Daejeon

Daejeon, South Korea’s Silicon Valley, is a popular travel destination in its own right. The city’s developed a reputation as a high-tech HQ, as over 230 research institutes make their home within Daedeok Innopolis on Daejeon’s industrial outskirts, including the Korea Research Aerospace Institute, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and many government agencies. A must-see is the National Science Museum and Expo Park, which offers sweeping views of Daedeok Techno Valley from the top of the needle-like Hanbat Tower.

Daejeon also offers plenty of things to do for travellers without a scientific bent. You can cycle along the trails of Mount Gyejoksan, unwind in the rejuvenating waters of Yuseong Spa, tour the temples of Sikjangsan Mountain Forest, and soak up the autumnal colours on Mount Gubongsan. Situated between Seoul and Busan, Daejeon is more than just a way station for travellers on the KTX high-speed rail.

What to see & do in Daejeon

Where & what to eat in Daejeon

7 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Daejeon
Daejeon is a South Korean city brimming with local dishes made from unique produce. If spicy noodle soup with cockles (kkomak jjamppong/champon) isn’t enough of a challenge, you can try grilled short rib patties (tteok-galbi), steak tartare (yukhoi), or tofu...
10 Best Local South Korean Foods to Try in Daejeon
The best local South Korean foods to try in Daejeon are often elevated versions of familiar names, such as ginseng...
5 Great Restaurants in Daejeon
Restaurants in Daejeon share the city's fantastic food culture, which has been developed around foods that everyone can eat casually...

Where to shop & what to buy in Daejeon

7 Best Places to Go Shopping in Daejeon
Daejeon, located in the centre of South Korea, is home to many commercial districts rich in history. The best places to shop are near Daejeon Station and Jungangno. They're full of traditional markets, shopping malls and underground shopping malls that cater to people of all ages. In contrast, the new downtown areas of Dunsan-dong and Gung-dong have lots of shopping areas...
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Where to go & what to do at night in Daejeon

5 Best Bars in Daejeon
These best bars in Daejeon make up a portion of the nightlife scene of the 5th-largest metropolis in South Korea. While not as big and lively as its counterparts in Seoul, such as Gangnam or Itaewon, Daejeon’s bar scene is...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Daejeon
Expo Science Park and its famous musical fountain are even more colourful at night. The park is popular thanks to the beautiful lighting and the scenery of Gapcheon (river) creating a romantic atmosphere. You can climb up to Bomunsan Observatory...

Useful information

Daejeon Travel Essentials
Our Daejeon Travel Essentials provides you with practical information to help you organise your trip to South Korea. When is the best time to visit Daejeon? How do you get to your hotel after landing and what means of transport are available in the city and for exploring the region? These are some of the questions we answer in this...
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