Every fall, in Sejong City where I live, the Sejong Festival is held to celebrate the great achievements of King Sejong, the creator of Hangul. This festival, which began in 2013 with a focus on King Sejong and Hangul, has now become the city’s flagship event, marking its 12th edition in 2024.
King Sejong is a historical figure known for creating Hangul, and this festival is held to honor his cultural legacy. It’s a unique opportunity to experience both traditional and modern Korean culture, especially for those learning Korean, as it allows you to engage directly with Hangeul and Korean culture.
In this post, I’ll introduce the 2024 Sejong Festival and also recommend some nearby attractions worth visiting.
Schedule and Location
The 2024 Sejong Festival will be held from October 9th to 12th, a four-day event starting on Hangul Day. The festival is designed to honor King Sejong, his invention of Hangul, and his emphasis on education and science. It will take place around Sejong Lake Park and Central Park, where a variety of programs will be available for all to enjoy.
Main Events
Special Programs:
The festival kicks off on October 9th at 11 a.m. with an air show by the South Korean Air Force’s special flight team, the Black Eagles. Flying supersonic T-50B jets, the team showcases high-level flying skills and teamwork with breathtaking aerial displays.
In the evenings, the festival wraps up at 9 p.m. with a grand fireworks display, and on the first night, there will also be a dazzling drone show featuring 300 drones lighting up the sky.
Citizen Participation Programs:
Sejong residents can actively participate in events such as a Hangul song contest, Hangul quiz competitions, and a flash mob for line dancing.
Performances:
In addition to Hangul, the festival offers a rich lineup of science and music-related events. There will be magic shows, traditional music performances, dance, orchestral music, and even a Taekwondo performance by a team that appeared on America’s Got Talent.
Since the program varies by day, it’s best to check the Sejong Festival website for detailed schedules.
[Sejong Festival Website]
Must-Visit Spots in Sejong City
Since the first day of the Sejong Festival is packed with events, and many programs repeat daily, it’s a great idea to explore some other attractions in Sejong City while you’re here. Below are some notable places to visit near the festival grounds at Sejong Lake Park, with approximate travel times included.
National Sejong Arboretum:
(30-minute walk, 3-minute drive)
This is the only national arboretum located in an urban setting in Korea. It features the country’s largest glass greenhouse for plant exhibitions, so you can enjoy it regardless of the weather.
National Sejong Library:
(2-minute walk)
This library has a unique exterior that resembles an open book, and it’s a striking sight. Why not take a look at some Korean language-related books while you’re here?
Ieung(이응) Bridge:
(6-minute drive)
Inspired by the Korean consonant 'ㅇ' (이응) , this circular bridge is the longest pedestrian-only bridge in Korea and is one of Sejong City’s landmarks. It has a circumference of 1,446 meters to commemorate the year 1446, when King Sejong officially introduced Hangul. The upper level is for pedestrians, while the lower level is for cyclists.
Government Complex Rooftop Garden:
(5-minute drive)
Sejong is designed to be Korea’s administrative capital, and the Government Complex Sejong is a long, fortress-like building in the city center. Spanning 15 connected buildings, the rooftop garden is the world’s largest, featuring over 1.44 million plants from 310 species. Entry is free, but you need to make a reservation in advance.
Presidential Archives:
(7-minute walk)
The Presidential Archives preserve documents, photos, videos, and artifacts from Korea’s former presidents. It’s a valuable resource for history education, especially for young people, and admission is free.
➤ In this post, we’ve explored the 2024 Sejong Festival as well as nearby attractions. Sejong City is a relatively new city, and compared to Seoul or Busan, it has fewer foreign tourists. If you’re looking for a quieter destination away from the crowds of more famous spots, Sejong City is a great choice. Plus, as a city inspired by King Sejong and Hangul, it offers a unique experience for Korean language learners.
