10 Best Things to Do in Daejeon

The National Science Museum should be at the top of your list of places to visit if you’re travelling to Daejeon with children. The number of exhibition halls seems endless, covering everything from natural history and humanity to astronomy, future technology, biological exploration, creativity, and maglev trains. 

Daejeon's National Science Museum is so large, you just might need a full day to see everything. Plus, there are experience facilities everywhere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in a world of science. You can take part in interesting education and experience programs, so check ahead on their official website.

Hanbat Arboretum is an artificial arboretum in central Daejeon, between Government Complex Daejeon and EXPO Science Park. It’s divided into the East, West, and Tropical Gardens, and it’s almost too big to see it all in 1 day. Various trees and seasonal flowers are on display, making Hanbat Arboretum a great place for a lovely stroll and relaxation. 

There’s also a children’s playground for the little ones to enjoy. The Daejeon Arts Center, Daejeon Museum of Art, and Lee Eung-no Museum are nearby Hanbat Arboretum, so you might want to set aside some time in your schedule for them.

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is a beautiful nature reserve in Jangan-dong, Seo-gu. The forest is lush with towering metasequoia, offering you a chance to stroll comfortably through valleys and along a clear pond. Locals often come here on weekends and holidays for some much-needed nature therapy. 

The Adventure Skywalk is a famed trail destination, while the view from the Brotherly Peak Observation Deck toward the back of the recreational forest is a must-see. Of course, there are lots of experience programs for children, too.

Daecheong Lake, created in 1980, is a source of water for the cities of Daejeon and Cheongju. As it lies on the border between Daejeon and Cheongwon, its name is an amalgam of both regions. There’s a forested mountain range standing at around 300 metres above sea level, making it an excellent driving and walking course. 

The Daecheong Lake Trails were created where Daecheong Lake, which measures about 196 km along its perimeter, passes through Daedeok-gu and Dong-gu. The lake's trails consist of 6 walking routes and 3 cycling paths. Most of the courses are flat, so they shouldn’t be too challenging. Chrysanthemum Hyangyeon-gil (course #6-1) from Mt. Sikjang to Daecheong Dam is notable for being a popular date spot.

Located in Songchon-dong, Dongchundang is the former residence of Song Jun-gil, who served as the Grand Secretary, Minister of Interior, and Minister of War under King Hyojong of Joseon. Here, Song indulged in his studies, taught disciples, and created Hoideokhyangyak, his most famous work. Dongchundang’s main signboard was written by philosopher Song Si-yeol. 

Song Jun-gil’s former residence is situated in the rear, and an ancestral shrine with his memorial tablets can be found nearby. A pond, well-maintained garden, and a walking trail are also on the grounds. It’s a great place for a leisurely walkabout with your family.

Yuseong Foot Spa is a hot spring with a long history, having been visited by Joseon-era kings, Taejo and Taejong. The low-alkaline spring water contains radium, which is said to be effective against skin, neurological, and gastrointestinal conditions. 

Yuseong Foot Spa offers public baths as well as private baths inside onsite accommodations. There's also a hot spring theme park that's particularly popular among for tourists. It’s always packed with people looking for a refreshing footbath in Daejeon.

Daejeon O-World is a vibrant theme park that's excellent a fun-for-the-whole-family outing. Built around the former Daejeon Zoo, it combines an amusement park with Flower Land, a large complex of beautiful gardens. Zoo Land is home to more than 600 animals from 130 species, including Bengal tigers. At Flower Land, you can see a diverse range of flowers and trees arranged in various ways, from rose and herbal gardens to traditional and maze gardens. Joy Land is geared toward kids, with lots of rides, all-season sledging, and a water park. 

Ppuri Park is a great place for a family outing if you’d like to learn more about Korean genealogy. Located in Chimsan-dong, the park has sculptures that symbolise a Korean surname, and are inscribed with an explanation about the origins of the respective surname. There are about 200 sculptures, and more are continually being added. 

The Genealogy Museum features exhibits about Korea’s royal genealogy and general genealogical history. The trails here are well laid out, and the nighttime views are particularly beautiful. Plus, entry to Ppuri Park is free.

EXPO Science Park was created to revitalise the site and facilities of the 3-month-long Taejon Expo ‘93. Hanbit Tower, the park’s main point of interest, offers a panoramic view of Daejeon. The World Expo Souvenirs Museum has more than 5,000 expo souvenirs from 1851 until now on display. 

The Moonlit Picnic Festival is held in Hanbit Tower Square in the summer, while street performances, photo spots, food trucks, art markets, and other attractions draw in younger crowds throughout the year.