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 or Sikjangsan Observatory for some spectacular night-time panoramic views of the city. Ppuri Park transforms into something new with colourful lighting that's unimaginable during the day. Here are some of Daejeon's night-time highlights that are worth checking out.
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Mokcheokgyo
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Mokcheok Bridge connects Jungangno and Daejeon Station, while Daejeon River, one of Daejeon's three major rivers, flows underneath. Daejeon River and a famous musical fountain are lit up at night, making this spot quite popular among locals. Daejeon Central Market can be found nearby, while Euneujeongi Culture Street and Daeheung-dong Culture and Art Street are next to Jungangno Station. They're popular with younger crowds looking to enjoy the nightlife until late.
Location: 618-136 Daecheong-ro, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Mapphoto by travel oriented (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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Daedong Sky Park
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Daedong Sky Park is where you can see a beautiful windmill and take in the romantic nightscapes of Daejeon. When the sun goes down and the sky turns from blue to red, the lights start to illuminate the park. The windmill made with pretty pieces of tile begins to sparkle and reflect gorgeous colours. The contrast between the orange street lights illuminating the old residential areas and the white lights of high-rise buildings is something special that can only be seen here.
Location: 182 Dongdaejeon-ro 110beon-gil, Dong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Mapphoto by *Youngjin (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Expo Science Park
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Summer nights at Expo Civic Square are something else. The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl Festival is held there, and there's also a musical fountain that has been a favourite among locals for a long time. Twenty minutes will go by in the blink of an eye as you become captivated by the colourful lights and dancing streams of water. If you happen to be travelling when the musical fountain is not in season, don't fret because the Expo Bridge, which is only illuminated on weekends, and the lights of the nearby buildings reflected in the river will mesmerise you with a colourful, peaceful and heartwarming display.
Location: 480 Daedeok-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Mapphoto by Yoo Chung (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Boramae Park
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Boramae Park, situated behind City Hall, appears to be an unassuming city park, but at certain times of the year, you're treated to colourful and romantic night-time views. At the annual Seo-gu Healing Art Festival held in May, art trees and a light tunnel are installed with a different theme, which is one of the most anticipated events around. Christmas-themed sculptures are installed in December, so don't miss it if you happen to be visiting Daejeon at this time.
Location: 589 Tanbang-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
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Ppuri Park
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Ppuri Park is a park with the theme of filial piety and home to the Korean Genealogical Museum where you can learn about the history and ancestry of Korean surnames. This place, which may sound like a slightly stuffy experience already, turns into a park of surprisingly flashy lights that fill the night sky. From Manseong Bridge, which leads to the park entrance, to the trail leading to the nearby mountain and the lanterns floating on the river, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that isn't pretty. Besides, the admission is free, so you have no excuse to miss this one.
Location: 79 Ppurigongwon-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, South Korea, South Korea
Open: March–October: Daily from 6 am to 10 pm. November–February: Daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
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Bomunsan Observatory
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Climb to Bomunsan Observatory while soaking in the lovely natural scent of grass and trees. Thankfully, the trails here aren't at all steep. Daejeon at night looks even more spectacular here thanks to Mt. Bomun, where not even a single light is visible at night. The open view is breathtaking. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Daejeon nightscape, Bomunsan Observatory is highly recommended.
Location: Daesa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
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Sikjangsan Observatory
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Sikjangsan Observatory, which is on the way to Daecheong Lake, is famous for viewing sunsets and the surrounding nightscape. If you climb Mt. Sikjang, one of the tallest mountains in Daejeon, you'll be treated with a panoramic view of the city. You can sit back and enjoy Daejeon as it gradually becomes lit next to a spectacular sunset. The observatory is equally famous for beautiful sunrises, so if you have the opportunity, check out both at Sikjangsan Observatory.
Location: Daejeon Observatory, 213-48 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Open: Daily from 2 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Mondays, the day after public holidays, national holidays and New Year's Day
Mapphoto by Ryuch (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Lotte Cinema Daejeon Central
Daejeon’s go-to spot for moviegoers
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Lotte Cinema Daejeon Central is a movie theatre located on the 6th floor of a building opposite the Galleria Department Store in Dunsan-dong, in the centre of Daejeon. Here, you can watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters in original English with Korean subtitles.
Each of the 7 theatres offers comfortable recliner seats and wide legroom, so you don’t have to worry about someone kicking your seat from behind. Snacks on offer include various flavoured popcorns and peanut buttered roasted squid.
Location: 216 Daedeok-daero, Seo-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Phone: +82 15-44-8855
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Daejeon Culture & Arts Center
Live theatre and arts in Daejeon
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Daejeon Culture & Arts Center is housed in a beautiful 5-storey building near the Daejeon Hanbat Arboretum in Mannyeon-dong, close to the Gap River. Since opening in 2003, the cultural centre has been the city’s top go-to for productions and is the best venue to watch major theatrical performances.
The building features multiple venue halls and spaces. You can watch opera, ballet, and musicals in the Art Hall; plays, dances, and orchestras in the Ensemble Hall; and amateur performances and entertainment in the outdoor amphitheatre and garden.
Location: 135 Dunsan-daero 117beon-gil, Seo-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Phone: +82 42-270-8333
Mapphoto by Yoo Chung (CC BY-SA 2.5) modified
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Daejeon bars
Various spots for tipples in the city
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Read moreDaejeon has a lively bar scene. Ranch Pub in Gung-dong is a small microbrewery that serves up to 10 craft beers on tap. The relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly service make this bar popular with locals and expats.
A fun dive bar called Santa Claus is down the street from Ranch Pub. You can mingle with locals, ex-pats and exchange students while playing foosball and pool. FML in Dunsan-dong is a large bar with a good drinks menu, handmade pizza and chicken wings, and dartboards. Televisions are tuned to British, American, and Korean sports feeds.