Sejong City

Sejong City is South Korea's newest planned capital, a meticulously designed urban center built from scratch in the Chungcheong region. The city was established to decentralize government functions away from Seoul and has grown into a modern administrative hub with wide boulevards, contemporary architecture, and carefully zoned residential and commercial districts. Life here moves with deliberate purpose—the streets are orderly and efficient, reflecting the city's role as a government center while still developing its own identity. Sejong features extensive parks, lakes, and green spaces woven throughout its layout, creating pockets of calm amid the urban infrastructure. The city attracts government workers, families seeking newer housing, and professionals drawn by its planned infrastructure and lower density compared to Seoul. Shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural facilities continue to expand as the city matures. The Geum River runs nearby, and the surrounding landscape is relatively flat with agricultural areas beyond the city limits. Sejong represents a distinctly modern Korean urban experience—functional, organized, and still evolving.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

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SJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Visa & Residency

Obtaining a residency in Korea involves several steps and the process can vary depending on the type of visa. For expatriates, the F-2 Long-Term Residency Visa and the E-7 Special Occupation Visa are among the most popular. The F-2 visa is for those who have stayed in Korea for an extended period on a different visa and wish to change their status to long-term residency. Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a certain level of income, points based on age, Korean language proficiency, and volunteer activities. The E-7 visa is for those who have specialized skills in fields that Koreans cannot fulfill. To obtain this visa, an applicant must have a job offer from a Korean company and the company must prove that the role cannot be filled by a Korean citizen. For digital nomads, the H-1 Working Holiday Visa is a popular choice. This visa is available to citizens of countries that have a reciprocal holiday agreement with Korea. It allows young people, usually between the ages of 18 and 30, to live in Korea for up to 12 months, during which they can work and travel. The application process for the H-1 visa typically requires a valid passport, proof of financial support, a return ticket or funds to purchase one, and a plan for the stay in Korea. The process for obtaining a residency visa generally starts with securing a job or other qualifying activity in Korea, which is often the most challenging part. Once an individual has a sponsor or an employment contract, they can apply for the visa at a Korean embassy or consulate in their home country. The application requires various documents, including a completed application form, passport photos, and relevant certificates or letters from the employer or sponsor. The processing time can vary, but it usually takes a few weeks to a few months. After arriving in Korea, the individual must report to the office to obtain an Alien Registration Card. The difficulty of the process can vary greatly depending on the applicant's circumstances, the type of visa, and the current immigration policies. However, it is generally considered to be of average difficulty compared to other countries.

Cost of Living

Housing and rental costs in Sejong City are notably lower than Seoul, making it attractive for families and government employees seeking affordability without sacrificing modern amenities. Everyday expenses like dining and transportation remain reasonable, though prices have gradually increased as the city develops and attracts more residents. Utilities and services are competitively priced compared to major metropolitan areas.

Weather

Sejong City experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons, cold dry winters and warm humid summers typical of central South Korea.

Healthcare in Sejong City

Sejong Medical Center anchors healthcare delivery with 24-hour emergency services and general surgery capacity. Secondary clinics and dental practices dot the city's residential zones, though specialists often require travel to Daejeon or Seoul. Response times are typically fast given the city's compact layout and modern infrastructure.

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