Every day of my life it seems like I am discovering new beauty in the world around me. Small things such as a child’s laughter, a smile, a new friendship, a flower, a building, a new city... Even though I’ve lived in Korea for almost five years, there are still a lot of places for me to discover new beauty. There are endless places and possibilities to discover the beauty of Korea, and I decided to visit the new and modern city of Sejong. My journey to Sejong started on a sunny morning in November. I booked a ticket on the Let’s Korail English website and boarded the train. One train and city bus ride later, I arrived in Sejong.

Sejong is officially known as the Sejong Special Autonomous City. Sejong was established in 2007 and in 2012 Korea started to transfer some of its governmental agencies to Sejong.

As I observed Sejong from the city bus, I could see that Sejong had gleaming storefronts, high-rises, and hip stores and coffee shops. Sejong is a modern and smart city that offers a lot for its citizens. In the midst of its modernity, I was determined to discover the beauty of Sejong. I wanted to discover the places that offered the beauty of nature and community, places that brought people together and offers new perspectives.

Sejong Lake Park is a wonderful place to stroll.

As I observed Sejong from the city bus, I could see that Sejong had gleaming storefronts, high-rises, and hip stores and coffee shops. Sejong is a modern and smart city that offers a lot for its citizens. In the midst of its modernity, I was determined to discover the beauty of Sejong. I wanted to discover the places that offered the beauty of nature and community, places that brought people together and offers new perspectives.

Cute sculptures

My first stop was Sejong Lake Park. Sejong Lake Park is Korea’s largest artificial lake and is home to five man-made islands. My first impression of the lake was impressive. The gleaming lake stretched out with walking trails and reeds waving in the distance. On one side apartments are being built up, and on the other is the beautiful Jeonwolsan Mountain, alight with the colors of autumn. In the park, couples, families, and students were strolling the walkways, riding bikes, flying kites, and even relaxing on beach chairs! On one part of the lake, there was a small area with sand, beach chairs, and beach umbrellas. Other highlights of the lake park are the concert areas, the bike and scooter rentals, and the scenic views from in and around the lake. Sejong Lake Park is a perfect place for a stroll or ride with other people while discovering new beauty in the middle of the city.

The impressive architecture of the National Public Library Sejong represents an upside-down book.

Located adjacent to Sejong Lake Park is the National Library of Korea, Sejong.

The unique shape of the building represents the shape of an upside-down book, showing the passing of different kinds of information. The library has six floors, four above ground and two underground. I discovered that the library was built in 2013 and serves as a cultural center for Sejong. It contains a library, different study rooms, a lecture hall, and a cafeteria. People were gathered on the steps and benches in the back of the building, enjoying picnics, talking, and reading.

I’ve always been a huge fan and patron of libraries, and I loved the unique design and ambience of the National Library. Libraries serve as a place for the community, a place to discover the beauty of knowledge, culture, and discovery. The National Library is a wonderful place to discover the beauty of new architecture and knowledge in Sejong.

Sejong Lake Park

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Milmaru Observatory

My next stop, a short bus ride away, was Milmaru Observatory. I had to take a very short hike up a scenic hill to the observatory.

This free observatory offers views of every side of Sejong, including the neighboring cities of Gongju and Jochiwon.

One of the views from Milmaru Observatory

t’s easy to see the progress of Sejong city from Milmaru Observatory.

On one side I could see gorgeous hanoks and high-rise apartments, on the other I could see soccer fields and high buildings. The observatory is a wonderful place to see Sejong from above and observe the city that is constantly expanding and improving. There is something beautiful in watching growth and change. Life is like that, constantly giving us changes and curveballs, and there is new beauty in change and development. As I left the observatory, I thought about the growth and change I’ve had in Korea, and I felt thankful for the people, places, and situations that I’ve experienced in Korea to help me discover the beauty of my personal development.

As the sun was setting and had I checked into my traditional hanok stay, I thought about my trip to Sejong. It was a city of culture, modernity, and community. Sejong is also a city of growth and development, but it has places for community, learning, observation, and contemplation. It’s also a place to discover new beauty in Korea. I will always (and continue to be) thankful to Korea for allowing me the chance to grow, to change, and to discover new beauty in the places, people, and situations around me.

Mokhyangjae is a beautiful traditional hanok house.

After my exploration of Sejong, I checked into my traditional hanok hotel called Mokhyangjae. Mokhyangjae is a beautiful two-story building in the middle of Sejong city.

Hanok is a traditional Korean house since Joseon dynasty.

I love traditional Korean houses, so I was excited to stay in Mokhyangjae. Mokhyangjae is across the street from several high-rise apartment buildings, so it served as a striking contrast of modern and traditional buildings in Korea. Mokhyangjae is in a quieter part of the city, but offers a convenient location near restaurants, convenience stores, and bus stops.

As I entered Mokhyangjae I was charmed by the traditional decorations, kimchi pots, and gardens. They had tables and chairs in the garden where you could sit and enjoy the ambience.

Kimchi pots decorate the corners of Mokhyangjae.

The solo traveler’s room is comfy and cute.

The owner of the house warmly greeted me and showed me to my room. She was very kind, showing me how to adjust the heating in the shower and ondol, and offering me coffee. The room was small but convenient and beautiful. It featured a large TV, free WIFI, ondol heating, toiletries, and shower/toilet. The room was nicely decorated with art and plants. I knew that I would have a pleasant and comfortable stay in this traditional Korean room.

I walked around the house and explored further, and I really loved the décor and gardens. I think that everyone that visits or lives in Korea should experience a hanok stay, and Mokhyangjae is a beautiful hanok. All the small details make me appreciate the beauty of this traditional hanok house. Mokhyangjae is perfect for solo travelers or large families, as you can book a room accordingly. Mokhyangjae is the perfect blend of tradition and beauty in the middle of Sejong city.

Mokhyangjae has a cute garden and walkway.