Sejong

Sejong City at a Glance

As South Korea's youngest city and administrative capital, Sejong Special Self-Governing City is a meticulously planned, futuristic metropolis. Nestled in the heart of the Chungcheong region to foster balanced national development, it seamlessly blends the rich heritage of the former Yeongi County and lush natural green spaces with cutting-edge architecture. Feeling like a vast garden in its entirety, Sejong presents a refreshing, relaxed model of urban life where residents enjoy an exceptionally high quality of living.

Who Will Love It

• Nature Lovers Seeking Relaxation: Unwind by South Korea’s largest artificial lake and explore the nation’s first urban national arboretum.
• Architecture and Urban Design Buffs: Discover the triumphs of a purpose-built planned city showcasing distinctive architectural marvels like the Presidential Archives and the circular Ieung Bridge.
• Families with Kids: Spend quality educational time visiting Asiatic black bears at a nature park and exploring hands-on exhibits across the museum complex.
• Night View Seekers: Enjoy a romantic evening stroll across Ieung Bridge, a pedestrian bridge arching gracefully over the Geum River with dazzling light displays.
• Cyclists and Pedestrian Explorers: Navigate the city effortlessly without a car thanks to well-paved bike paths, pedestrian-only bridges, and a seamless BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) network.

Getting There & Around

From Seoul and Beyond

• KTX / SRT: The most common route is taking a high-speed train to Osong Station (approx. 40 minutes to 1 hour from Seoul), then transferring to the BRT or a local bus for a 20- to 30-minute ride into downtown Sejong.
• Express / Intercity Bus: Direct buses run from major cities across the country, including Seoul (Gyeongbu) and Busan, to the Sejong Express & Intercity Bus Terminal. The bus ride from Seoul takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Air: Sejong does not have its own airport; Cheongju International Airport (CJJ) is the closest option.

Getting Around the City

• Bus: The backbone of Sejong’s public transit is the BRT (branded as Barota). It functions much like an above-ground subway, connecting key arterial corridors quickly and punctually, while feeder buses link local neighborhoods.
• Bicycle: The city operates an excellent public bike-share system called "Oullim," making it easy and convenient to tour major sights on two wheels.
• Subway: Sejong does not have a subway system.

Top Attractions

• Sejong Lake Park: South Korea’s largest artificial lake, featuring themed islands and scenic walking paths that offer a tranquil escape year-round.
• Sejong National Arboretum: Korea’s first urban national arboretum, renowned for its massive four-season conservatory and traditional Korean garden.
• Ieung Bridge (Geumgang Pedestrian Bridge): A circular pedestrian-only bridge inspired by the Korean letter 'ㅇ' (ieung). It is an iconic city landmark famed for its stunning night illumination.
• Presidential Archives: A striking modern building chronicling Korean modern history and the records of past presidents.
• Government Complex Sejong Rooftop Garden: Certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest rooftop garden; open to visitors via advance reservation.
• Bear Tree Park: A unique arboretum and animal park home to around 100 Asiatic black bears surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

Autumn 2026: Sejong Hangeul Festival

During the 2026 Hangeul Day holiday weekend (October 9–11), commemorating the centennial of Hangeul Day, the Sejong Hangeul Festival takes place around Sejong Central Park and Sejong Lake Park. The festivities kick off with a celebratory flyover by the ROK Air Force Black Eagles at noon on October 9, followed by a 2,000-drone light show at 8:40 PM. Highlights continue with a pyrotechnic drone show on the night of October 10 and a grand closing ceremony at 6:00 PM on October 11. Approximately 4,500 parking spaces across 14 lots are available, and personal mobility devices (PMDs) as well as bicycles are prohibited inside festival grounds. For complete itinerary suggestions, see the Hangeul Day long weekend getaway guide.

Local Food & Specialties

• Jochiwon Peaches: Boasting over a century of heritage, these famous peaches are celebrated nationwide for their rich juiciness and intense sweetness.
• Sejong Local Produce: As an urban-rural integrated city, Sejong is known for exceptionally fresh farm produce, particularly sweet strawberries and crisp pears.
• Bugang-ok & Chungnam Sundae: Beloved local dining staples since the days of Yeongi County, serving up hearty bowls of sundaegukbap (blood sausage soup) and offal dishes that showcase Sejong's authentic culinary heritage.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Cycle along the cherry blossom-lined paths of Jocheon Stream and enjoy vibrant spring blossoms in Sejong Lake Park.
• Summer: Beat the heat inside the climate-controlled conservatories of Sejong National Arboretum, then catch cool river breezes and glittering night views on Ieung Bridge.
• Autumn: Take in panoramic views of autumn foliage and modern architecture from the Government Complex Rooftop Garden, or soak in the peaceful fall atmosphere around Gobok Reservoir.
• Winter: Explore cozy indoor cultural venues like the Presidential Archives, followed by a contemplative walk through the serene, snow-dusted lake park.

Tips for International Travelers

• Language & Signage: As a newly built modern city, Sejong provides clear English signage at major tourist sites, BRT stops, and public facilities. Key attractions like Sejong National Arboretum also offer multilingual guide brochures.
• Payments: Credit cards are universally accepted at virtually all shops, cafes, and restaurants. For public transit, use standard transit cards such as T-money.
• Visitor Information: Check the Sejong City tourism portal (tour.sejong.go.kr) before your trip for updated event calendars, opening hours, and festival schedules.