[Editorial] Why is '2026 Suwon National Heritage Night Tour' Being Extended Until the 30th?
Through an editorial in this section on the 7th, Suwon Ilbo predicted that more people would participate in the Suwon Night Tour this year. It also anticipated that the influx of tourists would invigorate surrounding commercial districts.
It proved true. The '2026 Suwon National Heritage Night Tour,' composed of eight-theme '8 Nights' programs—including night views, night paths, night history, night paintings, night tales, night markets, night food, and night stays—drew over 264,000 visitors, more than double the approximately 100,000 visitors from last year's night tour, achieving tremendous success.
The city actively responded to concerns about visitor safety due to congestion at the event venue. It also received praise for being well-prepared in cultural heritage management, which is often neglected at night. However, the chronic parking problem remains an issue.
It was regarded as the most successful event in history. Local merchants welcoming the influx of customers could not hide their smiles. One small fried chicken restaurant even had to close early due to a shortage of chickens.
As positive responses from citizens and tourists continued, the city decided to extend the Suwon National Heritage Night Tour through August 30th. (Related article: August 17th, 'Suwon National Heritage Night Tour Continues Until August 30th...Suwon National Heritage Night Tour Extended') "To allow more citizens and tourists to enjoy the beautiful night view of Suwon Fortress and to provide practical support to the revitalization of local commerce," a city official said.
Of course, not all programs from the three days will be repeated during the extension period. Attractions will continue at three key locations: 'Yongnyeon Gat Lanterns' and 'Banghwa Bridge Lanterns' that adorned the Yongnyeon area, 'Hwahongmun Media Art' that took place in the Hwahongmun vicinity, and night lighting productions at Maehyang Bridge and Suwon Stream. On the 21st, 22nd, 28th, and 29th, the traditional Korean music performance 'Hwahong Pungnyuh' will be held in the Yongnyeon area. At Hwaseong Haenggung, in connection with its nighttime opening, the 'Joseon Moonlight Market' and 'Haenggung Willow Market' will also be held.
This year's Suwon National Heritage Night Tour was a successful event. It resulted from unified efforts by Suwon City, the Suwon Cultural Foundation, and all organizations and residents in the Suwon area. Regarding the factors behind the success of this year's tenth night tour, a foundation official explained that it was due to various night programs that combined the historical value of national heritage with contemporary cultural content.
That is correct. Beyond that, the night tour has evolved with each passing year. This year alone, the city expanded event programs and spaces, strengthened content utilizing media art and smart technology, making it a richer and more diverse event. It is already anticipated what kind of evolved programs the Suwon National Heritage Night Tour, aiming to become Korea's representative nighttime cultural heritage festival, will present next year.