Many nationalities get 90-day visa-free entry. Check with the Korean embassy.

What is the currency?

South Korean Won (KRW). Credit cards widely accepted.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited. Learn basic Korean phrases or use translation apps.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Tipping is not expected and can be considered rude.

Are there good hiking trails?

Yes, Mount Gyejoksan and the Geumgang River trails are popular.

Is Sejong family-friendly?

Absolutely, with many parks, museums, and safe streets.

About 120 km south, a 1.5-hour bus or KTX train ride.

Sejong

CitySejong-si, South Korea

Sejong is a CITY in Sejong-si, South Korea.

Sejong, South Korea's planned administrative capital, blends modern urban design with serene natural landscapes. Unlike the bustling chaos of Seoul, Sejong offers wide, tree-lined boulevards, futuristic government complexes, and tranquil parks like the scenic Sejong Lake Park. The city is a haven for cyclists, with extensive bike paths winding past the Geumgang River and through the sprawling Central Park. Cultural highlights include the National Sejong Museum and the traditional Hanok Village, where you can experience Korean heritage. Food lovers will enjoy the local specialty, 'Sejong-style' dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), and the vibrant night market. With its low crime rate, clean air, and family-friendly atmosphere, Sejong is perfect for a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path Korean adventure.

Best time to visit Sejong

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and stunning foliage. Spring brings cherry blossoms at Sejong Lake Park. Summer (July-August) is hot and humid with monsoon rains. Winter (December-February) is cold and dry, but offers fewer crowds.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 11 to 21°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Medium
Prices: Medium

Best for foliage and hiking.

Know before you go

Getting there

CJJ

Cheongju International Airport

International

16 km away

KPO

Pohang Airport

Domestic

150 km away

ICN

Incheon International Airport

International

160 km away

Getting around

"Sejong has an excellent public bus system (BRT) connecting major districts. Buses run frequently and are cheap (~$1). Taxis are affordable and metered. Biking is popular with dedicated lanes. Renting a car is easy but parking is limited in the city center. Walking is pleasant in the planned green spaces."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in city centre, cafes, and public buildings

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe city; scams are rare.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe city; scams are rare.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

2/10

"Sejong is extremely safe, with very low crime rates. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas; keep valuables secure. Nighttime is safe, but stick to well-lit areas. Traffic is orderly, but be cautious as drivers may not always yield to pedestrians. Emergency services are efficient."

Police

112

Ambulance

119

Fire

119

Medical Emergency

1339

Entry and health

Health information

"No mandatory vaccinations for South Korea. Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies (약국) are common and well-stocked. For minor ailments, visit a local clinic (의원). For emergencies, head to Sejong Chungnam National University Hospital. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants. Bow when greeting. Use both hands to give/receive items, especially business cards. Tipping is not customary. Dress modestly when visiting temples. Public displays of affection are rare. Avoid writing names in red ink."

Korean (official)EnglishKorean

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5-10 | a cheap local meal costs ~$5-10

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Sejong is slightly cheaper than Seoul.

Timezone

Asia/Seoul
Local time 04:46

More facts

Population

394,630

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Sedzong, Sedżong, Sejong, Sejong Special Self-Governing City, Sezhon, Yeongi, se(ː).dʑon, se(ː).dʑoŋ, sejam, sejong, sejonga, sejoniግ, shi zong, syjwng, syjwngh, Сежон, سئجونگ, سيجونغ, سیجونگ, सेजोंग, সেজং, ਸੇਜੋਂਗ, ሴጆንግ, 世宗, 세종, 세종특별자치시, Sedžong, Σέτζονγκ, 世宗特別自治市, Sedžongas, Седжон, เมืองเซจง, 世宗特别自治市, KR-50, Sejong Special Autonomous City, 세종시, セジョントッピョルジャチシ, سيجونغ سيتي, সেজোং, Secheong, Seĝon, Sejong (hiria), سجونگ, סג'ונג, Szedzsong, Սեջոնգ, Седжоң, ទីក្រុងសេចុង, Sedžona, Сэжун, सेजाँग सिटी, ဆဲဂျွံမြို့, Сеџонг, Сеҗоң, سیجونگ شہر, Sejong Metropolitan Autonomous City, Сеџонг метрополски аутономни град

Capital CityMajor HubHistoricFamily-FriendlyHikingCyclingParks