Sejong, South Korea: Frostbite and Kimchi Dreams

okay, so. sejong. who knew? i definitely didn't. i was supposed to be in jeju, chasing volcanic sunsets and black sand beaches, but a last-minute gig fell through (long story involving a rogue seagull and a very expensive ukulele) and i ended up here. thanks, universe.

i just checked and it's…a proper nip in the air. like, you’ll need a hat and gloves kind of nip. the weather report says -1.71°C, feels like -1.71°C. pressure’s high, though, which is something, i guess. humidity’s clinging on at 69%, so it’s not completely bone-dry. i’m bundled up like a yeti, honestly.

this city…it’s new. really new. it was only designated the administrative capital in 2007. so, everything’s shiny and modern, all glass and steel. it’s a bit…sterile, if i’m being honest. but there’s a weird charm to it, a sense of potential. like it’s still figuring itself out.

my mission? find the best kimchi jjigae. obviously. i’m a botanist, remember? (yeah, weird career choice for a travel blogger, i know). but kimchi is basically fermented plant magic, and i need to study it. for science. mostly for deliciousness, though.

“Don’t go near the government buildings after dark. Apparently, there’s a whole underground network of…something. Nobody really knows. Just rumors, mostly.”

that’s what a guy at the convenience store told me. he was, uh, very enthusiastic about the rumors. he also tried to sell me a lucky cat keychain. i politely declined.

so far, sejong is…quiet. peaceful, even. if you get bored, cheonan and jeonju are just a short drive away. i spent a few hours wandering around the *Sejong Lake Park. it’s pretty, even with the frost crunching under my boots. there’s a weird, almost futuristic vibe to the whole place.

“The best kimchi jjigae is at Grandma Lee’s. But you have to go early. She runs out of kimchi by noon.”

that was drunk advice from a woman i met at a karaoke bar (don’t ask). she also insisted i try soju mixed with orange juice. i regret nothing.

Pro-Tip: Download KakaoMap. Google Maps is…not great here. Seriously. KakaoMap is your friend. Trust me.

I overheard someone complaining about the lack of decent coffee shops. Apparently, it’s a major issue. I’m on the hunt for a decent latte. Send help (and caffeine). I found a place on Yelp that looks promising: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-de-momo-sejong. Fingers crossed.

Gear List:

Thermal socks (essential)
Hat (also essential)
Gloves (you get the picture)
Portable charger (for KakaoMap)
A phrasebook (my korean is…developing)
A serious craving for kimchi

Someone told me that the local bus system is surprisingly efficient, but also confusing. Apparently, you need a T-money card. I’m sticking to taxis for now. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g314446-Activities-Sejong.html has some ideas for things to do, but honestly, just wandering around is pretty great.

I’m also checking out the National Archives and Records Service. It’s a bit dry, but hey, gotta do some research, right? https://www.archives.go.kr/ (mostly in korean, so good luck with that).

Another Pro-Tip: Learn a few basic korean phrases. It goes a long way. “Annyeonghaseyo” (hello) and “Kamsahamnida” (thank you) are good starting points.

Sejong is…unexpected. It’s not flashy or glamorous, but it has a quiet charm. And the kimchi jjigae? Still searching. Wish me luck. I’ll update you when i find the perfect bowl.

Oh, and one more thing. A local warned me about the pigeons in Sejong Lake Park*. Apparently, they’re aggressive. Just a heads-up.

Sejong, South Korea: Frostbite and Kimchi Dreams

You might also be interested in:

About the author: Gabriel Kent

Comments (0)

Join the conversation

Comments (0)

Join the conversation