The Administrative Capital of South Korea
Sejong Special Self-Governing City (세종특별자치시, Sejong Teukbyeoljachisi) is South Korea’s new administrative capital, designed as a futuristic, eco-friendly smart city. Located between Daejeon and Cheonan, Sejong houses most of the central government ministries, making it the political and administrative heart of the nation.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Named in honor of King Sejong the Great, the creator of Hangul, the city was established to reduce over-centralization in Seoul and promote balanced national development.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Government announces plan for a new administrative capital |
| 2007 | Construction begins |
| 2012 | Sejong officially launched as a Special Self-Governing City |
| 2014–2020 | Ministries and agencies move from Seoul to Sejong |
| 2020s | Becomes Korea’s leading smart and eco-city |
Sejong is South Korea’s most strategically planned city, symbolizing innovation, decentralization, and sustainability.
🧭 Basic City Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Sejong Special Self-Governing City |
| Korean Name | 세종특별자치시 |
| Country | Republic of Korea (South Korea) |
| Status | Special Self-Governing City |
| Area | ~465 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~400,000 (fastest-growing city in Korea) |
| Climate | Continental; hot summers, cold winters |
| Time Zone | UTC +9 (KST) |
| Dial Code | +82 44 |
| Top-Level Domain | .sejong.kr |
| City Motto | “Sejong – Korea’s New Administrative Future” |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Mayor | Choi Min-ho |
| Governing Body | Sejong City Government |
| Legislative Council | Sejong Special Self-Governing City Council |
| Administrative Divisions | 1 Urban District + Multiple Administrative Dongs |
| Status | Special Self-Governing City (Unique model, not a province or metro city) |
Sejong hosts:
Prime Minister’s Office
12+ government ministries
20+ national agencies
It is the de facto administrative capital of South Korea.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
Sejong is unique: no formal Gu (districts) like other metro cities.
Instead, it operates as one unified city with several Administrative Dongs and Eup/Myeon areas.
🏙️ Hierarchical Overview
| Level | Administrative Unit | Count | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Level | Special Self-Governing City | 1 | Sejong |
| 2nd Level | Administrative Districts | 20+ | Jochiwon-eup, Hansol-dong |
| 3rd Level | Legal Dongs, Eup, Myeon | 23 | Dodam-dong, Areum-dong |
📍 Major Administrative Areas of Sejong
| Area | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hansol-dong | Dong | First residential zone; city center |
| Dodam-dong | Dong | Government ministries and smart city zone |
| Areum-dong | Dong | Ministry clusters and administrative complexes |
| Jochiwon-eup | Eup | Traditional town and railway hub |
| Yeongi-myeon | Myeon | Rural areas and nature trails |
| Boram-dong | Dong | High-tech education district |
| Sodam-dong | Dong | Green residential communities |
| Bangok-dong | Dong | Central business and cultural zones |
Sejong’s structure ensures walkability, eco-living, and efficient governance.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Location: Central Korea (Chungcheong region)
River: Geum River flows through the city
Terrain: Valleys, open plains, and low mountains
Climate: Four seasons; mild springs and cold winters
Eco Features:
52% of city area is green space
Extensive bicycle highways
Korea’s first eco-friendly city planning model
Sejong is designed as a model ecological capital.
🧩 Development Focus & Smart Innovation
Sejong is Korea’s flagship smart and sustainable city.
Key Innovation Sectors:
Intelligent Transport System (ITS)
Autonomous Bus Network
5G Smart Governance
Green Energy Districts
Smart Homes with IoT integration
Administrative Mega-Complex
It is a global showcase city for urban planning and e-governance.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Department | Function |
|---|---|
| Sejong Police Agency | Public safety, government district protection |
| Sejong Fire & Safety | Disaster management and emergency services |
| Smart Safety Center | AI-based monitoring for traffic and city management |
Sejong is one of Korea’s safest and most well-managed cities.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Christianity, traditional Korean beliefs |
| Language | Korean (standard dialect) |
| Culture | Modern, young, educated, tech-driven |
| Festivals | Sejong Lake Festival, Sejong Arts Festival, Administrative Anniversary Day |
Sejong has a young population, with the highest birth rate in South Korea.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Industries | Public administration, smart tech, R&D, eco-construction |
| Economic Zones | Government Complex Sejong, Sejong Techno Valley |
| Future Growth | AI, biotech, hydrogen economy, smart farming |
Sejong’s economy grows rapidly as ministries and tech companies relocate here.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Institutions | Korea University Sejong, KDI School of Public Policy |
| Education Focus | Public policy, technology, administration |
| Healthcare | Sejong Chungnam National University Hospital, high-quality medical centers |
| Life Expectancy | ~85 years |
Sejong is emerging as an education and policy research hub.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Rail | Sejong Station (future KTX), Osong KTX nearby |
| Expressways | Gyeongbu, Dongseo, and Sejong–Pocheon highways |
| Smart Transport | Autonomous buses, bicycle expressways |
| Urban Planning | Grid-based, green, and pedestrian-friendly |
Sejong is engineered to be the most efficient city in Korea.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
Sejong Lake Park – massive lake, bridges, and walking paths
Sejong National Arboretum – Korea’s largest urban arboretum
Government Complex Sejong – administrative buildings
Jochiwon Traditional Market – cultural heritage
Geum River Trails – scenic bicycle routes
Bear Tree Park – nature and wildlife attraction
Central Park District – modern architecture and culture halls
Sejong balances nature and modernity gracefully.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Strategic Role | Korea’s new administrative capital |
| International Engagement | Smart city cooperation programs |
| Global Partnerships | Exchanges with eco-cities and digital capitals worldwide |
| Sustainability Goals | Carbon-neutral city by 2050 |
Sejong is a model for future global administrative cities.
📝 Summary
Sejong Special Self-Governing City stands as South Korea’s administrative and eco-smart capital. With futuristic planning, green living, and government leadership at its core, Sejong is shaping the future of governance, sustainability, and intelligent urban design.
📢 News & Articles
“Sejong Smart City: Korea’s Administrative Future”
“Eco-Capital of the Nation – Inside Sejong’s Green Vision”
“Government Complex Sejong: The Heart of Korea’s Administration”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering verified, insightful knowledge on modern cities shaping the future of sustainable governance and innovation.
📬 Contact Us
For verified updates or collaboration regarding Sejong City:
📧 shababalsharif@gmail.com
🌐 https://shababalsharif.com