Sejong City

Understand

Originally intended to shift the South Korean economy and government away from Seoul as the nation's new capital city since 2002, as of 2025, Sejong City has the more modest goal of hosting many government agencies. It is further from the border with North Korea than Seoul, which would allow the government to function more effectively in the event of war. It opened in 2012, and much of the city is still under construction.

History The first historical records Sejong City appeared in the Geography 4 section of "Samguksagi" (삼국사기) under the name "Duyingji (두잉지) Prefecture and Guji (구지) Prefecture". Therefore, based on historical records, the historical era of Sejong City can be seen from the Baekje period. However, given the excavation of Paleolithic and Neolithic relics near the Geumgang area, it seems that people lived here since much more earlier. The economy began to grow with the opening of the Gyeongbu Line Railway and Jochiwon Station in 1905, and various university campuses and agricultural and industrial complexes were built in the 1980s. After that, with the goal of becoming an administrative complex city in the 2000s, it was launched on July 1, 2012 under the name of Sejong Special Self-Governing City.

Climate Sejong appears similar to the climate in Daejeon and Chungnam destrict, and shows lower temperatures and rainfall than the national average. Sejong City has an inland temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 13.1°C and is typically located between -7.5°C and 32.1°C. There is little impact from major typhoons or floods, but there is a clear difference in the occurrence of snow and fog between the north and the south, and annual precipitation is concentrated at 60-70 percent in the summer months.

Getting there

By train The city is 90 minutes south from Seoul by train on the Gyeongbu Line. KTX, the high-speed rail does not stop at Sejong, but stops at Osong Station, which is 25 minutes away by a car. The three stations below are the Gyeongbu Line station located in Sejong City. Among the above, Jochiwon Station has the largest number of trains.

1 Jeonui station (전의역). (updated Sep 2025) 2 Jochiwon station (조치원역). (updated Sep 2025) 3 Bugang station (부강역). (updated Sep 2025)

By bus In the case of Seoul, Seoul Gyeongbu Terminal is the only terminal with a bus route to Sejong. There are bus routes to Sejong Government Complex 2 (세종2청사), Sejong Policy Coordination Office (세종국무조정실), Sejong City Hall (세종시청), Sejong Areum-dong (세종아름동), Sejong Research Complex (세종연구단지), Government Complex Sejong(세종청사), and Sejong Terminal (세종터미널). There is also a bus rapid transit (BRT) route from Osong and Daejeon to Sejong, so it is also possible to take a BRT bus from the city above to Sejong.

4 Sejong Express Intercity Bus Terminal (세종고속시외버스터미널). (updated Dec 2025) 5 Jochiwon Public Bus Terminal (조치원공영버스터미널). (updated Dec 2025)

By plane The nearest airport with commercial flights is Cheongju International Airport. Using the B3 bus from Cheongju Airport, it takes about an hour to get to Sejong Express Intercity Bus Terminal.

By car Sejong is located near the Gyeongbu Expressway (No. 1) and Cheonan–Nonsan Expressway (No. 25). From Seoul, it takes around 2~3 hours by car depending on traffic.

Getting around

By bus

While Sejong has bus rapid transit (BRT), the city buses are not frequent enough to be considered reliable. There is a long dispatch time of 10 minutes or 50 minutes, Most people rely on driving to get between destinations. An adult bus ticket costs ₩1200 by cash and ₩1150 with transit card for travel within Sejong City boundary. Additional charges apply for travel outside of the city boundary. Up to three free transfers within 60 mins are allowed if you pay by transit card.

By bicycle It is convenient to ride a bicycle due to the characteristics of bicycle-only roads everywhere and comfortable parking due to bicycle parking in all directions.

Eoulling (어울링). It is a public bicycle in Sejong City and has high quality, such as installing 7-speed gears, showing high utilization rate. In order to use it, membership registration through a smartphone app is required. ₩1000 per day. (updated Nov 2025)

See

1 Milmaru Observatory (밀마루전망대), 58 Doum 3-ro, ☏ +82 44 862 8845. 10:00-11:30, 13:30-17:00 daily (closed on three major national holidays). A 9-story observatory with a 360 degrees overview of the Sejong City. Free entry and free parking. (updated Jan 2024) 2 Dokrakjeong Pavilion (독락정) (Follow the footpath going uphill passing the tombs of Buan Lee Clan). Open from sunrise to sunet. This historic pavilion was built in 1437. It is a cultural heritage site. Free entry. (updated Jan 2024) 3 Space Geodetic Observation Center (우주측지관측센터), 276-71 Wolsangongdan-ro, Yeongi-myeon, ☏ +82 44 860 4006. M-F: 10:00-noon, 13:00-17:00. An operating observatory with exhibits about South Korea involvement in astronomy and space. Free. Groups of 10 or more require prior reservation. (updated Jan 2024) 4 Sejong National Arboretum (국립세종수목원), 212-24 Sumokwon-ro Sejong-dong, ☏ +82 044-251-0001. 09:00-18:00 in Summer season (Mar-Oct), 09:00-17:00 in winter season (Nov-Feb), closed on Monday. National Arboretum of Sejong is an organization established to preserve and utilize forest biological resources in the temperate central region. Consisting of 22 gardens, 4548 plant species are preserved. A variety cultural events are also held throughout the seasons. ₩5000 for adult, ₩4000 for youth, ₩3000 for child. (updated Oct 2025) 5 Beartree Park (베어트리파크), ☏ +82 044-866-7766. 09:00-19:00 in summer season (Mar-Nov), 10:00-19:00 in winter season (Dec-Feb). Beartree Park is a zoo and arboretum where you can see animals such as Asiatic black bears and brown bears, and flowers and trees. More than 100 Asiatic and brown bears and 1,000 kinds of plants can be seen. ₩13,000 for adult, ₩11,000 for youth, ₩9,000 for child. (updated Oct 2025) 6 Presidential Archives (대통령기록관), 250, Dasom-ro, ☏ +82 044-211-2000 (Automated Response System). 10:00-18:00, Closed on Monday. It is an institution that collects and preserves documents, photos, videos, and furniture left by previous presidents and provides services for the public to use. (updated Sep 2025) 7 Government Complex Sejong Rooftop Garden (정부세종청사 옥상정원), 11, Doum 6-ro, ☏ +82 044-200-1580. three times a day(10:00, 13:30, 15:30). With an area about 3.6 km long and the size of 12 football fields, it is the world's largest rooftop garden that connects 15 government buildings. The rooftop garden has 1.44 million plants of 310 species, and space by plant theme, with a variety of tree species. (updated Sep 2025) 8 Gobok Nature Park (고복자연공원), 586, Dosingobok-ro, Yeonseo-myeon (About 7km along Local Road 604 from Jochiwon Station to Gongju via Citizens' Gym

Do

1 Sejong Lake Park (세종 호수공원), 114-123, Sejong, ☏ +82 044-850-4370. 5:00-23:00 daily. It is the largest artificial lake park in Korea with an average depth of 3 meters. There are five artificial islands decorated by themes, and trails and bicycle paths are created along the lake. (updated Oct 2025) 2 Dweeungbark Village (뒤웅박 고을), 90-43, Baeil-gil, Jeondong-myeon, ☏ +82 1588-0093. 09:00-19:00 (Museum 10:00-18:00). Dweeungbark Village was created to inherit the traditional fermented sauces, and various exhibitions and experiences are prepared. (updated Sep 2025) 3 Geumgang Pedestrian Bridge (금강보행교, 이응다리), 29-111, Sejong-dong, ☏ +82 044-868-9127. 06:00-23:00 (open 24/7). It is the longest walking-only bridge in Korea, and the circumference was set at 1446 m in commemoration of 1446 when King Sejong the Great spread the Hangul. The upper floor is used for walking and the lower floor for bicycles. (updated Sep 2025) 4 Jocheon Cherry Blossom Path (조천 벚꽃길), Jocheon Bridge in Sang-ri, Jochiwon-eup, ☏ +82 044-300-5356. As one of the three cherry blossom paths in Sejong, cherry blossoms are spread along the water path that flows between Jochiwon-eup and Osong-eup. (updated Sep 2025) 5 National library of Korea, Sejong (국립세종도서관), 48, Dasom 3-ro, ☏ +82 044-900-9114. Since its opening in 2013, National library of Korea, Sejong has hosted a variety of cultural events, exhibitions, and lectures. In addition, visitors can experience regular policy academies, book concerts, and exhibitions. (updated Sep 2025) 6 Sejong Central Park (세종중앙공원), 1204 Sejong-dong, ☏ +82 044-850-4370. 05:00-23:00. It is a park consisting of the Jangnamdeul Plaza for various festivals and events, a complex sports facility where you can enjoy sports, a family leisure forest where you can enjoy leisure as a family, and a family art forest where you can hold small cultural events. (updated Sep 2025)

Local festivals 7 Sejong Hangeul Festival (세종한글축제), Sejong Lake Park, Sejong Central Park, ☏ +82 044-850-0592. every October. It is a citizen-participating urban culture festival with a variety of attractions and entertainment under the theme of "Hangul, Science, and Music" centered on King Sejong and talent in the Sejong era. (updated Sep 2025) 8 Jochiwon Peach Festival (조치원복숭아축제), around the main streets, Sejong Civic Stadium, ☏ +82 044-300-2512. late July to early August every year. It is a festival designed to help peach farmers secure sales channels, and consists of programs that can be enjoyed not only during the day but also at night under the theme of "Fresh Jochiwon Peach." (updated Sep 2025)

Buy

1 Sejong Traditional Market (세종전통시장), 42 Jochiwon 8-gil, ☏ +82 44 868 4209. The 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th and 29th of each month. Opened since 1931, the 320-store market has vendors that sell local and nearby food, fruit, seafood, household goods and clothing. (updated Jan 2024) 2 Sejong Daepyeong Market (세종대평시장), Yongpo-ro, Geumnam-myeon, ☏ +82 044-867-3838. The 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd and 27th of each month. A permanent market has been opened since the great flood in 1946, and 69 stores exist. In addition, there are many cultural resources such as the nearby Baekro habitat and Geumgang Natural Recreation Forest. (updated Sep 2025) 3 Jeonui Wang-ui-mul Market (전의왕의물시장), Jangteo-gil, Jeonui-myeon, ☏ +82 044-846-0259. The 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd and 27th of each month. It was opened in 1946 and has about 70 stores. In addition, there are many tourism and cultural resources nearby. (updated Sep 2025) 4 Bugang Traditional Market (부강전통시장), Bugang-ri, Bugang-myeon, ☏ +82 044-867-7191. The 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th of each month. It was opened in 1964 and has about 60 stores. The number of market users is estimated to be about 300. (updated Sep 2025)

Eat

1 Jangwon Gap Kalguksu (장원갑칼국수), 2nd Floor, 32, Heomanseok 1-ro, Jochiwon-eup, ☏ +82 0507-1386-0925. 10:30-21:00, break time 16:00-17:00. It is a restaurant with a good menu composition, and has a large parking space, so it is accessible. (updated Sep 2025) 2 Dangmiso (당미소), 1st Floor, 61, Bodeum 7-ro, ☏ +82 0507-1352-0866. 11:00-21:30, break time 15:30-16:30. It is a popular Korean restaurant with Korean beef hot pot using shiitake mushrooms and beef ribs. (updated Sep 2025) 3 Sanjanggarden (산장가든), 1131-7, Dosingobok-ro, Yeonseo-myeon, ☏ +82 044-867-3333. 1st floor 11:00-21:00, break time 15:00-16:00, 2nd floor 11:30-14:00. It is a Korean restaurant where charcoal ribs are popular. (updated Sep 2025) 4 Bapsang Charyeojuneun Jip (밥상차려주는집), Room 215, Building A, Sejong Business Building, 232 Gareum-ro, ☏ +82 0507-1462-5133. 11:00-21:00, break time 15:00-17:00. It is a famous restaurant in Sejong City, which is famous for various Korean table menus. (updated Sep 2025) 5 Fastars (빠스타스), 4th Floor, Geumgang Building, 43 Dalbit-ro, ☏ +82 0507-1401-1992. 11:30-21:00, break time 15:00-17:30. The restaurant has a wide variety of menus that reinterpret authentic Italian cuisine in a modern way. (updated Sep 2025) 6 Bugangok (부강옥), 103, Bugangoecheon-ro, Bugang-myeon, ☏ +82 044-866-3362. 08:00-20:00, close on Tuesday.. It's a restaurant that's been selling sundae for three generations. It won the Blue Ribbon Award, and sometimes there's waiting. 12,000~35,000. (updated Oct 2025) 7 Jinsung Minsokchon (진성민속촌), 125, Chungyeon-ro, Bugang-myeon, ☏ +82 044-277-6262. 05:00-14:00. It is a restaurant with bone meat hangover soup and gamjatang as its main menu. (updated Oct 2025) 8 Ongi (온기), 47, Naseongbuk-ro, ☏ +82 044-998-6577. 11:00-21:00 (Break time: 15:00-17:30), closed on every Tuesday.. Brunch cafe with a comfortable atmosphere. It features a white and clean interior. (updated Oct 2025) 9 Chungnam Sundae (충남순대), 97-11 Yongpo-ro, Geumnam-myeon, ☏ +82 044-862-0355. 09:00-20:00, closed on Sunday. Chungnam Sundae is a popular sundae gukbap restaurant located in Geumnam-myeon. With a good waiting system, visitors can enter relatively quickly, and visit conveniently by using a nearby public parking lot. Sundae Gukbap ₩10000. (updated Nov 2025) 10 Ariete (아리에떼), 12, Deokgogae-gil, Janggun-myeon, ☏ +82 044-866-0684. 10:30 - 18:00. A brunch restaurant serving pizza, pasta, salad and sandwich brunch menus. Featuring baby chairs, it can also be visited with infants. (updated Dec 2025)

Drink & nightlife

Cafe 1 Choi Hanok Cafe (초이한옥카페), 2, Daegyohaesol 2-gil, Janggun-myeon, ☏ +82 0507-1416-4988. 11:00-19:30 (19:00 last order). Choi Hanok Cafe is a large three-story cafe located in Janggun-myeon, where you can use the second-floor space when you are accompanied by a dog. Coconut Smoothie ₩5800. (updated Nov 2025) 2 Leedo Coffee (이도커피 세종호탄점), 55-11, Hotan-gil, Geumnam-myeon, ☏ +82 044-867-2507. 10:00-21:30 (21:00 last order). Leedo Coffee Sejong Hotan Branch is a large cafe located in Geumnam-myeon, and offers a variety of drinks such as coffee menu, seasonal fruit juice, and herbal tea. Hibiscus Lemonade ₩6500. (updated Nov 2025) 3 Memory Factory (메모리팩토리), 43, Bareun 7-gil, ☏ +82 0507-1303-9211. 10:00-21:00. Memory Factory features a cozy atmosphere and spacious space. Coffee is available in a variety of choices, from hand drip to signature drinks. (updated Nov 2025) 4 Coffee D (커피D), 60, Geumnamgujeuk-ro, Geumnam-myeon, ☏ +82 0507-1351-6547. 09:30-21:40 (21:30 last order). There are plenty of coffee menus and bakeries, Salted Cream Latte and Condensed Milk Latte are popular menus, and the combination of soft cream and strong coffee is impressive. Salted Cream Latte ₩7000. (updated Nov 2025) 5 Look Back (룩백), 1st Floor, 2nd Floor, 184-26 Gongdan-ro, Yeongi-myeon, ☏ +82 044-868-9904. 10:00-21:00 (last order 20:30). The menu is diverse, ranging from brewing specialty coffees to non-coffee beverages, with the Matcha Shot Green Spanner and Americano being especially popular. Americano ₩4800. (updated Nov 2025) 6 Beanstella Cafe (빈스텔라), 1st Floor, 2nd Floor, 3rd Floor, Building 1, 155 Taesan-ro, Yeondong-myeon, ☏ +82 0507-1427-3233. 10:30-20:00 (last order 19:30). It features a large space and a variety of seating composition, and there are plenty of menu options such as handmade tea and seasonal drinks to satisfy various tastes. Black Sesame Cream Latte ₩6500. (updated Nov 2025) 7 Frankcoffin Bar Sejong (프랭크커핀바 세종점), 23, Naseongbuk 1-ro, ☏ +82 0507-1429-2059. 11:00-01:00 (11:00-22:00 on Mon). Café decorated with low saturation furniture. Frank coffee (cream coffee), croffle are popular. (updated Dec 2025) 8 Prdabang (풍류다방), 110, Geumam-gil, Janggun-myeon, ☏ +82 070-8840-7725. 11:00 - 21:00. A cafe with a view of the Geumgang River. Almost all tables are in a position with a view of the river, and it's easy to get by car because it's on the side of the road. (updated Dec 2025) 9 Cafe Dankong (단콩), 35-4, Seopgol-gil, Jochiwon-eup, ☏ +82 044-868-5932. 12:00 - 22:00 (12:00 ~ 16:00 on Mon). Woodton Interiors Cafe located near the Sejong Campus of Korea Universit

Sleep

1 Courtyard by Marriott SEJONG (코트야드 바이 메리어트 세종), 6, Dasom 3-ro, ☏ +82 044-251-4000. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. This hotel has quiet and cozy rooms, seasonal food and lounge areas, and has a panoramic view of Sejong Lake Park and the city center. (updated Sep 2025) 2 Best Western Plus Sejong Hotel Sejong (베스트웨스턴플러스호텔세종), 7, Doum 1-ro, ☏ +82 044-330-3300. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Upscale. Near Government Complex. (updated Oct 2025) 3 Cheongbyeok Vivaldi Pension (청벽비발디펜션), 161 Geumsong-ro, Janggun-myeon, ☏ +82 044-881-7755. You can see Cheongbyeoksan Mountain and Geumgang River here, and it is easy as a place for group meetings. (updated Nov 2025) 4 DMZ Private Pool Villa (프라이빗풀빌라 DMZ), 201-26, Seonggang-gil, Geumnam-myeon, ☏ +82 010-7187-1170. There are various facilities such as private pools. (updated Nov 2025) 5 Gallery Motel (갤러리모텔), 464 Sejong-ro, Geumnam-myeon, ☏ +82 044-864-2223. It is located 5 minutes away from Sejong Express Intercity Bus Terminal and provides a clean and comfortable rest area. (updated Nov 2025) 6 Gugong Stay (구공스테이), 16-6, Wonbuyong-gil, Geumnam-myeon, ☏ +82 0507-1353-7616 (Sejong), +82 0507-1439-4994 (Anon), +82 0507-1375-9268 (Goeun). Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. It is a pool villa stay on the 4th floor, which consists of a play area on the 3rd floor, a large swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace on the 4th floor. Each room (Sejong Stay, Anon Stay, Goeun Stay) is registered and managed as an individual operator. (updated Nov 2025) 7 New Sejong Motel (뉴세종모텔), 202, Eutteum-gil, Jochiwon-eup, ☏ +82 044-868-6400. Each room has a different interior so that visitors can feel a new atmosphere, all rooms have computer internet and Wi-Fi zones, and you can watch Netflix (account required) with a wall-mounted TV of 42 inches or more. (updated Nov 2025)

Go next

The city is between the other South Korean cities of Daejeon, Cheonan and Cheongju.