered among the most iconic scenes in Suwon. The area has become especially popular for evening walks, picnics, and photography. In fact, several nearby cafés now rent out picnic mats and picnic sets specifically for visitors enjoying the Yongyeon and Banghwasuryujeong area together, and the service has become quite popular among tourists and local visitors alike.

Photo of Hwahongmun Gate and Suwon Stream, taken in May 2026

'화홍문(華虹門, Hwahongmun)' Gate served as the northern floodgate of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. In Korean fortress architecture, a sumun (water gate) refers to a structure built into the fortress walls that allows a stream or river to pass underneath while maintaining the defensive barrier of the fortress itself.

The name Hwahongmun comes from the Chinese characters 華 (splendor), 虹 (rainbow), and 門 (gate), which together can be translated as “the rainbow gate of Hwaseong.” The name perfectly reflects the structure’s appearance, as its seven arched stone floodgates resemble a rainbow stretching across the water. Even today, it is considered one of the most visually striking architectural scenes within the fortress.

At first glance, Hwahongmun may look like a simple arched stone bridge topped with a pavilion. In reality, however, the fortress walls continue directly across the top of the structure, allowing the defensive system of Hwaseong Fortress to remain seamlessly connected.

This design was necessary because of Suwon Stream, which flows across the eastern and western sections of the fortress before running from north to south. To safely handle large volumes of water, the architects constructed seven stone arches to distribute water pressure efficiently and improve drainage. Iron grilles were also installed within each archway to prevent enemies from infiltrating the fortress through the water passage.

In other words, Hwahongmun was not simply a decorative bridge, but a carefully engineered structure that combined hydraulic engineering with military defense. A fortress could not simply leave a gap in its walls because a stream passed through the site, so the structure was specifically designed to control water flow while maintaining the integrity of the fortress defenses.

This is also why Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, Yongyeon Pond, and Hwahongmun should be understood as one connected historical and architectural zone rather than three completely separate attractions. When the water level at Yongyeon Pond rises, excess water naturally drains into Suwon Stream through the water system connected to Hwahongmun. Together, the pavilion, pond, and floodgate formed an integrated landscape that combined military strategy, water management, and scenic beauty within the overall design philosophy of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.

View of Hwahongmun Gate at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, which inspired the Korean stage background in the famous Japanese fighting game The King of Fighters ’96

One interesting piece of trivia about Hwahongmun Gate is that it served as the visual inspiration for the Korean stage background in 'The King of Fighters ’96(ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ'96)', the famous fighting game developed by SNK.

In the game, the stage appears when the Korean team characters — Kim Kaphwan(The real-life chairman of Viccom, the Korean distributor of SNK games, was Kim Kaphwan), Chang Koehan, and Choi Bounge — enter the tournament. The background stage was heavily inspired by the real-life appearance of Hwahongmun, particularly its arched floodgates and traditional Korean pavilion architecture.

The structure was reimagined through the game’s distinctive 2D pixel-art graphics style, and at the time, it left a strong impression on many players as one of the most recognizable representations of a traditional Korean atmosphere in a global fighting game.

K-Drama Filming Location at Yongyeon Pond

Scenery of Yongyeon Pond at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, featured as a filming location in Episode 5 of the tvN drama Lovely Runner

Located beneath Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion within Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Yongyeon Pond became widely recognized as a filming location for Episode 5 of the hit 2024 tvN drama Lovely Runner, starring Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon.

In the drama, the location appears in a memorable scene where the character Im Sol, played by Kim Hye-yoon, repeatedly falls while trying to learn how to ride a bicycle, but eventually succeeds with the help of Sun-jae, played by Byeon Woo-seok. To create a romantic and emotional atmosphere, the production team decorated the trees around Yongyeon Pond with traditional Korean lanterns known as cheongsachorong. Since filming took place during the summer, the pond was also covered with blooming water lilies, to the point that the surface of the water was barely visible.

The beautifully staged scene left a strong impression on viewers, and as the drama became a major success — along with the rapid rise in popularity of Byeon Woo-seok — Yongyeon Pond quickly gained attention as a new tourist destination. After the broadcast, the number of visitors coming to recreate scenes from the drama increased significantly, and more people began enjoying picnics around the pond as well.

The popularity of Lovely Runner demonstrated how a well-produced drama can introduce a previously lesser-known location to a nationwide audience while also contributing positively to local tourism and nearby businesses.

Parking Near Yongyeon Pond

Parking Lot Name	Hwahongmun Public Parking Lot
Address	280 Paldal-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Parking Type	Outdoor public parking lot
Parking Capacity	497 parking spaces
Parking Fees	• First 60 minutes free • KRW 300 per 10 minutes afterward • KRW 7,000 flat rate for prepaid all-day parking
Odd-Even License Plate Restriction System	• Monday: Vehicles ending in 1 or 6 restricted • Tuesday: Vehicles ending in 2 or 7 restricted • Wednesday: Vehicles ending in 3 or 8 restricted • Thursday: Vehicles ending in 4 or 9 restricted • Friday: Vehicles ending in 5 or 0 restricted • All vehicles permitted on weekends and public holidays • Free parking during major Korean holiday periods

Restrooms Near Yongyeon Pond

Map showing the location of the public restroom near Yongyeon Pond at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (created by the blogger)

The closest restroom to Yongyeon Pond is Dalmaji Public Restroom. Conveniently located between Yongyeon Pond and the public parking lot, it is an ideal stop either right after arriving at Yongyeon or just before leaving the area.

The restroom is open 24/7 year-round and free to use. Since it is located within Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is directly maintained by the Suwon city government, the facility is generally clean and well-maintained.

However, the restroom can become crowded on weekends and during peak tourist hours due to the high number of visitors.

Real Visitor Reviews of Yongyeon Pond

I have been staying consistently at Courtyard by Marriott Suwon and Four Points by Sheraton Suwon since shortly after both hotels first opened. Whenever I left my room for a while during longer stays while housekeeping was being done, I naturally found myself slowly wandering through Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the surrounding Haenggung-dong area.

After returning to Suwon Hwaseong again and again over the years, I gradually came to appreciate how dramatically the atmosphere of the fortress changes depending on the season and time of day. Spring cherry blossoms, lush summer greenery, autumn sunsets, and the cold winter air each transform the exact same place into a completely different landscape.

I also have many memories of walking through Suwon Hwaseong with women from different countries — Americans, Japanese, Koreans, and others — sharing casual walks and quiet dates together. For some people, Suwon Hwaseong may simply be a tourist attraction, but to me, it feels more like a place where memories of people, seasons, and emotions from different periods of life have quietly accumulated over time.

In this post, excluding a few private photos I cannot publicly share, I selected only the scenery around Yongyeon Pond, Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, and Hwahongmun Gate from photographs I personally took between April 2024 and May 2026.

These three locations are directly connected to one another, making the walking route extremely convenient. Even at a relaxed pace, the entire area can usually be explored in around 15 minutes. Together, they form one of Suwon’s most beautiful and iconic landscapes.

Recently, I have also been visiting various hotel brands operated by The Hyoosik Co., Ltd. as part of my market research into Series by Marriott. During one of those visits, I returned to Suwon’s Ingye-dong district. Personally, whenever I visit Suwon, I always try to spend at least a short amount of time taking in the scenery of Suwon Hwaseong.

Life is a much longer journey than we often realize. Sometimes we leave familiar places behind, move far away, and never return for many years. That is why I believe it is important to make time to personally experience memorable places whenever the opportunity exists. Especially in the case of Suwon Hwaseong — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea’s most famous historical landmarks — simply saying “maybe next time” may mean missing the chance entirely.

Photo of the Suwon Stream café street area, taken in May 2026

Photo of the exterior of Suwon Hwaseong Museum, taken in May 2026

On this particular day, after having lunch near Maehyanggyo Bridge in Suwon, I slowly walked north along the Suwon Stream trail, passing the Suwon Hwaseong Museum on my way toward Hwahongmun Gate. The area surrounding Suwon Stream was filled with stylish cafés, and even the exterior of the museum itself looked remarkably impressive. Unfortunately, my schedule was too tight that day to explore the museum interior, but if you visit Suwon, I would absolutely recommend stopping by.

That said, the weather is becoming increasingly hot now, and the Suwon Stream trail offers very little shade. Walking there during the middle of a summer afternoon can feel exhausting. If possible, I recommend visiting closer to sunset, when temperatures begin to cool. Walking through Suwon Hwaseong beneath a red-orange sky creates an atmosphere that feels surprisingly romantic and almost foreign no matter where you stand. After dark, the softly illuminated night views are equally beautiful.

Scene of Hwahongmun Gate and Suwon Stream, featured as a filming location in Episode 6 of the tvN drama Lovely Runner

From Maehyanggyo Bridge to Hwahongmun Gate is roughly a 10-minute walk. Along the way, you will come across a small bridge that also appeared in Episode 6 of the 2024 tvN drama Lovely Runner starring Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon. In the scene, Im Sol and Sun-jae stand together on the bridge talking while fireworks explode behind them near Hwahongmun Gate. I also climbed onto the same bridge and photographed the exact view myself.

Photo of Hwahongmun Gate and Suwon Stream, taken in May 2026

Thankfully, the weather on the day I visited was bright and clear. The area was lively with tour groups, creating the energetic atmosphere unique to a popular tourist destination. In the middle of Suwon Stream, I noticed a white heron calmly standing in the water hunting tiny fish. Something about the scene felt so peaceful that I stopped walking for a while just to watch it.

Photo taken from the fortress trail above Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, showing Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion and the surrounding scenery of Yongyeon Pond, taken in April 2024

Photo of people enjoying a picnic on the grassy area near Yongyeon Pond during cherry blossom season in April 2024

A short climb up the hill along the fortress wall to the right of Hwahongmun Gate soon reveals Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion. It is considered one of the most beautiful pavilions in Suwon Hwaseong, although access to the interior is currently restricted due to restoration work.

Once you reach the fortress walkway above, the entire Yongyeon area unfolds below in a single panoramic view. Many people were gathered on the grassy areas surrounding the pond enjoying picnics. The atmosphere felt more like a peaceful city park than a heavily commercialized tourist site. Some people relaxed with coffee, others took photographs, and many walked their dogs. It was a place where the comfort of a neighborhood park and the atmosphere of a major tourist destination naturally coexisted.

Photo of Bukammun, the North Secret Gate of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, taken in May 2026

Directly to the right of Banghwasuryujeong stands the North Secret Gate, or Bukammun. In Korean fortress architecture, an ammun refers to a hidden gate built deep within less visible sections of the fortress wall to avoid enemy detection. These gates were mainly used for the discreet movement of people, livestock, and military supplies.

Photo of the scenery around Yongyeon Pond at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, taken in May 2026

If you follow the stone staircase down from Bukammun, you eventually arrive at Yongyeon Pond beneath Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion. One of the most memorable sights was the long pale-green willow branches hanging gently over the quiet surface of the pond. Whenever the wind blew, the branches slowly swayed while their reflections rippled softly across the water. Around me, I could hear faint laughter and quiet conversations blending naturally into the scenery.

The combination of fortress walls, the pond, and the modern city skyline somehow fit together surprisingly well within a single frame. Seeing people casually relaxing beneath what was once a Joseon-era military structure created a strange but beautiful contrast. That unique coexistence between history and everyday life felt like one of the defining charms of Suwon Hwaseong itself.

As I sat quietly on a bench overlooking Yongyeon Pond, even my own thoughts seemed to slow down. Watching the wind move across the water while willow branches gently swayed overhead had a strangely calming effect.

Photo of the scenery at Yongyeon Pond just before sunset, taken in August 2024

Photo of a Japanese female model standing in front of Yongyeon Pond just before sunset, taken in August 2024

Photo of the scenery at Yongyeon Pond just before sunset, taken in August 2024

At one point, I suddenly remembered visiting this place years ago with a Japanese woman. She loved Suwon Hwaseong and visited with me several times. Even during the intense summer heat, she never once looked tired and spent the entire evening smiling brightly.

That day, we arrived at Yongyeon around sunset. As the sun slowly descended, the sky gradually filled with deep orange and crimson colors that spread softly across the surface of the pond like watercolor paint. The silhouettes of the fortress walls and Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion became even more distinct beneath the warm sunset light, while the moving shadows of the willow trees transformed the entire area into something quiet and deeply romantic.

Sitting together on a bench, we quietly talked while watching the sun disappear beyond the horizon.

“One day our lives will slowly fade away like this sunset too. Since today is the youngest we will ever be again, let’s try to live each day a little more passionately so we won’t regret it later.”

Even now, after so much time has passed, that particular moment remains unusually vivid in my memory.

Seasons change, and the people walking beside us eventually change too, but Yongyeon Pond, Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, and Hwahongmun Gate remain standing in the same place exactly as they always have. To some people, this may simply be another scenic walking course, but to me, Suwon Hwaseong feels more like a place where memories, people, and emotions from different periods of life continue to quietly remain behind.

And honestly, my story connected to Yongyeon is still not over. Even now, new memories continue to accumulate there little by little. Perhaps someday, after another season passes, I will return once again and continue this story with new photographs and new experiences.

Many first-time visitors to Suwon only explore Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and the nearby Haenggung-dong café streets before leaving. But if you have even a little extra time, I strongly recommend slowly walking through Hwahongmun, Banghwasuryujeong, and Yongyeon as well.

As you quietly walk around Yongyeon Pond, sit on a bench, and listen to the wind moving through the willow trees, you naturally begin to understand why so many people consider this one of the most beautiful places in Suwon.

I once briefly spoke with a Russian tourist I met there, and she told me she had already visited Korea seventeen times simply because she loved the scenery of Suwon Hwaseong and Yongyeon so much. I still remember her laughing while proudly explaining how much her Korean had improved during those visits.

At sunset, the area becomes even more romantic, while after dark the softly glowing lights create an entirely different atmosphere. Slowly walking through the changing scenery and seasonal air is when you finally begin to discover the true charm of Suwon Hwaseong.

Perhaps someday you too will find yourself sitting quietly on a bench beside Yongyeon Pond watching the sunset fade away. The breeze passing by at this exact moment will never return in exactly the same way again, and neither will this moment itself. That is why I hope that, at least while visiting this place, people slow their steps for a while and appreciate the present just a little more deeply.

Final Verdict

If you only have time to visit one area of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, make it the connected zone of Hwahongmun Gate, Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, and Yongyeon Pond. More than just a simple pond or scenic viewpoint, this area represents the most complete combination of Suwon Hwaseong’s military architecture, natural landscape, history, and modern local culture all in one place.

Within a short walking distance, visitors can experience fortress walls, traditional pavilions, flowing water, hidden gates, dramatic sunset views, peaceful picnic scenery, K-drama filming locations, and even traces of Korean gaming history. The atmosphere constantly changes depending on the season, weather, and time of day, which is why so many people return multiple times rather than visiting only once.

Unlike heavily commercialized tourist attractions, Yongyeon still retains a calm and local atmosphere where historical architecture and everyday life naturally coexist. That balance is precisely what makes this part of Suwon Hwaseong feel memorable long after the visit ends.

💡 Pro Tip:
The best time to visit is roughly 1–2 hours before sunset. Start your walk near Maehyanggyo Bridge, slowly follow the Suwon Stream trail toward Hwahongmun Gate, then continue uphill to Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion before finishing at Yongyeon Pond around sunset.
If possible, bring a coffee or simple takeaway snack and spend some time sitting quietly near the pond rather than rushing through the area for photos only. The true charm of Yongyeon is less about checking off a tourist landmark and more about slowing down long enough to absorb the atmosphere around you.
For photography, sunset and blue hour offer the most beautiful lighting conditions. During summer evenings, the reflection of the fortress lights on the water and the movement of willow trees create especially cinematic scenery. Spring cherry blossoms and fresh greenery are also excellent, while autumn sunsets provide the most romantic atmosphere overall.

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