Sejong City

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

Understand
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.

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
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.

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