Daejeon, situated centrally in South Korea, boasts robust transportation networks including railways and expressways. Established in 1997, it’s home to government offices and major corporations. Renowned for scientific institutions like KAIST, it’s a hub for research organizations. Daejeon’s history dates back to ancient fortifications, evolving through different dynasties. Modernization began with railway development in 1905, followed by administrative changes and post-war reconstruction. Today, it’s a key city in the International Science Business Belt. Daejeon’s topography includes highlands and lowlands, with significant rivers and lakes. The city’s MICE industry flourishes, hosting numerous international conferences. Notable attractions include O World, Hanbat Arboretum, and Daecheong Lake. Cultural landmarks like the National Science Museum and Daejeon Arts Center enrich the city’s heritage.
Daejeon Metropolitan City is located in the central part of South Korea. It serves as a transportation hub, intersected by the Gyeongbu high-speed railway, Gyeongbu Line, and Honam Line railways, as well as major expressways like the Gyeongbu and Honam Expressways. Established in 1997, it houses central government offices and headquarters of public enterprises like Korea Railroad Corporation, Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation, and Korea Water Resources Corporation. Known for its scientific institutions, including KAIST, it’s a science city with research organizations like KARI and KIST. Hosting successful international expos in 1993, it became a hub for science business in 2011. The city hall is in Seo-gu, and the city is divided into 5 districts and 82 administrative neighborhoods.
History
Daejeon, formerly part of Baekje’s Usul-gun(우술군 雨述郡), evolved from ancient fortifications like Gyejoksanseong. During Silla, it was renamed Bifung-gun(비풍군 比豐郡) and later, during Goryeo, became part of Hoideok-hyeon(회덕현 懷德縣) under the Gongju Prefecture(공주목 公州牧). In the Joseon era, it comprised parts of Gongju Prefecture, Hoideok-hyeon, and Jinjam-hyeon(진잠현 鎭岑縣). Notably, during the heyday of Neo-Confucianism, scholars like Park Paeng-nyeon, Song Jun-gil, Song Si-yeol, Gwon Si, and Yun Hyu were active.
In 1905, with the arrival of Gyeongbu Line’s Daejeon Station, it began its modernization. In 1913, completion of the Honam Line solidified its role as a transportation hub. In 1914, Daejeon-gun was established by merging Hoideok-gun, Jinjam-gun, and parts of Gongju-gun. The county office moved from Hoideok-myeon to Daejeon-ri. In 1932, with the relocation of Chungcheongnam-do’s office, it became the administrative center, attracting various industries. In 1935, Daejeon-eup became Daejeon City, and Daejeon-gun was renamed Daejeon County.
After the establishment of the Republic of Korea, Daejeon-bu became Daejeon City in 1949. During the Korean War, it served as a temporary capital, suffering damage. However, refugees settled, and post-war reconstruction efforts attracted people from across the nation. In 1970, with the opening of the Gyeongbu and Honam Expressways, it grew as a logistics hub. Since 1973, with the development of the Daedeok Research Complex, it evolved into a science city.
On January 1, 1989, Daejeon City and Daejeon County merged into a metropolitan city. In 1993, successfully hosting Expo ’93 established its status as a science city. With the implementation of local autonomy in 1995, it was designated as a metropolitan city. In 1997, the Government Complex was built in Dunsan-dong, housing various central administrative agencies. In 1998, Daejeon initiated the World Technopolis Association (WTA). In 1999, the city hall relocated from Jung-gu to Dunsan New Town. In 2011, it was designated as a hub city for the International Science Business Belt.
Location
Daejeon, often referred to as the “Central City,” is situated in the heart of South Korea. It serves as a gateway between the capital region and the southern and western regions. It’s a pivotal transportation hub, where highways, railways, and national roads converge. From the city hall, it’s approximately 139km to Seoul, 200km to Busan, 121km to Daegu, and 140km to Gwangju.
To the northwest lies Sejong Special Self-Governing City, to the west is Gongju City in Chungcheongnam-do, while Nonsan City and Gyeryong City are to the southwest. Geumsan County is located to the south, and to the northeast are Cheongju City in Chungcheongbuk-do, Okcheon County, and Boeun County to the east.
Rivers / Streams
In the Geum River basin, major national rivers such as Gapcheon, Yudeungcheon, and Daejeoncheon converge, flowing into the northern Geum River, where vast plains develop along its banks. Yudeungcheon and Daejeoncheon merge in Tanbang-dong and Ojeong-dong, joining Gapcheon in Daehwa-dong and Doryeong-dong. From the west, Jinjamcheon, Yuseongcheon, Banseokcheon, Tandongcheon, and Gwanpyeongcheon merge into Gapcheon. Gapcheon, crossing the heart of Daejeon, merges with the Geum River in Shintanjin. The Geum River flows from the eastern to the northern part of Daejeon. Along the banks of Gapcheon, Yudeungcheon, and Daejeoncheon, wide floodplains with an elevation of 40m have developed. Gentle slopes and hillsides surround these floodplains, forming important terrain for agriculture, residential areas, and industrial activities in Daejeon. In the eastern part of Daejeon’s Geum River basin lies Daecheong Lake, one of the three largest lakes in South Korea, providing abundant water resources.
Topography / Geology
The eastern and southern parts of Daejeon are relatively highlands, while the western and northern parts consist of low hills and plains, forming lowlands. In the eastern part of Daejeon, there are Mt. Gyejok (398.7m), Mt. Gaemuri (365m), and Mt. Hamgak (314m). To the west, there are Mt. Gayasan (845m), Mt. Usanbong (573.8m), Mt. Gabhasan (469m), and Mt. Bingyesan (414m), which are part of the Gayasan mountain range. In the southern part of Daejeon, there is Mt. Bomunsan (457.3m), while in the southwest, there is Mt. Gubongsan (264m), and in the southeast lies Mt. Sikjangsan (597.4m), the highest mountain in Daejeon. In the northern part of Daejeon, there are low hills such as Mt. Geumbyeongsan (345m), Mt. Maebangsan (182m), and Mt. Bulmusan (161m), all around 100 meters in height.
The eastern mountainous region of Daejeon is characterized by the distribution of schist and metamorphic rocks, while the western mountainous region is densely populated with igneous and metamorphic rocks, making it resistant to weathering and erosion. The central part of Daejeon, characterized by granite formations, has formed extensive plains due to weathering and erosion.
Government Complex Daejeon Government Complex Daejeon, located in Daejeon Metropolitan City, Seo-gu, Dunsan-dong, was constructed in December 1997. It occupies an area of 518,338 square meters, consisting of four 20-story buildings and annexes with a total floor area of 226,502 square meters. It accommodates around 6,600 civil servants from a total of 14 national agencies. According to the Daejeon Development Institute, the ripple effects of the Government Complex Daejeon are analyzed to have induced a total production impact, including direct and indirect production, of 586.2 billion won, with a real value-added within the region estimated at 288.2 billion won.
Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone
The Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone (대덕연구개발특구) is an area designated according to the relevant special law in the Yuseong-gu district of Daejeon Metropolitan City. It encompasses the Daedeok Science Town and Advanced Industrial Complex, known as Daedeok Techno Valley, as well as the Daejeon Industrial Complex and additional development areas.
The plan was formulated in 1973, with construction starting in 1974 and completion in 1992. Throughout the 1980s, most government-funded research institutes moved in, while the private sector mostly relocated in the 1990s. Initially, only research and academic facilities were allowed, but in 1999, with the amendment of the Daedeok Science Town Management Act, support for the commercialization of research outcomes and the entry of venture companies began actively. In September 2000, the government held a ceremony declaring Daedeok Valley’s transition to a complex of industry, academia, and research, and in 2005, the “Special Act on the Promotion of Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone, etc.” was passed. This designated 32 administrative divisions (32 legal districts in Yuseong-gu and Daejeon-gu) with a total area of 67.8 square kilometers as the Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone, focusing on promoting research, development, and commercialization of new technologies.
In 2011, it was confirmed as a hub for the International Science Business Belt.
As of 2015, the Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone houses 26 government-funded research institutions, 24 government and public institutions, 23 other non-profit organizations, 7 universities, and 1,613 companies. Within the zone, there are 39 companies listed on the KOSDAQ, 175 research institute companies, and 110 advanced technology companies. The total number of professionals, including those with master’s and doctoral degrees, working in the zone is 67,696. The total research and development expenditure in 2015 was 7.5014 trillion won. Up until 2015, there were 173,633 domestic patents registered and 76,653 international patents, totaling 250,286.
MICE Industry
According to the International Union of Associations (UIA), Daejeon ranked 4th domestically and 47th globally in terms of hosting international conferences in 2012. Since the opening of the Daejeon Convention Center in 2008, the number of events surged from 222 in 2008 to 654 in 2011, nearly tripling. The number of participants visiting the Daejeon Convention Center, excluding exhibition attendees, also more than doubled to 219,000 in 2011 from 2008. Daejeon has been successful in attracting and hosting academic conferences not only in general science and technology but also in fields like basic science, robotics, nuclear energy, aerospace, and medicine.
Following the establishment of the Daejeon Convention Bureau (now Daejeon Convention and Visitors Bureau) in 2006, the number of international conferences increased steadily, from 27 in 2007 to 54 in 2011. In 2009, it successfully hosted prominent international events such as the International Astronautical Congress, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Asia21 Conference, and the International Atomic Energy Agency Fusion Energy Conference (IAEA FEC).
- In 2011, Daejeon hosted 654 events, including the Asia Science Camp, the World Chemistry Expo, and the Economic Technology Exchange Conference, resulting in an economic impact of 119.3 billion won. In the same year, it hosted the 2012 Pharm Expo Korea, the largest pharmaceutical exhibition in Korea organized by the Korea Pharmaceutical Association, as well as attracting nearly 400,000 attendees to events like the World Cooking Competition and the International Sommelier Competition.
- In 2012, Daejeon hosted over 60 international conferences, including the World Industrial Asset Management Conference, the International Conference on Artificial Life and Robotics, the Asian Conference on Computer Vision, and the Ubiquitous Robotics International Symposium.
- In subsequent years, Daejeon continued to attract international conferences, such as the International Astronomical Federation Asia-Pacific Assembly in 2014, the International Dairy Federation Annual Conference in 2018, and the World Congress of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies.
- In 2015, Daejeon co-hosted the World Innovation Forum for Science and Technology, a biennial event for global scientists and entrepreneurs organized by Daejeon and UNESCO. It also hosted the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial Meeting, where the “Daejeon Declaration” on science, technology, and innovation for future creation was adopted.
- In 2016, Daejeon hosted the IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2016), the International Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS 2016), and the 14th International Space Operations Conference (SpaceOps 2016).
- In 2017, Daejeon hosted the International Neutron Scattering Society Conference and the International Electromagnetic Field Measurement Conference. Additionally, it organized the Asia-Pacific City Summit (APCS), attended by mayors, scholars, and business leaders from over 120 cities in Asia and the Pacific.
- In August 2020, Daejeon successfully hosted the International Union of Microbiological Societies Congress, the world’s largest international academic conference covering microbiology, with up to 5,000 microbiology experts and bio-related companies gathering at the Daejeon Convention Center for a week of academic presentations, discussions, and exhibitions.
- In 2022, Daejeon secured the hosting rights for the 7th World Congress of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), bringing together over 1,000 city leaders from 140 countries for a four-night, five-day event at the Daejeon Convention Center and the Daejeon International Exhibition Convention Center.
Tourism
The selected tourist attractions in Daejeon Metropolitan City include O World, Expo Park, Hanbat Arboretum, Gyejoksan Yellow Soil Road, Daecheong Lake, Jangtaesan Nature Reserve, Daejeon Dulegil, Dongchundang, Daejeon Culture and Arts Center, Euneungjeongi Cultural Street, and Yuseong Hot Springs.
- O World (오-월드): O World is a comprehensive theme park that combines Zoo Land, Flower Land, Joy Land, and Bird Land. It integrated the Daejeon Zoo (608,283㎡) opened in 2002 and Flower Land opened in 2009, and Bird Land in 2016. Covering 783,897㎡, it is one of the largest in the central region.
- Roots Park (뿌리공원): It features sculptures by family names, the Korean Genealogy Museum, Hyo Culture Development Institute, Palgak Pavilion, waterfront stage, fountain, Manseongbo (Raba Dam), forest bath, and more.
- Daejeon Aquarium(대전 아쿠아리움): It is the first and largest freshwater aquarium in South Korea, showcasing various freshwater fish from different countries and endangered species.
- Expo Tower (엑스포타워): The Daejeon Science Complex was established in Expo Science Park, where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Daejeon from Expo Tower. Nearby attractions include the National Science Museum, Currency Museum, and Geological Museum. It is connected to Hanbat Arboretum via Expo Bridge.
- Hanbat Arboretum (한밭수목원): It is a public arboretum connecting the greenery of the Government Complex Daejeon and Expo Science Park. Spanning 390,000㎡, it exhibits 1,787 plant species categorized into 24 themed areas, including woody plants, wildflower gardens, and rock gardens. In 2011, it established the country’s first tropical botanical garden featuring mangroves. It is adjacent to the National Cultural Heritage Administration’s Natural Monument Center.
- Daecheong Lake (대청호): It is one of the three major dams in South Korea that supply water to the Daejeon area. With a circumference of 220km, it takes about three hours by car to go around the lake. There is Daecheongho Ban Natural Eco-Park in Chudong, and in Miho-dong, there is the Daecheong Dam Cultural Center and an observation deck.
- Yuseong Hot Springs (유성온천): It is the largest hot spring area in South Korea in terms of volume. The radium-containing simple springs are rich in various mineral metals. The pH level is 8.89. A poplar tree avenue is created, and foot bathing experiences are available for free.
- Daejeon Dulegil (대전둘레산길): It is a 133km-long hiking trail that winds around Daejeon, passing through mountains such as Bobun, Manin, Sikjang, Gyejok, Gubong, Gyeryong, Geumbong, Gapha, Bingye, and Bangdong Reservoir.
- Jangtaesan Nature Reserve (장태산 자연휴양림): It is a natural recreation forest where Metasequoia forests are densely formed, providing opportunities for forest bathing. There is a forest experience Skyway.
- Dongchundang (동춘당): It is a guesthouse built by Song Jun-gil during the reign of King Hyojong of the Joseon Dynasty, using his pen name as its name. It is designated as Treasure No. 209 in South Korea.
Culture
- National Science Museum (국립중앙과학관): It is South Korea’s representative science museum responsible for collecting, preserving, researching, exhibiting, and educating on science and technology. It was relocated from Seoul to Daejeon in 1990. The museum includes permanent exhibition halls, outdoor exhibition halls, space experience halls, celestial observation halls, biology exploration halls, maglev trains, advanced science halls, science halls, and wings of creativity.
- Daejeon Arts Center (대전예술의전당): A multipurpose performance venue capable of accommodating performances of all genres. It has an art hall with 1,546 seats, an ensemble hall with 651 seats, an outdoor amphitheater with over 1,000 seats, and a convention hall with 100 seats.
- Currency Museum (화폐박물관): It is South Korea’s first specialized museum operated by the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation. Spanning 13,872m2, the two-story building with 2,026m2 houses four permanent exhibition rooms. It is open to the public free of charge.
- Geological Museum (지질박물관): The only specialized geological museum in South Korea, operated by the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources. It exhibits over 5,000 geological samples, including fossils and minerals, on an area of 2,500m2. It features a large globe, dinosaurs, and unique rocks such as Duwon Rock, the only sedimentary rock in Korea.
- Daejeon Prehistoric Museum (대전선사박물관): Located at the Noeundong Archaeological Site (Cultural Heritage No. 38), discovered in 1997, it operates five exhibition rooms covering the Paleolithic to Iron Age periods. It also has an outdoor experience area and a resource room.
- Daejeon Convention Center (대전컨벤션센터): A state-of-the-art convention center with a grand ballroom seating 2,000 and a 2,600-seat exhibition hall. It is part of the Daedeok Innopolis, a high-tech convention complex.
- Daejeon Municipal Museum (대전시립박물관): It consists of permanent exhibition rooms displaying cultural assets, donation rooms, planned exhibition rooms, and urban promotion rooms. It opened in Sangnaedong on October 16, 2012.
- Daecheong Lake Nature Eco Center (대청호자연생태관): It serves as both a nature ecological learning space and a relaxation area, featuring aquatic life inhabiting Daecheong Lake and the surrounding animals and plants.
- Daejeon Citizen Observatory (대전시민천문대): South Korea’s first citizen observatory. The 10-inch refracting telescope installed in the first observation room has the largest aperture in Korea. The first-floor celestial projection hall projects virtual stars onto a 9.5m dome screen using a celestial projector. The second floor houses an exhibition hall about space. The third floor consists of an observation room and an observatory, where various astronomical observations can be made.
- Gapcheon Water Sports Experience Classroom (갑천 수상스포츠 체험교실): Located near Dunsandaegyo Bridge on Gapcheon, visitors can enjoy dragon boats, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, rafting, water bikes, and water motorcycles for free. The largest dragon boat festival in the country is held here annually around September.