Sejong (세종) is South Korea's central administrative capital city.

Understand

Government buildings

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

By train

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

The nearest airport with commercial flights is Cheongju International Airport.

Get around

Sejong Bus

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

• 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. (updated Jan 2024)
• 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. (updated Jan 2024)
• 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. (updated Jan 2024)

Do

• 1 Sejong Lake Park, 114-123, Sejong. 5:00-23:00 daily. (updated Jan 2024)

Buy

• 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. (updated Jan 2024)

Eat

Sleep

Go next

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