Flying Suwon
Soar 150m high for breathtaking 360° views of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the city from a hot air balloon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shorter queues, more relaxed
Flying Suwon
Best Time
Shorter queues, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar 150m high for breathtaking 360° views of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the city from a hot air balloon.
"Scary but beautiful. The view was absolutely beautiful at night."
📸 Staff are Photo Pros
The staff are reportedly great at capturing your memorable moments in the air! :camerawithflash:
☁️ Weather Dependent
Flights can be canceled due to rain or strong winds. Check forecasts and operational status beforehand. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Ascending in the hot air balloon
Soar 150m high for breathtaking 360° views of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the city.
Sunset Spectacle
Hot air balloon ride
Witness a magical sunset painting the sky as you float above Suwon.
Hwaseong Fortress from Above
Hot air balloon ride
See the UNESCO World Heritage Hwaseong Fortress from a unique aerial perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Budget and Wait Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Staff are Photo Pros
The staff are reportedly great at capturing your memorable moments in the air! :camerawithflash:
☁️ Weather Dependent
Flights can be canceled due to rain or strong winds. Check forecasts and operational status beforehand. :cloud:
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
Even with pre-booked tickets, expect waits, especially for sunset. Bring snacks and patience! :hourglass:
🎟️ Ticket Purchase
Tickets can be bought at a nearby kiosk. Multiple languages are supported for payment via card or cash. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Staff are Photo Pros
The staff are reportedly great at capturing your memorable moments in the air! :camerawithflash:
☁️ Weather Dependent
Flights can be canceled due to rain or strong winds. Check forecasts and operational status beforehand. :cloud:
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
Even with pre-booked tickets, expect waits, especially for sunset. Bring snacks and patience! :hourglass:
🎟️ Ticket Purchase
Tickets can be bought at a nearby kiosk. Multiple languages are supported for payment via card or cash. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
While not strenuous, comfortable footwear is always a good idea for exploring the area before or after your flight. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Flying Suwon offers a thrilling and beautiful experience with stunning aerial views of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the city, especially magical at sunset or night. While the 10-minute ride is memorable, be prepared for potential wait times and the ticket price. The staff's helpfulness with photos is a notable plus.
"Scary but beautiful.
The staff is good at taking photos!
You can buy the ticket at the nearby ticketing machine. There’s a car park nearby so quite accessible as well.
No queue here when we went during weekdays. But you might need to check online ahead first whether it’s flying. It might close if the weather is not good (rainy, windy)."
Sabrina Tsai
"This was definitely worth it. It's 22,000 won per ticket. Only 6 people at a time go in the balloon, so you may have to wait a long time if there are a lot people. I waited about an hour. There is a kiosk to buy your ticket, a parking lot if you drive, and a store to buy snacks while waiting. When the balloon gets to the top, it stays there for about 5 minutes before it comes back down for the next group. 5 minutes was plenty of time to take all the pics I wanted. I also timed my visit to go at sunset to get some sunset pics. The balloon is tethered to a steel cable, so you don't need to worry about it flying away accidentally."
Derek Bowen
"We took the flying balloon, and it was scary but really fun! The view was absolutely beautiful at night."
Laloena Aacher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Flying Suwon is located at 255-4 Ji-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. It's accessible by bus from Suwon city center. Many visitors combine a trip here with Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, which is nearby.
Yes, there is a car park nearby, making it accessible for those driving.
Flying Suwon is located in Suwon, which is about an hour's journey from Seoul by public transport or car.
Yes, Flying Suwon is located within the vicinity of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, making it a convenient addition to your visit.
Operating hours vary by season. Weekdays are typically from 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM (last boarding at 9:00 PM), and weekends/holidays from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It's best to check their official channels for the most current times. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are approximately 20,000 KRW for adults and 13,000 KRW for children. Prices can vary slightly.
You can purchase tickets on-site from a ticket machine, which supports multiple languages and accepts card or cash payments. Online booking might be available, but there's no option to reserve a specific time slot.
While you can buy tickets on-site, booking in advance is recommended if possible to potentially reduce wait times, though specific time reservations are not usually an option.
The hot air balloon ride lasts for approximately 10 minutes, offering ample time for photos and enjoying the views.
Yes, there is a reduced ticket price for children, typically around 13,000 KRW.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
It's a tethered hot air balloon ride that takes you up to 150 meters for panoramic views of Suwon. It can be a bit scary but is described as beautiful and fun, especially at night.
You get a bird's-eye view of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, the city skyline, and surrounding landscapes. The sunset and night views are particularly praised.
Wait times can vary significantly, from no queue on weekdays to over an hour on weekends or during sunset. The actual flight is only 10 minutes.
While it offers stunning views, the experience can be scary for those with a fear of heights. However, it's a tethered balloon, so it doesn't fly freely.
Absolutely! The 10-minute flight provides enough time to capture plenty of photos. The staff are also known to be helpful in taking pictures for you.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photos. However, the city lights at night also provide a beautiful backdrop.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the entire Hwaseong Fortress, panoramic cityscapes, and unique aerial perspectives of Suwon's streets.
Generally, standard photography is allowed. Ensure your equipment is secure during the ascent and descent.
Yes, many reviews mention that the staff are skilled photographers and happy to assist in taking pictures for visitors.
For sunset, consider using a slightly wider aperture to capture the colors and a faster shutter speed if there's movement. Shooting in RAW format will give you more editing flexibility.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families include bringing snacks and entertainment for potential wait times, as queues can form, especially during popular hours. The ticket price for children is also more affordable. Consider visiting during daylight hours for younger children who might be sensitive to late-night activities.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for the 10-minute flight duration to maximize your shooting time. The staff are known to be helpful in assisting with photos, so don't hesitate to ask. Ensure your camera or phone is securely held, and consider shooting in RAW for greater editing flexibility.
✨ Budget Travelers
To make the most of it on a budget, try to visit on a weekday to minimize wait times and potentially enjoy a more relaxed experience. Bringing your own snacks and water can also help save on costs while waiting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Flying Suwon Experience
Travelers often describe the experience as both thrilling and beautiful. The views encompass the UNESCO World Heritage site of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, the bustling city streets, and the surrounding landscapes. Many recommend timing your visit for sunset to witness a spectacular display of colors across the sky, or for the enchanting city lights at night.
While the flight itself is short, potential visitors should be aware of possible wait times, which can range from minimal on weekdays to over an hour during peak periods like weekends and sunset. The balloon is securely tethered, ensuring a safe experience even for those who might be a little apprehensive about heights.
Practicalities: Tickets, Timing, and Weather
Operating hours vary seasonally. Generally, weekdays run from midday until late evening, with last boarding around 9 PM, while weekends and holidays often start earlier and extend later. It's advisable to check the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
+1Crucially, Flying Suwon is highly dependent on weather conditions. Flights may be grounded due to rain or strong winds. Therefore, checking the weather forecast and the attraction's operational status on the day of your visit is essential to avoid disappointment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit