Food journey through Korea's administrative capital

Sejong’s two-day Sejong Osik, or Five-Meal tour, showcases the city’s split identity through restaurants, markets, cafés and cultural sites. Launched by the city government and the Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation, the program highlights Sejong’s gastronomic appeal and ties it to King Sejong the Great. The package begins with seok galbi at Sanjang Garden, continues with a rooftop matcha latte and peach prosciutto pizza, and ends with market food, crafts and historic sites.

The program starts with a sold-out launch on Sept. 19 and will run on Oct. 9, 24 and 31, as well as Nov. 14.

Each session is limited to 25 to 30 participants.

The package costs between 100,000 and 120,000 won and includes a one-night stay at a four-star hotel, gourmet dining and guided tours.

Han Kyung-ah said gastronomy was the top reason people visit the region and that government subsidies cover about 50 percent of the cost.

Baekkyung Distillery’s flagship Baekkyung 15 Gold uses local rice, water and nuruk, and its liquors are exported to Europe, the United States and across Asia.

Published Sep 15, 2026 7:00 am KST

Updated Sep 15, 2026 9:11 am KST

New tour program showcases marinated pork rib, peach prosciutto pizza

"Sejong Ohsik"participants pose for a photo in front of Cafe Hwayangyeonhwa in Sejong in this 2025 photo. Courtesy of Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation

There is a striking dual identity in Sejong, the nation's administrative capital. Looking down from a cafe on the 49th-floor of a building in the city's newest district, nothing appears aged. Neat grids of avenues, government complexes, lakes and arboretums unfold like a master architect’s blueprint. However, a short drive into the old district reveals an entirely different rhythm —narrow market alleys lined with fish stalls, retro signs, train tracks and young artisans quietly setting up shop inside weathered brick houses.

"Sejong Osik," or "Five-Meal tour" is an effort to bridge these contrasting worlds. Launched by Sejong's city government and the Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation, the two-day, one-night culinary tourism program reveals the gastronomic potential of Korea's administrative capital.

Marinated pork ribs grilled over charcoal at Sanjang Garden / Courtesy of Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation

The tour draws inspiration from King Sejong the Great, who is said to have eaten five meals a day. The program takes participants to some of the city’s notable restaurants, markets and cafés to try a full range of culinary delights.

A panoramic view of Sejong unfolds beneath Cafe Pleasure, located on the 49th floor of the Sejong Leader's Fore Tower in Sejong, Sept. 3. Courtesy of Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation

The journey begins with local hearty fare at Sanjang Garden, famous for its "seok galbi" —marinated pork ribs grilled over charcoal and served on heated stone plates. Ever since opening in 1995, the restaurant has used its own secret seasoning to marinate domestic pork ribs.

Because the ribs arrive fully cooked at the table, guests enjoy a hassle-free dining experience without smoke clinging to their clothes or the fuss of grilling the meat themselves. The flavor strikes a refined balance thanks to a subtle sweetness, allowing the tender texture and delicate smoky aroma of the premium pork to shine through. The meal delivers a rich flavor that serves as a fitting gateway into the region's dining scene.

A traditional Korean garden modeled after the one surrounding Changdeok Palace is seen at the Sejong National Arboretum in Sejong, Sept 3. Courtesy of Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation

After lunch, travelers are ushered to Cafe Pleasure on the 49th floor of the Sejong Leader’s Fore Tower.

Contemporary offerings such as matcha lattes provide a pleasant pause in the day — especially when accompanied by panoramic views of the Geum River and surrounding parklands, with the city stretching out in all directions.

A presidential limousine used by former Korean presidents including Roh Tae-woo and Lee Myung-bak is on display at the Presidential Archives in Sejong, Sept. 3. Korea Times photo by Park Jin-hai

Peach prosciutto pizza and traditional alcohol

The evening introduces another side of Sejong by highlighting its growing community of young entrepreneurs.

At pizzeria Fastars by Findfine, the signature dish is peach prosciutto pizza. Jochiwon, an older area within Sejong, has historically been known for its peaches, which make an unexpected but appealing topping when paired with salty prosciutto.

Korean traditional liquor is paired with Italian food at Fastars by Findfine in Sejong, Sept. 3. Courtesy of Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation

The meal is paired with craft spirits from Baekkyung Distillery. Using only local rice, water and traditional "nuruk" (a Korean fermentation starter), their flagship Baekkyung 15 Gold yields surprising white wine and fruit notes, and is engineered specifically to complement the food rather than overpower it.

Jung Seung-an, director of the distillery, has a deep-rooted family legacy in spirits. His grandfather, a traditional Korean medicine practitioner, originally brewed medicinal liquors, leading his father to eventually open a commercial brewery. Four years ago, Jung relocated to Sejong with his brother to establish their current distillery.

Jung Seung-an, director of Baekkyung Distillery, introduces the Korean traditional spirits he created with his brother at Italian restaurant Fastars by Findfine in Sejong, Sept. 3. Courtesy of Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation

After developing their own proprietary nuruk three years ago, he began releasing traditional Korean liquors, producing a diverse portfolio of yakju (medicinal liquor), cheongju (clear or filtered liquor), and takju (unfiltered rice liquor) that is now exported to Europe, the United States and across Asia.

“My singular goal was to craft a spirit that could seamlessly find a place on dining tables around the world. I wanted to create a liquor that elevates the flavors of a meal without overwhelming the dish itself,” Jung said.

Sejong Lake Park is seen in this file photo. Courtesy of Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation

Padak at local market

Day two of the tour pivots from sleek urban dining to the bustling warmth of Sejong Traditional Market in Jochiwon. On market days, vendors' displays spill out onto the pavement, showcasing seasonal produce, fresh fish and tantalizing street food.

The market is buzzing with shoppers. In one corner, a vendor who travels between local markets sells freshly made acorn jelly while customers haggle over floral-patterned hats. An elderly man sits crouched beside an oil press, extracting aromatic sesame and perilla oils from locally grown seeds amid an abundance of traditional rice cakes and street snacks.

A long line forms outside a stall serving bowl after bowl of "jjajangmyeon" (black bean noodles) for just 3,000 won ($2.20). The market pulses with energy, yet maintains its remarkably clean, orderly layout.

A hallmark of the market is "padak" — crispy fried chicken topped with a generous mound of shredded green onions— sold for 7,000 won. The poultry vendor who had a stall at the exact same spot for over 40 years works alongside a staff member from Pakistan, and together they prepare up to 400 chickens a day.

A man named Ali from Pakistan prepares a chicken at the Sejong Traditional Market in Jochiwon-eup Sejong, Sept. 4. Korea Times photo by Park Jin-hai

To experience the market firsthand, tour participants join the Market Potluck mission. Armed with vouchers, visitors explore the stalls to gather an assortment of dishes. Everyone then gathers together again at Cafe Hwayangyeonhwa — a renovated space featuring original vintage woodwork and lace curtains — to assemble a shared feast of fried chicken, handmade dumplings, savory pancakes, meat patties and fresh peaches.

The tour isn't just about trying different foods. It offers travelers sightseeing opportunities and hands-on experience with crafts.

The city's historic district has alleys with colonial-era homes, vintage shop signs, a still-operating kindergarten that opened in 1966 and inspiring community-led revitalization efforts.

At the Presidential Archives, visitors can step inside faithfully recreated presidential office spaces, step up to the podium in a mock press room or view one of the presidential limousines.

The Sejong National Arboretum features a greenhouse hosting the vibrant "Henri Matisse's Five-Color Garden" exhibition, setting vivid primary-colored structures against botanical displays. Visitors can then transition into a tranquil Korean garden modeled after the grounds around Changdeok Palace.

A vendor fries chicken, a famous local specialty, at a local market that sets up open air stalls every five days at Sejong Traditional Market in Jochiwon, Sejong, Sept. 4. Korea Times photo by Park Jin-hai

Hands-on glass making is another popular part of the tour. At Own Glass Studio, a workshop run by glass artist Lee Seung-yeon, guests create custom butter knives or coasters using colorful glass, providing a tangible takeaway from a part of the city where young creatives are giving old structures new life.

Bridging New and Old

By connecting top-tier regional restaurants, craft distilleries and food startups in the new districts with the raw, nostalgic charm of traditional markets, Sejong delivers a well-rounded two-day gastronomic retreat.

Food collected by tour participants during the Market Potluck mission are arranged on a table at Cafe Hwayangyeonhwa in Jochiwon, Sejong, Sept. 4. Courtesy of Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation

Starting with the sold-out program launch on Sept 19, the tour will run on Oct. 9, 24 and 31, as well as Nov. 14, catering to 25 to 30 participants per session.

"When we conducted our research, gastronomy turned out to be the top reason people visit this region. The culinary program sold out much faster than those centered around other themes," said Han Kyung-ah, director of the Sejong Cultural Tourism Foundation.

"Since government subsidies cover about 50 percent of the cost, participants only pay half the price, which causes the program to sell out as soon as it launches. Following last year's pilot program, this year's offering runs through November. We chose a gastronomy theme specifically to lower the barrier to entry and encourage people to experience the city."

Priced between 100,000 and 120,000 won ($75 to $90), the package includes a one-night stay at a four-star hotel, gourmet dining experiences and guided tours. Through this initiative, Sejong plans to revitalize commercial districts across both the new and old city centers by connecting regional culinary assets with local brands, while strengthening the city’s unique gastronomic identity.

Participants can experience a hands-on glass making session at Own Glass Studio in Jochiwon, Sejong, Sept. 4. Courtesy of Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation

世宗市推出的为期两天的“世宗五食之旅”（Sejong Osik）通过餐厅、市场、咖啡馆和文化景点，展现了这座城市独特的双重身份。该项目由市政府和世宗文化旅游基金会联合推出，旨在突出世宗的美食魅力，并将其与世宗大王联系起来。行程从在三藏花园品尝石烤排骨开始，接着在屋顶享用抹茶拿铁和桃子火腿披萨，最后以逛市场、欣赏手工艺品和参观历史遗迹结束。

该项目于 9 月 19 日举行了首场活动，门票已售罄，并将于 10 月 9 日、24 日和 31 日以及 11 月 14 日举行。

每场活动限25至30人参加。

该套餐价格在 10 万至 12 万韩元之间，包括四星级酒店一晚住宿、美食餐饮和导游服务。

韩京雅表示，美食是人们到该地区旅游的首要原因，政府补贴可以覆盖大约 50% 的费用。

白经酒厂的旗舰产品白经15金酒采用当地大米、水和酒曲，其酒品出口到欧洲、美国和亚洲各地。

发布于2026年9月15日 上午7:00（韩国标准时间）

更新于2026年9月15日上午9:11（韩国标准时间）

全新旅游项目主打腌制猪肋排和桃子火腿披萨

这张摄于2025年的照片中，参加“世宗五植”活动的选手们在世宗市花洋延花咖啡馆前合影留念。照片由世宗文化旅游基金会提供。

韩国行政首都世宗市呈现出鲜明的双重面貌。从城中最新兴城区一栋大楼49层的咖啡馆俯瞰，一切都显得那么崭新。整齐的街道、政府办公楼、湖泊和植物园，宛如大师级建筑师的蓝图般徐徐展开。然而，驱车前往老城区，却能感受到截然不同的韵律——狭窄的街巷两旁林立着鱼摊、复古的招牌、铁轨，年轻的工匠们在斑驳的砖房里静静地摆摊设点。

“世宗五食之旅”旨在连接这两个截然不同的世界。这项由世宗市政府和世宗文化旅游财团联合推出的为期两天一夜的美食旅游项目，展现了韩国行政首都世宗的美食潜力。

在三藏园用炭火烤制的腌制猪肋排 / 图片由世宗文化旅游基金会提供

此次旅行的灵感源自世宗大王，据说他一天要吃五顿饭。行程将带领参与者前往市内一些著名的餐厅、市场和咖啡馆，品尝各种各样的美食。

9月3日，在世宗市世宗领导人前卫大厦49层的Cafe Pleasure咖啡厅，可以俯瞰世宗市全景。图片由世宗文化旅游基金会提供。

旅程从品尝当地特色美食开始，首先来到三藏花园，这里以“烤排骨”（seok galbi）而闻名——腌制过的猪肋排在炭火上烤制，盛放在加热的石板上。自1995年开业以来，这家餐厅一直使用其秘制调料腌制国产猪肋排。

由于排骨端上桌时已完全熟透，宾客无需担心衣服上沾染烟熏味，也无需自行烧烤，尽享轻松愉悦的用餐体验。其风味层次丰富，略带一丝甜味，完美衬托出优质猪肉的鲜嫩口感和淡淡的烟熏香气。这道菜肴风味浓郁，是体验当地美食的绝佳之选。

9月3日，在世宗市世宗国立植物园，可以看到一座仿照昌德宫园林建造的传统韩式庭园。图片由世宗文化旅游基金会提供。

午餐后，旅客们被引至世宗领袖前楼 49 层的 Cafe Pleasure 咖啡厅。

抹茶拿铁等现代饮品能让您在一天中享受片刻惬意——尤其是在欣赏锦江和周围公园的全景，城市向四面八方延伸的时候。

9月3日，一辆曾为韩国前总统卢泰愚和李明博等总统使用过的总统座驾在世宗市总统档案馆展出。（韩国时报 朴镇海 摄）

桃子火腿披萨和传统酒精

当晚的活动通过重点介绍世宗市不断壮大的年轻创业者群体，展现了世宗市的另一面。

在Fastars by Findfine披萨店，招牌菜是桃子火腿披萨。世宗市的老城区朝致院自古以来就以盛产桃子而闻名，桃子与咸香的火腿搭配，竟成了意想不到却又十分诱人的披萨配料。

9月3日，在世宗市的Fastars by Findfine餐厅，韩国传统酒与意大利美食完美搭配。图片由世宗文化旅游基金会提供。

这顿饭搭配的是来自白经酒厂的精酿烈酒。白经酒厂的旗舰产品白经15年金酒只使用当地的大米、水和传统的“酒曲”（一种韩国发酵剂），酿造出的酒体带有令人惊喜的白葡萄酒和水果风味，其配方经过精心调配，旨在与食物相得益彰，而非喧宾夺主。

酒厂厂长郑承安的家族有着深厚的酿酒传统。他的祖父是一位韩国传统医学医师，最初酿造药酒，后来他的父亲也开始经营商业酿酒厂。四年前，郑承安和他的兄弟搬到世宗市，创立了现在的这家酒厂。

9月3日，白经酒厂厂长郑承安在世宗市意大利餐厅Fastars by Findfine向顾客介绍他与兄弟共同酿造的韩国传统烈酒。图片由世宗文化观光基金会提供。

三年前，他研发出了自己的专属酒曲，之后开始推出韩国传统酒类，生产出种类繁多的药酒、清酒和浊酒，这些酒现在出口到欧洲、美国和亚洲各地。

“我的唯一目标是酿造一种能够完美融入世界各地餐桌的烈酒。我希望创造一种能够提升菜肴风味，又不会掩盖菜肴本身味道的酒，”郑先生说道。

这张资料照片展示的是世宗湖公园。图片由世宗文化旅游基金会提供。

当地市场的帕达克

行程第二天，我们将从时尚都市餐厅转战热闹喧嚣的世宗传统市场（位于朝致院）。每逢集市日，摊贩们的摊位会一直摆到人行道上，展示着时令蔬果、新鲜鱼类和诱人的街头小吃。

市场里熙熙攘攘，挤满了购物的人。在一个角落里，一位走街串巷的小贩正在售卖新鲜出炉的橡子冻，顾客们则在讨价还价地挑选着花纹帽子。一位老人蹲坐在榨油机旁，用当地种植的芝麻和紫苏籽榨取香气扑鼻的油，周围摆满了各种传统米糕和街头小吃。

一家摊位前排起了长队，摊位上摆满了售价仅为3000韩元（约合2.20美元）的炸酱面。市场熙熙攘攘，热闹非凡，却依然保持着令人惊叹的干净整洁。

市场上的招牌小吃是“炸鸡块”（padak）——酥脆的炸鸡上堆满了香脆的葱丝——售价7000韩元。一位在同一个地方摆摊超过40年的鸡肉摊贩，与一位来自巴基斯坦的员工一起工作，每天要处理多达400只鸡。

9月4日，一名来自巴基斯坦的男子阿里在世宗市朝致院邑世宗传统市场处理鸡肉。（韩国时报 朴镇海 摄）

为了亲身体验市集，游客们会参加“市集聚餐”活动。他们手持代金券，穿梭于各个摊位之间，挑选各种美食。之后，大家齐聚花洋延华咖啡馆（Cafe Hwayangyeonhwa）——这家咖啡馆经过翻新，保留了原有的复古木雕和蕾丝窗帘——共同享用炸鸡、手工饺子、美味煎饼、肉饼和新鲜桃子等美食。

这次旅行不仅仅是品尝不同的美食，它还为旅行者提供观光机会和亲身体验手工艺的机会。

该市的历史街区拥有殖民时代的房屋、复古的商店招牌、一所于 1966 年开办至今仍在运营的幼儿园，以及令人鼓舞的社区主导的复兴努力。

在总统档案馆，参观者可以走进忠实还原的总统办公室，登上模拟新闻发布室的讲台，或者参观总统的豪华轿车。

世宗国立植物园内有一座温室，正在举办充满活力的“亨利·马蒂斯五色花园”展览，将色彩鲜艳的原色建筑与植物展品巧妙地融合在一起。之后，游客可以步入一座宁静的韩式花园，该花园仿照昌德宫的庭院而建。

9月4日，在世宗市朝致院世宗传统市场，一位摊贩正在炸鸡，炸鸡是当地著名的特产。该市场每五天搭建一次露天摊位。（韩国时报 朴镇海 摄）

亲手制作玻璃制品是此次旅行的另一大热门环节。在玻璃艺术家李承妍（Lee Seung-yeon）经营的“Own Glass Studio”工作室，游客可以用彩色玻璃制作定制的黄油刀或杯垫，将自己亲手制作的玻璃制品带回家，感受这座城市年轻创意人士赋予旧建筑新生的独特魅力。

连接新旧

世宗将新城区的顶级地区餐厅、精酿酒厂和食品创业公司与传统市场的原始怀旧魅力联系起来，打造了一场全方位的两天美食之旅。

9月4日，在世宗市朝致院花养妍花咖啡馆，游客们在“集市聚餐”活动中收集的食物被摆放在桌子上。图片由世宗文化旅游基金会提供。

巡回活动于 9 月 19 日正式启动，门票售罄。随后将于 10 月 9 日、24 日和 31 日以及 11 月 14 日举行，每场活动可容纳 25 至 30 名参与者。

“我们进行调查后发现，美食是人们来这个地区旅游的首要原因。美食主题的旅游项目比其他主题的旅游项目更受欢迎，门票很快就售罄了。”世宗文化旅游基金会主任韩京雅说道。

“由于政府补贴可以覆盖大约50%的费用，参与者只需支付一半的价格，因此该项目一推出就迅速售罄。继去年的试点项目之后，今年的项目将持续到11月。我们特意选择了美食主题，旨在降低参与门槛，鼓励人们体验这座城市。”

该套餐价格在10万至12万韩元（约合75至90美元）之间，包含四星级酒店一晚住宿、美食体验和导览服务。世宗市计划通过这项举措，将区域美食资源与本土品牌相结合，振兴新老城区的商业区，同时强化该市独特的饮食文化。

9月4日，参与者可在世宗市朝致院的Own Glass Studio体验玻璃制作的实践课程。图片由世宗文化旅游基金会提供。