Suwon
Encyclopedia
Suwon is the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do
, South Korea
. A major city of over a million inhabitants, Suwon lies approximately 30 kilometres (18.6 mi) south of Seoul
. It is traditionally known as "The City of Filial Piety".
Suwon has existed in various forms throughout Korea's history
, growing from a small settlement in tribal times to a major industrial and cultural city today. Suwon is the only remaining completely walled city in South Korea
. As such, the city walls are one of the more popular tourist destinations in Gyeonggi
Province. As an industrial centre, Suwon houses a large Samsung Electronics
factory. Suwon is served by two motorways, the national railway network and the Seoul Metropolitan Subway
, facilitating transport of commuters, tourists and goods alike.
Suwon is a major educational centre, being home to 14 university campuses. This, along with widespread transport links, draws inhabitants from across the country and foreign population of 1.85%.
Suwon is known domestically as a footballing city. Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Football Club has won the K-league
on four occasions and AFC Champions League
for two occasions.
era, the area comprising modern Suwon and Hwaseong City
was called Maehol-gun (매홀군).
In 757, under King Gyeongdeok
of the Unified Silla
, the name was changed to Suseong-gun (수성군). In 940, during the Goryeo Dynasty
, the name was changed again in to Suju (수주). King Taejong
of the Joseon Dynasty
renamed the city to Suwon in 1413.
In 1592, during the Japanese invasions of Korea, Commander Yi Kwang
, attempted to check the Japanese progress by launching his army toward the capital city, Seoul
(at the time called Hanseong). The army was withdrawn, however, after news that the city had already been sacked reached the commander. As the army grew in size to 50,000 men with the accumulation of several volunteer forces, Yi Kwang and the irregular commanders reconsidered their aim to reclaim the capital, and led the combined forces north to Suwon.
made an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to make Suwon the nation's capital in 1796. Part of this project was the construction of Hwaseong Fortress
, a fortified wall running around the entire city partially intended to guard the tomb of his father, Prince Sado
, which he had located there.
The walls were one of Korea's first examples of paid labour, (corvée labour
being common previously). The walls still exist today, though they, together with the fortress, were damaged severely during the Korean War
.
Hwaseong was originally constructed under the guidance of philosopher Jeong Yag-yong. In 1800, shortly after the death of King Jeongjo, a white paper detailing the construction of the fortress was published. This proved invaluable during its reconstruction in the 1970s.
The fortress walls once encircled the entire city, but modern urban growth has seen the city spread out far beyond the fortress. The walls are now a designated UNESCO
World Heritage site. and often used in materials promoting the city.
greatly affected Suwon, as the city changed hands four times. Very shortly after the outbreak of war, the 49th Fighter Wing
of the United States Air Force
was dispatched to Korea
from Japan and its first task was to evacuate civilians from Suwon and Gimpo. Suwon soon fell to the advancing North Koreans
and, shortly before the Battle of Osan
, the first conflict between United States
and North Korean
forces, on July 4, 1950, defences were erected on the road between Suwon and nearby Osan
(then still under Southern
command). The next day, Northern troops
advanced south. In the 3½-hour battle which followed, 150 American and 42 North Korean soldiers were killed and the United States troops
were forced to retreat. The North Korean advance southwards to take Osan was delayed by an estimated seven hours.
On December 16, 1950, the Greek Expeditionary Force
relocated to Suwon, attached to the US 1st Cavalry Division. From November 6, 1951, the United States Air Force
's top fighter pilot Gabby Gabreski
was in charge of K-13 Air Base in Suwon. By the end of the war
, Suwon was in South Korea
. A memorial to the French military
stands in Jangan-gu
, near the Yeongdong Expressway
's North Suwon exit.
Suwon lies in the north of the Gyeonggi
plain, just south of South Korea
's capital, Seoul
. It is bordered by Uiwang
to the north-west, Yongin
to the east, the city of Hwaseong
to the south-west, and also shares a short border with Ansan
to the west.
There are a few hills around Suwon. The highest of these is Gwanggyosan
to the north, on the border with Yongin
, though those to the east are more numerous. Gwanggyosan
is 582 metres (1,909.4 ft) above sea level
.
Most of the streams passing through Suwon originate on Gwanggyosan
or other nearby peaks. Since Suwon is bounded to the east by other hills, the streams, chiefly the Suwoncheon
(and one notable tributary being the Jungbocheon
), flow southwards through the city, eventually emptying into the Yellow Sea
at Asan Bay. The entirety of Suwon is drained in this manner.
As is true of all the South Korea
n mainland, there are no natural lakes in Suwon. There are, however, many small reservoirs, namely Seoho (서호) near Hwaseo Station
, Ilwon Reservoir (일원 저수지) near Sungkyunkwan University
, Bambat Reservoir (밤밭 저수지) near Sungkyunkwan University Station
, Ilwang Reservoir (일왕 저수지) in Manseok Park
, Pajang Reservoir (파장 저수지) near the North Suwon exit of the Yeongdong Expressway
, Gwanggyo Reservoir (광교 저수지) at the foot of Gwanggyosan
, Woncheon and Sindae Reservoirs (원천 저수지 & 신대 저수지) near Ajou University
아주대학교, Geumgok Reservoir (금곡 저수지), a small reservoir at the foot of Chilbosan
, and the larger Wangsong Reservoir (왕송 저수지), located mainly in the city of Uiwang
, but its dam
located in Suwon.
At the closest point, being the Chilbosan
ridge (239m) to the west on the border with Ansan
, Suwon lies 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the Yellow Sea
coast.
The city is divided into 4 gu (districts):
The newest of these is Yeongtong-gu
, which was separated from Paldal-gu
on November 24, 2003. These districts are in turn divided into 42 dong.
that the number of female residents is greater than that of males. 1.85% of the population is of foreign nationality, the highest concentration (2.3%) being in Paldal-gu
. Further information regarding the residents of each district is shown below.
Overall, the population of Suwon is increasing, but the domestic population is falling. For example, the Korean population of Suwon fell by 585 from December 2007 to January 2008. However, both genders of the foreign population increased in number in each gu in the same time period. It appears to be a pattern that the foreign population is increasing, as Suwon also saw a 13% increase in the number of registered foreigners residing in the city in the first half of 2007. The only gu currently showing an increase in population is Gwonseon-gu
(though the same was until recently true of Paldal-gu
), while all others have falling number of residents, especially Jangan-gu
and Yeongtong-gu
.
There are 14 universities
in Suwon and 2 colleges, and these include Sungkyunkwan University
's Medical & Technical Campus, Kyonggi University
, Ajou University
, Kyunghee University, Suwon Catholic University, Dongnam Health College
, Gukje Digital University, Hapdong Theological Seminary, Jangan College, Suwon Science College and Suwon Women's College. The University of Suwon
is not actually in Suwon, but in the neighbouring city of Hwaseong. The agricultural campus of Seoul National University
was located in Suwon until 2005, but is now in Gwanak-gu
, Seoul
.
There are also 2 junior colleges, 33 high schools, 37 middle schools, 81 primary schools and 107 kindergartens in Suwon.
Suwon has three schools devoted to special education
, namely the Jahye Institute, the School of Suwon Seokwang and Dream Tree Special School, and also has wings of mainstream schools for students requiring special education
, being the Special Education School of Suwonbuk Middle School, the Special Education School of Suwon Girls' Middle School.
. In fact, Samsung had major facilities Seoul
, but at the beginning of the Korean War
, inventories were so damaged that the founder, Lee Byeongcheol (이병철) was forced to start business again in 1951. Samsung Electronics
was founded in Suwon City
in 1969, it now has its headquarters and a large factory complex in central Suwon City and is the largest employer in the city. Other companies with offices here include SK
, Samsung Electric, Samsung LED, Samsung SDI and so on.
Hwaseong Fortress
is Suwon's most notable attraction. Built in 1796, the entire city used to be encircled by the walls, but now Suwon has expanded beyond this boundary. Hwaseong
is also listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Haenggung Palace, within Hwaseong
, is another noteworthy historical attraction. On completion of the Bundang Line
extension, Suwon will also be only a few stops from Singal, the location of the Korean Folk Village
, and the Everland
theme park is nearby in Yongin
.
is popular with locals and tourists for sightseeing and walking. Manseok Park
in northern Suwon has a 1200m track around a lake. Other facilities at Manseok Park
include tennis (indoor & outdoor), soccer (dirt and artificial turf) and the Suwon X-Games skatepark. Various other parks are dotted around Suwon and several ski resorts and hiking trails are within easy reach of the city.
field, badminton
courts, ten-pin bowling
lanes, indoor swimming pool
s, tennis
courts, soft tennis
courts and football
pitches.
Suwon Gymnasium
hosted the handball
events in the 1988 Summer Olympics
; it has a capacity of 5,145.
Suwon is home to the Suwon Big Bird Stadium
, a venue during the 2002 FIFA World Cup
and home to K-League
team Suwon Samsung Bluewings
.
The city was also the base of the Korean Baseball Organization
team Hyundai Unicorns(now defunct, team now changed to Heroes based in Seoul), which played beside the Suwon Civil Stadium
, and the Samsung Thunders
(Men's Basketball team), Samsung Life Bichumi
(Women's Basketball
team).
theaters: Megabox
and CGV
theaters in the Suwon Station
complex in the city center, as well as Kinex 5 in the district of Yeongtong-gu
. There are also other theaters that show fewer foreign films: Cinema Town, Taehan Theater, Piccadilly Theater, Jungang Theater, Royal Theater, Dano Theater and Dano Art Hall.
Woncheon in the Yeongtong-gu district also has two amusement parks, Woncheon Greenland and Woncheon Lakeland.
. It has made efforts in recent years to make new lavatories clean and to improve existing facilities using Japan as a model, and now offers visitors guided bus tours of the municipal restrooms.
Suwon is a regional transportation hub and Suwon Station
is an important stop on the Gyeongbu railway line
between Seoul
and Busan
. There is a bus service to the KTX high-speed train station at Gwangmyeong
. Suwon is connected to Seoul
and other nearby cities by city and express buses with departure points across the city. There are also two bus terminals in Suwon with inter-city and express bus connections to most cities in Korea. These are Suwon Bus Terminal
and West Suwon Bus Terminal
, which is located near Sungkyunkwan University
. KTX trains also make limited number of stops on services from Seoul to Busan.
Suwon has several stations on Seoul Subway Line 1
, which runs North-South through the city, namely Sungkyunkwan University
, Hwaseo
, Suwon
and Seryu
. An extension of the Bundang Line
to cross Suwon East-West, terminating at Suwon
, is under construction, as is a further line
connecting Suwon Station
to Incheon
. Until 1973, the Suryo Line
also connected Suwon to Yeoju.
The Yeongdong Expressway
(Number 50) passes through Suwon and two exits on this motorway lie within the city limits, being North Suwon and East Suwon. Suwon is also served by the Suwon exit of the Gyeongbu Expressway
(Number 1), though this lies a short distance east of the Suwon's limits, near Singal
in the city of Yongin
.
, with the latter's offices being in Paldal-gu
. Neither offers news in foreign languages.
has a base in Suwon. This was used by the United States Air Force
during the Korean War
. The base is now occupied mostly by the ROKAF (Republic of Korea Air Force), though the US Army houses half of a battalion there presently, and there are a limited number of US Air Force personnel.
, according to 2006 statistics compiled by the government, about 25.3% of the population profess to follow no particular religion. Christians
account for 20% of the population and Buddhists
52%. The Catholic Diocese of Suwon
was created in 1963 by Pope Paul VI
. The diocese was a part of the Archdiocese of Seoul
prior to the establishment of the see. The current bishop
is Choi Deok-ki (최덕기).
Suwon is famous for Suwon galbi
, a variation on the style beef short rib enjoyed throughout Korea
. The city also has the same variety of Korean dishes served throughout the peninsula
and has a wide variety of restaurants serving food from outside Korea. Since 1995, Galbi festival has been held annually, attracting many tourists.
. A notable species, however, is the Suwon tree frog
. This is one of only two tree frog
s to inhabit the Korean peninsula
and lives in the Gyeonggi-do
area only.
, Brazil (2006) Nizhny Novgorod
, Russia (2005) Asahikawa, Japan (1989) Fukui City, Fukui
, Japan (2001) Jinan
, China (1993) Zhuhai
, China (2005) Townsville, Australia (1997) Bandung
, Indonesia
(1997) Cluj-Napoca
, Romania (1999) Toluca
, Mexico (1999) Yalova
, Turkey
(1999) Fes
, Morocco
(2003) Hai Duong
, Vietnam
(2004) Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
(2004) Hyderabad, India (2005)
Gyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do is the most populous province in South Korea. The provincial capital is located at Suwon. Seoul—South Korea's largest city and national capital—is located in the heart of the province, but has been separately administered as a provincial-level special city since 1946...
, South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. A major city of over a million inhabitants, Suwon lies approximately 30 kilometres (18.6 mi) south of Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
. It is traditionally known as "The City of Filial Piety".
Suwon has existed in various forms throughout Korea's history
History of Korea
The Korean Peninsula was inhabited from the Lower Paleolithic about 400,000-500,000 years ago. Archeological evidence indicates that the presence of modern humans in northeast Asia dates to 39,000 years ago. The earliest known Korean pottery dates to around 8000 BC, and the Neolithic period began...
, growing from a small settlement in tribal times to a major industrial and cultural city today. Suwon is the only remaining completely walled city in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. As such, the city walls are one of the more popular tourist destinations in Gyeonggi
Gyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do is the most populous province in South Korea. The provincial capital is located at Suwon. Seoul—South Korea's largest city and national capital—is located in the heart of the province, but has been separately administered as a provincial-level special city since 1946...
Province. As an industrial centre, Suwon houses a large Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics is a South Korean multinational electronics and information technology company headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul...
factory. Suwon is served by two motorways, the national railway network and the Seoul Metropolitan Subway
Seoul Metropolitan Subway
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway or Metropolitan Subway in Seoul, in Seoul, South Korea, is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world, with well over 8 million trips daily on the system's thirteen lines...
, facilitating transport of commuters, tourists and goods alike.
Suwon is a major educational centre, being home to 14 university campuses. This, along with widespread transport links, draws inhabitants from across the country and foreign population of 1.85%.
Suwon is known domestically as a footballing city. Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Suwon Samsung Bluewings is a South Korean football club based in the city of Suwon, South Korea, that plays in the K-League. Founded in December 1995, they have become one of Asian football's most famous clubs with a host of domestic and continental honours...
Football Club has won the K-league
K-League
The Korea Professional Football League is South Korea's only fully professional association football league. At the top of the South Korean football league system, it is the country's highest and most prestigious level of football competition currently contested by 16 clubs.-Establishment:The...
on four occasions and AFC Champions League
AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
for two occasions.
History
In ancient tribal times, Suwon was known as Mosu-guk (Hangeul: 모수국). However, during the Three KingdomsThree Kingdoms of Korea
The Three Kingdoms of Korea refer to the ancient Korean kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla, which dominated the Korean peninsula and parts of Manchuria for much of the 1st millennium...
era, the area comprising modern Suwon and Hwaseong City
Hwaseong City
Hwaseong is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It has the largest area of farmland of any city or county in Gyeonggi province. Seoul Subway Line 1 passes through Hwaseong, stopping at Byeongjeom Station. Famous people from Hwaseong include soccer player Cha Bum-Kun.-Climate:Hwaseong city...
was called Maehol-gun (매홀군).
In 757, under King Gyeongdeok
Gyeongdeok of Silla
King Gyeongdeok of Silla was the 35th ruler who reigned from 742 to 765 over the kingdom of Silla. He is perhaps best known today for his efforts to encourage Buddhism....
of the Unified Silla
Unified Silla
Unified Silla or Later Silla is the name often applied to the Korean kingdom of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, when it conquered Baekje in 660 and Goguryeo in 668, unifying the southern portion of the Korean peninsula...
, the name was changed to Suseong-gun (수성군). In 940, during the Goryeo Dynasty
Goryeo
The Goryeo Dynasty or Koryŏ was a Korean dynasty established in 918 by Emperor Taejo. Korea gets its name from this kingdom which came to be pronounced Korea. It united the Later Three Kingdoms in 936 and ruled most of the Korean peninsula until it was removed by the Joseon dynasty in 1392...
, the name was changed again in to Suju (수주). King Taejong
Taejong of Joseon
King Taejong was the third king of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea and the father of King Sejong the Great.-Founding of Joseon:...
of the Joseon Dynasty
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
renamed the city to Suwon in 1413.
In 1592, during the Japanese invasions of Korea, Commander Yi Kwang
Yi Kwang
Yi Gwang was a commander of Joseon Dynasty, Korea forces throughout Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Japanese invasions of Korea at the end of the 16th century....
, attempted to check the Japanese progress by launching his army toward the capital city, Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
(at the time called Hanseong). The army was withdrawn, however, after news that the city had already been sacked reached the commander. As the army grew in size to 50,000 men with the accumulation of several volunteer forces, Yi Kwang and the irregular commanders reconsidered their aim to reclaim the capital, and led the combined forces north to Suwon.
Construction of Hwaseong
Later during the Joseon Dynasty, King JeongjoJeongjo of Joseon
King Jeongjo was the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. He made various attempts to reform and improve the nation of Joseon. He was preceded by his grandfather King Yeongjo and succeeded by his son King Sunjo...
made an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to make Suwon the nation's capital in 1796. Part of this project was the construction of Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong , the wall surrounding the centre of Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, was built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to honour and house the remains of his father Prince Sado, who had been murdered by being locked alive inside a rice...
, a fortified wall running around the entire city partially intended to guard the tomb of his father, Prince Sado
Prince Sado
Crown Prince Sado was born as the second son of the Korean king Yeongjo of Joseon. Because his older brother, Prince Hyojang, had died young, in 1728, Prince Sado was born the royal heir. However, it had been reported to his father that he was mentally ill, wantonly killed people, and was very...
, which he had located there.
The walls were one of Korea's first examples of paid labour, (corvée labour
Corvée
Corvée is unfree labour, often unpaid, that is required of people of lower social standing and imposed on them by the state or a superior . The corvée was the earliest and most widespread form of taxation, which can be traced back to the beginning of civilization...
being common previously). The walls still exist today, though they, together with the fortress, were damaged severely during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
.
Hwaseong was originally constructed under the guidance of philosopher Jeong Yag-yong. In 1800, shortly after the death of King Jeongjo, a white paper detailing the construction of the fortress was published. This proved invaluable during its reconstruction in the 1970s.
The fortress walls once encircled the entire city, but modern urban growth has seen the city spread out far beyond the fortress. The walls are now a designated UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
World Heritage site. and often used in materials promoting the city.
Korean War
The Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
greatly affected Suwon, as the city changed hands four times. Very shortly after the outbreak of war, the 49th Fighter Wing
49th Fighter Wing
The 49th Wing is an air combat unit of the United States Air Force and the host unit at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 49 WG is part of the Air Combat Command Twelfth Air Force....
of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
was dispatched to Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
from Japan and its first task was to evacuate civilians from Suwon and Gimpo. Suwon soon fell to the advancing North Koreans
Korean People's Army
The Korean People's Army , also known as the Inmin Gun, are the military forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Kim Jong-il is the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and Chairman of the National Defence Commission...
and, shortly before the Battle of Osan
Battle of Osan
The Battle of Osan was the first engagement between United States and North Korean forces during the Korean War, on July 5, 1950. A U.S. task force of 400 infantry supported by an artillery battery was moved to Osan, south of the South Korean capital Seoul, and ordered to fight as a rearguard to...
, the first conflict between United States
Military of the United States
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
and North Korean
Korean People's Army
The Korean People's Army , also known as the Inmin Gun, are the military forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Kim Jong-il is the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and Chairman of the National Defence Commission...
forces, on July 4, 1950, defences were erected on the road between Suwon and nearby Osan
Osan
Osan is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, approximately 35 km south of Seoul. The population of the city is around 120,000. The local economy is supported by a mix of agricultural and industrial enterprises....
(then still under Southern
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
command). The next day, Northern troops
Korean People's Army
The Korean People's Army , also known as the Inmin Gun, are the military forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Kim Jong-il is the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and Chairman of the National Defence Commission...
advanced south. In the 3½-hour battle which followed, 150 American and 42 North Korean soldiers were killed and the United States troops
Military of the United States
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
were forced to retreat. The North Korean advance southwards to take Osan was delayed by an estimated seven hours.
On December 16, 1950, the Greek Expeditionary Force
Greek Expeditionary Force (Korea)
The Greek Expeditionary Force in Korea was formed in response to the United Nations appeal for assistance in the Korean War. It comprised a reinforced Hellenic Army infantry battalion and a Royal Hellenic Air Force flight of 7 transport planes....
relocated to Suwon, attached to the US 1st Cavalry Division. From November 6, 1951, the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
's top fighter pilot Gabby Gabreski
Gabby Gabreski
Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski was the top American fighter ace in Europe during World War II, a jet fighter ace in Korea, and a career officer in the United States Air Force with more than 26 years service.Although best known for his credited destruction of 34½ aircraft in aerial combat and...
was in charge of K-13 Air Base in Suwon. By the end of the war
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, Suwon was in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. A memorial to the French military
Military of France
The French Armed Forces encompass the French Army, the French Navy, the French Air Force and the National Gendarmerie. The President of the Republic heads the armed forces, with the title "chef des armées" . The President is the supreme authority for military matters and is the sole official who...
stands in Jangan-gu
Jangan-gu
Jangan-gu, established on July 1, 1988, is the northern district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Geography:Jangan-gu lies in the north of Suwon...
, near the Yeongdong Expressway
Yeongdong Expressway
The Yeongdong Expressway is a freeway in South Korea. Numbered 50, it connects the Seoul area with Gangwon Province. It is named from Yeongdong, an old name for Gangwon. The road has its western end in Namdong-gu of Incheon Metropolitan City. Its eastern end lies in Gangneung near the east...
's North Suwon exit.
Geography
Gyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do is the most populous province in South Korea. The provincial capital is located at Suwon. Seoul—South Korea's largest city and national capital—is located in the heart of the province, but has been separately administered as a provincial-level special city since 1946...
plain, just south of South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
's capital, Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
. It is bordered by Uiwang
Uiwang
Uiwang is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is one of many satellite cities that ring Seoul, making up the Seoul National Capital Area. Its largest immediate urban neighbor is Anyang...
to the north-west, Yongin
Yongin
Yongin is a major city in the Seoul National Capital Area, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. With a population of nearly 1 million, the city has developed abrutly since the 21st century, recording the highest population growth of any city in the country. Yongin is home to Everland and...
to the east, the city of Hwaseong
Hwaseong City
Hwaseong is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It has the largest area of farmland of any city or county in Gyeonggi province. Seoul Subway Line 1 passes through Hwaseong, stopping at Byeongjeom Station. Famous people from Hwaseong include soccer player Cha Bum-Kun.-Climate:Hwaseong city...
to the south-west, and also shares a short border with Ansan
Ansan
Ansan is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It lies south of Seoul, and is part of the Seoul National Capital Area. It is connected to Seoul by rail via Seoul Subway Line 4....
to the west.
There are a few hills around Suwon. The highest of these is Gwanggyosan
Gwanggyosan
Gwanggyosan is a small mountain in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It lies on the border of Suwon and Yongin, though the wider range extends north and so also borders Uiwang, Gwacheon, Seoul and Seongnam....
to the north, on the border with Yongin
Yongin
Yongin is a major city in the Seoul National Capital Area, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. With a population of nearly 1 million, the city has developed abrutly since the 21st century, recording the highest population growth of any city in the country. Yongin is home to Everland and...
, though those to the east are more numerous. Gwanggyosan
Gwanggyosan
Gwanggyosan is a small mountain in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It lies on the border of Suwon and Yongin, though the wider range extends north and so also borders Uiwang, Gwacheon, Seoul and Seongnam....
is 582 metres (1,909.4 ft) above sea level
Sea level
Mean sea level is a measure of the average height of the ocean's surface ; used as a standard in reckoning land elevation...
.
Most of the streams passing through Suwon originate on Gwanggyosan
Gwanggyosan
Gwanggyosan is a small mountain in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It lies on the border of Suwon and Yongin, though the wider range extends north and so also borders Uiwang, Gwacheon, Seoul and Seongnam....
or other nearby peaks. Since Suwon is bounded to the east by other hills, the streams, chiefly the Suwoncheon
Suwoncheon
The Suwoncheon in South Korea is a tributary of the Hwanggujicheon, which in turn empties into the Yellow Sea at Asan Bay. Its source is on the slopes of Gwanggyosan on the border between Yongin and Suwon, from where it forms the Gwanggyo Reservoir. It then runs south and through Hwaseong's...
(and one notable tributary being the Jungbocheon
Jungbocheon
The Jungbocheon in South Korea is a tributary of the Hwanggujicheon, which in turn empties into the Yellow Sea at Asan Bay. Its source is Eupjang Reservoir, also known as Pajang Reservoir, near the North Suwon exit of the Yeongdong Expressway and at the bottom of the southwest slope of...
), flow southwards through the city, eventually emptying into the Yellow Sea
Yellow Sea
The Yellow Sea is the name given to the northern part of the East China Sea, which is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is located between mainland China and the Korean Peninsula. Its name comes from the sand particles from Gobi Desert sand storms that turn the surface of the water golden...
at Asan Bay. The entirety of Suwon is drained in this manner.
As is true of all the South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
n mainland, there are no natural lakes in Suwon. There are, however, many small reservoirs, namely Seoho (서호) near Hwaseo Station
Hwaseo Station
Hwaseo Station is a ground-level metro station on line 1 of the Seoul Subway in north-west Suwon, South Korea.Hwaseo offers access to several important academic, governmental and cultural locations including Hwaseong Fortress, Manseok Park, the Korean National Institute of Agricultural Science and...
, Ilwon Reservoir (일원 저수지) near Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University is a private university in Seoul and Suwon, South Korea. The university has two campuses: the Humanities and Social Sciences campus in Myeongnyun Dong, Jongno-gu in central Seoul, and the Natural Sciences Campus in Cheoncheon Dong, Jangan Gu, Suwon...
, Bambat Reservoir (밤밭 저수지) near Sungkyunkwan University Station
Sungkyunkwan University Station
Sungkyunkwan University Station is a ground-level metro station on line 1 of the Seoul Subway in Yuljeon Dong, Jangan Gu, Suwon, South Korea. The station's sole exit offers access to Sungkyunkwan University and Dongnam Health College...
, Ilwang Reservoir (일왕 저수지) in Manseok Park
Manseok Park
Manseok Park is a large public park in the Jeongja-dong area of Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.-Facilities:The centrepiece of the park is a man-made reservoir around which there is a 1200 m track used for walking, running, rollerblading and cycling...
, Pajang Reservoir (파장 저수지) near the North Suwon exit of the Yeongdong Expressway
Yeongdong Expressway
The Yeongdong Expressway is a freeway in South Korea. Numbered 50, it connects the Seoul area with Gangwon Province. It is named from Yeongdong, an old name for Gangwon. The road has its western end in Namdong-gu of Incheon Metropolitan City. Its eastern end lies in Gangneung near the east...
, Gwanggyo Reservoir (광교 저수지) at the foot of Gwanggyosan
Gwanggyosan
Gwanggyosan is a small mountain in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It lies on the border of Suwon and Yongin, though the wider range extends north and so also borders Uiwang, Gwacheon, Seoul and Seongnam....
, Woncheon and Sindae Reservoirs (원천 저수지 & 신대 저수지) near Ajou University
Ajou University
Ajou University is a private, co-educational, doctoral institution. It is located in Suwon, 20 km south from Seoul, the capital of South Korea.-Founding:...
아주대학교, Geumgok Reservoir (금곡 저수지), a small reservoir at the foot of Chilbosan
Chilbo-san (Gyeonggi)
Chilbosan is a hill on the border of Ansan and Suwon in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It stands 239 metres above sea level and 6 km from the Yellow Sea coast. A road from the south-east also runs up Chilbosan....
, and the larger Wangsong Reservoir (왕송 저수지), located mainly in the city of Uiwang
Uiwang
Uiwang is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is one of many satellite cities that ring Seoul, making up the Seoul National Capital Area. Its largest immediate urban neighbor is Anyang...
, but its dam
Dam
A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions. Hydropower and pumped-storage hydroelectricity are...
located in Suwon.
At the closest point, being the Chilbosan
Chilbo-san (Gyeonggi)
Chilbosan is a hill on the border of Ansan and Suwon in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It stands 239 metres above sea level and 6 km from the Yellow Sea coast. A road from the south-east also runs up Chilbosan....
ridge (239m) to the west on the border with Ansan
Ansan
Ansan is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It lies south of Seoul, and is part of the Seoul National Capital Area. It is connected to Seoul by rail via Seoul Subway Line 4....
, Suwon lies 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the Yellow Sea
Yellow Sea
The Yellow Sea is the name given to the northern part of the East China Sea, which is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is located between mainland China and the Korean Peninsula. Its name comes from the sand particles from Gobi Desert sand storms that turn the surface of the water golden...
coast.
Climate
Administrative divisions
The city is divided into 4 gu (districts):
| Romanization | Hangul | Hanja | Pop. (2008) | Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gwonseon-gu Gwonseon-gu Gwonseon-gu is the south-western district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Administrative divisions:Gwonseon-gu is divided into the following "dong"s.*Geumho-dong... |
권선구 | 315,512 | 47,355,349.2 | |
| 2. Jangan-gu Jangan-gu Jangan-gu, established on July 1, 1988, is the northern district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Geography:Jangan-gu lies in the north of Suwon... |
장안구 | 290,732 | 33,119,867.5 | |
| 3. Paldal-gu Paldal-gu Paldal-gu is the central district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Administrative divisions:Paldal-gu is divided into the following "dong"s.*Godeung-dong *Hwaseo-dong , divided in turn into Hwaseo 1 and 2 dong... |
팔달구 | 224,194 | 13,077,959.4 | |
| 4. Yeongtong-gu Yeongtong-gu Yeongtong-gu, established in 2003, is the eastern district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It is Suwon's newest "gu".-Administrative divisions:Yeongtong Gu is divided into the following "dong"s.... |
영통구 | 256,466 | 27,500,143.7 | |
The newest of these is Yeongtong-gu
Yeongtong-gu
Yeongtong-gu, established in 2003, is the eastern district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It is Suwon's newest "gu".-Administrative divisions:Yeongtong Gu is divided into the following "dong"s....
, which was separated from Paldal-gu
Paldal-gu
Paldal-gu is the central district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Administrative divisions:Paldal-gu is divided into the following "dong"s.*Godeung-dong *Hwaseo-dong , divided in turn into Hwaseo 1 and 2 dong...
on November 24, 2003. These districts are in turn divided into 42 dong.
Demographics
50.2% of the population in Suwon is composed of male residents. Indeed, it is only in Paldal-guPaldal-gu
Paldal-gu is the central district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Administrative divisions:Paldal-gu is divided into the following "dong"s.*Godeung-dong *Hwaseo-dong , divided in turn into Hwaseo 1 and 2 dong...
that the number of female residents is greater than that of males. 1.85% of the population is of foreign nationality, the highest concentration (2.3%) being in Paldal-gu
Paldal-gu
Paldal-gu is the central district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Administrative divisions:Paldal-gu is divided into the following "dong"s.*Godeung-dong *Hwaseo-dong , divided in turn into Hwaseo 1 and 2 dong...
. Further information regarding the residents of each district is shown below.
| Total people | Korean males | Korean females | Korean (total) | Foreign males | Foreign females | Foreign (total) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suwon (total) | 1,086,904 | 535,906 | 531,211 | 1,067,117 | 9,914 | 9,873 | 19,787 |
| Gwonseon-gu Gwonseon-gu Gwonseon-gu is the south-western district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Administrative divisions:Gwonseon-gu is divided into the following "dong"s.*Geumho-dong... |
315,512 | 156,783 | 154,004 | 310,789 | 2,314 | 2,411 | 4,725 |
| Jangan-gu Jangan-gu Jangan-gu, established on July 1, 1988, is the northern district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Geography:Jangan-gu lies in the north of Suwon... |
290,732 | 143,737 | 143,351 | 287,088 | 1,742 | 1,902 | 3,644 |
| Paldal-gu Paldal-gu Paldal-gu is the central district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Administrative divisions:Paldal-gu is divided into the following "dong"s.*Godeung-dong *Hwaseo-dong , divided in turn into Hwaseo 1 and 2 dong... |
224,194 | 107,929 | 108,926 | 216,855 | 3,652 | 3,687 | 7,339 |
| Yeongtong-gu Yeongtong-gu Yeongtong-gu, established in 2003, is the eastern district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It is Suwon's newest "gu".-Administrative divisions:Yeongtong Gu is divided into the following "dong"s.... |
256,466 | 127,457 | 124,930 | 252,387 | 2,206 | 1,873 | 4,079 |
Overall, the population of Suwon is increasing, but the domestic population is falling. For example, the Korean population of Suwon fell by 585 from December 2007 to January 2008. However, both genders of the foreign population increased in number in each gu in the same time period. It appears to be a pattern that the foreign population is increasing, as Suwon also saw a 13% increase in the number of registered foreigners residing in the city in the first half of 2007. The only gu currently showing an increase in population is Gwonseon-gu
Gwonseon-gu
Gwonseon-gu is the south-western district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Administrative divisions:Gwonseon-gu is divided into the following "dong"s.*Geumho-dong...
(though the same was until recently true of Paldal-gu
Paldal-gu
Paldal-gu is the central district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Administrative divisions:Paldal-gu is divided into the following "dong"s.*Godeung-dong *Hwaseo-dong , divided in turn into Hwaseo 1 and 2 dong...
), while all others have falling number of residents, especially Jangan-gu
Jangan-gu
Jangan-gu, established on July 1, 1988, is the northern district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Geography:Jangan-gu lies in the north of Suwon...
and Yeongtong-gu
Yeongtong-gu
Yeongtong-gu, established in 2003, is the eastern district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It is Suwon's newest "gu".-Administrative divisions:Yeongtong Gu is divided into the following "dong"s....
.
Education
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
in Suwon and 2 colleges, and these include Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University is a private university in Seoul and Suwon, South Korea. The university has two campuses: the Humanities and Social Sciences campus in Myeongnyun Dong, Jongno-gu in central Seoul, and the Natural Sciences Campus in Cheoncheon Dong, Jangan Gu, Suwon...
's Medical & Technical Campus, Kyonggi University
Kyonggi University
Kyonggi University is a South Korean university which has two campuses, one in Seoul and another in Suwon. Over 13000 students are enrolled in Kyonggi University. Courses are taught in English in the international college and Korean in the rest of the university.- History :Founder: Dr...
, Ajou University
Ajou University
Ajou University is a private, co-educational, doctoral institution. It is located in Suwon, 20 km south from Seoul, the capital of South Korea.-Founding:...
, Kyunghee University, Suwon Catholic University, Dongnam Health College
Dongnam Health College
Dongnam Health University is a South Korean technical college specializing in the health sciences. Its campus is on the north bank of the Seohocheon in Suwon, Gyeonggi province...
, Gukje Digital University, Hapdong Theological Seminary, Jangan College, Suwon Science College and Suwon Women's College. The University of Suwon
University of Suwon
The University of Suwon is a university in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It was founded by the Kowoon Foundation in 1977 and its current president is Dr...
is not actually in Suwon, but in the neighbouring city of Hwaseong. The agricultural campus of Seoul National University
Seoul National University
Seoul National University , colloquially known in Korean as Seoul-dae , is a national research university in Seoul, Korea, ranked 24th in the world in publications in an analysis of data from the Science Citation Index, 7th in Asia and 42nd in the world by the 2011 QS World University Rankings...
was located in Suwon until 2005, but is now in Gwanak-gu
Gwanak-gu
Gwanak District, or Gwanak-gu is an administrative subdivision of Seoul, South Korea. It lies on southern skirt of Seoul, bordering Seoul and Anyang of Gyeonggi Province. Craggy ridgeline of Mt...
, Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
.
There are also 2 junior colleges, 33 high schools, 37 middle schools, 81 primary schools and 107 kindergartens in Suwon.
Suwon has three schools devoted to special education
Special education
Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...
, namely the Jahye Institute, the School of Suwon Seokwang and Dream Tree Special School, and also has wings of mainstream schools for students requiring special education
Special education
Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...
, being the Special Education School of Suwonbuk Middle School, the Special Education School of Suwon Girls' Middle School.
Industry
The main industrial employer in Suwon is SamsungSamsung
The Samsung Group is a South Korean multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea...
. In fact, Samsung had major facilities Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
, but at the beginning of the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, inventories were so damaged that the founder, Lee Byeongcheol (이병철) was forced to start business again in 1951. Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics is a South Korean multinational electronics and information technology company headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul...
was founded in Suwon City
Suwon City
Suwon City FC is a South Korean soccer club based in the city of Suwon. It currently plays in the National League. They play their home games at Suwon Civil Stadium.-2011 season squad:-Club honors:...
in 1969, it now has its headquarters and a large factory complex in central Suwon City and is the largest employer in the city. Other companies with offices here include SK
SK
-Slovakia-related Topics:* Slovakia ISO country code* Slovak crown, the former currency of Slovakia* .sk, the internet country code top-level domain for Slovakia* ISO 3166-2:SK, codes for the regions of Slovakia* Slovak language ISO 639 code-Other places:...
, Samsung Electric, Samsung LED, Samsung SDI and so on.
Culture
Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong , the wall surrounding the centre of Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, was built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to honour and house the remains of his father Prince Sado, who had been murdered by being locked alive inside a rice...
is Suwon's most notable attraction. Built in 1796, the entire city used to be encircled by the walls, but now Suwon has expanded beyond this boundary. Hwaseong
Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong , the wall surrounding the centre of Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, was built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to honour and house the remains of his father Prince Sado, who had been murdered by being locked alive inside a rice...
is also listed as a UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
World Heritage Site. Haenggung Palace, within Hwaseong
Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong , the wall surrounding the centre of Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, was built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to honour and house the remains of his father Prince Sado, who had been murdered by being locked alive inside a rice...
, is another noteworthy historical attraction. On completion of the Bundang Line
Bundang Line
Bundang Line is a commuter subway line of Korail, the national railway of South Korea. The name 'Bundang Line' refers to the fact that the line was constructed for the commuters of Bundang ward in Seongnam. The line starts in southeastern Seoul, travels through northern Seongnam, and finally...
extension, Suwon will also be only a few stops from Singal, the location of the Korean Folk Village
Korean Folk Village
Korean Folk Village is a living museum type of tourist attraction in the city of Yongin, a satellite city in the Seoul Metropolitan Area in the province of Gyeonggi in South Korea....
, and the Everland
Everland
-External links:*...
theme park is nearby in Yongin
Yongin
Yongin is a major city in the Seoul National Capital Area, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. With a population of nearly 1 million, the city has developed abrutly since the 21st century, recording the highest population growth of any city in the country. Yongin is home to Everland and...
.
Recreation
The path around the walls of Hwaseong FortressHwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong , the wall surrounding the centre of Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, was built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to honour and house the remains of his father Prince Sado, who had been murdered by being locked alive inside a rice...
is popular with locals and tourists for sightseeing and walking. Manseok Park
Manseok Park
Manseok Park is a large public park in the Jeongja-dong area of Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.-Facilities:The centrepiece of the park is a man-made reservoir around which there is a 1200 m track used for walking, running, rollerblading and cycling...
in northern Suwon has a 1200m track around a lake. Other facilities at Manseok Park
Manseok Park
Manseok Park is a large public park in the Jeongja-dong area of Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.-Facilities:The centrepiece of the park is a man-made reservoir around which there is a 1200 m track used for walking, running, rollerblading and cycling...
include tennis (indoor & outdoor), soccer (dirt and artificial turf) and the Suwon X-Games skatepark. Various other parks are dotted around Suwon and several ski resorts and hiking trails are within easy reach of the city.
Sport
Suwon has several sports facilities, including an archeryArchery
Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...
field, badminton
Badminton
Badminton is a racquet sport played by either two opposing players or two opposing pairs , who take positions on opposite halves of a rectangular court that is divided by a net. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their racquet so that it passes over the net and lands in their...
courts, ten-pin bowling
Ten-pin bowling
Ten-pin bowling is a competitive sport in which a player rolls a bowling ball down a wooden or synthetic lane with the objective of scoring points by knocking down as many pins as possible.-Summary:The lane is bordered along its length by semicylindrical channels Ten-pin bowling (commonly just...
lanes, indoor swimming pool
Swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
s, tennis
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
courts, soft tennis
Soft Tennis
Soft tennis is a racket game played on a court of two halves, separated by a net. Like regular tennis, it is played by individuals or pairs , whose object is to hit the ball over the net, landing within the confines of the court, with the aim of preventing one's opponent from being able to hit it...
courts and football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
pitches.
Suwon Gymnasium
Suwon Gymnasium
Suwon Gymnasium is an indoor sporting arena located in Suwon, South Korea. The capacity of the arena is 5,145 people and was built in 1963 to host handball events at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Today it forms part of Suwon Civil Stadium.-References:...
hosted the handball
Handball at the 1988 Summer Olympics
Final results for the Handball competition at the 1988 Summer Olympics.-Group A:-Group B:-5th to 12th places:-Bronze Medal match:-Final:-Team Rosters:...
events in the 1988 Summer Olympics
1988 Summer Olympics
The 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were an all international multi-sport events celebrated from September 17 to October 2, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. They were the second summer Olympic Games to be held in Asia and the first since the 1964 Summer Olympics...
; it has a capacity of 5,145.
Suwon is home to the Suwon Big Bird Stadium
Suwon World Cup Stadium
The Suwon World Cup Stadium, which seats 43,288, in the Korean city of Suwon, has been home to K-League football side Suwon Samsung Bluewings since 2001.- International Matches :The stadium is famous for hosting several international matches...
, a venue during the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
and home to K-League
K-League
The Korea Professional Football League is South Korea's only fully professional association football league. At the top of the South Korean football league system, it is the country's highest and most prestigious level of football competition currently contested by 16 clubs.-Establishment:The...
team Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Suwon Samsung Bluewings is a South Korean football club based in the city of Suwon, South Korea, that plays in the K-League. Founded in December 1995, they have become one of Asian football's most famous clubs with a host of domestic and continental honours...
.
The city was also the base of the Korean Baseball Organization
Korean Baseball Organization
Korea Professional Baseball is the highest level league of baseball in South Korea. The Korean romanization is Hanguk Peuro Yagu , a league title which mirrors Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. Korea Professional Baseball was originally founded with six teams in 1982 and currently has eight...
team Hyundai Unicorns(now defunct, team now changed to Heroes based in Seoul), which played beside the Suwon Civil Stadium
Suwon Civil Stadium
Suwon Civic Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Suwon, South Korea. It is currently used mostly for football matches, though it also has a baseball stadium, gymnasium, and temporary outdoor facilities which change on a seasonal basis...
, and the Samsung Thunders
Seoul Samsung Thunders
Seoul Samsung Thunders have been in the KBL since its inception 10 years ago. The Seoul Samsung Thunders received their name from Samsung Electronics. Originally based in Suwon, they are now located in the heart of South Korea's capital, Seoul and play at Jamsil...
(Men's Basketball team), Samsung Life Bichumi
Yongin Samsung Life Bichumi
Yongin Samsung Life Bichumi have been in the WKBL since its inception 10 years ago. The Samsung Life Bichumi received their name from Samsung Life Insurance. Originally based in Suwon, they are now located in Yongin, Gyeonggi.-External links:*...
(Women's Basketball
Women's basketball
Women's basketball is one of the few women's sports that developed in tandem with its men's counterpart. It became popular, spreading from the east coast of the United States to the west coast , in large part via women's colleges...
team).
Entertainment
Suwon has three major multiplexMultiplex (movie theater)
A multiplex is a movie theater complex with multiple screens, typically three or more. They are usually housed in a specially designed building. Sometimes, an existing venue undergoes a renovation where the existing auditoriums are split into smaller ones, or more auditoriums are added in an...
theaters: Megabox
Megabox
Megabox is a chain of movie theatres in South Korea. Its headquarters are in Chungdam-dong, Gangnam Gu, Seoul and it was established in 2000....
and CGV
CJ CGV
CJ CGV operates South Korea's largest multiplex cinema chain, CGV, with its headquarters in Seoul. It is a subsidiary of CJ Group and was established in 1996 as a transnational joint venture formed by CJ Corporation , Golden Harvest , and Village Roadshow...
theaters in the Suwon Station
Suwon Station
Suwon Station is a railway station in the city of Suwon, South Korea. The station was completely redeveloped in 2002 and 2003, and is now integrated with the Aekyung Shopping Mall. This station serves the national Gyeongbu Line and Line 1 of the Seoul subway, which runs services from Soyosan...
complex in the city center, as well as Kinex 5 in the district of Yeongtong-gu
Yeongtong-gu
Yeongtong-gu, established in 2003, is the eastern district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It is Suwon's newest "gu".-Administrative divisions:Yeongtong Gu is divided into the following "dong"s....
. There are also other theaters that show fewer foreign films: Cinema Town, Taehan Theater, Piccadilly Theater, Jungang Theater, Royal Theater, Dano Theater and Dano Art Hall.
Woncheon in the Yeongtong-gu district also has two amusement parks, Woncheon Greenland and Woncheon Lakeland.
Other amenities
Suwon City Council prides itself on the condition of its public lavatoriesWashroom
A public toilet is a room or small building containing one or more toilets and possibly also urinals which is available for use by the general public, or in a broader meaning of "public", by customers of other...
. It has made efforts in recent years to make new lavatories clean and to improve existing facilities using Japan as a model, and now offers visitors guided bus tours of the municipal restrooms.
Transport
Suwon Station
Suwon Station is a railway station in the city of Suwon, South Korea. The station was completely redeveloped in 2002 and 2003, and is now integrated with the Aekyung Shopping Mall. This station serves the national Gyeongbu Line and Line 1 of the Seoul subway, which runs services from Soyosan...
is an important stop on the Gyeongbu railway line
Gyeongbu Line
The Gyeongbu Line is the most important railway line in South Korea and one of the oldest. It was constructed by Japan in 1905, connecting Seoul to Suwon, Daejeon, Daegu, and Busan. The Gyeongbu Line is by far the most heavily travelled rail line in South Korea...
between Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
and Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
. There is a bus service to the KTX high-speed train station at Gwangmyeong
Gwangmyeong Station
Gwangmyeong Station is a train station in Gwangmyeong, South Korea. The station was newly built as a stop of national railway operator Korail's KTX high-speed service, south of Seoul Station.-Disambiguation:...
. Suwon is connected to Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
and other nearby cities by city and express buses with departure points across the city. There are also two bus terminals in Suwon with inter-city and express bus connections to most cities in Korea. These are Suwon Bus Terminal
Suwon Bus Terminal
Suwon Bus Terminal is the main intercity and express bus station serving Suwon, a city in South Korea's north-west province of Gyeonggi-do. The station is located in Gwonseon-gu, 2.6km south-east of Suwon Station...
and West Suwon Bus Terminal
West Suwon Bus Terminal
West Suwon Bus Terminal is the second-largest bus station in Suwon, a city in South Korea's north-west province of Gyeonggi-do. The station is located in Gwonseon-gu, 3.1km north-west of Suwon Station...
, which is located near Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University is a private university in Seoul and Suwon, South Korea. The university has two campuses: the Humanities and Social Sciences campus in Myeongnyun Dong, Jongno-gu in central Seoul, and the Natural Sciences Campus in Cheoncheon Dong, Jangan Gu, Suwon...
. KTX trains also make limited number of stops on services from Seoul to Busan.
Suwon has several stations on Seoul Subway Line 1
Seoul Subway Line 1
Seoul Subway Line 1 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, formerly known as the Korea National Railroad of Seoul, is an operation channel which links central Seoul, South Korea to Soyosan Station in the northeast, Incheon in the southwest, and Asan via Suwon in the south. This line covers a large part...
, which runs North-South through the city, namely Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University Station
Sungkyunkwan University Station is a ground-level metro station on line 1 of the Seoul Subway in Yuljeon Dong, Jangan Gu, Suwon, South Korea. The station's sole exit offers access to Sungkyunkwan University and Dongnam Health College...
, Hwaseo
Hwaseo Station
Hwaseo Station is a ground-level metro station on line 1 of the Seoul Subway in north-west Suwon, South Korea.Hwaseo offers access to several important academic, governmental and cultural locations including Hwaseong Fortress, Manseok Park, the Korean National Institute of Agricultural Science and...
, Suwon
Suwon Station
Suwon Station is a railway station in the city of Suwon, South Korea. The station was completely redeveloped in 2002 and 2003, and is now integrated with the Aekyung Shopping Mall. This station serves the national Gyeongbu Line and Line 1 of the Seoul subway, which runs services from Soyosan...
and Seryu
Seryu Station
Seryu Station is a station on Line 1 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. It is in southern Suwon.-References:...
. An extension of the Bundang Line
Bundang Line
Bundang Line is a commuter subway line of Korail, the national railway of South Korea. The name 'Bundang Line' refers to the fact that the line was constructed for the commuters of Bundang ward in Seongnam. The line starts in southeastern Seoul, travels through northern Seongnam, and finally...
to cross Suwon East-West, terminating at Suwon
Suwon Station
Suwon Station is a railway station in the city of Suwon, South Korea. The station was completely redeveloped in 2002 and 2003, and is now integrated with the Aekyung Shopping Mall. This station serves the national Gyeongbu Line and Line 1 of the Seoul subway, which runs services from Soyosan...
, is under construction, as is a further line
Suin Line
The Suin Line is a former narrow-gauge railway in South Korea. The narrow-gauge line, which connected Suwon to Namincheon via Ansan and Siheung, was abandoned in 1995, but the Suin Line is currently being reconstructed in standard gauge and double track as an integral part of the Seoul...
connecting Suwon Station
Suwon Station
Suwon Station is a railway station in the city of Suwon, South Korea. The station was completely redeveloped in 2002 and 2003, and is now integrated with the Aekyung Shopping Mall. This station serves the national Gyeongbu Line and Line 1 of the Seoul subway, which runs services from Soyosan...
to Incheon
Incheon Station
Incheon Station is a metro station on line 1 of the Seoul Subway in Bokseong Dong, Jung Gu, Incheon, South Korea. Travel time from Incheon Station to Seoul Station on Line 1 is 68 minutes, and travelling to Suwon Station in Gyeonggi-do, on the other branch of Line 1 takes 91 minutes, transferring...
. Until 1973, the Suryo Line
Suryo Line
The Suryeo Line is a former narrow-gauge railway line owned by Korean National Railroad. The line connected Suwon to Yeoju. The Suryeo Line was abandoned on May 31, 1973.-Route:...
also connected Suwon to Yeoju.
The Yeongdong Expressway
Yeongdong Expressway
The Yeongdong Expressway is a freeway in South Korea. Numbered 50, it connects the Seoul area with Gangwon Province. It is named from Yeongdong, an old name for Gangwon. The road has its western end in Namdong-gu of Incheon Metropolitan City. Its eastern end lies in Gangneung near the east...
(Number 50) passes through Suwon and two exits on this motorway lie within the city limits, being North Suwon and East Suwon. Suwon is also served by the Suwon exit of the Gyeongbu Expressway
Gyeongbu Expressway
The Gyeongbu Expressway is the second oldest and most heavily travelled expressway in South Korea, connecting Seoul to Suwon, Daejeon, Gumi, Daegu, and Busan. It has the route number 1, signifying its role as South Korea's most important expressway...
(Number 1), though this lies a short distance east of the Suwon's limits, near Singal
Singal
Singal is an area of Yongin, in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is near two major expressways and a large reservoir by the same name. As such, it is a major junction for the surrounding area.-Transportation:...
in the city of Yongin
Yongin
Yongin is a major city in the Seoul National Capital Area, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. With a population of nearly 1 million, the city has developed abrutly since the 21st century, recording the highest population growth of any city in the country. Yongin is home to Everland and...
.
Media
There are two newspapers based in Suwon. These are the Gyeonggi Daily (경기일보) and, since 1960, the Gyeongin Daily (경인일보). The former is based in Jangan-guJangan-gu
Jangan-gu, established on July 1, 1988, is the northern district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Geography:Jangan-gu lies in the north of Suwon...
, with the latter's offices being in Paldal-gu
Paldal-gu
Paldal-gu is the central district of the city of Suwon in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.-Administrative divisions:Paldal-gu is divided into the following "dong"s.*Godeung-dong *Hwaseo-dong , divided in turn into Hwaseo 1 and 2 dong...
. Neither offers news in foreign languages.
Military
The Air ForceRepublic of Korea Air Force
The Republic of Korea Air Force is the air force of South Korea...
has a base in Suwon. This was used by the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
. The base is now occupied mostly by the ROKAF (Republic of Korea Air Force), though the US Army houses half of a battalion there presently, and there are a limited number of US Air Force personnel.
Religion
As in most of South KoreaSouth Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
, according to 2006 statistics compiled by the government, about 25.3% of the population profess to follow no particular religion. Christians
Christianity in Korea
The practice of Christianity in Korea revolves around two of its largest branches, Protestantism and Catholicism, accounting for 8.6 million and 5.1 million members respectively. Roman Catholicism was first introduced during the late Joseon Dynasty period...
account for 20% of the population and Buddhists
Korean Buddhism
Korean Buddhism is distinguished from other forms of Buddhism by its attempt to resolve what it sees as inconsistencies in Mahayana Buddhism. Early Korean monks believed that the traditions they received from foreign countries were internally inconsistent. To address this, they developed a new...
52%. The Catholic Diocese of Suwon
Bishop of Suwon
The Diocese of Suwon is a particular church of the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church. The seat of the Bishop of Suwon is at Jeongjadong Cathedral in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea....
was created in 1963 by Pope Paul VI
Pope Paul VI
Paul VI , born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church from 21 June 1963 until his death on 6 August 1978. Succeeding Pope John XXIII, who had convened the Second Vatican Council, he decided to continue it...
. The diocese was a part of the Archdiocese of Seoul
Archbishop of Seoul
The Archdiocese of Seoul is a particular church of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church comprising Seoul, South Korea...
prior to the establishment of the see. The current bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
is Choi Deok-ki (최덕기).
Food
Galbi
Galbi or kalbi generally refers to a variety of gui or grilled dishes in Korean cuisine that is made with marinated beef short ribs in a ganjang-based sauce . In the Korean language, galbi literally means "rib" and can often indicate uncooked ribs...
, a variation on the style beef short rib enjoyed throughout Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
. The city also has the same variety of Korean dishes served throughout the peninsula
Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula is a peninsula in East Asia. It extends southwards for about 684 miles from continental Asia into the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west, the Korea Strait connecting the first two bodies of water.Until the end of...
and has a wide variety of restaurants serving food from outside Korea. Since 1995, Galbi festival has been held annually, attracting many tourists.
Flora and fauna
Suwon's wildlife is similar to that of most of Gyeonggi-doGyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do is the most populous province in South Korea. The provincial capital is located at Suwon. Seoul—South Korea's largest city and national capital—is located in the heart of the province, but has been separately administered as a provincial-level special city since 1946...
. A notable species, however, is the Suwon tree frog
Suwon tree frog
The Suwon treefrog, also spelled Suweon treefrog, Hyla suweonensis, is a species of treefrog found in western South Korea, probably from the Imjin River to the Bay of Asan...
. This is one of only two tree frog
Tree frog
Hylidae is a wide-ranging family of frogs commonly referred to as "tree frogs and their allies". However, the hylids include a diversity of frog species, many of which do not live in trees, but are terrestrial or semi-aquatic.-Characteristics:...
s to inhabit the Korean peninsula
Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula is a peninsula in East Asia. It extends southwards for about 684 miles from continental Asia into the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west, the Korea Strait connecting the first two bodies of water.Until the end of...
and lives in the Gyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do is the most populous province in South Korea. The provincial capital is located at Suwon. Seoul—South Korea's largest city and national capital—is located in the heart of the province, but has been separately administered as a provincial-level special city since 1946...
area only.
Famous people
Famous people from Suwon include:- Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
footballer Park Ji-SungPark Ji-SungPark Ji-Sung is a South Korean footballer who plays as a midfielder for English club Manchester United. He was also the captain of the South Korean national team until his retirement from international football...
grew up in Suwon, in 2005 a city street was renamed after him. - SHINeeSHINeeShinee is a contemporary R&B South Korean boy band. Formed by SM Entertainment in 2008, they made their debut on May 25, 2008 on SBS's Inkigayo with their promotional single, "Noona Neomu Yeppeo "...
leader Lee Jin Ki a.k.a Onew - Footballer Kim Jin-WooKim Jin-WooKim Jin-Woo is a football player from South Korea who plays as a midfielder.He represented South Korea at youth and senior levels...
- Pastor Billy KimBilly KimBilly Kim was the president of the Baptist World Alliance from 2000 until 2005 when he was succeeded by David Coffey.-Career:Billy Kim first began to work with Suwon Central Baptist Church on January 1, 1960, when it had only 10 members...
, Former President of the Baptist World AllianceBaptist World AllianceThe Baptist World Alliance is a worldwide alliance of Baptist churches and organizations, formed in 1905 at Exeter Hall in London during the first Baptist World Congress.-History:...
and current President of the Far East Broadcasting Company - 2AM2AM2AM is a South Korean four-member ballad boy band under JYP Entertainment. The members are Jo Kwon, Jinwoon, Seulong, and Changmin. 2AM is one of the two subgroups branched out from the eleven-member boy band One Day, the other being 2PM. They officially debuted on July 11, 2008 on KBS's Music...
Leader and variety show trend Jo KwonJo KwonJo Kwon is a South Korean singer and entertainer, leader of ballad boyband 2AM.-Predebut:Jo Kwon, commonly known as Sacre Bleu, is the longest-serving male trainee in JYP Entertainment, having trained for 2567 days; exactly 7 years and 10 days since joining JYP... - Cellist Han-na ChangHan-na ChangHan-Na Chang is a South Korean cellist and conductor.-Childhood:She was born in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea to Korean parents. Chang began studying piano at age 3, and began her study in cello three years later at age 6...
- Actress Hyun YoungHyun YoungYoo Hyun-young is a South Korean entertainer. Her name is well known as simply Hyun Young. She has worked as a model, TV show host, actress, singer, instructor for Public Relations & Personal Financial Planning at colleges, companies. Educated at Yong-In University, she is known for her unusual,...
- Actress Ha Ji-wonHa Ji-wonHa Ji-won was born Jeon Hae-rim on 28 June 1978. She is a South Korean actress. She is also the Grand Prize winner of 2006 KBS Acting Awards for her performance in TV drama Hwang Jin-i.- Career :...
- Presenter and columnist Sam OhSam OhOh Sang-mi, better known as Sam Oh , is a television host and a Korean expatriate who has been living in the Philippines for 20 years. She can speak Tagalog and English in addition to her native Korean...
- MMA fighter Kim Dong-HyunKim Dong-HyunKim Dong-Hyun is a former Korean football player who was expelled from K-League after being implicated in the match-fixing scandal.-Oita:...
- Block BBlock BBlock B is a South Korean boy group created by Cho PD under his label Brand New Stardom. On April 15, 2011, they made their debut on KBS Music Bank with their promotional single, "Freeze!" . The group consists of seven members: Zico , Lee Taeil, B-Bomb , Ahn Jaehyo, U-Kwon , Park Kyung, and P.O...
member Kim Yu-kwon
Sister cities
CuritibaCuritiba
Curitiba is the capital of the Brazilian state of Paraná. It is the largest city with the biggest economy of both Paraná and southern Brazil. The population of Curitiba numbers approximately 1.75 million people and the latest GDP figures for the city surpass US$61 billion according to...
, Brazil (2006) Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod , colloquially shortened to Nizhny, is, with the population of 1,250,615, the fifth largest city in Russia, ranking after Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg...
, Russia (2005) Asahikawa, Japan (1989) Fukui City, Fukui
Fukui
Fukui is a Japanese name meaning "fortunate" or it can mean "one who is from the Fukui prefecture". It may refer to:- Places :* Fukui Prefecture** Fukui, Fukui - the city of the same name in the prefecture...
, Japan (2001) Jinan
Jinan
Jinan is the capital of Shandong province in Eastern China. The area of present-day Jinan has played an important role in the history of the region from the earliest beginnings of civilisation and has evolved into a major national administrative, economic, and transportation hub...
, China (1993) Zhuhai
Zhuhai
Zhuhai is a prefecture-level city on the southern coast of Guangdong province in the People's Republic of China. Located in the Pearl River Delta, Zhuhai borders Jiangmen to the northwest, Zhongshan to the north, and Macau to the south. Zhuhai was one of the original Special Economic Zones...
, China (2005) Townsville, Australia (1997) Bandung
Bandung
Bandung is the capital of West Java province in Indonesia, and the country's third largest city, and 2nd largest metropolitan area in Indonesia, with a population of 7.4 million in 2007. Located 768 metres above sea level, approximately 140 km southeast of Jakarta, Bandung has cooler...
, Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
(1997) Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca , commonly known as Cluj, is the fourth most populous city in Romania and the seat of Cluj County in the northwestern part of the country. Geographically, it is roughly equidistant from Bucharest , Budapest and Belgrade...
, Romania (1999) Toluca
Toluca
Toluca, formally known as Toluca de Lerdo, is the state capital of Mexico State as well as the seat of the Municipality of Toluca. It is the center of a rapidly growing urban area, now the fifth largest in Mexico. It is located west-southwest of Mexico City and only about 40 minutes by car to the...
, Mexico (1999) Yalova
Yalova
Yalova is a city located in northwestern Turkey, on the eastern coast of the Sea of Marmara, and is the capital of the Yalova Province. Yalova has a city population of 92,166, while the population of the Yalova Province is 202,531. as of 2009...
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
(1999) Fes
Fes
Fes or Fez is the second largest city of Morocco, after Casablanca, with a population of approximately 1 million . It is the capital of the Fès-Boulemane region....
, Morocco
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
(2003) Hai Duong
Hai Duong
Hải Dương is a city in Vietnam. It is the capital of Hai Duong province. Its name is Sino-Vietnamese for "ocean" .- Geography :Hai Duong city is bordered to the northeast by the Nam Sách District and Thanh Hà District...
, Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
(2004) Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
(2004) Hyderabad, India (2005)
See also
- List of cities in South Korea
- Geography of South KoreaGeography of South KoreaSouth Korea is located in East Asia, on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula jutting out from the far east of the Asian land mass. The only country with a land border to South Korea is North Korea, lying to the north with of border running along the DMZ. South Korea is mostly surrounded by...
- Seoul National Capital AreaSeoul National Capital AreaThe Seoul National Capital Area is a region located in the north-west of South Korea. It is generally referred to as Sudogwon in Korean, and contains three different administrative districts; Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi-do....