Sejong City Travel Guide

Sejong City is a hidden gem in South Korea, offering a blend of history, culture, nature and adventure. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Sejong City, including its top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, local customs and safety tips.


Introduction to Sejong City

Sejong City is a new administrative city in South Korea, established in 2012. The city is named after King Sejong the Great, the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty and creator of the Korean alphabet, Hangul. Sejong City was designed to relieve congestion in Seoul and promote balanced regional development. As a result, the city has become a hotspot for tourists seeking a more peaceful, less crowded, and diverse environment; Sejong City is a hidden gem in South Korea!

List of Places to Visit in Sejong City

Sejong City is full of cultural and natural sites to suit everyone’s interests, including museums, historical sites, outdoor activities, hiking and biking trails, and delicious local food.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sejong City has several museums and historical sites, including:

  • Sejong Museum of Art: This museum boasts a collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as traditional Korean art.
  • Yongyeon Cave: This cave was discovered by a local farmer and is now a popular tourist attraction, showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, and a beautiful underground lake.
  • Sejong Center for the Performing Arts: Known as the cultural hub of Sejong City, this center hosts various performances throughout the year, including music, dance, and theater.
  • Chungcheongnamdo Museum of Natural History: One of the largest natural history museums in Korea, housing intriguing exhibits about the region’s flora, fauna, minerals and fossils.

Natural Attractions of Sejong City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the great outdoors, Sejong City offers several options, including:

  • Geumgang Natural Recreation Forest: Located on the eastern outskirts of Sejong city, this forest has hiking trails that weave through the woods, along creeks, and up to scenic mountain tops.
  • Eocheon Reservoir: One of the largest reservoirs in Korea, this area is perfect for water sports and fishing.
  • Sejong Lake Park: A beautiful park with ponds, walking paths, and a nice view of the cityscape. This park is perfect for a relaxing picnic or a slow walk around the lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sejong City

Sejong City provides diverse trails suitable for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

  • Guksabong Peak (Mt. Guksabong): This mountain offers two starting points that lead to its peak, which are located in different neighborhoods of Sejong City.
  • Geumgang Natural Recreation Forest: Besides hiking trails, the forest also offers a 17.2 km long bike path around the reservoir.
  • Ara Canal: This canal runs 18 km through Sejong City, providing a nice bike path with scenic views along the way.

Best Things to Do in Sejong City: Activities and Tours

Apart from the places to visit and the hiking/biking routes, Sejong City also provides various activities and tours for visitors.

  • Jecheon Unjeong Lake Park: Take a soothing stroll through the park, soak in the scenic views and enjoy the pure atmosphere. While the park is lovely all year round, its autumn beauty is truly outstanding.
  • Pottery making workshop: Experience local culture by making and painting traditional Korean pottery at a workshop.
  • Food tour: Take a food tour and sample the delicious Korean cuisine that Sejong City has to offer.
  • Sejong City Night Life: Experience Sejong City’s nightlife with a bar-hop in the city’s entertainment district.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sejong City

  • Day 1: Visit the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and watch an evening show.
  • Day 2: Explore the museums and historical sites, including the Sejong Museum of Art, Yongyeon Cave and Chungcheongnamdo Museum of Natural History.
  • Day 3: Hike up to Guksabong Peak (Mt. Guksabong).
  • Day 4: Visit the Geumgang Natural Recreation Forest, walk the trails around the reservoir or bike the 17.2 km bike path.
  • Day 5: Make pottery at a local workshop.
  • Day 6: Take a food tour of Sejong City or bar hop in the City’s entertainment district.
  • Day 7: Visit the Eocheon Reservoir for water sports and fishing.

Food and Drink Scene of Sejong City

Sejong is known for its delicious food, influenced by the province’s agricultural heritage, it has a lively food scene which visitors can explore. The following are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ensalada de Okwa: A type of noodle salad made with fish that is unique to Sejong City.
  • Heotjesabap: Rice seasoned with red pepper paste, soy sauce, and various vegetables, usually cooked in a steaming casserole with soybean paste soup, which is one of the principal cuisines of Chungcheong Province.

Local Beverages

  • Yangpyeong Makgeolli: A traditional Korean rice wine that has been brewed and enjoyed for long in the region.
  • Icheon Tea: Known for its subtle and smooth flavor, this tea is grown and harvested in Icheon City, nearby Sejong City.

Where to Stay in Sejong City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many accommodation options in Sejong City, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels:

  • Sejong Hotel (luxury)
  • Ramada Encore Hotel (mid-range)
  • Pine Tree Pension (mid-range)
  • Intercity Hotel (budget)
  • Sejong Guesthouse (budget)

What to Buy in Sejong City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sejong City offers several souvenirs and local products that make for great gifts for your loved ones or memorable keepsakes. Some popular items include:

  • Pottery: Sejong City is known for its beautiful pottery produced by local artisans.
  • Korean Tea: As mentioned, nearby Icheon City produces quality tea leaves that make great gifts.
  • Honey: Sejong City is famous for its high-quality honey products produced mainly by local beekeepers.

Local Culture and Customs of Sejong City

Sejong City is relatively conservative, and visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and culture. Some tips to note while in Sejong include:

  • Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting religious sites
  • Remove your shoes when entering a Korean home or temple
  • Tipping is not mandatory in Korea
  • Bowing is customary when greeting or thanking someone

Best Time to Visit Sejong City

The best time to visit Sejong City is during the spring and fall seasons, when the weather is comfortable, and the nature around the city is at its prime. The city also hosts various festivals and events during these seasons.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sejong City

Do:

  • Learn basic Korean phrases to communicate effectively with locals.
  • Carry a copy of a Korean map or phrasebook, and be sure to have your destination or address written in Korean.
  • Observe local customs and follow social etiquette.

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside ondol-heated floor areas.
  • Avoid crossing the street at places other than a designated pedestrian crossing.
  • Do not lose your temper or raise your voice in public places. Koreans value harmony and respect.

Safety and Health

Sejong City is relatively safe, with low crime rates. However, travelers should take standard precautions and remain aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Safety in Sejong City

  • Use registered taxis or public transportation when traveling around the city.
  • Keep your valuables safe and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Be mindful of traffic and pedestrian signals when crossing roads.

Health in Sejong City

Sejong City has a reliable healthcare system available to residents and tourists. Public hospitals and clinics are located throughout the city, and pharmacies are widely available.

Getting to Sejong City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sejong City is easily accessible by plane, bus, or train.

Airports Near Sejong City

The closest airport to Sejong City is Incheon International Airport, which is located approximately 125 km away.

Bus Stations Near Sejong City

Sejong City Bus Terminal is the main bus station in the city, serving domestic and international destinations.

Other Options

There are also several train stations located in the city, including Jochiwon Station and Osong Station, which connect Sejong City with other major cities.

How to Get Around in Sejong City

Sejong City has a well-connected public transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and rental bicycles.

Buses

Sejong City has a comprehensive bus network, comprising city buses and long-distance buses. City buses are indicated by blue signs, with routes written in Korean and English.

Taxis

Taxis in Sejong City are convenient and affordable, with fares starting at around KRW 2,800. Always use registered taxis and avoid unlicensed drivers.

Rental Bicycles

Bicycle rentals are an ideal way of exploring Sejong City’s many recreational parks and trails. They can be rented from transportation hubs, city halls, and tourist information centers.

Where to Go Next from Sejong City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sejong City is conveniently situated near several other popular destinations in South Korea, including:

  • Daejeon: A bustling metropolitan city famous for its museums, parks, and technology industries.
  • Gongju: A city renowned for its rich history, culture, and architecture.
  • Cheongju: A city widely known for its music, arts, and traditional Korean paper-making.

Conclusion

Sejong City is a hidden gem in South Korea, offering a blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure. From hiking trails to museums to food tours, there’s something for everyone in Sejong City. With a helpful transportation network and world-class accommodations, Sejong City is an ideal destination for anyone planning a visit to South Korea.

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