Hwaseong Fortress

I lived in Suwon my first year teaching in Korea and never visited the famous Hwaseong Fortress. Correction: I thought I did, but was later told that I only climbed the surrounding walls, but not the fortress itself.

Hwaseong Fortress was built by King Jeongjo during the Chosun dynasty for his father, Prince Sado. It is located in the heart of Suwon and is very foreigner friendly. Its surrounding walls make it a great place to hike and the fortress has shows and activities for the tourists daily. At the fortress, you can see the different weapons and styles of combat.

Weapon Show

trying to steal the warrior's sword

If you want to practice your archery skills, you can hop on the Dragon Trolley to the other side of the wall for 1200won. Archery only costs about 2000won for ten arrows and any age can participate.

Dragon Trolley

As you read above, King Jeongjo built the fortress for his father. What Wikipedia doesn't tell you is that his father was mentally retarded. Because Prince Sado refused to commit suicide as his father had commanded, he was locked in a rice chest until he starved to death.

Feeling Prince Sado's pain

All in all, it is a cheap and fun way to spend an afternoon. Once you're finished, you can get some steals at the local markets or ball out at the shops around Suwon station.

Diet Boxing

Since my vacation back to the states and Argentina, I have been packing on pounds like crazy! Coming back to Korea in the beginning of winter has not helped any either! I had no motivation to go to the gym or even to walk to school....UNTIL!!! I found out about Diet Boxing.

A few of my friends here in Korea are amateur boxers. Every time we meet up, all they talk about is boxing. I remember mentioning that I wanted to try it just to see what it was all about and my friend told me that you could actually box to lose weight. Next thing I know, I'm searching for the nearest boxing gym (which happens to be across the street from my apartment) and signing up for the month!

 I caught a cold last weekend and was able to go only 3 days, but I really think it could help me lose weight. The trainer coaches me for an hour and I'm only one away from wrapping my hands up and punching!

As soon as I get to the gym, I have to stretch and jump rope for 9 minutes. So far, I have learned my basic movements, which consist of walking and jumping while punching the air. Before I leave the gym, I have to do some core exercises, jump rope for another 9 minutes, and stretch. It might not sound like a lot, but my body has been aching like crazy.

The price to join is not bad at all, either. It costs 110,000won for the first month and 90,000won after. It does cost more than a gym, but you have a trainer that keeps an eye on you and it's actually pretty fun. So next time you consider exercising, try Diet Boxing. Not only will it help you lose weight, but also get rid of stress. Exercise and therapy all in one!

Laila Ali