Surrounded by idyllic jade mountains peppered with ancient temples and Confucian pavilions, Daejeon is generally considered the most livable and dynamic of Korea’s major cities. Traffic is quite reasonable, parks, rivers and museums are never more than a short ride away and one can get to Seoul in 50 minutes by train. But what makes Daejeon unique among other Asian cities is its astonishing collection of universities and research institutes conducting worldclass research in the applied sciences from semiconductors to fusion technology and next-generation satellites. Daejeon boasts a large international community and an impressive population of over 7,500 citizens with Ph.D. degrees in the applied sciences and an equal number with M.A.s and other advanced training programs. Daejeon has earned its name as Asia’s “Silicon Valley.”
Expo Park celebrates Daejeon’s progressive spirit. Facilities include Hanbit Tower where visitors can enjoy the scenery of the whole city and the Expo Memorial Hall and Museum which commemorate 200 years of World Expo history, and the Expo Music Water Fountain. A local landmark, the bridge offers some of the best views in Daejeon and a stunning background for photographs.
Daejeon Shinsegae Art & Science and Expo Tower, which were established as part of the Expo Re-creation Project, which is to create a site for the 592,495m² Expo Science Park as a core facility and science-themed space in the international science business belt base district, opened on August 26, 2021. In addition to shopping spaces, Daejeon Shinsegae Art & Science has various cultural facilities where citizens can enjoy culture and take a rest.
The hot springs of Yuseong have long been famed for their health and beauty benefits in Korea. The area has been developed into a modern resort that now offers a variety of spa services.
The lake offers panoramic views of the mountains and is a favorite with birdwatchers. Daecheong Drive is a scenic, three hour route around the lake with local farms and restaurants along the way.