Unlock Sejong, South Korea: Your Guide to a Hidden Gem

Hey everyone👋! When it comes to traveling in South Korea, Seoul and Jeju Island probably come to mind first, right? Today, I'm going to introduce you to a charming, less-traveled city—Sejong. It boasts unique culture, delicious food, and tons of fun activities. Follow my guide and let's explore together👇. 🌍【First Impressions】 Located in central South Korea, Sejong is the country's administrative capital! Unlike the hustle and bustle of Seoul, Sejong offers a unique blend of tranquility and vibrancy. The city's modern urban planning features wide, clean streets and lush greenery🌳. Strolling through Sejong is a truly pleasant experience. It also brings together the characteristics of various regions of South Korea, making it a microcosm of the country's essence. 🏠【Accommodation Guide】 - Near Sejong City Hall: Super convenient for getting around, with plenty of shopping malls and restaurants nearby. Many attractions are within walking distance, saving you a lot of commuting time. - By Sejong Lake: If you want to enjoy beautiful natural scenery, lakeside guesthouses are an excellent choice. Imagine falling asleep to the gentle lapping of the lake—pure bliss! Plus, the guesthouse owners often prepare local snacks for their guests. 🍽️【Food Tour】 - Sejong BBQ: You can't visit South Korea without trying Korean BBQ! Sejong's BBQ restaurants offer unique flavors, featuring beef🥩 marinated in local sauces and grilled over charcoal until sizzling and fragrant. Wrap it up with refreshing kimchi, garlic slices, and lettuce for a perfect blend of savory meat and fresh vegetables. Each bite is incredibly satisfying. - Samgyetang: This is a classic Korean dish. A whole young chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, red dates, ginseng, and other ingredients, then simmered until tender and flavorful🎄. The chicken is so tender it falls off the bone, and the soup is rich and nutritious. A bowl of Samgyetang is perfect for a cold day. - Sejong Specialties: Don't miss out on "Sejong Pancakes," which are similar to savory pancakes but softer. They are filled with various vegetables, meat, or sweet red bean paste, offering both sweet and savory options. They're perfect for a stroll. Also, try the ubiquitous fish cake skewers🍢 simmered in hot broth and dipped in special sauce. They're chewy and delicious, and a cheap and cheerful snack. 🌊【Must-See Attractions】 - Sejong Lake Park: The city's green lung and a great place for locals to relax. The lake is crystal clear, surrounded by lush trees🌳. Rent a boat and enjoy a leisurely time on the water. The park also has large grassy areas, perfect for picnics and kite flying. At night, the lights around the lake illuminate the park, creating a dreamy atmosphere ideal for walks and photos. - Sejong Center for the Performing Arts: This center showcases traditional Korean culture from all over the country. From the craftsmanship of Hanbok👘 to the experience of playing traditional musical instruments, you can immerse yourself in the charm of Korean traditional culture. There are also regular cultural performances, such as traditional dance and theater. Check the official website for performance information and enjoy a cultural feast. - National Museum of Korea, Sejong: A must-visit for history buffs! The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts spanning various historical periods of Korea. Through exhibits of artifacts, models, and multimedia displays, you can gain a deep understanding of Korean history. And it's free! You could spend a whole day here and not get bored. 💃【Leisure & Entertainment】 - Sejong Night Market: As night falls, the night market comes alive. Browse through a variety of handicrafts and trendy items, and enjoy street performances like singing, dancing, and acrobatics🎤. When you're tired, grab some snacks and drinks at the food stalls and soak up the local atmosphere. - Jjimjilbang Experience: Korean Jjimjilbangs are famous. Find a local one in Sejong, steam yourself, sweat it out, and relieve travel fatigue👀. After your Jjimjilbang session, relax in the lounge area with a face mask and a boiled egg. 📸【Instagrammable Spots】 - Sejong Lake Park Observation Deck: With Sejong Lake as the backdrop and the blue sky and white clouds reflected in the water, you can capture stunning photos, whether it's landscapes or portraits. The sunset is particularly beautiful, with the golden light casting a magical glow. - Traditional Courtyard of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts: The antique buildings and meticulously landscaped gardens are perfect for photos. Put on a Hanbok and feel like you've traveled back in time to ancient Korea. - Neon Lights of the Night Market: The colorful lights and bustling crowds of the night market make for vibrant photos full of life, capturing all sorts of interesting moments. 🚗【Travel Tips】 - Visa: Apply for a South Korean tourist visa. Prepare your passport, photos, employment certificate, and other required documents in advance. It's recommended to use a reliable travel agency, and visas are usually issued within 7–10 working days. - Transportation: You can reach Sejong from Seoul by subway or bus, which takes about 1–2 hours. Within Sejong, buses and taxis are convenient. You can use a T-money card on buses, and taxi fares are reasonable. - What to Pack: Bring a Hanbok (if you want to take traditional photos), comfortable shoes👟, sunscreen🧴, a power bank, and common medications like stomach medicine, just in case. Sejong is truly an underrated gem. Avoid the crowds and embark on a deep and relaxing journey through South Korea💕! Remember to like and save this post. Have a wonderful trip!