Sejong

Unlike most cities with centuries of history, Sejong is a modern project that embodies the future of South Korea. Its history does not stem from antiquity; rather, it is the result of an ambitious plan to create a new administrative capital for the country, officially opened on July 1, 2012. The city is named after one of the most revered rulers in Korean history—King Sejong the Great, who is credited with the creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangul.

Founding and Concept. The idea of relocating the capital from Seoul was discussed as early as the 1970s, but the project took real shape in the early 2000s. After presidential candidate Roh Moo-hyun made the capital relocation a centerpiece of his campaign, the official decision to build a new administrative hub was made in 2007. The city was constructed on land that previously belonged to Yeongi County and parts of South and North Chungcheong provinces.

Key Factors of Establishment. The creation of Sejong was driven by several strategic reasons. Chief among them was the need to ease the pressure on Seoul, which housed nearly half the country's population, leading to immense economic and social strain. Additionally, the project aimed for balanced national development by stimulating economic growth in the central regions. Finally, moving government agencies further south was seen as a measure to strengthen national security by increasing the distance between the administrative heart and the border areas.

Features During the Creation Phase. From the start, Sejong was designed as a model for future urban planning. Firstly, it became a new administrative center, where over fifteen ministries and government agencies relocated from Seoul. Secondly, it was built on principles of sustainability and environmental friendliness, making it a "smart" and green city—the famous "green roofs" of the Government Complex are a prime example of this. Thirdly, the city stands out for its modern architecture, futuristic buildings, and well-thought-out infrastructure, including expansive parks like Sejong Lake Park.

Key Milestones in the History of Sejong

The history of Sejong is the story of an ambitious 21st-century national project aimed at balanced regional development and the creation of a modern administrative hub. Unlike ancient cities, its timeline reflects the stages of planning and rapid construction.

• 2002 — Presidential candidate Roh Moo-hyun first proposes the idea of moving the capital from overcrowded Seoul to promote regional development.
• 2005 — A special law is passed to create a multifunctional administrative city, providing the legal foundation for the future Sejong.
• 2007 — The government of the Republic of Korea officially approves the decision to create a special administrative district, and a groundbreaking ceremony is held, symbolizing the start of construction.
• July 1, 2012 — Sejong City officially opens with the status of a special autonomous city. On the same day, the relocation of the first government agencies, including the Prime Minister's Office, begins.
• 2012–2014 — The primary phase of moving ministries and agencies takes place. By 2014, 36 central government organizations have relocated to Sejong.
• 2015 — The city's population grows rapidly, exceeding 200,000 people, signaling the successful settlement of the new administrative hub.
• 2019 — The relocation of key agencies, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, is completed, marking the end of the main phase of government relocation.
• Through 2030 — According to the long-term plan, infrastructure, residential areas, and cultural sites continue to develop with the goal of turning Sejong into a fully self-sufficient and thriving city.

Key Milestones in Sejong’s Development

The development of Sejong is not a process of centuries-long evolution, but the rapid implementation of one of the most significant urban planning projects of the 21st century. Each stage reflects the transformation of an idea into a modern, functional city.

• Inception and Legislative Approval (2002–2005). A key milestone was the proposal by presidential candidate Roh Moo-hyun to relocate the capital to ease the pressure on Seoul and stimulate regional development. This led to the 2005 passage of a special law that established the legal framework for building a new administrative city. Significance: This launched a national project for decentralizing power and creating a balanced economic model for the country.
• Start of Construction and Official Opening (2007–2012). The groundbreaking ceremony took place in 2007, and on July 1, 2012, Sejong City was officially opened, receiving the status of a special autonomous city. Significance: The city gained official status and began operating, welcoming its first government agencies. This moment marked the beginning of its real history, moving beyond the planning phase.
• Large-Scale Relocation of Government Agencies (2012–2019). This period was decisive for Sejong's establishment as an administrative hub. More than 36 ministries and agencies moved from Seoul, including the Prime Minister's Office and key departments. Significance: The relocation defined the city's primary economic function and attracted thousands of civil servants and their families, providing a powerful boost to residential and social infrastructure development.
• Formation of a "Smart" and Green City. From the beginning, Sejong was designed based on the principles of sustainable development. Innovative technologies, such as an automated waste collection system, were implemented, and vast green spaces were created, including the Central Park and the National Arboretum. Significance: This positioned Sejong as a futuristic model city focused on high quality of life, environmental sustainability, and technology, which became its hallmark.
• Creation of the Cultural and Educational Landscape. To turn Sejong into a well-rounded city, iconic cultural sites were built, such as the futuristic National Library of Sejong and the Arts Center. Significance: The city evolved beyond being just an administrative center, developing its own cultural identity and becoming an attractive place to live, not just work.
• Reaching Population Targets. By 2015, the city's population exceeded 200,000 people, confirming the success of the project in attracting residents. Significance: Rapid population growth proved the city's viability and stimulated further development of the commercial sector, services, and transport network.
• Long-Term Development through 2030. The current phase focuses on economic diversification, the development of research clusters, and the completion of all planned infrastructure. Significance: The goal of this stage is to ensure Sejong's long-term sustainability, transforming it into a fully self-sufficient metropolis independent of its original administrative role.

The architecture of Sejong is a striking example of 21st-century urban planning, where traditional historical styles like Gothic or Baroque give way to futurism, modernism, and sustainable development principles. The city did not undergo centuries of evolution; instead, it was designed "from scratch," allowing for the realization of the most daring and modern architectural ideas. At the heart of its appearance is not a layering of eras, but a unified master plan focused on functionality, environmental friendliness, and the creation of a "smart city."

Urban Planning Concept: The City as a Single Organism

Unlike cities with chaotic development, Sejong is designed as a cohesive system. Its master plan, developed in 2007, is based on the idea of a "FLAT CITY, LINK CITY, and ZERO WASTE CITY." The central part of the city features a circular structure that connects key zones—government, residential, commercial, and cultural. This concept aims to create a comfortable living environment where travel time is minimized and green spaces are seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric.

Key Architectural Styles and Iconic Landmarks

The dominant style in Sejong is contemporary modernism with elements of futurism and eco-architecture. It is characterized by bold geometric shapes, the use of glass, concrete, and metal, and the active implementation of "green" technologies. Several iconic structures define the city's skyline:

• Government Complex Sejong. This is the heart of the city and its primary architectural landmark. The complex consists of 15 interconnected buildings that, from a bird's-eye view, resemble a flying dragon. Its most remarkable feature is a massive 3.6 km-long rooftop garden, listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest in the world. This "green roof" is not only aesthetic but also serves as a recreational zone and a key element of sustainable architecture.
• National Library of Sejong. Designed in the shape of a curving sheet of paper or an open book, this building has become one of the city's most recognizable symbols. Its elegant, fluid silhouette in the postmodern style contrasts with the strict geometry of the government buildings and represents the cultural and educational core of Sejong.
• Sejong Arts Center and Presidential Archives. These facilities complement the city's futuristic landscape. The Arts Center is a multifunctional cultural space with a modern design, while the Presidential Archives, shaped like a cube, symbolizes the preservation of national values and history.

Thus, the architectural development of Sejong is not a history of changing styles, but the history of an ambitious project coming to life. The city serves as a living exhibition of modern urban planning achievements, where every building is part of a grand design to create the ideal city of the future.

Prominent Figures Associated with Sejong

As Sejong is a very young city, officially founded in 2012, its history is inextricably linked not with ancient figures, but with modern politicians, architects, and administrators who brought this ambitious project to life. The only, yet crucial, historical exception is the great ruler after whom the city is named.

• King Sejong the Great (1397–1450) — The fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty. Although he lived centuries before the city's founding, his name and legacy are fundamental to Sejong's identity. King Sejong is revered as one of the greatest rulers in Korean history, credited with creating the Korean alphabet, Hangul. The city's name is a tribute to his contributions to science, culture, and governance.
• Roh Moo-hyun (1946–2009) — The 9th President of the Republic of Korea. He was the primary initiator and driving force behind the project to relocate the administrative capital from Seoul. In the early 2000s, his campaign promise to create a new administrative center for balanced national development laid the foundation for the future of Sejong.
• Yoo Han-sik — Politician and the first mayor of Sejong City. Following the city's official establishment as a special autonomous city on July 1, 2012, Yoo Han-sik became its first elected leader. He was responsible for establishing the governance system of the new city, overseeing the relocation of government agencies, and addressing initial social and infrastructural challenges.
• Lee Choon-hee — The second mayor of Sejong. He continued the city's development, focusing on attracting residents, creating a comfortable urban environment, and transforming Sejong from a purely administrative hub into a self-sufficient city with a vibrant economy and cultural life.
• Choi Min-ho — The current mayor of Sejong City. His efforts are directed toward implementing the long-term development strategy through 2030, which includes the integration of smart technologies, strengthening Sejong's status as an eco-capital, and further developing educational and research clusters.
• Andrés Pellerano Ortega and his team of architects — Winners of the international competition to design Sejong's master plan. The Spanish architect and his team proposed an innovative circular city concept that became the foundation for the urban project. Their vision defined Sejong's futuristic look, including the famous government complex with the world's longest rooftop garden.