Is Flying Suwon Worth It? Our Honest Review (2026 Guide)

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Thinking about riding Flying Suwon? Here's everything you need to know before you go—including the best time to ride, ticket prices, what the experience is actually like, and whether we'd recommend it.

Quick Facts

πŸ“ Location: Near Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon
⏱ Ride Duration: Approximately 10–15 minutes
πŸ’° Cost: Around ₩20,000–₩25,000 (adult)
πŸš† Distance from Seoul: About 1 hour
⭐ Best For:

  • Couples
  • Photographers
  • Families
  • First-time visitors to Suwon

πŸ“Έ Best Time: 30–60 minutes after sunset (especially during summer)

Our Verdict

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Flying Suwon is one of the most unique attractions in Gyeonggi-do and absolutely worth considering if you're spending an afternoon or evening in Suwon.

The views are fantastic, the experience is unlike anything else near Seoul, and seeing Hwaseong Fortress from above gives you a whole new appreciation for the city's history.

That said, your experience depends almost entirely on two things:

  • the weather
  • when you choose to ride

We visited on an overcast summer evening and made one small mistake—we rode just a little too early.

The result?

We missed both the colorful sunset and the illuminated fortress.

It was still a great experience, but if we were doing it again, we'd definitely wait another 30–45 minutes.

Hopefully this guide helps you avoid making the same mistake.

What is Flying Suwon?

Flying Suwon is a tethered helium observation balloon located beside Hwaseong Fortress.

Unlike a traditional hot air balloon, it remains attached to the ground by steel cables while slowly lifting visitors around 150 meters into the air.

Because the balloon never drifts away, the ride feels very stable and is suitable for almost everyone—including families and people who might normally be nervous about heights.

Over the course of around 10–15 minutes, you'll enjoy sweeping panoramic views across:

  • Hwaseong Fortress
  • Hwaseong Haenggung
  • Haenggung-dong
  • Suwon city center
  • The surrounding mountains
  • Modern Suwon skyline

It's less about adrenaline and more about taking in the scenery.

How to Get to Flying Suwon from Seoul

Flying Suwon is located beside Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon's historic center, around an hour south of Seoul. The easiest way to get there is by taking Seoul Subway Line 1 to Suwon Station. From there, you can catch one of the local buses that stops near Yeonmudae (μ—°λ¬΄λŒ€), including 999, 660, 7-2, 60, or 700-2, before walking just a few minutes to the Flying Suwon boarding area.

If you'd prefer a quicker and more direct option, a taxi from Suwon Station takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic, and is usually affordable if you're travelling with friends or want to save time. We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes before your planned ride, especially if you're hoping to go up around sunset or after dark, as this is the busiest time of day.

Our Experience

We visited Flying Suwon as part of an evening exploring Hwaseong Fortress.

After wandering through Haenggung-dong, grabbing coffee, and walking along the fortress walls, we headed over to the balloon hoping to catch sunset from above.

Unfortunately, the weather had other plans.

The sky was completely overcast, so instead of a colorful sunset we were greeted by thick grey clouds.

The views were still impressive—the fortress looked incredible from above—but we couldn't help thinking how much more dramatic they would have been on a clear evening.

Then came our second mistake.

Because we wanted to leave enough time for dinner afterwards, we boarded just before darkness fell.

As we floated above the city, the fortress lights hadn't switched on yet.

By the time we landed...

they were just starting to glow.

Looking back, waiting another half hour would have completely changed the experience.

It was super easy to buy tickets, we just grabbed them from the kiosk and then could go right on board. We did hold out and waited a little while, there was a small self-serve convenience store nearby that had great airconditioning, but we were still too early. Once your ready to board you can basically just walk up to the entrance and straight on to the balloon! On days with good weather you might have to wait for the group before you to come down before you can head up.

The Best Time to Ride Flying Suwon

If there's one piece of advice we could give...

Don't ride too early.

Most people instinctively book the balloon before sunset.

We actually think that's the second-best option.

Instead, we'd recommend riding shortly after sunset.

Why?

Because you'll get to see:

✔ The city lights

✔ The illuminated fortress walls

✔ A much more dramatic atmosphere

Especially during summer, sunset happens quite late.

Rather than boarding at 7:00 PM, we'd recommend aiming for around 8:00 PM (depending on the season).

By then:

  • the heat has eased
  • the fortress is illuminated
  • the city feels more alive
  • you'll experience Suwon at its most beautiful

Weather Matters More Than You Think

Flying Suwon is one of those attractions where the weather genuinely changes the experience.

☀ Clear Evening

★★★★★

Perfect visibility
Amazing sunset
Beautiful colors

🌀 Light Clouds

★★★★☆

Still worth it
Interesting skies
Great photography

☁ Overcast

★★★☆☆

Good views
Less dramatic
Limited sunset colors

🌧 Rain or Strong Wind

Flights may be delayed or cancelled.
Always check conditions before making the trip.

Korea Kaja Tip
If you're flexible, choose the clearest evening during your stay rather than locking yourself into one day.

Is Flying Suwon Worth the Money?

We think so.

But only if your expectations are realistic.

This isn't a thrill ride.

It isn't a hot air balloon floating across the countryside.

Instead, think of it as an observation deck...

that slowly rises into the sky.

You're paying for the view.

And it's a very good view.

Who Should Ride Flying Suwon?

❤️ Couples

Probably one of the best date activities in Gyeonggi-do.

Especially after sunset.

πŸ“Έ Photographers

One of the few places you can photograph the fortress from directly above.

πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘§ Families

Short.

Safe.

Easy.

No hiking required.

🌏 First-Time Visitors

An unforgettable way to experience Suwon.

Ticket Prices

Ticket      Estimated Price
Adult      ₩24,000
Teenager      ₩20-22,000
Child      ₩15,000
Discounts      ₩20,000

Prices may change, so check the official website before your visit.

How Long Should You Allow?

Ride duration: 10–15 minutes

Waiting time: 10–45 minutes. We were there on an overcast Friday evening and there was no line, basically no wait. In better weather there may be some wait however.

Things to Do Nearby

One of the best things about Flying Suwon is its location. It's right in the heart of Suwon's historic district, making it easy to include in a wider afternoon or evening itinerary.

🏯 Hwaseong Fortress

Walk the UNESCO World Heritage walls before your ride, then see them from above after dark. Experiencing the fortress from both perspectives is one of the highlights of visiting Suwon.

🏹 Try Traditional Korean Archery

Just a short walk from Flying Suwon, you can try traditional Korean archery at the Hwaseong Fortress Archery Range.

For a small fee, you'll receive a traditional bow and a set of arrows before taking aim at straw targets. Staff are on hand to explain the basics, making it easy for beginners to give it a go.

It only takes around 20–30 minutes, but it's a fun way to experience a piece of Korean history rather than just learning about it. Whether you're travelling with friends, family, or on a date, it's a unique activity that adds something different to your time in Suwon.

πŸ‘‘ Hwaseong Haenggung

Explore the temporary palace of King Jeongjo before making your way to the balloon. Depending on the season, you may even catch evening illuminations or cultural performances. In summer we recommend heading to the palace after the balloon, to experience the lights and atmosphere of their summer nights events.

πŸ› Haenggung-dong

Spend some time wandering the neighborhood's independent cafΓ©s, boutique shops, galleries, and restored hanok streets. It's one of the most enjoyable areas in Gyeonggi-do for a slow afternoon.

We recommend ☕ CafΓ© Paletscent. It has an amazing view of Janganmun Gate, both from inside and up on the rooftop. The perfect spot to relax before sunset.

πŸ– Dinner

After your ride, finish the evening with:

  • Suwon galbi
  • Traditional Korean food
  • Makgeolli bars
  • Korean fried chicken
  • Dessert cafΓ©s

Estimated Budget

Expense        Estimated Cost
Subway from Seoul (return)       ₩3,500–₩5,500
Taxi or local bus ₩1,500–₩7,000
Flying Suwon ₩20,000–₩25,000
Coffee ₩6,000–₩12,000
Dinner ₩15,000–₩35,000+
Dessert (optional) ₩5,000–₩10,000

Total

Budget: ₩45,000–₩60,000
Typical evening: ₩60,000–₩90,000
Treat yourself: ₩100,000+

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Flying Suwon scary?

Not really. Because the balloon is tethered to the ground, the ascent is slow and stable. Even if you're not a fan of heights, many visitors find it much less intimidating than they expected.

Can you ride at night?

Yes—and we'd actually recommend it. Seeing the illuminated Hwaseong Fortress from above was the one thing we just missed, and it's the main reason we'd plan our timing differently next time.

Is it worth visiting if the weather is cloudy?

Yes, but with slightly lower expectations. The panoramic views are still impressive, but you won't get the colorful sunset that makes the experience truly memorable.

Do you need to book in advance?

Not really no. Unless there is some event on, the balloon is not actually that busy. You can wander up and book at the kiosk just before you ride. If there are other people there you may have to wait for their ride to finish, but you generally should be fine to just wander up on the day.

Final Thoughts

Flying Suwon isn't the kind of attraction you'll spend an entire day at—but that's exactly why we like it.

It's a simple experience that fits perfectly into an afternoon or evening exploring Suwon. Paired with a stroll through Haenggung-dong, a walk along the fortress walls, and dinner afterwards, it becomes one of the highlights of the trip.

Our biggest takeaway? Timing matters.

If we could do it again, we'd wait until after sunset on a clear evening, giving ourselves the chance to see Hwaseong Fortress glowing beneath us as the city lights came to life.

So, is Flying Suwon worth it?

We'd say yes. Just be patient, check the weather, and don't rush to be first in line. Sometimes waiting a little longer makes all the difference.

Planning More Adventures?

If you're exploring beyond Seoul, we've got plenty more guides to help you plan your trip. Check out some of our other Korea Kaja travel guides:

We're always adding new guides based on our own experiences exploring Korea, so be sure to check back for more inspiration before your next adventure.

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