Sejong Food Outing at Sejong Jangeo Daega, Bau Garden, and Gabaeseorim, Plus a Stay at Best Western Plus Hotel Sejong
A roundup of restorative meals, a garden restaurant, a book cafe, and a hotel to visit before or after walks at Sejong Lake Park and the arboretum
Comparison table at a glance
| Place | Type | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sejong Jangeo Daega | Restorative cuisine | Clean-tasting, thick grilled eel and plenty of seating | Outings to treat parents and family gatherings |
| Bau Garden | Garden restaurant | Relaxed meals with green garden views | Pairs with outings to Beartree Park and Yeongpyeongsa Temple |
| Gabaeseorim | Local cafe | Calm, study-like atmosphere and fragrant coffee | Afternoon tea after walks at the arboretum or the lake park |
| Best Western Plus Hotel Sejong | Business hotel | Clean rooms close to the new city's key sights | Weekend family staycations, business trips, and a base for a 2-day, 1-night trip |
1. Recharge After Walking the Arboretum and Lake Park: Sejong Jangeo Daega and Bau Garden
The Four Seasons Exhibition Greenhouse at the Sejong National Arboretum and Sejong Lake Park both have well-kept, flat walking paths, but walking the two back to back can easily push your step count well past 10,000. At times like this, Sejong Jangeo Daega is a dining spot often named as pleasing everyone in the family. Its golden grilled eel makes a hearty, restorative meal, and the comfortable dining room means large family groups can visit without worry.
If you want more of a countryside-outing feel, we recommend Bau Garden, with its beautiful landscaping. You can take a short stroll through the garden before or after your meal, which makes it a good lunch stop on a drive through the northern outskirts toward Yeongpyeongsa Temple or Beartree Park.
Sejong Jangeo Daega · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 3 (no changes allowed)
Yeohaenggak editor's tip During the weekend lunch peak (12:00–13:30), arboretum visitors flood the restaurants all at once, so arrive before 11:30 or plan to eat after 13:30.
2. An Afternoon of Books and Coffee at Quiet Gabaeseorim
If you want to get away from the new city's big commercial complexes and savor a cup of coffee in a calm, intellectual atmosphere, Gabaeseorim makes a good retreat. As the name suggests, it brings together coffee (gabae) and a forest of books (seorim), a space where you can enjoy fragrant drinks and desserts while catching up on your travel notes.
It works well as a stepping-stone stop after you've toured the National Children's Museum or the Sejong National Arboretum in the morning and before you head out to see the Geumgang Pedestrian Bridge (Ieung Bridge) lit up before sunset.
Gabaeseorim · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 3 (no changes allowed)
Yeohaenggak editor's tip The atmosphere suits quiet conversation, so leave the cafe in time for the evening sunset at the Ieung Bridge (30 minutes before sunset) to see the Geumgang River glowing gold.
3. Your Base Camp for Sejong: Best Western Plus Hotel Sejong
If you're taking your time with a 2-day, 1-night trip to Sejong rather than a day trip, the most reliable place to stay is Best Western Plus Hotel Sejong. It sits in the central residential district near the Government Complex Sejong and the lake park, so the Sejong National Arboretum, Sejong Lake Park, the National Children's Museum, and the Geumgang Pedestrian Bridge (Ieung Bridge) can all be reached by car.
Tour Beartree Park and Yeongpyeongsa Temple to the north during the day on day one, check in to the hotel, take in the night views at the Ieung Bridge and Sejong Lake Park in the evening, and then visit the Sejong National Arboretum and the Children's Museum the next morning for a polished 2-day, 1-night itinerary with no wasted travel.
Best Western Plus Hotel Sejong · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 3 (no changes allowed)
Yeohaenggak editor's tip From Osong Station (KTX), the hotel is reachable by bus rapid transit (BRT) or taxi, which is convenient for travelers coming without a car.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. What restaurants near Sejong Lake Park and the Sejong National Arboretum are good for a meal with my parents?
For a restorative meal, Sejong Jangeo Daega is very popular; if you'd like to eat at a leisurely pace with garden views, we recommend Bau Garden.
Q. How do I get from Best Western Plus Hotel Sejong to the Ieung Bridge?
You can go by car, and after dinner you can also make the trip with a designated driver service, a taxi, or a bus.
Q. Which station should I get off at if I come to Sejong by KTX?
Get off at KTX Osong Station and take the BRT (bus rapid transit) or a taxi to reach the Sejong Lake Park and Hotel Sejong area.
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