Located in Suwon, Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is as rich in history as it is in culinary tradition. Suwon is renowned for its unique variety of Korean cuisine and has a rich food culture that has evolved over centuries. Although Suwon is commonly associated with Korean beef dishes due to its historical cattle market, there is a wide array of culinary delights to explore for those who prefer other options, including vegetarian and seafood dishes.
Traditional food in the region around Hwaseong Fortress has been heavily influenced by the availability of fresh, quality ingredients from the local agricultural and coastal activities. The area's cuisine is known for its variety of banchan (side dishes) and uses fermentation techniques to create robust flavors, as seen in kimchi and other pickled dishes. In addition, Suwon's proximity to Seoul also means that it has been influenced by the capital's dynamic food culture.