Top 15 Things To Do In Daejeon, South Korea

1. Hike the Gyejoksan Mountain Red Clay Trail

Walking along the Gyejoksan Mountain Red Clay Trail is a healing experience. This eco-trail is for barefoot walking and there are plenty of areas along the way where you can wash and dry your feet. This trail does not have much of an elevation and thus makes for an easy hike. The paved trail adjoins the red clay trail and you can choose to hike either of the two at your own pace. You could also choose to take a detour to the ancient fort along the way, but don your shoes if you decide to explore.

Gyejoksan Mountain Red Clay Trail

Address: 455-2 Hoedeok-dong, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Opening hours: 9am - 12am (daily)

2. Enjoy scenic views from Daedong Sky Park

Daedong Sky Park sits above the city and offers splendid views all around. It is especially beautiful at night and is perfect for a romantic evening or a relaxing end to an active day. You can check out the ornate pagodas that dot the park and rest awhile on the many benches that have been thoughtfully provided. There is also a replica of a giant windmill that makes for excellent photo opportunities.

Daedong Sky Park

Address: 182, Dongdaejeon-ro 110beon-gil, Dong-gu, Daejeon 34651

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Wander around Gaesimsa Temple

Gaesimsa Temple sits tucked in the dense forest on Sangwangsan Mountain. It is located within easy reach of Haemi-myeon and is one of the four prominent shrines of Chungcheongnam-do province. Built in 1484 during the reign of King Seongjong, this temple sits in tranquil environs. You should plan to spend about a couple of hours exploring this historic site, besides the time it takes to get there and back.

Gaesimsa Temple

Address: 1 Sinchang-ri, Unsan-myeon, Sosan, Chungcheongnam-do

4. Discover the attractions at Daejeon Aquarium

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Enjoy a couple of hours exploring the Daejeon Aquarium, with its interesting collection of small wildlife and marine species. Activities such as catching fish and feeding the animals can prove appealing to older children. Piranhas, stingrays, electric eels, and snakes are just some of the species you’ll find here. The aquarium is actually a mini-zoo of sorts and it also has a resident tiger! On your way to and from the aquarium, you can make stops to explore the temples and mountains in the vicinity.

Daejeon Aquarium

Address: 469 Bomunsangongwon-ro, Daesa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Website: Daejeon Aquarium

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm

Price: 11 USD

5. Click pictures near the Tower Of Great Light

This iconic landmark, also known as the Hanbit Tower, was the theme tower of Expo 93. This soaring sculpture represents the cycle of reincarnation and it has an observation deck. Head up to the first floor to browse the display of exhibits and audiovisual displays that outline the origins and the history of this tower. Enjoy splendid views of the city from the observation deck before you head back down. Be sure to click plenty of pictures from the deck and outside the tower.

Tower Of Great Light

Address: 3-1 Doryong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon

Website: Tower Of Great Light

Opening hours: 9.30am - 5.30pm (daily)

Price: 3 USD

6. Explore the flora and fauna of Daejeon O-World

Daejeon O-World is a place where you can literally see the beauty and the beasts. The park is divided into three sections. Zoo Land is home to around 600 animals, including lions, tigers, and bears (oh, my!). You can go on a safari to see these fantastic beasts. Another section is Flower Land, which, as the name suggests, features a variety of blooms, as well as a herb garden and a maze garden. It also features an outdoor stage and concert hall. The last area is Joy Land, which features a variety of rides, including water slides. This destination is a great option for those who are traveling with kids. Check their official website for the latest details.

Daejeon O-World

Address:70 Sajeonggongwon-ro, Sajeong-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Website: Daejeon O-World

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 9:30am - 6pm; Sat: 9:30am - 10pm

7. Marvel at the exhibits at the National Science Museum

This is another destination that’s a great option for families traveling with children. The National Science Museum, as the name suggests, features several science-themed exhibits, including an Astronomical Hall, which is the largest dome in the country and which features a re-creation of the night sky. The great thing about this museum is that the exhibits feature signs both in English and Korean, so you can learn what each one is about. Allow an entire day to explore the museum, especially if you plan to explore everything housed there.

National Science Museum

Address: 481 Daedeok-daero, Guseong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Website: National Science Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 5:50pm (closed on Mon)

8. Go shopping at Daejeon Jungang Market

Daejeon Jungang Market is made of a number of smaller markets - including the Jungang Comprehensive Market, Jungang Arcade Market, and the Jayu Wholesale Market - put together. It is divided into different sections according to what is being sold per area. It includes streets devoted exclusively to selling hanboks, herbal medicines, and delicacies. The market is conveniently located right by Daejeon Railway Station.

Daejeon Jungang Market

Address: 81-3 Jung-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

9. Learn more about dinosaurs at KIGAM Geological Museum

Don’t let its name fool you: there’s more to this museum than rocks and minerals (although it does have exhibits featuring different kinds of these materials). The highlight of this museum is, without a doubt, its dinosaur exhibit, as well as the section that showcases the history of the world. Kids will also love to explore the various exhibits, most of which feature Korean and English descriptions, featured here. Do check out the official website to find out the latest updates.

KIGAM Geological Museum

Address: 124 Gwahak-ro, Eoeun-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

10. De-stress at Yurim Park

If you’re the kind of person who relaxes by spending time amid nature, head over to Yurim Park. Try to time your visit here when there’s a flower festival. Witness the exhibit of colorful blooms. It’s possible here to have picnics should you wish to enjoy having a meal or a snack here while taking in the scenery. There are snack stands where you can grab a bite to eat. Do make sure to check whether the park is open before you head here.

Yurim Park

Address: 27 Eoeun-ro, Bongmyeong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

11. Bond with nature at Hanbat Arboretum

Hanbat Arboretum is another option available to you if you like immersing yourself in nature. It is considered the largest manmade urban arboretum, consisting of two main sections. The West Garden is home to Daejeon Museum of Art and Nammun Square. The East Garden features a number themed mini-gardens, including Magnolia Garden, Rock Garden, and Fruit Garden, as well as Pyeongsong Youth Cultural Center. Be sure to check whether this attraction is open before you head here.

Hanbat Arboretum

Address: 169 Dunsan-daero 117beon-gil, Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

12. Watch a game at Daejeon World Cup Stadium

Daejeon World Cup Stadium is best known for hosting a number of matches for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Today, it serves as the home of Daejeon Hana Citizen football club. The venue also occasionally hosts concerts. It also features a section for rock climbing.

Daejeon World Cup Stadium

Address: 32 World Cup-daero, Noeun-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Website: Daejeon World Cup Stadium

13. Admire the modern art at Daejeon Museum of Art

Art lovers should not miss out on visiting Daejeon Museum of Art, which features over a thousand pieces of contemporary art made by local and foreign artists. There’s a cafe on-site where you can grab a drink or some food. This museum is right by Hanbat Arboretum, so it would be good for you to visit these two attractions in a day. Do make sure to check its website to see whether it will be open during the time of your visit to the area.

Daejeon Museum of Art

Address: South Korea, Daejeon, Seo-gu, Mannyeon-dong, Dunsan Road 155

Website: Daejeon Museum of Art

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 7pm (closed on Mon)

14. Shop at Daejeon Skyroad

Don’t let its name fool you: this attraction is not actually a highway, but a shopping arcade that features stores that sell just about anything, ranging from food and accessories to even pets. What sets it apart from other establishments is that its ceiling lights up at night and features different colorful displays. If you’re taking public transportation to get to and from this destination, take the train to bring you to Jungangno Station, which is right by Daejeon Skyroad.

Daejeon Skyroad

Address: Jungang-ro 164beon-gil, Eunhaengseonhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

15. Appreciate the exhibits at Lee Ungno Museum

As the name suggests, Lee Ungno Museum is devoted to the works of Lee Ungno, an artist who, through his art, explored the link between the East and the West, and traditional and modern. Although the museum is small, its pieces are well-curated and well-organized. Allot between one-and-a-half to two hours to explore the exhibits here. As with the other attractions, be sure to check the schedule to make sure this establishment is open during your visit here.

Lee Ungno Museum

Address: 157, Dunsan-daero, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 35204, South Korea

Website: Lee Ungno Museum

Make Daejeon your dream destination

As you can see from this list, Daejeon has something to offer to everyone, including families on holiday, shopaholics, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers. The best part is, these are only the tip of the iceberg of all that this city has to offer to its visitors. Plan your itinerary so you can turn your dream of visiting Daejeon into reality.