Daejeon

Daejeon is the 5th largest city in South Korea, with a population of approximately 1.5 million. It is in the centre of Korea and is at the crossroads of national rail and road transport routes, the Gyeongbu railway, Honam railway, Gyeongbu Expressway, and Honam Expressway.

The city has been promoted as a city of science and education centred about Daedeok Science Town, more lately called Daedeok Innopolis. The Daejeon municipal government dubs itself a core city of research and development and the cradle of Korea's cutting-edge science sector.

More than 200 research institutes, including the research and development facilities of Samsung, LG, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), are located within Daedeok Science Town in Yuseong-gu on the far outskirts of town, locally referred to as "Daedeok Techno Valley". This, plus the "Daedeok Innopolis" cluster of KAIST, Chungnam National University and government research institutes lend themselves to the city's local nickname: the Silicon Valley of Korea.

The local image is generally good enough to rank fourth after Seoul, Busan, and Jeju in 2019, first in quality of life, health, environment, transportation, and administrative capacity index in 2021 and second after Seoul in the comprehensive sector.

It is also a city with a very well-established local autonomy system. As a result, the World Federation of Local Governments was held in October 2022. More than 1,000 local and local government councils from 140 countries participated as members.

Daejeon is a road and rail transportation hub in South Korea. Two major expressways, Gyeongbu Expressway and Honam Expressway, and two major railways, Gyeongbu railway and Honam railway, are joined here. Travel time between Daejeon and Seoul using the high-speed railway system, otherwise known as KTX, is about 1 hr. The nearest airport to Daejeon is Cheongju Airport in the neighbouring city Cheongju and at least 30 min by road to the north of Daejeon.

Locals and those staying for a longer time can purchase a Hana bank rechargeable transportation card, which offers free transfers. When you open an account at Hana bank, this smart bank card can be charged with money to be used on buses, taxis. "Hankkumi" transportation cards are also available at manned booths within the subway stops. These cards cost ₩2,500 and are rechargeable at the station or at many GS 25 locations. Its one subway line bisects the city and runs south-east from the north-west corner. Only central Daejeon, old downtown (Daejeon station area) and a handful of sites are convenient to reach solely by subway. The subway is compatible with Seoul T-money passes. Hankkumi cards or tags contain both Hankkumi and Seoul T-money functionality.

There are 8 specific localities designated by the city government as scenic attractions, these are the Eight Sights of Daejeon.

• 🌍 Sikjangsan Mountain Forest, Deasungdong Dogu, ☏ +82 42-600-3695. Open all year round, no parking facilities. The site provides extensive walking trails and temple visits. Free. 
• 🌍 Mount Bomunsan (보문산), Desadong Junggu, ☏ +82 42-581-3516. Observatory, recreation facilities, and cable cars. Also 20 springs, one every 20 m and each supplies drinkable water. 10 trail routes are available including the Sirubong, Mupilbon, and Sansunggil trails. Important historical sites are located on the top of the mountain. Open year round. A few access ways are available, but the most popular one is via Bomunsan Park Jct. Free. (updated Aug 2017)

• 🌍 Mount Gubongsan (구봉산), San 75 Kwanjeodong Seogu, ☏ +82 42-611-6261. Open all year round, no parking facilities. This mountain has 9 peaks and walking trails. Free. (updated Oct 2023)

• 🌍 Mount Jangtaesan (장태산), Jangandong Seogu, ☏ +82 42-585-8061. Accommodation, fish farm, deer farms, a children’s playground within man-made forests and natural forests. 12 km trails, a sky tower, small gorges, rest and picnic areas. Children are provided with playgrounds and there are exercise facilities throughout the park. (updated Oct 2023)

• 🌍 Yuseong Spa (유성온천지구), Bongmyeongdong Yuseonggu, ☏ +82 42-611-2130. Wounded soldiers of the Baekje Dynasty are said to have been healed after taking a bath in these springs. Kings and presidents including the first King of the Josun Dynasty, have reposed here. (updated May 2018)
• 🌍 Expo Park (대전엑스포 시민광장), Deajeon Expo Science Park Local Corporation 3-1 Doryongdong, Yusunggu, ☏ +82 42-866-5114. Commemorate the Deajeon Expo held in 1993 and committed to understanding the role of science and technology. Closed every Monday. Entrance ₩2,500 per person. Parking for 100 cars, small ₩1,500-large ₩2,000. Image simulation hall, dome image hall, energy hall, electric energy hall, and science hall science/exhibition, science academy, robot class, handicraft class, body world, dinosaur festival, unification hall, Hanbit tower, scientist street, Aqua resort, Magic plaza, Gabcheon River, restaurant street, dining hall and tourist information centre. During the 1993 Deajeon Expo, a total ₩180 billion was invested. 108 countries participated and 14 million visitors attended. (updated May 2018)
• 🌍 Daecheong Lake (대청호수), Daejeon-si Daedeok-gu Miho-dong, ☏ +82 42-930-7241. Tu-Su. Information office is at 618-316, Daecheong-ro, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon Metropolitan City (left bank of Daecheong Dam). The lake was formed in 1980 when the Deacheon Dam was completed. This lake provides Deajeon City and Cheongju City with drinking water. Open year round. No parking facilities. Free. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Mount Gyejoksan (계족산), Hyopyeongdong Donggu, ☏ +82 42-620-6256. Bike and walking trails. Site of the Yongwal thermal power plant, and Gyejok Mountain Fortress. Open year round. No parking facilities. Free. (updated Oct 2023)

Many of the other cultural centres and sight seeing places are located in Yuseong-gu district with the exception of Ppuri park and Daejeon Zoo.

• 🌍 Daecheong Dam (Take the 72 or 73.). Large dam on the far north east outskirts of town. Responsible for the Daecheonghosu lake, South Korea's largest. 
• 🌍 The Daejeon Museum of Art (In Dunsan Grand Park). An art museum established in 1998 and focused on the convergence of art and technology. Numerous exhibitions on contemporary art have been held here. 
• 🌍 Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra (대전시립교향악단), 135, Dunsan-daero, Mannyeon-dong, Seo-gu, ☏ +82 42-270-8382. Performs in Daejeon Culture and Arts Center and other local venues. It has undertaken several international tours, including visits to the United States and Japan. 
• 🌍 Daejeon Station (대전역). A walk around the alleyways straight across from the station will offer Ginseng (인삼 insam) and traditional medicine stores. Across the street from the market, see the Buy section of this article. 
• 🌍 National Cemetery (국립대전현충원), 251, Memorial Park-ro, Yuseong-gu (Take the courtesy bus from the National Cemetery Daejeon subway station.), ☏ +82 42-718-7114. 06:00-18:00. National cemetery for Korea's war heroes and patriots. It's quite beautifully landscaped and surrounded by a ring walking trail. Dress standards apply. Free. 
• 🌍 Hanbat Arboretum (한밭수목원 (Hanbat Sumokuwon)) (Bus, or walk the long route around the Daejeon Government Complex from the subway, cutting through the government complex grounds). If coming by taxi, be sure to use the Korean name. Free. 
• 🌍 Dunsan Prehistoric Settlement Site, Dunsan-dong (Government Complex Daejeon subway stop; two blocks north and one block west of the station). When excavating for Dunsan new town in the early 1990s, a bunch of "stone-age" relics were discovered. Prior to the discovery, it was widely believed the region had a rather recent history. At a glance, the site is essentially a very hilly grassy park with scattered reproduction 'prehistoric huts' built over it. However the site provides extensive historical information for visitors. It is open at night and the inside of the huts light up as you approach showing off an interpretation of what was discovered, complete with reproductions of the various farming and domestic tools unearthed. Free. 
• 🌍 Ppuri Park, Jangsu Town (take the 312 or 313 through Jangsu Town, it's the last stop; or you could hike about 1 km down the road south from O-world). A family-oriented park on the far southern outskirts of town. Down by a smallish dam, there are the usual swan boats and the like, but the odd drawcard is the hill covered in stone statues representing local family lineages. Local Koreans no doubt have a great time pouring over these, tracing their roots (ppuri), but to the casual observer it's just a curious, if unusual, collection of modern art. A path also leads over a bridge and to the top of the cliff directly to the south where not only is there a pleasant view, but the peak is also littered with a bizarre array of wooden phalli. Free. 

• 🌍 Sungsimdang, 15 Daejong-ro 480beon-gil, Jung-gu. It is a famous bakery that ranks first in sales among non-franchise bakery nationwide. It is one of the most famous places in Daejeon and is the most famous among the three major bakeries in the country. It is considered one of the representatives and best practices of local self-employed businesses, with six restaurants in Eunhaeng-dong dramatically revived after losing competition with the large franchise bakery industry. (updated Dec 2022)

• 🌍 Yuseong Hot Springs Resort (Hot Springs & Saunas), Daejeon-si Yuseong-gu Bongmyeong-dong, ☏ +82 42-611-2114, +82 42-824-0210, +82-42-1330 (Korea Travel). These hot springs are known to be effective in countering many kinds of maladies. Containing alkaline minerals such as calcium, and potassium, sulfur, carbonic acid, silicic acid and radium and are considered to be beneficial in treating neuralgia and geriatric diseases. Accommodations are available nearby. 
• 🌍 Daejeon Observatory. Tu-Su 14:00-22:00, closed Mondays and the day following a national holiday. Here you can observe the sun during the day or any number of celestial bodies at night. Located west of Expo Park, take the 604 bus to the observatory stop. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 National Science Museum (국립중앙과학관 Gungnip Jungang Gwahakgwan) (adjacent to Expo Park on the north side of town), ☏ +82-42-601-7894, webadmin@science.go.kr. Tu-Su 09:30-17:50, closed Mondays. Showcases both pernament and special exhibitions. ₩1,000 for exhibitions and another ₩1,000 for planetarium; half price for under-20s. 
• 🌍 Daejeon Currency Museum (화폐박물관 Hoapyebak Mulgwan) (behind KAIST in Wolpyeong.), ☏ +82 42-870-1000, fax: +82 42-861-5245. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, 10:00-16:00 in winter, closed Mondays. Historical currencies of Korea up to the modern day, including those of the DPRK (North Korea). Free. 
• 🌍 Daejeon Museum of Art (대전시립미술관), Seo-gu Mannyeon-dong 396 (from the subway station, it's on the opposite side of the government complex), ☏ +82 42-270-7371. 10:00-19:00 (Closed at Monday). Daejeon's primary art facility, nestled between the Government Complex Daejeon, Hanbat Arboretum and the small Mannyeong-dong restaurant district. Has a spacious park filled with modern art sculptures out the front. A small stage out the front sometimes hosts free cultural performances on weekends. 
• 🌍 Daejeon Art Center ((대전창작센터) Daejeon Changjak Center), Eunhaeng-dong, Jung-gu (three blocks south of exit 2 of Jungangno subway station, on the corner of the Eunhaeng-negori junction; it has the space-invader mosaic on the front). Small art gallery in old downtown showcasing modern art works of young artists. The exhibits rotate every 1-2 months exhibiting to an often unusual theme, individual pieces regularly are quite involved, taking up an entire room. Free. 
• 🌍 Donghak-sa Temple, Gongju-shi (Bus #107). A picturesque temple outside of Daejeon in the adjacent city of Gongju, but linked in on the Daejeon bus routes. In addition to the temple, the valley contains restaurants, hotels and saunas (including a fair few of the funky "hobbit mushroom" styled ones) and a fairly dramatic waterfall, albeit dry much of the year. This all falls within Gyeryongsan National Park. A well stocked tourist information booth exists at the entrance and is an ideal starting point for a hiking trip over the region. Restaurants in the area tend to be well catered towards foreign (primarily Japanese) tourists with picture menus of the most popular items: a rarity in central South Korea. To get in, the 107 bus will take you from Daejeon Korail station direct, although it is much faster to take the subway to the National Cemetery station, and hop on the 107 there as it prepares to zip out of town. The bus stop is right next to the subway exit. ₩2000. 
• 🌍 Uam Historical Park, Dong-gu Kayang-dong (Bus #311). Historic scholarly site nestled in a mountain valley. Has a well kept lake and quite nice to stroll around. Hosts a (poorly gazetted) festival sometime in October. For hikers, the trail hidden at the rear-left of the park continues up the mountain, past a place to fill your water bottles and after a less than 30 min walk, all the way to the top of the ridge overlooking the immense Daecheong lake east of town. Free. 
• Yuseong Foot Spa, Yuseong-gu (from the Yuseong Spa subway stop head towards the main Yuseong junction to the north; turn east and follow the wide grassy median strip about 500 m down the road). A heated foot spa. The temperature is pretty high but varies along the length so it's appropriate even in winter, and you won't overheat in summer. Unlike most foot spas, the local populace demands pre-washing of feet at the wash-station at the end of the footspa prior to entering (akin to the etiquette of a full body public bathhouse). Drop your stuff where you intend to sit, then walk down the end, wash up, and walk down the spa to get back to your seat. It can be an embarrassingly fulfilling sight seeing the eldery locals accosting Korean visitors from elsewhere in Korea unaware of this unstated rule. To get there, leave the subway station and head towards the main Yuseong junction to the north. Turn east and follow the wide grassy median strip about 500 m down the road. Free. 
• 🌍 O-World (easy to reach if coming by car: literally all major intersection signs across Daejeon point to here; by bus, take 301, 115, 311, 314, 318 or 315). A theme park, on the far, far south end of the city. Comprises Zooland (zoo boasting 130 species), Flower Land (flower park boasting 190 species) and Joyland (a regular ol' theme park). 

The Dreamland theme park up on Mt. Bomun, despite being marked on many maps, has-been closed and demolished.

The river flood plain adjacent to Expo Park is where a lot of expatriate action takes place on the weekends outside of the festival, and also makes for a nice stroll.

Whilst Dunsan downtown tends to cater to the retail-loving crowd, the downtown area in central Daejeon (Jungangno subway station) and particularly the area a few blocks south tends to be rather artsy, including many small, often privately run art galleries. Some of these are attached to independent coffee shops. Occasionally on Sundays there are street stalls run by local arts students.

The city's traditional market is located next to the train station. The market by Daejeon Station is the general market, really nothing to write home about as far as appearances, the speciality stores are excellent, and you can get plants (from seeds to pots) which are not always easy to come by. Some household goods, and cheap clothes. The street to the southeast, outside the market perimeter, specialises in tools. South East Asian import canned and packet food including Mi Goreng (Indonesian-Malaysian dried instant noodles) and phone cards can be found at the International Food shop. Exit Daejeon Station through exit #3 and go straight for less than a minute. It's a very small shop that's located right in front of the traffic lights.

A second, slightly smaller traditional market exists in Yuseong. Further traditional markets still can also be found near Seodaejeon Korail station, opposite Hanbat stadium, and a little further east of the Dongbu Intercity bus terminal.

For further discounts, Nouen wholesale market is located north of Yuseong. Take the subway line and get off at the World Cup Stadium stop (the subway plays a little soccer theme song so you can't miss it).

There's a Costco directly beside Seodaejeon station. Costco offers OK discounted prices, and most everything is in bulk, but you can get some hard to find goods imported from the USA. You will need a personal (Gold Star) membership for ₩35,000, or you can use your card from home. It can solve dry food purchasing for a month or more in a single trip; watch out for seasonal specials, the November truffles make for nice, and cheap, gifts. For those without CostTo membership, E-mart Traders offers similar services with no membership requirements (not to be confused with E-mart proper). The Seodaejeon area also has the stock standard Home Plus, as well as some clothing department stores. The area is becoming rapidly one of the most affluent in the city so expect to see fancier outlets opening here over time. Uniqlo (Japanese unbranded clothing chain) is also located nearby on the basement floor of the Say Two Department Store (good to know in winter as it sells cheap thermals). The Lotte Department Store in Yongmun-dong has a Uniqlo as well (2nd floor).

E-Mart and Home Plus is relatively ubiquitous, and a bit dear too. It does, however, offer a variety of basic house goods for settling into a new home, deodorant, as well as basic general produce (both fresh and dry), which are marginally cheaper than the prices in most corner stores, as well as offering it all in one stop. If you can't afford to set up your new home here, perhaps try tracking down a Daiso, a Japanese "1,000-won store" chain that stocks all sorts of kitchenware and just general use plastic items.

For cool summer shopping and warm winter shopping head underground. Underground shopping can be found connected to subway stops at Daejeon Station and Jungang-no, stops 104 & 105 respectively, on line 1.

If looking for general Korea souvenir-items, two shops, quite literally opposite one another are underground at subway Exit 2 of Daejeon station (stop 104 on Line 1). They specialise in a wide variety of trinkets including from mass-produced items from elsewhere in the country.

Also, department store shopping is popular for the more affluent of Daejeon at Timeworld Galleria, Lotte Department Store and CGV; each of which also have a movie theatre on their top floor. Timeworld plays host to an array of full price brand outlets such as Burberry and Louis Vuitton, which despite the lacking crowds, still insists on having its patrons queue up to enter. The basement sells a wide variety of imported foods.

Most electronic needs can be found at TechnoWorld, which is close to KBS tower in Manneyong-dong, Seo-gu. For further consumer electronics, try the street running between Government Complex Daejeon subway station to Timeworld Galleria in the vicinity of Dunsan E-Mart: this street has no fewer than 3 electronics department stores Hi-mart, Jeonja Land plus smaller speciality stores LGgoodshop. Apple has a retailer called Frisbee outside Jungangno subway station, Jung-gu.

For funky independent-made items, keep an eye out for university-run arts fairs. There's no real way to know when you'll find one, but they are seemingly quite common.

In addition to the copious amounts of Korean restaurants and Koreanized "Japanese" izakayas scattered all over town, some foreign restaurants, including some offering Italian cuisine, can be found around the two main downtown districts of Dunsan-dong (opposite Timeworld) and near Jungangno station. Some nicer restaurants also still exist up near the World Cup Stadium.

Oddball theme restaurants are scattered around town. For example, there are a couple of eateries in Dong-gu near the Intercity bus terminal subscribing to the "hobbit mushroom" school of architecture, a restaurant called literally Nameless (이름없음, Ireumeopseum) in front of Woosong university whose decor could be best described as "clusterbomb of ropes", and a full military themed chicken joint on the wrong side of the tracks in Shintanjin (follow the road/lane due south from the Loving Hut listed below).

Sit-down sushi roll restaurants (as opposed to sushi trains) are scattered about Jungangno and Dunsan and can be a good option as the generic copy-cat business model typically involves picture-menus and prices under ₩10,000 a meal. Options go beyond sushi to salads, pastas, gratins, and Japanese style omu-rice. Korean-style sushi, not to be confused with kimbap is extremely flamboyant in appearance.

Finally, if just looking for a quick snack, don't be afraid to try the street food. In central Daejeon around Jungangno there are at least 1-2 of the standard Korean odeng stands. Standard etiquette is to literally just grab a stick, eat it, and pay after you finish, the most common price is ₩500. Topokki (떡볶이tteokbokki) is a spicy ricecake and eggs in red spicy sauce. Stalls plus a handful of vendors with permanent shop-fronts can also be found here. The funny looking "buns" you may see the owner frying up are in fact essentially an inside-out pancake with syrup and nuts.

The following are a few of the more outstanding or unusual eateries:

• 🌍 Indy, Dunsan-dong (diagonally across from the E-Mart in Dunsan-dong, near the T.G.I. Fridays and a Hanbok store; close to Government Complex subway station and buses the #185, #215, and #115 all drive by). Indian restaurant on the north side of town. Service may be a little slow for some and their prices are in the higher range. Curry dishes come with free rice or naan. Vegetarian options are available. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Loving Hut, Shintanjin (from Korail Shintanjin station, cross the tracks to the wrong side over the rickety bridge, head north about 10 m, and then 1 block west). Part of a chain of organic, 100% vegan, new pseudo-religious group-run restaurants. Menus in the chain vary between outlets: Shintanjin's mostly serves rice or noodle based fare, but has a Western-style fake-meat item. Prices typically under ₩5,000, owners are friendly and probably won't try to convert you. Fake-meat can also be purchased to take home. A second outlet may be opening near Expo Park. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Sung Sim Dang, Eunhaeng-dong, Jung-gu (near Jungangno subway station, a few blocks south, walk from the wooden). Established in 1956, this bakery has a wall full of past awards and credentials on display, the prices for baked goods are similar to elsewhere and they make their own macaroons. There is a food court upstairs serving typical continental fare. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Flying Pan, Eunhaeng-dong, Jung-gu (next door to Sung Sim Dang). Restaurant specialising in Italian style cooking and steaks, seemingly owned by the same folks as Sung Sim Dang next door. It's practically a local institution so cab drivers will know it. Has a separate cafe upstairs. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 TGI Fridays. The obligatory local chapter of the international American bar/restaurant franchise. Has an outlet about 100 m from the Government Complex station (opposite E-mart), but more notable is the one in the Lotte Department store in Seo-gu as it takes up the entire west side of 9F, offering sunset views of the city and mountains. Course meals from ₩23,000. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Kraze Burger. A Korean dine-in burger chain with an outlet in Dunsan-dong, about one and a half blocks west from the main Timeworld intersection and on the north side of the road (backing on to the drinking precinct) and another near City Hall. Noteworthy because the chain has extensive mushroom/tofu options for those who don't eat meat. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 TacoGang (타코갱), Taco Gang, 850 Galma-dong, Seo-gu (tell the cab driver, "Nonghyup gung-dong"; across fromnthe NH store you'll see a pharmacy at the corner; enter that alley and keep walking until you see Taco-K, it's less than a 10 min walk; it's also the same alley that's right beside the apartment complex), ☏ +82 10-3968-0285. 11:30-23:30. Tacos, burritos, fajitas, nachos, and enchiladas. Course meals ₩8,000-12,000. 
• 🌍 Daejeon Cantina, Dunsan-dong, near Timeworld (go to the intersection that has the convenience store, Gartien Bier/Yellow Taxi, etc.; walk in the direction towards the restaurants/bars from afar (if you look carefully, you'll see a yellow sign that reads "Bonbon"); walk in that direction until you see the Cantina sign; it'll be on your left). Tu-Th 18:00-02:00, F Sa 27:00-05:00; Su 18:00-00:00, closed Mon. Mexican restaurant/bar. Meals from ₩8,000. 
• 🌍 House Grill (하우스그릴) (exit Yongmung Station through exit #4; keep walking until you reach the bus stop and enter the plaza (there is a Paris Baguette and glasses store sandwiching the entrance). Keep walking straight until the end of the hallway, it'll be on your right), ☏ +82 42 528-6639 (Brian), +82 10 9165-5142. Daily 11:30-22:00. Excellent burgers, arguably the best in Korea. Also offers chili fries, spaghetti, wraps, and huge donkatsu. Meals from ₩5,000. 

There are two major "downtown" areas for drinking in Daejeon. One is in new-town in Dunsan-dong, opposite the Timeworld Galleria shopping complex, and a short walk from Government Complex Daejeon subway station. The second is in the city centre of old Daejeon, down by Jungangno subway station.

In addition, two further large drinking quarters exist in Yuseong and around Chungnam University as well as opposite Seodaejeon Korail station. Smaller areas of bars naturally exist beside each of Daejeon's universities, such as Hannam in the far east and Woosong in the far south.

A few of the universities in town accept considerable numbers of international students.

• DICC. DICC runs a range of Korean language classes. The most basic elementary classes are held in the medium of English language on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. It is best to inquire in person as the website is poorly maintained. Elementary courses start several times each year. Intermediate courses start as demand dictates. 
• Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) (카이스트), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, ☏ +82 42-350-2114. One of South Korea's premier universities, also ranked among the top universities in the world, with a focus on science and engineering. 
• Daejeon University (대전대학교), 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, ☏ +82 42-280-2114. One of the private university in Daejeon. 

Daejeon has numerous job openings for ESL/EFL teachers at public schools and private academies. Most teaching jobs require applicants to be a native English speaker and to have a 3-4 yr college degree. Salaries for teaching jobs generally start between ₩2.0 and 2.5 million per month and often include free housing and round-trip airfare on a 1-year contract. Since the Korean won has dropped precipitously in value relative to other major currencies, salaries are starting to rise.

PCbangs (internet cafes) are peppered over the entire city and dirt-cheap to use, plus complimentary internet-enabled PCs are a common sight in independent coffee shops.

An immense range of international calling cards are available from the International Food shop outside Daejeon Korail station, as well as from smaller shops located beside universities catering to international students, such as the one outside Woosong West campus' main East Gate.

Daejeon is a very safe city by global standards. Note that Daejeon does not play host to a US military base, and as such, anti-American sentiment (and by extension, anti-Westerner sentiment) is low. If anything in town could be deemed dangerous, elderly drunks occasionally congregate around the front of Daejeon Korail station at night, including weeknights. Ironically, they are more inclined to hurl abuse at or chase down groups of obvious foreigners than individuals.

Daejeon's tap water is "drinkable" however residents tend to boil their water or purchase affordable bottled water, or fill their own bottles at local parks or at the mountain springs that surround town.

For a police emergency, dial 112. For a fire or ambulance emergency, dial 119.

For various help, consider visiting the DICC.

Cleaning services will exist at high-end hotels, otherwise, find a local dry-cleaner by looking for the sign setak (세탁).

According to the city government, you can get to anywhere in South Korea from Daejeon within half a day.

Seoul and Busan are less than an hour and two hours away, respectively, on the KTX. Gyeongju is also now rather accessible courtesy of the new Shin-Gyeongju KTX stop between Daegu and Busan. Seo-Daejeon Korail station will similarly link you up to Gwangju.

There are several pick-up spots around town for the airport bus, which charges a princely sum of about ₩14,000 for the ride (₩3,500 for the regular inter-city bus). Also, see this articles Get in section for information on travel to Jeju. Another option to get to Jeju would be to take KTX to Busan and catch a ferry but this would be both less economical and efficient.

Closer places of interest include:

• Mt. Daedun, one of Korea's more famed mountains (you may have seen photos of its suspension bridge) is close by at a 45-minute bus trip away. Buses depart from the Dong-gu Intercity bus terminal at 10:30. Miss it and you're out of luck.
• Gongju, adjacent city and former capital of Baekje, known for its Beakje tombs. Also the gateway to hiking a nearby national park.
• Cheongju, Daejeon's airport, and historic town in its own right. Birthplace of jikji, the world's oldest moving metal type print book.
• Mt. Gyeryong (you can get off at Oryong Station Exit 5 and arrive by bus 107). Mt. Gyeryong is the third designated national park in South Korea and is 845 m high. The peak, Cheonhwangbong, is a restricted area, and there are many tourists to Donghaksa Temple. Mountain climbers often go up to the Donghaksa-Eunseon Falls-Gwaneumbong course or the Donghaksa-Namma tower-Sambulbong course. (updated Oct 2023)

During festival season, Daejeon is the natural transfer point for travellers from the south end of the country heading to Boryeong for its expat-oriented mud festival.