· KR

Sejong

Sejong, Sejong, Korea, South

Sejong: South Korea's City of the Future Escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul and discover Sejong, South Korea's innovative and vibrant administrative capital. Founded in 2007, Sejong is a city on the rise, boasting a u…

#Capital City#Administrative Center#Government Buildings#Urban Planning#South Korea

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Sejong.

Top Hotels in Sejong

Top Flights to Sejong

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Sejong.

Tours

Sejong Government Complex

Explore the heart of Korea's administrative hub with a tour around the Sejong Government Complex, featuring modern architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Sejong National Arboretum

Experience diverse plant species and beautiful landscapes at the Sejong National Arboretum, offering both educational and recreational activities.

National Library of Korea, Sejong Branch

Visit the National Library of Korea's Sejong branch for an educational tour and enjoy the architecture.

Sejong Art Center

Explore contemporary and traditional art exhibitions at the Sejong Art Center, showcasing works from local and international artists.

Shopping

Jochiwon Traditional Market

Discover the local culture and flavors at Jochiwon Traditional Market, where you can shop for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Korean food.

Sejong Bus Terminal Shopping Area

Find a variety of shops and eateries at the Sejong Bus Terminal, perfect for picking up souvenirs or enjoying a meal before traveling.

Outdoor

Sejong Lake Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a bike to explore Sejong Lake Park, a massive green space that offers stunning views and a tranquil escape from city life.

Geumgang River Bike Path

Ride along the scenic Geumgang River Bike Path, which offers beautiful riverside views and a great way to see Sejong's natural beauty.

Central Park Sejong

Central Park Sejong offers a relaxed environment for picnics, walks, and recreation amidst a city setting.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Sejong.

Currency

₩ | KRW | South Korean Won

Population

Information not available.

Languages

Korean, Korean

Average weather

Sejong

Jan

3°-7°

Feb

6°-5°

Mar

12°0°

Apr

19°6°

May

24°12°

Jun

28°18°

Jul

30°22°

Aug

31°22°

Sep

26°17°

Oct

20°9°

Nov

12°2°

Dec

5°-4°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Sejong.

What people love

Sejong is a unique city in South Korea that serves as the administrative capital of the country. Here are some pros of traveling to Sejong:

Cultural Experience: Sejong is a planned city that showcases modern architecture and urban planning. Visitors can explore the city's unique design and layout, which reflects Korea's rich cultural heritage.
Convenient Location: Sejong is located in the central part of South Korea, making it a convenient base for exploring other parts of the country. It is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to travel to and from Sejong.
Government Complex: Sejong is home to many government offices and institutions, offering visitors a glimpse into the political and administrative workings of South Korea. Visitors interested in politics and governance may find the city particularly intriguing.
Green Spaces: Sejong boasts several parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life in Sejong's parks.
Modern Amenities: As a relatively new city, Sejong offers modern amenities and facilities to visitors. From shopping centers to restaurants, visitors can enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay in Sejong.

Overall, traveling to Sejong can offer a unique and enriching experience for visitors interested in exploring South Korea beyond its more well-known cities.

What to know

Sejong is a planned city in South Korea that serves as the country's administrative capital. While Sejong offers several benefits such as modern infrastructure, clean environment, and efficient public services, there are also some cons to consider when traveling to this city:

Limited tourist attractions: Sejong is primarily an administrative city, so it may lack the variety of tourist attractions and cultural sites found in more traditional cities like Seoul or Busan. Travelers looking for a vibrant nightlife or historical landmarks may find Sejong to be less appealing.
Limited transportation options: While Sejong is well-connected by public transportation within the city, getting to Sejong from other parts of South Korea may require transfers or longer travel times. The city's remote location can make it less convenient for travelers looking to explore different regions of the country.
Language barrier: As Sejong is not as popular among tourists as other major cities in South Korea, English proficiency among locals may be lower. Travelers who do not speak Korean may encounter challenges communicating with residents or finding English-language services in Sejong.
Limited accommodation options: Compared to larger cities, Sejong may have fewer choices when it comes to accommodations such as hotels or guesthouses. Travelers visiting Sejong may need to plan their stay in advance to secure suitable lodging options.

Overall, while Sejong offers a unique experience as South Korea's administrative capital, travelers should be aware of these potential drawbacks before planning a trip to the city.

Sejong, officially known as Sejong Special Self-Governing City, is a planned city in South Korea that serves as the de facto administrative capital of the country. It is located in the central region of South Korea and was established to help alleviate the concentration of government functions in Seoul, the capital city.

Historical Background

Creation and Development: The idea for creating Sejong dates back to the early 2000s, with the aim of promoting balanced national development and reducing the overpopulation and congestion in Seoul. The plan for Sejong was formalized under the administration of President Roh Moo-hyun. The official groundbreaking took place in 2007, and the city was named after King Sejong the Great, the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, who is celebrated for his contributions to Korean culture, technology, and governance.
Administrative Function: Sejong was officially launched as a special administrative city on July 1, 2012. The city was designed to house various government agencies and institutions, and since then, many government ministries and agencies have relocated from Seoul to Sejong, making it the center for South Korea's administrative functions.

Significant Events

Relocation of Government Offices: One of the most significant events in the city's history was the relocation of several major government offices from Seoul to Sejong. This process began in earnest after the city's official opening in 2012 and has continued in phases.
Growth and Development: Since its establishment, Sejong has grown rapidly in terms of population and infrastructure. It has been carefully planned with modern amenities, green spaces, and efficient public transportation systems to accommodate its residents and government functions.

Important Landmarks

Sejong National Arboretum: This is one of the largest arboretums in South Korea, featuring a wide variety of plant species and serving as a place for education, conservation, and recreation.
Government Complex Sejong: The central hub for South Korean government operations, housing multiple ministries and agencies. It is an architectural symbol of Sejong's role as an administrative city.
Sejong Lake Park: A large park that serves as a recreational area for residents, featuring walking trails, water features, and cultural events.

Historical Figures

King Sejong the Great: The city is named after this revered historical figure, renowned for his contributions to Korean culture, including the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Although King Sejong the Great lived centuries ago, his legacy influences the identity of the city.

Sejong's development as a city is relatively modern, with its history largely defined by its role as a planned administrative center rather than traditional historical events or figures. Its growth continues to shape its identity as an important hub for governance and innovation in South Korea.