My time in Sejong begins gently, almost lyrically, with a family of four cycling down a perfectly maintained bicycle path just outside my hotel. The mother pedals gracefully, while two little ones wobble confidently on their own small bikes. The father jogs behind them, a giant bright yellow Pokémon balloon floating above them like a cheerful mascot.
The autumn air is crisp, yet warmer than expected; clean enough to taste. Vehicles glide past silently, most of them electric, hardly disturbing the calm. Families with toddlers and babies walk toward a park glowing in afternoon light.
Some picnic, others toss balls, many simply enjoy the break that a holiday week offers. It is instantly clear that Sejong is a refreshing answer to the density of Seoul, a family-friendly oasis designed for balance, breathing space and a future shaped by innovation. Spending 48 hours here feel like stepping into a city that exists both in the present and the future.
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NOW READ:Hangul is more than writing: It is woven into Korean culture Sejong’s streets are immaculate, something I notice from the large window of my room at the Courtyard by Marriott. Not a scrap of litter, not a hint of smog. It is astonishingly clean, almost utopian in its presentation.
But behind the polished surfaces lies a remarkable origin story. On 21 December, 2006, the city’s name was officially confirmed as Sejong, honouring King Sejong the Great, the visionary monarch who created Hangeul.
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