Sejong Special Self-Governing City at a Glance
The youngest city in Korea and the administrative center, Sejong Special Self-Governing City is a future-oriented city born under meticulous planning. Located in the heart of Chungcheong, it realizes the dream of balanced national development, where the history of the former Yeongi-gun area and nature rich in greenery harmonize with modern architecture. Feeling like a giant garden, this city presents a new model for pleasant and relaxed urban life with high citizen satisfaction.
Recommended For
- Those seeking healing in nature: Those who want to spend relaxing time at Korea's largest artificial lake and the nation's first urban national arboretum.
- Those interested in architecture and cities: Those who want to see the true essence of a planned city and uniquely designed buildings (such as the Presidential Archives, Eeungdari Bridge).
- Family travelers with children: Families who want to spend educational time at parks where they can meet Asiatic black bears and museum complexes full of diverse experiences.
- Those seeking unique night view spots: Those who want to enjoy a romantic evening stroll on 'Eeungdari Bridge,' a fantastic bridge of light crossing the Geumgang River.
- Pedestrians or cyclists: Those who want to conveniently explore the city without a car, using well-maintained bicycle paths, pedestrian bridges, and public transportation (BRT).
Getting There and Access
From the Seoul Metropolitan Area and Other Regions
- KTX/SRT: It is most common to alight at Osong Station and transfer to BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) or a regular bus to reach downtown Sejong in about 20-30 minutes. It takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour from Seoul to Osong Station.
- Express/Intercity Bus: Routes to Sejong Express and Intercity Bus Terminal operate from major cities nationwide, including Seoul (Gyeongbu Line) and Busan. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes by bus from Seoul.
- Air: Sejong City does not have its own airport; the closest airport is Cheongju International Airport.
Local Transportation
- Bus: Sejong City's core public transport is the BRT (Barota). It connects major arterial roads quickly and accurately, allowing it to be used like a subway. Branch buses also connect various parts of the city.
- Bicycle: The public bicycle system called 'Eoulling' is very well-developed, making it excellent for exploring major city attractions by bike.
- Subway: There is no subway service in Sejong City.
5-7 Must-Visit Attractions
- Sejong Lake Park: Korea's largest artificial lake, with various themed islands and walking trails, serving as a year-round recreational spot for citizens.
- National Arboretum Sejong: Korea's first urban national arboretum, with its massive four-season greenhouse and traditional Korean garden being particularly impressive.
- Eeungdari Bridge (Geumgang Pedestrian Bridge): A circular pedestrian-only bridge shaped like the Hangeul letter 'ㅇ', it is a landmark of Sejong famous for its fantastic night views.
- Presidential Archives: A uniquely designed building where you can explore the footsteps of past presidents and modern Korean history.
- Government Complex Sejong Rooftop Garden: Listed in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest rooftop garden, it can be visited with a prior reservation.
- Bear Tree Park: An animal and botanical garden where over 100 Asiatic black bears and beautiful trees coexist.
Local Cuisine & Specialty Products
- Jochiwon Peach: Sejong's representative specialty product, boasting over 100 years of history, known nationwide for its abundant juice and high sugar content.
- Sejong Local Food: Utilizing the characteristics of an urban-rural complex city, fresh agricultural products (strawberries, pears, etc.) produced by local farms are famous.
- Bugangok, Chungnam Sundae: Sundae-gukbap (blood sausage soup with rice) and offal dishes, loved by locals since the old Yeongi-gun days, are Sejong's hidden flavors.
Seasonal Recommendations
- Spring: A season for cycling along the Jocheon Cherry Blossom Road and enjoying the full bloom of spring flowers at the Lake Park.
- Summer: Explore tropical plants in the cool greenhouse of the National Arboretum Sejong, and in the evening, enjoy the night view with the river breeze at Eeungdari Bridge.
- Autumn: Take in the city's panorama and autumn foliage at a glance from the Government Complex Sejong Rooftop Garden, and enjoy the autumnal atmosphere at Gobok Reservoir.
- Winter: Explore indoor attractions like the Presidential Archives, and spend time in contemplation enjoying the winter scenery at the tranquil Lake Park.
Tips for Foreign Visitors
- Language and Signage: As a new city, English information is generally well-provided at major tourist attractions and BRT stops. Information materials for foreigners can be found at major attractions such as the National Arboretum Sejong.
- Payment: Credit card use is smooth in most stores, and for public transportation, using a transportation card such as T-money is convenient.
- Getting Information: Before your visit, check the Sejong City Hall tourism information website (tour.sejong.go.kr) for the latest festival or event information.