Sejong (세종) is South Korea's central administrative capital city. It is a planned new city established for the purpose of dispersing government agencies and developing the central region. It is bordered by Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do to the east, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do to the west, Daejeon Metropolitan City to the south, and Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do to the north.
Understand
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Originally intended to shift the South Korean economy and government away from Seoul as the nations new capital city, it has now more modest goals of hosting many government agencies. It was also noted to be comfortably more distant from the border with North Korea, 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.
Get in
[edit]By train
[edit]The city is 90 minutes south from Seoul by train on the Gyeongbu Line. Strangely though, the KTX high-speed rail does not stop at Sejong but instead stops at Osong station which is 25 minutes away by car from Sejong.
By plane
[edit]The nearest airport with commercial flights is Cheongju International Airport.
Get around
[edit]
While Sejong has bus rapid transit, the buses are not frequent enough to be considered reliable. 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.
See
[edit]
- 1 Milmaru Observatory, 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.
- 2 Dokrakjeong Pavilion (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.
- 3 Space Geodetic Observation Center, 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.
- 4 National Arboretum of Sejong (국립세종수목원), 212-24 Sumokwon-ro Sejong-dong. the summer season 09:00-18:00, the winter season 09:00-17:00, closed on Monday. National Arboretum of Sejong is an organization established to preserve and utilize forest biological resources in the temperate central region. ₩5000 for adult, ₩5000 for youth, ₩3000 for child.
- 5 Beartree Park (베어트리파크). From March to November 09:00-19:00, the winter season 10:00-19:00, closed on Monday. Beartree Park is a zoo and arboretum where you can see animals such as Asiatic black bears and brown bears, and flowers and trees are lined up. ₩13000 for adult, ₩11000 for youth, ₩9000 for child.
Do
[edit]- 1 Sejong Lake Park, 114-123, Sejong. 5:00-23:00 daily.
- 2 Dweeungbark Village (뒤웅박 고을), 90-43, Baeil-gil, Jeondong-myeon, ☏ 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.
Events
[edit]Learn
[edit]Work
[edit]Buy
[edit]- 1 Sejong Traditional Market, 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.
Eat
[edit]Budget
[edit]Mid-range
[edit]Splurge
[edit]Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]Mid-range
[edit]Splurge
[edit]Connect
[edit]Stay safe
[edit]Cope
[edit]Go next
[edit]The city is between the other South Korean cities of Daejeon, Cheonan and Cheongju.