Daejeon 대전
- Daejeon's population - 1.5 million.
- Located in the Chungcheong region.
- urban transport hub and science and technology center.
- within easy reach of Gyeryong & Sogni San National parks, Beopju-sa temple and Yuseong hot springs.
- South Korea's fifth-largest city.
Daejeon is a major city located in the central region of South Korea. It serves as the capital of South Chungcheong Province and is situated approximately in the center of the country. Daejeon is known for its strategic location, efficient transportation infrastructure, and its role as a hub for science and technology.
The city of Daejeon is often referred to as the "City of Science and Technology" because it is home to several leading research institutions and government agencies. It hosts the headquarters of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), one of the top engineering and science universities in the country. Chungnam National University and Woosong University are two other major universities in Daejeon.
Things to see and do
Expo Science Park was built for the 1993 Expo and is Daejeon's main attraction along with the adjoining Kumdori Land amusement park, which closed in 2012 and was named after the yellow, alien mascot of the Expo.
Most of the Expo buildings have also now been removed except for Hanbit Tower and the Daejeon Expo Memorial Hall.
Across the Gapcheon River is the Hanbat Arboretum and the interesting Modern Art Gallery.
The Hanbat Arboretum on the south bank of the Gap River is divided into two main gardens (Dowon or West Garden and Dongwon or East Garden) further subdivided into several sections. These include a Fruit Garden, Magnolia Garden, Medicinal Herb Garden, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, and Tropical Garden.
Another interesting green space is Ppuri Park south of the city. It is dedicated to the theme of filial piety, so important in Korean society, and opened in 1997. Sculptures represent Korea's family names. The Samnam Memorial Tower represents the harmony between the Honam (former Jeolla Province) and Yeongnam (former Gyeongsang Province) regions of Korea.
Also south of the city is the Daejeon O-World theme park. There's a zoo, Zoo Land as well as Flower Land, Bird Land and Joy Land, the latter with lots of rides.
The National Science Museum (Tel: 042 601 7864) near to the Expo Science Park has scale models of the Space Shuttle and is a fun day out for adults with children. The museum's Astronomical Hall is the largest dome in Korea. In addition there are exhibits from the fields of biology, industrial technology, and natural history. Also on display are folk arts and crafts, ceramics and weapons both ancient and modern.
Daejeon's center is Eunhaeng-dong, spreading west from the main train station, with department stores, restaurants and bars. Sky Road is pedestrianized and has an LED canopy pleasingly lit at night. Jungang Market is a maze of food stalls, kitchen goods stores and electronics shops.
Gyeryongsan National Park is within easy reach of Daejeon with regular buses (#102, #103. #120) running to Donghaksa Temple at the entrance to the park.
Beopjusa Temple is located in the Songnisan National Park to the north of Daejeon and can be reached by direct bus. The temple is known for its large standing Buddha statue in bronze and a 5-story pagoda.
Yuseong hot springs are another major draw with a number of hotels making use of the therapeutic waters. The historic spa district was among the first to be developed in Korea dating back to at least the 14th century. The area has numerous bathhouses and spa resorts where visitors can enjoy the natural hot spring waters.
This may be the best place to find accommodation. Recommended hotels in Yuseong are the Hotel Interciti and the Best Western Legend Hotel.
Other museums in the city include the KIGAM Geological Museum which has dinosaur fossils on display as well as lots of fun hands-on exhibits for the kids. The Currency Museum has exhibits on the history of Korea's coins and banknotes.
Festivals in Daejeon
Daejeon plays host to a number of festivals throughout the year. These include the Daejeon International Wine Festival, the only international wine festival in Korea, Daejeon Science Festival, Daejeon Roots of Filial Piety Festival held in Ppuri Park with a parade of around 130 Korean clans and Yuseong Hot Springs Culture Festival.
Nightlife & Eating Out in Daejeon
Kung Dong university area or Yuseong hot springs near the stadium for excellent restaurants (#104 bus). There's a lively bar scene in Dunsan-dong near City Hall. Some recommendations for eating out include Vesta Buffet on Mannyeon-ro, Nuovo Napoli for Italian food and Aztekila for authentic Mexican food.
Daejeon Transport
Daejeon is about an hour from Seoul Station in Seoul by the quickest KTX services. From Busan it is around 90 minutes.
So far Daejeon has completed one line of its planned subway system. Line 1 (green) connects Yuseong with Daejeon Station. The 22 km line has 22 stations and runs from Banseok in the northwest through downtown to Panam in the east. The line operates from around 5.30 am to midnight.
Daejeon World Cup Stadium
Tel: (042) 250 2170 more Daejeon stadium info
The 42,176 capacity football-specific Daejeon World Cup Stadium offers an intimate atmosphere and unobstructed views from its steep terracing. Ride the subway to World Cup Stadium. The stadium is the home of K-League club Daejeon Hana Citizen.
Book Hotel Accommodation in Korea
Daejeon has a wide range of accommodation on offer for visitors of all budgets.
Some recommendations include the four-star Le Stendal Hotel with a restaurant, a buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi located 3 km from Daegu Stadium.
The three-star Toyoko Inn Daejeon Government Complex is part of the Japanese chain of business hotels offering good facilities including free Wi-Fi and a business center.
LOTTE City Hotel Daejeon is a four-star property close to Expo Park and Hanbat Arboretum.
See a complete listing of hotels in Daejeon.
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