Plan a trip soon to the city of Sejong (just like the great King of South Korea) to visit the Sejong National Arboretum, South Korea’s first national arboretum.
Korea’s ‘administrative capital’ is now home to country’s first urban arboretum – Sejong National Arboretum. Whether or not you have a green thumb, you will appreciate the magnificence, beauty, and the size of this place!
How to get to Sejong National Arboretum (국립세종수목원)?
Sejong National Arboretum is located about 120 kilometers from Seoul. You can reach the arboretum via different travel options. You can take the bus to Sejong Bus Terminal or train to Osong Station.
Basic Info:
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Admission Fee: Individuals – Adults 5,000 won, Children 3,000 won
- Pro Tip: Just a heads up, if you’re planning a trip from far away: make sure to grab your tickets in advance! They can sell out quickly.
About Sejong
Sejong City, named after the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty and the creator of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, is situated between two provinces, Chungcheongnam-do and Chungcheongbuk-do, and the city of Daejeon. Designed to be a “smart city” and a Special Self-governing city, Sejong positions itself as a cool alternative to Seoul.
The area boasts a plethora of new developments, expansive parks, and plenty of outdoor space. It’s also home to many amazing attractions that will draw visitors and tourists alike.
What is Sejong National Arboretum?
The National Sejong Arboretum is one of Korea’s three national arboretums in Sejong. It is Korea’s first urban national arboretum. It is located in the center of Sejong city and it opened in October 2020 after eight years of planning.
The arboretum covers a sprawling 65 hectares, that’s about 90 football fields. You can admire over 1.7 million plants of 2,834 different species in this arboretum. It is divided into 24 different themes, including a traditional Korean garden and a bonsai exhibit.
Sejong National Arboretum is also the largest greenhouse in South Korea. There are multi-level walkways where you can leisurely stroll around and enjoy the beauty.
It is also the perfect place to enjoy the how and sweltering summer in Korea. There is a facility within that releases mist from between the rocks. This mist will help visitors to cool off in summer.
Things to do
Just over an hour south of Camp Humphreys, this stunning and family-friendly arboretum is a true cultural and artistic gem. Spanning vast grounds, it offers restaurants, cafés, garden and gift shops showcasing floral artistry and exquisite woodcraft. Visitors can explore picturesque ponds, a playground, a maze, traditional Hanok architecture, and breathtaking greenhouse conservatories. With its immersive blend of nature and creativity, the arboretum feels like a living theme park. Open from March to October, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers and families alike.
Four Seasons Exhibition Greenhouse
This huge, glass structure has a Mediterranean greenhouse, a tropical greenhouse, a special exhibition greenhouse, and a center hall with a snack shop, a cozy sitting room, a small exhibition room, and a cafe. It is the largest greenhouse in the country with colorful plants usually found in the tropics. It has a jungle-like atmosphere with 400 different species on display. There are small waterfalls and a deck from where you can enjoy the aerial view of the greenhouse. It has a high ceiling – 32 meters.
Each greenhouse is a global treasure trove of inspiration, complete with photo-zones and observation decks for breathtaking views. The Special Exhibition Greenhouse is a must-visit, with its ever-changing themes.
Traditional Korean Garden
The Korean Traditional Garden is an eclectic mix of all the popular gardens from across Korea. For example, there are replicas of gardens at Changdeok Palace in Seoul and Soswaewon in Damyang. Both these gardens bring the architecture of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) to modern Sejong City.
Bonsai Exhibition
The Bonsai Garden features a whole lot of variety of bonsai styles. Every time you visit, you will find a new selection of bonsai trees on display. Although the art of bonsai comes from Japan, Korea has its own unique syle of ‘bunjae,’ the cultivation of small trees in a pot.
Life Garden
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience, the Life Garden has got you covered. You can learn how to grow your own plants and harvest your own produce. You’ll even find chickens roaming around because their droppings are used as fertilizer!
Children’s Garden
If you’re bringing children along who might be exhausted from exploring the flora and fauna, consider visiting the Children’s Garden and Maze. There’s a fantastic playground nearby with restrooms, so you can spend some quality time there. The area features a captivating cypress tree maze, a charming folk play garden adorned with plants and traditional fairy tale characters, and a delightful water playground.
Snacking or lunch
If you’re visiting the greenhouse in the morning, you can either stop by the cafe located in the greenhouse lobby and shop area. Or you can head out to find the food court if you’re looking for a more substantial meal.
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