Sejong, South Korea’s newest and most modern city, was established in 2012 as the country’s administrative capital. Located about 120 kilometers south of Seoul, this meticulously planned city offers travelers a unique blend of cutting-edge urban design, beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and natural landscapes.
With wide tree-lined boulevards, impressive government buildings, and family-friendly attractions, Sejong provides a refreshing contrast to Korea’s bustling traditional cities.
Getting to Sejong
From Seoul: Express bus (1.5-2 hours), KTX to Osong Station + local bus (30 min total), or car via Gyeongbu Expressway
From Busan: KTX to Osong Station + local bus (2 hours total) or express bus (2.5-3 hours)
From Daejeon: Bus or car (30-40 minutes)
Getting Around: Public buses (excellent network), taxis, or rent a car; city is very bike-friendly with extensive cycling paths
Top Things to Do in Sejong
1. Sejong Lake Park (세종호수공원)
The crown jewel of Sejong City, this stunning artificial lake park serves as the city’s central recreational space and showcases modern Korean urban planning at its finest.
What to See & Do:
- Walk or bike around the 4.8-kilometer lakeside path with beautiful views
- Visit the iconic floating dome pavilion (Stage Island) in the middle of the lake
- Watch musical fountain shows and light displays in the evening
- Enjoy seasonal flower gardens and landscaped areas
- Rent pedal boats or water bikes during warmer months
- Take photos at sunset when the night views become spectacular
- Attend free concerts and cultural performances at the dome stage
- Exercise at outdoor fitness stations along the path
- Picnic on the expansive lawns
Practical Info:
- Location: Central Sejong City
- Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Four lots with 1,216 spaces
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best time: Evening for fountain shows and night lighting; spring for cherry blossoms; fall for autumn colors
- Facilities: Restrooms, cafés, bike rentals, exercise equipment
- Getting there: Multiple city buses stop at the park; central location makes it easy to reach
2. Sejong National Arboretum (세종수목원)
A newly built world-class botanical attraction featuring an impressive Four Season Conservatory with Mediterranean, Tropical, and Special Exhibition zones.
What to See & Do:
- Explore the enclosed Four Season Conservatory showcasing Mediterranean Garden, Tropical Garden, and Photo Zone
- Walk through themed outdoor gardens including Korean traditional gardens
- View nearly 3,000 different plant species in climate-controlled greenhouses
- Photograph rare and exotic plants year-round
- Learn about Korean botanical heritage and conservation
- Stroll peaceful walking trails through natural forest areas
- Visit seasonal flower exhibitions
- Participate in educational programs and workshops
Practical Info:
- Location: Sejong City (check exact address as it’s in a developing area)
- Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays (check seasonal variations)
- Admission: Adults around 5,000 KRW; discounts for students/seniors
- Time needed: 2-4 hours
- Important: Reservations required for greenhouse tours – book in advance online
- Best time: Any season (indoor conservatories make it year-round attraction); spring and fall for outdoor gardens
- Facilities: Visitor center, café, gift shop, parking
- Getting there: City bus or taxi; about 15-20 minutes from downtown Sejong
3. Bear Tree Park (베어트리파크)
A beautiful private garden-turned-public-park founded by entrepreneur Lee Jae-yeon, featuring an impressive collection of flora and fauna including the park’s famous Manchurian bears.
What to See & Do:
- Visit the Manchurian bear enclosures and watch these magnificent animals
- Explore botanical gardens with tropical plants, cacti, and bonsai trees in greenhouses
- Stroll through rose gardens and wildflower gardens (plants labeled in English)
- Walk the easy 1.3-mile loop trail through the park (takes about 33 minutes)
- Photograph diverse plant collections and landscaped gardens
- Visit themed garden sections showcasing different plant species
- Relax in well-maintained rest areas
- Enjoy seasonal blooms and changing foliage
Practical Info:
- Location: Sejong City
- Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; check seasonal hours
- Admission: Adults around 9,000-11,000 KRW; children 7,000-9,000 KRW
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best time: Spring for flowers; summer for lush greenery; fall for autumn colors
- Facilities: Restaurants, rest areas, parking
- Animal welfare note: Bears are well-cared for though some visitors note enclosures could be improved
- Getting there: Bus or taxi; about 20-30 minutes from city center
4. Yeongpyeongsa Temple (영평사)
A peaceful Buddhist temple offering spiritual tranquility and traditional Korean temple architecture in a natural mountain setting.
What to See & Do:
- Explore traditional temple buildings and architecture
- Participate in temple stay programs (if available – check in advance)
- Meditate in the serene temple grounds
- Hike surrounding mountain trails for nature and exercise
- Observe Buddhist ceremonies and rituals
- Enjoy seasonal mountain scenery (cherry blossoms in spring, autumn colors in fall)
- Experience authentic Korean Buddhist culture
- Take photos of traditional temple structures
Practical Info:
- Location: Yeongi-myeon, Sejong
- Hours: Dawn to dusk (temple hours)
- Admission: Usually free or small donation
- Time needed: 1-2 hours (add time for hiking)
- Best time: Early morning for peaceful atmosphere; spring and fall for scenery
- Dress code: Modest clothing recommended
- Etiquette: Keep quiet, remove shoes when entering buildings, be respectful during ceremonies
- Getting there: Bus to Yeongi-myeon area + taxi, or drive (parking available)
5. Milmaru Observatory (밀마루 전망대)
An observation point offering panoramic views of Sejong City’s modern cityscape and surrounding natural landscapes.
What to See & Do:
- Enjoy 360-degree views of Sejong’s planned urban layout
- Photograph the city’s distinctive architecture and government buildings
- View the surrounding mountains and countryside
- Visit at sunset for golden hour photography
- See the city lights illuminate at night
- Learn about Sejong City’s urban planning and development
- Use provided telescopes (if available) for detailed views
- Relax in observation deck facilities
Practical Info:
- Location: Sejong City (exact location varies – confirm before visiting)
- Hours: Typically daylight hours; may have extended evening hours
- Admission: Usually free
- Time needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
- Best time: Clear days; sunset for photography; night for city lights
- Facilities: Basic amenities, parking
- Weather dependent: Best visibility on clear days
- Getting there: Bus or car; check exact location and access route
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Where to Stay
Downtown Sejong: Hotels near government complex for convenient access
Near Lake Park: Best for tourist attractions and evening activities
Budget: Business hotels and motels (50,000-80,000 KRW/night)
Mid-range: Modern hotels (90,000-150,000 KRW/night)
Upscale: International brand hotels (180,000+ KRW/night)
Recommendation: Stay near Sejong Lake Park for easy access to main attractions
What to Eat in Sejong
As a new city, Sejong has diverse dining options from traditional Korean to international cuisine:
Korean Cuisine:
- Korean BBQ (galbi, samgyeopsal)
- Korean stews and soups (jjigae, tang)
- Bibimbap and other rice dishes
- Traditional Korean set meals (hanjeongsik)
Specialty Areas:
- Government complex area: Business lunch restaurants
- Lake Park area: Cafés, casual dining, family restaurants
- Traditional markets: Authentic local food
Unique to Sejong: Being so new, the city features many modern fusion restaurants and trendy cafés that showcase contemporary Korean dining culture
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May):
- Cherry blossoms at Lake Park
- Comfortable weather for outdoor activities
- Perfect for botanical gardens
- Popular season (can be crowded)
Summer (June-August):
- Water activities at Lake Park
- Lush greenery in parks
- Hot and humid weather
- Evening fountain shows
Fall (September-October):
- Beautiful autumn foliage
- Comfortable temperatures
- Best hiking weather
- Highly recommended season
Winter (November-March):
- Fewer tourists
- Winter landscapes
- Indoor attractions (arboretum conservatory) ideal
- Cold weather but clear skies
Why Visit Sejong?
Sejong offers a unique perspective on modern Korea – a completely planned city representing Korea’s future vision. Perfect for travelers interested in:
- Urban planning and architecture: See Korea’s most modern city design
- Parks and gardens: World-class botanical attractions
- Family-friendly activities: Safe, clean, and designed for families
- Photography: Modern architecture contrasts with natural beauty
- Easy day trip from Seoul or Daejeon: Accessible yet different from typical tourist cities
- Peaceful atmosphere: Less crowded and hectic than Seoul
Best For: Families, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, anyone wanting to see modern Korea
Quick Facts:
- Population: Approximately 370,000 (and growing)
- Famous for: Administrative capital, modern urban planning, parks
- Distance from Seoul: 120 km (1.5-2 hours)
- Distance from Daejeon: 30 km (30-40 minutes)
- Budget: 80,000-120,000 KRW per day including meals
- Ideal stay: 1-2 days
- Language: Korean (limited English)
- Best season: Fall (September-October)