Sejong’s Administrative City Seen from a 42m Glass Elevator at Millmaru Observatory
Millmaru Observatory is a 42-meter-high viewing facility in Eojin-dong, Sejong City, designed to offer panoramic views of the new city center in all directions, including the Government Complex Sejong and Sejong City Hall. However, according to the official notice from the National Agency for Administrative City Construction, the facility is currently temporarily closed due to safety issues. Be sure to check its operating status before visiting.
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It is currently temporarily closed, rather than operating from 09:00 to 18:00
Although the official page of the National Agency for Administrative City Construction lists visiting hours as 09:00–18:00 every day, it also states that the facility is currently temporarily closed due to safety issues and cannot be visited. Therefore, visitors who arrive after relying only on tourism information stating that admission is free may be unable to enter the observatory.
The tourism information page lists the facility as open year-round and recommends calling on public holidays, including traditional holidays. Since no start or reopening date for the current closure is provided, the most practical approach is to confirm the operating status before departure by calling 044-862-8845, the visitor inquiry number.
On March 12, 2009, the former name of Jongchon-ri became the observatory’s name
Milmaru Observatory was installed on March 12, 2009. It is a facility built in a neighborhood park in Living Area 1-5 of Eojin-dong, Sejong Special Self-Governing City, to provide a panoramic view of the construction site of the Administrative City.
“Milmaru” is the former name of Jongchon-ri, Nam-myeon, Yeongi County, and means “low mountain ridge.” The use of an old place name for a site overlooking the development of Sejong City as a new administrative city makes it possible to understand the name as a link between the region’s existing place names and the construction of the new city.
How to spot Government Complex Sejong and Sejong City Hall from 98 m above sea level
The observatory is 42 m high and stands 98 m above sea level. A transparent elevator offering views of the outside takes visitors up to the ninth floor, 42 m above ground, while a spiral staircase wrapping around the building is installed outside the observatory.
The viewing area was designed to look toward Sejong’s new downtown in all four directions. Visitors can see Government Complex Sejong and Sejong City Hall. Inside, there are a bird’s-eye view map and a model of the administrative city and government complex, telescopes, and monitors showing the current appearance, the past, and directional information.
Route from Osong Station using buses 990 and 221
If traveling from Seoul by train, the recommended route is to take the KTX from Seoul Station to Osong Station. KTX trains operate frequently from 05:37 to 23:27, and the journey between Seoul Station and Osong Station is described as taking 45–55 minutes.
The Korea Tourism Organization’s information includes a route that involves taking bus 990 from the Osong Station stop and transferring to bus 221 at the Government Complex Sejong North stop. Bus 550, a seated bus, and B2, a metropolitan bus, also operate at the nearby Government Complex Sejong North stop. The distance shown in tourism information from that stop to Milmaru Observatory is approximately 508–532 m.
Elevator capacity of 12 people and observatory limit of approximately 30 visitors
The elevator has a capacity of 12 people, and the total number of visitors allowed in the observatory is limited to approximately 30. Large groups cannot all go up at once, so official information recommends making an advance reservation for group visits.
Even when the facility is open, visitors may have to wait in front of the elevator because of the capacity limit. In particular, while the facility is currently temporarily closed, the primary issue is that entry itself is impossible rather than whether there will be a wait. Groups and travelers with children should therefore ask about the reopening status and the number of visitors permitted by calling 044-862-8845.
Admission is free and parking is available, but actual visiting conditions may differ
The tourism information page lists admission as free and states that parking is available. However, the parking fee, parking lot location, and number of available spaces were not confirmed in the information provided, so motorists should not assume that parking is free.
The address is 58 Doum 3-ro, Sejong Special Self-Governing City (Eojin-dong), and other official information also lists it as 58 Doum 3-ro, Sejong Special Self-Governing City. The location is additionally described as being across from Yeonyang Elementary School. It is best to enter the address into your navigation system first and use the school across the street as a reference when looking for the entrance.
Wheelchair-accessible facilities and limitations visitors from abroad should know
Tourism information lists wheelchair-accessible facilities, including an accessible restroom, an elevator for visitors with disabilities, dedicated accessible parking spaces, and a level main entrance with no step. Information about the availability of restrooms is also provided separately, confirming the basic facilities for mobility convenience.
However, information is not provided about whether photography is prohibited, whether payment is cash-only, whether English information or an audio guide is available, stroller accessibility, or the exact distance and slope from the ticket office to the observatory. The visit is described as taking approximately 10–20 minutes based on visitor reviews, but because the facility is currently temporarily closed, this duration should be regarded only as a reference for when it reopens.
The observatory’s scale, preserved as a record of Sejong’s transformation
Materials from the Sejong City Council explain that a bird’s-eye view map was installed at Milmaru Observatory, allowing visitors to see at a glance the changes and current appearance of Sejong City’s planned area. They also state that the rest area contains videos and bird’s-eye view maps, enabling visitors to understand the scale of Sejong City through figures.
By the end of 2013, the observatory had recorded a cumulative 221,366 visitors. There is also an explanation that when winds blow at 30 m per second, visitors can feel the deck move by approximately 8.5 cm, so the characteristics of a high-rise viewing facility should be taken into account during strong winds. The official website is the information page of the National Agency for Administrative City Construction, and the address is https://naacc.go.kr/WEB/contents/N1060402000.do.
Before You Go
- Address
- 58 Doum 3-ro, Sejong Special Self-Governing City (Eojin-dong)
- Hours
- Every day, 09:00–18:00. However, the facility is currently temporarily closed due to safety issues and cannot be visited
- Closed
- The official page currently announces a temporary closure. The tourism information page lists it as open year-round and recommends calling on public holidays, including traditional holidays
- Admission
- Free
- Phone
- 044-862-8845
- Official site
- https://naacc.go.kr/WEB/contents/N1060402000.do
- Transport
- Korea Tourism Organization route: Take bus 990 from the Osong Station stop → transfer to bus 221 at the Government Complex Sejong North stop. Bus 550, a seated bus, and B2, a metropolitan bus, operate at the nearby Government Complex Sejong North stop. The distance from the stop to Milmaru Observatory is listed as approximately 508–532 m.
- Parking
- Parking available. The parking fee could not be confirmed
- Time needed
- Approximately 10–20 minutes based on visitor reviews
- Accessibility
- Listed as wheelchair-accessible: accessible restroom, elevator for visitors with disabilities, dedicated accessible parking spaces, and a level main entrance with no step. However, the facility is currently temporarily closed, so actual availability should be confirmed before visiting
The information above is based on the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.
Places
Nearby Attractions 3
-
1
National Sejong ArboretumAn arboretum where visitors can view plants while strolling through the Four Seasons Exhibition Greenhouse and themed gardens. -
2
Presidential ArchivesAn archival cultural center exhibiting documents, photographs, and personal belongings of past presidents. -
3
Food & Dining 3
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4
Sokuri Bapsang Sejong Government Complex BranchA Korean set meal centered on braised pollock and wood-fired grilled fish. -
5
Hainsunsaeng Sejong BranchA Chinese restaurant specializing in course meals made with seasonal ingredients. -
6
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