Daejeon

Understand

Daejeon is the 5th largest city in South Korea, with a population of approximately 1.44 million. It is in the centre of Korea and is at the crossroads of national rail and road transport routes, the Gyeongbu railway, Honam railway, Gyeongbu Expressway, and Honam Expressway. The city has been promoted as a city of science and education centred about Daedeok Science Town, more lately called Daedeok Innopolis. The Daejeon municipal government dubs itself a core city of research and development and the cradle of Korea's cutting-edge science sector. More than 200 research institutes, including the research and development facilities of Samsung, LG, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), are located within Daedeok Science Town in Yuseong-gu on the far outskirts of town, locally referred to as "Daedeok Techno Valley". This, plus the "Daedeok Innopolis" cluster of KAIST, Chungnam National University and government research institutes lend themselves to the city's local nickname: the Silicon Valley of Korea. The local image is generally good enough to rank fourth after Seoul, Busan, and Jeju in 2019, first in quality of life, health, environment, transportation, and administrative capacity index in 2021 and second after Seoul in the comprehensive sector. It is also a city with a very well-established local autonomy system. As a result,the World Federation of Local Governments meeting was held in October 2022. More than 1,000 local and local government councils from 140 countries participated as members.

Climate

Daejeon has a monsoon-influenced, 4 season climate that lies within the transition between the humid continental and humid subtropical climatic regimes (Köppen Dwa/Cwa respectively). Monthly mean temperatures range from −1.9 °C (28.6 °F) in January to 25.5 °C (77.9 °F) in August.

Orientation

Daejeon is 167.3 km from Seoul, 201 km from Busan and 169 km from Gwangju. It is also close to the proposed site of a new administrative city, Sejong City. Daejeon is separated into 5 administrative divisions or gu (구), (districts), all of which maintain their own tourist website in English. The divisions are largely run along rivers bisecting the city.

Daedeok-gu (대덕구; 大德區) Dong-gu (동구; 東區) Jung-gu (중구; 中區) Seo-gu (서구; 西區) Yuseong-gu (유성구; 儒城區) Dunsan is not a gu, but is the central business district and where you will find the majority of the shops and restaurants. The area is served by three stops on the subway: City Hall, Government Complex and Galma stops 111, 112, 113 respectively. For more upscale shopping and accommodation, head

Getting there

Daejeon is a road and rail transportation hub in South Korea. Two major expressways, Gyeongbu Expressway and Honam Expressway, and two major railways, Gyeongbu railway and Honam railway, are joined here. Travel time between Daejeon and Seoul using the high-speed railway system, otherwise known as KTX, is about 1 hr. The nearest airport to Daejeon is Cheongju Airport in the neighbouring city Cheongju and at least 30 min by road to the north of Daejeon.

By plane The local airport provides a few options for international travelers, with Cheongju International Airport (Hangul: 청주국제공항; Hanja: 淸州國際空港) (CJJ IATA) just north of Cheongju city. There is a railway station next to the airport, called Cheongju Airport station, which is on the Chungbuk Line although it is 600 m from the airport. The usual way to reach Daejeon from the airport is via intercity bus. Nevertheless, most travelers will arrive in South Korea via Incheon International Airport and get to Daejeon via the plentiful high speed train or bus services.

Parking for 1,100 vehicles is available opposite the passenger terminal. The facility is open from 06:30-22:00.Cheongju International airport has a very limited schedule, with flights from Jeju for a few times a day. Korean Air has two flights a week from Hangzhou in China and two flights a week from Bangkok in Thailand.

Cheongju Airport Station (600 m from the front gate of the airport), ☏ +82 43 214-2114 (Ticket issuing), +82 43 210-6616, +82 43 210-6328 (Inquiries). A shuttle bus operates between the Airport Station ⇔ Airport passenger terminals. All passenger trains on the Chungbuk line stop here. Tickets are issued at 1F tourist information counter in the airport passenger terminal. Buses to Daejeon Dongbu Terminal, Cheongju Airport ↔ Daejeon Dongbu Terminal - ₩3,500

By train

Daejeon lies on the main train line connecting Seoul and Busan. There are two principal train stations in Daejeon, the main Daejeon Station and the secondary Seo-Daejeon Station. Both are served by the KTX, the Korean high speed bullet train rail service. It takes about 1 hr from Seoul to Daejeon (₩23,700; Economy Class; Feb 2019) and it takes approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes to travel from Daejeon to Busan by KTX. Conventional trains take about twice as long but come at a considerably lower price. As an example at the other end of the spectrum an unreserved "deluxe floor" seat on the Mugunghwa from Seoul will set you back less than ₩9,000 and take almost 2 hr. A similar train from Busan to Daejeon will take almost 4 hr but costs under ₩15,000. If these sound

Getting around

Locals and those staying for a longer time can purchase a Hana bank rechargeable transportation card, which offers free transfers. When you open an account at Hana bank, this smart bank card can be charged with money to be used on buses, taxis. "Hankkumi" transportation cards are also available at manned booths within the subway stops. These cards cost ₩2,500 and are rechargeable at the station or at many GS 25 locations. Its one subway line bisects the city and runs south-east from the north-west corner. Only central Daejeon, old downtown (Daejeon station area) and a handful of sites are convenient to reach solely by subway. The subway is compatible with Seoul T-money passes. Hankkumi cards or tags contain both Hankkumi and Seoul T-money functionality.

By bus The inner-city bus service is extensive, but a bit slow. Most buses pass through Daejeon station which does not have a bus rank. Instead, they all leave from one of about 10 stops dotted around the area. Note that bus routes 1 and 2 are express stops and annoyingly not even typically marked on the handful of bus shelters where they do stop. City bus services in Daejeon buses are divided into four types. Each type of bus has a different colour; red, blue and green (2).

Red buses express cover 2 routes (1 and 2). They stop at major bus stops, ensuring a rapid transit service. Blue buses regular connect the downtown areas with the suburbs. Green buses there are 2 types of green - coloured buses: One of the green buses connects all districts within Daejeon, and the other connects Daejeon with its neighboring areas. Bus fares vary depending on the passenger's age group. Children, middle and high school students, and adults. A Traffic card is available and offers discounts and free transfer. T-money also works for discounts and free transfers, Each bus has two doors:

The front door for entry and back door for exit. Place your transit card close to the card reader upon entry and exit. Cash payment is no longer available.

Routes Expo Park - 121, 301, 606, 705, 911, 918 Daejeon O-world - 301, 115, 311, 314, 318, 315 Bomun-san (Mt.) - 119, 619, 618, 108, 313, 620 Gyejok-san (Mt.) - 103, 617, 311, 314 Daecheong Dam - 72, 73 Gubong-san (Mt.) - 210, 114, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Jangtae-san (Mt.) - 22 Sikjang-san (Mt.) - 611, 619, 607, 313, 60, 61, 62, 63, 71 Manin-san (Mt.) - 501 Uam Historial Park - 311 Jangsu Town - 312, 313 Donghak-sa (Temple) - 107, 48 Daejeon Korail Station - 1, 30, 31, 52, 60, 62, 63, 102, 311, 501, 511, 512, 603, 605, 606, 607, 612, 616 Seodaejeon Korail Station - 119, 201, 202,

See

There are 8 sites designated by the city government as scenic attractions, these are the Eight Sights of Daejeon. 1 Sikjangsan Mountain Forest (식장산), Deasungdong Dogu, ☏ +82 42-600-3695. Open all year round, no parking facilities. The site provides extensive walking trails and temple visits. Free. (updated Oct 2024) 2 Mount Bomunsan (보문산), Desadong Junggu, ☏ +82 42-581-3516. Observatory, recreation facilities, and cable cars. Also 20 springs, one every 20 m and each supplies drinkable water. 10 trail routes are available including the Sirubong, Mupilbon, and Sansunggil trails. Important historical sites are located on the top of the mountain. Open year round. A few access ways are available, but the most popular one is via Bomunsan Park Jct. Free. (updated Aug 2017) 3 Mount Gubongsan (구봉산), San 75 Kwanjeodong Seogu, ☏ +82 42-611-6261. Open all year round, no parking facilities. This mountain has 9 peaks and walking trails. Free. (updated Oct 2023) 4 Mount Jangtaesan (장태산), Jangandong Seogu, ☏ +82 42-585-8061. Accommodation, fish farm, deer farms, a children’s playground within man-made forests and natural forests. 12 km trails, a sky tower, small gorges, rest and picnic areas. Children are provided with playgrounds and there are exercise facilities throughout the park. (updated Oct 2023) 5 Yuseong Spa (유성온천지구), Bongmyeongdong Yuseonggu, ☏ +82 42-611-2130. Wounded soldiers of the Baekje Dynasty are said to have been healed after taking a bath in these springs. Kings and presidents including the first King of the Josun Dynasty, have reposed here. (updated May 2018) 6 Expo Park (대전엑스포 시민광장), Deajeon Expo Science Park Local Corporation 3-1 Doryongdong, Yusunggu, ☏ +82 42-866-5114. Commemorate the Deajeon Expo held in 1993 and committed to understanding the role of science and technology. Closed every Monday. Entrance ₩2,500 per person. Parking for 100 cars, small ₩1,500-large ₩2,000. Image simulation hall, dome image hall, energy hall, electric energy hall, and science hall science/exhibition, science academy, robot class, handicraft class, body world, dinosaur festival, unification hall, Hanbit tower, scientist street, Aqua resort, Magic plaza, Gabcheon River, restaurant street, dining hall and tourist information centre. During the 1993 Deajeon Expo, a total ₩180 billion was invested. 108 countries participated and 14 million visitors attended. (updated May 2018) 7 Daecheong Lake (대청호수), Daedeok-gu Miho-dong, ☏ +82 42-930-7241. Tu-Su. Information office is at 618-316, Daecheong-ro, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon Metropolitan City (left bank of Daecheong Dam). The lak

Do

1 Yuseong Hot Springs Resort (Hot Springs & Saunas), Yuseong-gu Bongmyeong-dong, ☏ +82 42-611-2114, +82 42-824-0210, +82-42-1330 (Korea Travel). These hot springs are known to be effective in countering many kinds of maladies. Containing alkaline minerals such as calcium, and potassium, sulfur, carbonic acid, silicic acid and radium and are considered to be beneficial in treating neuralgia and geriatric diseases. Accommodation is available nearby. 2 Daejeon Observatory. Tu-Su 14:00-22:00, closed Mondays and the day following a national holiday. Here you can observe the sun during the day or any number of celestial bodies at night. Located west of Expo Park, take the 604 bus to the observatory stop. (updated Oct 2023) 3 National Science Museum (국립중앙과학관 Gungnip Jungang Gwahakgwan) (adjacent to Expo Park on the north side of town), ☏ +82 42-601-7894, [email protected]. Tu-Su 09:30-17:50, closed Mondays. Showcases both permanent and special exhibitions. ₩1,000 for exhibitions and another ₩1,000 for planetarium; half price for under-20s. 4 Daejeon Currency Museum (화폐박물관 Hoapyebak Mulgwan) (behind KAIST in Wolpyeong.), ☏ +82 42-870-1000, fax: +82 42-861-5245. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, 10:00-16:00 in winter, closed Mondays. Historical currencies of Korea up to the modern day, including those of the DPRK (North Korea). Free. 5 Daejeon Museum of Art (대전시립미술관), Seo-gu Mannyeon-dong 396 (from the subway station, it's on the opposite side of the government complex), ☏ +82 42-270-7371. 10:00-19:00 (closed on Monday). Daejeon's primary art facility, nestled between the Government Complex Daejeon, Hanbat Arboretum and the small Mannyeong-dong restaurant district. Has a spacious park filled with modern art sculptures out the front. A small stage out the front sometimes hosts free cultural performances on weekends. 6 Daejeon Art Center ((대전창작센터) Daejeon Changjak Center), Eunhaeng-dong, Jung-gu (three blocks south of exit 2 of Jungangno subway station, on the corner of the Eunhaeng-negori junction; it has the space-invader mosaic on the front). Small art gallery in old downtown showcasing modern art works of young artists. The exhibits rotate every 1-2 months exhibiting to an often unusual theme, individual pieces regularly are quite involved, taking up an entire room. Free. 7 Donghak-sa Temple, Gongju-shi (Bus #107). A picturesque temple outside of Daejeon in the adjacent city of Gongju, but linked in on the Daejeon bus routes. In addition to the temple, the valley contains restaurants, hotels and saunas (including a fair few of the funky "hobbit mushroom" styled one

Buy

The city's traditional market is located next to the train station. The market by Daejeon Station is the general market, really nothing to write home about as far as appearances, the speciality stores are excellent, and you can get plants (from seeds to pots) which are not always easy to come by. Some household goods, and cheap clothes. The street to the southeast, outside the market perimeter, specialises in tools. South East Asian import canned and packet food including Mi Goreng (Indonesian-Malaysian dried instant noodles) and phone cards can be found at the International Food shop. Exit Daejeon Station through exit #3 and go straight for less than a minute. It's a very small shop that's located right in front of the traffic lights. A second, slightly smaller traditional market exists in Yuseong. Further traditional markets still can also be found near Seodaejeon Korail station, opposite Hanbat stadium, and a little further east of the Dongbu Intercity bus terminal.

For further discounts, Nouen wholesale market is located north of Yuseong. Take the subway line and get off at the World Cup Stadium stop (the subway plays a little soccer theme song so you can't miss it). There's a Costco directly beside Seodaejeon station. Costco offers OK discounted prices, and most everything is in bulk, but you can get some hard to find goods imported from the USA. You will need a personal (Gold Star) membership for ₩35,000, or you can use your card from home. It can solve dry food purchasing for a month or more in a single trip; watch out for seasonal specials, the November truffles make for nice, and cheap, gifts. For those without CostTo membership, E-mart Traders offers similar services with no membership requirements (not to be confused with E-mart proper). The Seodaejeon area also has the stock standard Home Plus, as well as some clothing department stores. The area is becoming rapidly one of the most affluent in the city so expect to see fancier outlets opening here over time. Uniqlo (Japanese unbranded clothing chain) is also located nearby on the basement floor of the Say Two Department Store (good to know in winter as it sells cheap thermals). The Lotte Department Store in Yongmun-dong has a Uniqlo as well (2nd floor). E-Mart and Home Plus is relatively ubiquitous, and a bit dear too. It does, however, offer a variety of basic house goods for settling into a new home, deodorant, as well as basic general produce (both fresh and dry), which are marginally cheaper than the prices in most corner stores, as well as offering it all in one stop. If you can't affor

Eat

In addition to the copious amounts of Korean restaurants and Koreanized "Japanese" izakayas scattered all over town, some foreign restaurants, including some offering Italian cuisine, can be found around the two main downtown districts of Dunsan-dong (opposite Timeworld) and near Jungangno station. Some nicer restaurants also still exist up near the World Cup Stadium. Oddball theme restaurants are scattered around town. For example, there are a couple of eateries in Dong-gu near the Intercity bus terminal subscribing to the "hobbit mushroom" school of architecture, a restaurant called literally Nameless (이름없음, Ireumeopseum) in front of Woosong university whose decor could be best described as "clusterbomb of ropes", and a full military themed chicken joint on the wrong side of the tracks in Shintanjin (follow the road/lane due south from the Loving Hut listed below). Sit-down sushi roll restaurants (as opposed to sushi trains) are scattered about Jungangno and Dunsan and can be a good option as the generic copy-cat business model typically involves picture-menus and prices under ₩10,000 a meal. Options go beyond sushi to salads, pastas, gratins, and Japanese style omu-rice. Korean-style sushi, not to be confused with kimbap is extremely flamboyant in appearance. Finally, if just looking for a quick snack, don't be afraid to try the street food. In central Daejeon around Jungangno there are at least 1-2 of the standard Korean odeng stands. Standard etiquette is to literally just grab a stick, eat it, and pay after you finish, the most common price is ₩500. Topokki (떡볶이tteokbokki) is a spicy ricecake and eggs in red spicy sauce. Stalls plus a handful of vendors with permanent shop-fronts can also be found here. The funny looking "buns" you may see the owner frying up are in fact essentially an inside-out pancake with syrup and nuts. The following are a few of the more outstanding or unusual eateries:

1 Indy, Dunsan-dong (diagonally across from the E-Mart in Dunsan-dong, near the T.G.I. Fridays and a Hanbok store; close to Government Complex subway station and buses the #185, #215, and #115 all drive by). Indian restaurant on the north side of town. Service may be a little slow for some and their prices are in the higher range. Curry dishes come with free rice or naan. Vegetarian options are available. (updated Oct 2023) 2 Loving Hut, Shintanjin (from Korail Shintanjin station, cross the tracks to the wrong side over the rickety bridge, head north about 10 m, and then 1 block west). Part of a chain of organic, 100% vegan, new pseudo-religious group-run res

Drink & nightlife

There are two major "downtown" areas for drinking in Daejeon. One is in new-town in Dunsan-dong, opposite the Timeworld Galleria shopping complex, and a short walk from Government Complex Daejeon subway station. The second is in the city centre of old Daejeon, down by Jungangno subway station. In addition, two further large drinking quarters exist in Yuseong and around Chungnam University as well as opposite Seodaejeon Korail station. Smaller areas of bars naturally exist beside each of Daejeon's universities, such as Hannam in the far east and Woosong in the far south. Note that many bars in Daejeon bar entry to foreigners and people over the age of 30.

Bars 1 Santa Claus Lounge, Kung-Dong, ☏ +82 42-825-5500. M-Sa 17:00-02:00, Su closed. Basement hangout place that offers free darts, pool table and foosball. This bar is popular with foreigners, especially international KAIST students. (updated Oct 2023) 2 Yellow Taxi, Dunsan-Dong, ☏ +82 42-487-4499. Yellow Taxi is a western bar. It is very large, with enough space to dance, and has lots of tables to sit and enjoy company. Drinks and food served. There are 2 dart boards and a pool table. On weekends, expect to find live music: rock, funk, blues, or electronic. (updated Oct 2023) 3 Daebak Pocha (대박포차), Jayang-Dong. Daebak Pocha is near Woosong University in Daejeon. Drinks and food are delicious and reasonably priced that many people, especially Woosong University students visit. 4 a drinking mate (술 메이트), Bongmyeong-dong 666-1, ☏ +82 10-8804-1890. 17:00-24:00. ₩13,000. (updated Nov 2024) 5 Rest, fish cake, and a drink (쉼, 어묵 그리고 한잔 술), Bongmyeong-dong 633-1, ☏ +82 507-1423-1244. 19:00-2:00. ₩20,000. (updated Nov 2024) 6 Thank you very much (땡큐베리머치), Daeheung-dong 250-2, ☏ +82 70-7723-0905. 11:30-22:00. ₩3900. (updated Nov 2024) 7 Green Bakery (그린베이커리), 1365 Gwanpyeong-dong, ☏ +82 507-1313-3497. 10:00-19:00. ₩3300. (updated Nov 2024) 8 Cold Butter Bake Shop (콜드버터베이크샵), Daeheung-dong 473, ☏ +82 507-1346-3832. 12:00-19:00. ₩3500. (updated Nov 2024) 9 Sweet Night Kitchen, Daejeon Daeheung Branch (달달한밤부엌), 달달한밤부엌, ☏ +82 507-1445-3511. 17:00-04:00. A bar where you can eat sashimi, barbecue, and steak at the same time. It is a place where you can enjoy accompaniment with dinner with a cost-effective course meal. ₩48,000. (updated Nov 2024) 10 Wolves and Blue Stars (늑대와푸른별), 382-51 Seonhwa-dong, Jung-gu (1 minute to walk from Jung-gu Office Station), ☏ +82 42-256-6848. 20:00-02:00 every day (Sunday is always different). Wolf and Blue Star is a uniquely themed cafe in Daejeon known for its artistic and c

Sleep

Budget Jjimjilbangs are not ubiquitous, but they are there. Check that they allow overnight sleeping first.

1 Magic 24 Sauna (매직24사우나), Yuseong-gu (in the middle of the Love Motel district north of the Yuseong Intercity/Express Bus Terminal and one block south of Yuseong HomePlus). A jjimjilbang located very close to Daejeon's primary Express Bus Terminal, this is situated conveniently for those passing through town. The building is a nondescript white cube with a simple backlit sign in hangul (no English) which sticks out like a sore thumb amongst all its trashy neon neighbours. This jjimjilbang offers hot and cold public baths from the natural thermal springs of Yuseong district. Another jjimjilbang is available in the Rodeo Town building, between City Hall and Tanbang subway stations, and walking distance (~1 km towards and beyond City Hall) from downtown Dunsan. A Youth Hostel has dorm accommodation for ₩7,000-8,000 per night. It is located in southern Yuseong, approximately a 10-min walk south from Hanbat Nat'l University or you can take the 102, 103, 104 or 113 bus to its western termination and then walk east for its approximate location. You will then take the left fork and going away from the terminal, which is adjacent to the restaurant buildings, and you will see a left turn, about 250 m, which leads to a very big youth hostel. It appears to be intended mainly for conventions and conferences. There are just rooms where you get a blanket to sleep on the floor so don't expect beds. Showers are shared. 2 Rodeo Land 24:00 in Bulgaria (로데오랜드 불가마24시), 77, Munjeong-ro, Seo-gu, 대전 서구 문정로 77 로데오 타운 4층 (by bus, by taxi, by train), ☏ +82 507-1357-9270. It is one of the largest jjimjilbangs in Daejeon and is often visited by families 13,000~20,000. (updated Sep 2025)

Mid-range You can look for love motels which vary in quality, price and cleanliness. Many of these are centred in Dong-gu, near the Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal or in old downtown in Jung-gu, south of the Jungangno nightlife district. Most western-style hotels with close proximity to the subway line are in the Yuseong Spa vicinity. This is also where you will find the splurge hotels so inquire ahead. Outside of Yuseong, chain hotels also exist around the Government Complex Daejeon.

3 Toyoko Inn, 922, Dunsandong, Seo-gu (10 min walk from Government Complex Daejeon Station), ☏ +82 42-545-1045, fax: +82 42-545-1046. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 10:00. Part of the Japanese chain of no-frills business hotels. ₩60,500 for a single, ₩132,000 for a suite, disabled access doubles for ₩82,500.

Go next

According to the city government, you can get to anywhere in South Korea from Daejeon within half a day. Seoul and Busan are less than an hour and two hours away, respectively, on the KTX. Gyeongju is also now rather accessible courtesy of the new Shin-Gyeongju KTX stop between Daegu and Busan. Seo-Daejeon Korail station will similarly link you up to Gwangju. There are several pick-up spots around town for the airport bus, which charges a princely sum of about ₩14,000 for the ride (₩3,500 for the regular inter-city bus). Also, see this articles Get in section for information on travel to Jeju. Another option to get to Jeju would be to take KTX to Busan and catch a ferry but this would be both less economical and efficient. Closer places of interest include:

Mt. Daedun, one of Korea's more famed mountains (you may have seen photos of its suspension bridge) is close by at a 45-minute bus trip away. Buses depart from the Dong-gu Intercity bus terminal at 10:30. Miss it and you're out of luck. Gongju, adjacent city and former capital of Baekje, known for its Beakje tombs. Also the gateway to hiking a nearby national park. Cheongju, Daejeon's airport, and historic town in its own right. Birthplace of jikji, the world's oldest moving metal type print book. Mt. Gyeryong (you can get off at Oryong Station Exit 5 and arrive by bus 107). Mt. Gyeryong is the third designated national park in South Korea and is 845 m high. The peak, Cheonhwangbong, is a restricted area, and there are many tourists to Donghaksa Temple. Mountain climbers often go up to the Donghaksa-Eunseon Falls-Gwaneumbong course or the Donghaksa-Namma tower-Sambulbong course. (updated Oct 2023) During festival season, Daejeon is the natural transfer point for travellers from the south end of the country heading to Boryeong for its expat-oriented mud festival.