10 Places Must-Visit in Daejeon, South Korea

10 Places Must-Visit in Daejeon, South Korea The capital of Chungcheongnam-do, Daejeon is known as a city of science and technology. Located in the heart of South Korea, Daejeon serves as a hub of transportation, which has an outstanding accessibility to major cities in South Korea within 90 minutes by KTX (Korea Train Express).

Daejeon not only embrace a fine culture and traditions, it has also experienced a new scientific and technological civilization that transformed Daejeon into the city with the advancement of science and technology. Daejeon has a slogan “It’s Daejeon”. “It's" is the backronym of: Interesting, Tradition and Culture, Science and Technology. As Daejeon was highly influenced by early dynasty in Korea, the significant of its cultural and historical facts are well preserved.  

Little History of Daejeon

In early Korye Dynasty (고려시대), Daejeon was divided into four territories: Yuseong-hyeon (유성현), Deokjin-hyeon (덕진현), Hoideok-hyeon (회덕현), and Jinjam-hyeon (진잠현). The Daejeon area actually belonged to the Usul-gun (우술군) of the Baekje Kingdom, Bipung-gun (비풍군) of the Shilla Kingdom, and Yuseong-hyeon (유성현), Deokjin-hyeon (덕진현), Hoideok-hyeon (회덕현), and Jinjam-hyeon (진잠현) as a military strategic area. After all, the Daejeon area remained as a part of Hoideo-hyeon and Jinjam-hyeon during the Joseon Kingdom period. Both areas of Hoideok-gun and Jinjam-gun were merged with parts of Gongju-gun into “Daejeon-gun” on March 1, 1914. In fact, the Daejeon area was historically known as Hanbat (한밭), a native Korean term for “large field", during the Joseon Dynasty. A fertile basin surrounded by mountains and rivers was the origin of the name of Daejeon city.

Let’s discover Daejeon together!

1. Ppuri Park (뿌리공원) 

Daejeon Ppuri Park (뿌리공원)

Ppuri Park, also known as Root Park, is the only park constructed under the theme of filial piety(孝道) in South Korea as to trace the origins of Korean surnames and foster spirit of loyalty and filial piety. The park is occupied with unique 136 stone sculptures with the historical description of the family name that remind Koreans of their family lines. In fact, there are 14 family origins under a Kim surname!

According to Korean National Statistical office (2000), the number of Korean surnames rose to 275 family name and 3349 family origins. The park also features a variety of facilities like Jokbo Museum, ‘Jeonja’ 12 Zodiacal Animal Figures, Samnam Memorial Observatory, Deep-rooted Spring, ecological forest, ‘Jasanjeong’ octagonal pavilion, woods bathing area and grass square and waterside stage where various events are held. Ppuri Park is highly recommended for family trips and picnic.

2. Eunhaengdong Euneungjeongi Culture Street 

Daejeon Eunhaengdong Euneungjeongi Culture Street

Eunhaegdong, also known as Uineungjeongi Cultural Street, was once the center of the government administration, business and culture until 1980s. The main downtown street sometimes calls ‘Sky Road’ because of its amazingly immense ceiling of electronic panels which light up the night streets like the sun in the morning! With that, you can enjoy the great nightlife, shop cheerfully while listening to your favorite Korean songs. For shopper holic, you will get lost in a world of fashionable items, from clothes to sneakers. Eunhaengdong underground stores offer you a wide selection that you can barely stay calm and shop!

Tips: don’t remain in a shop more than 10 minutes, or you will end up buying all the clothes!

After shopping in downtown, don’t forget to grab some scrumptious bread from the most famous Daejeon-based Bakery and Cake Boutique, Sung Sim Dang. In fact, many Koreans purposely travel to Daejeon just for its fresh and mouth-watering breads and cakes! The recommended bakery for its shop is Twi-kim Soporo, which is golden-fried bread full with red bean paste. If you are lucky, you will have a chance to participate in some local events such as Uineungjeongi Festival, Youth Mime Festival and the Art and Cultural Street Festival.

3. Daejeon Expo Science Park (대전 엑스포) 

Daejeon Expo Science Park (photo credit: 반석)

Located in the northwestern of Daejeon, this was the place where the Daejeon Expo was held in 1993. The area has been renovated into a science theme park to commemorate the Deajeon Expo and to raise awareness of science and technology. The park includes the National Science Museum of Korea, Advanced Science & Technology Center, Technopia, Starquest, Earthscape, and Visions of Korea pavilions. Also, different themes of theatres and pavilions: a 3D theatre, an I-Max dome Theatre, a Simulation Theatre, Body World, the Electric Energy Pavilion, the Energy Pavilion, the Nature and Life Pavilion, the North Korea Pavilion, the Tower of Great Light, and also the world’s largest I-Max theatre is available.

Daejeon Expo Science Park Bridge (photo credit: BikeCity Cafe) 

At night, don’t miss the Hanbit Square or Expo Bridge. Visitors can experience a wonderful atmosphere and Daejeon night view with the colorful Music Fountain while strolling along the bridge. Indeed, this is one of the popular dating spots for Korean couples in Daejeon. During the spring, many people rent bicycles to ride or have picnic around the Expo Park to enjoy the cherry blossoms sightseeing. Other attractions near to Expo Park are Geology Museum, Currency Museum, Astronomy Observatory, and Yu-seong tourist special zone.

4. Currency Museum of Korea (화폐박물관) 

Daejeon Currency Museum of Korea (화폐박물관) (photo credit: 박주현)

The Currency Museum of Korea is the first museum in Korea to be merely devoted to modern and ancient currencies. The museum has been opened to local and international visitors for the purpose to promote public acknowledgement of the nation’s currency. The museum is composed of a total of 120,000 pieces of coins in Korea and overseas, coins from the Late Joseon Dynasty until the present, 80 kinds of commemorative coins, 88 kinds of ‘special money’, and postage stamps.

The museum comprises four exhibition rooms featuring the information and types of coins of different eras. Exhibition Room 1 offers a glance of coins from ancient and modern times that belonged to the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, and learn about the process of banknote production in Exhibition Room 2. The methods to differentiate counterfeit money can be found in Exhibition Room 3 and Exhibition Room 4 displays a wide variety of stamps, medals and currencies from 120 countries. A broad collection of coins and materials from the pasts will further ignite your curiosity about the history of South Korea!

5. Daejeon History Museum (대전역사박물관) 

Daejeon History Museum (대전역사박물관)

The history of Daejeon mentioned in the introduction is just 0.1 % of the whole story! War History Museum comprises Joseon Dynasty relics of ancient documents, historical artifacts, Daejeon cultural property, and many more. Daejeon History Museum in equipped with a permanent exhibition hall, donated relics exhibition hall, planned hall, and city promotion hall. In the permanent exhibition hall, you can witness the Daejeon’s most precious cultural assets related to Confucian’s culture. The donated relic exhibition hall displays artifacts kindly donated by Daejeon residents and the planned exhibition hall offers several programs, performances, activities and exhibitions throughout the year. If you love to understand more about Korean history, the Daejeon History Museum is the perfect place to visit!

6. Daecheongho Lake Obaengni-gil Tour (대청호오백리길) 

Daejeon Daecheongho Lake Obaengni-gil Tour (대청호오백리길) (photo credit: 대전 브랜드 마케터)

Daecheongho Lake is an artificial lake, stretching across Cheongju-si, Okcheon-gun, and Boeun-gun. The lake provides Deajeon City and Cheongju City with drinking water, living water, and industrial water. The reservoir is able to store a water volume of 1.5 billion tons, making the reservoir as the 3rd largest lake in Korea. Surrounded by mountains, the area is a popular driving route and tree-lined roads are full with flowers during spring, and colored by maple leaves during autumn. Upon reaching the top of the observatory, the entire environment of the lake is spectacular and sometimes, you can catch a glance of migratory birds and resident birds during summer season.

When visiting Daechongho Lake, don’t forget to follow Daecheongho Lake Obaengni-gil Tour. There are a total of 27 trekking courses that you can select based on your preference. Each course will offer the visitors experience the ecology and natural beauty of the six sections of Daecheongho Lake Obaengni-gil Trail in the vicinity of Daejeon. This tour is highly recommended to those who are fans of the natural scenery during seasonal change.

7. Sikjang Mountain (식장산) 

Sikjang Mountain 식장산 Daejeon (photo credit: Naraa)

Mt. Sikjangsan, is the highest and largest mountain in Daejeon. It is 623.3m above sea level and the environment is surrounded by pellucid mountain valleys, condensed forests with varieties of rare plants. As a piece of area in the Secheon Park of Sikjang Mountain was designated as Ecological Preservation Zone, extensive efforts of nature conservation have been implemented to protect the natural ecology of Daejeon city from destruction.

Although it is not easy to reach the peak, please note that Sikjang Mountain is still the most popular dating spot during night time where many couples enjoy the romantic and cozy moment. At the foot of mountains, there are also a few notable temples such as Gosansa Temple constructed during Silla Dynasty and Gaesimsa Temple built during period of King Seongjong, where people can picnic under the spring trees and experience cherry blossoms in full bloom!

8. Yuseong Hot Spring (유성온천) 

Daejeon Yuseong Hot Spring (유성온천) (photo credit: 사람을 남기는 집)

Relaxation is always the ultimate purpose of traveling. There are no other activities that provide much comfort that a hot spring! The Yuseong Hot Spring is located in Yuseong-gu of Deajeon City, is quite well-known for hot springs. Well, there is a reason behind the story. Yuseong Spa was firstly discovered during the Baekje Kingdom, where wounded soldiers recovered after bathing in. These hot springs not only contain an abundant amount of calcium and sodium, but also possess a therapeutic effect that helps maintain healthy skin and alleviate skin irritations. Yuseong Spa is also a popular spot for both youth and elderly people, especially during winter season when they come with their family. Foot bath experience in Yuseong Hot Spring will definitely reduce your tiredness and improve your skin condition!

9. Dongchundang (동춘당): Daejeon Hoedeok Dongchundang Park 

Dongchundang (동춘당) Daejeon Hoedeok Dongchundang Park

The residence house of the Daejeon Hoedeok Dongchundang Park was built by Jungil Song, the father of Dongchundang who was an acknowledged politician from the Joseon Dynasty. ‘Dongchun’ means ‘lively spring’. The house was assigned as the National Cultural Treasure number 209 and the structure has some similarities with the buildings of the late Joseon Dynasty.

Started from 1996, Dongchundang Cultural Festival is held every April with a variety of events: Sungmojerye, studying at Hyanggyo, national calligraphy competition, street festival, and so on. This festival was established to remember the communal spirits of Hoedeok residents and educate people about the values of traditional culture. Until now, the life history of Eunjin Song (surname of Jungil, Song) is passed down from one generation to another and it is a priceless asset to be kept.

10. Dunsan-dong (둔산동) 

Daejeon Dunsan-dong (둔산동) (photo credit: Soulfanda)

Although Daejeon is not as populated as Seoul, Daejeon also has an exotic nightlife. In Dunsan-dong, you can find a lot of places to meet new friends or hangout with your closest buddies. It is also a hot spot where people gather after finishing their work on Friday to release their stress! Recommended clubs or lounges in Daejeon are Bubi Bubi, a Western-style dance club; Sponge, local clubbers’ favorite; Yellow Taxi, relaxing and international lounge. Don’t forget to order a drink along with Anju (bar snacks) to get along with locals!

Who said that you can only drink and have fun in Hongdae, Seoul?

There are also plenty of unlisted Daejeon attractions like National Science Museum, Jangtaesan Recreational Forest, Hanbat Arboretum, Daejeon O World and so forth. Still having no clue on where to visit in Daejeon? Drop us a comment and we will guide you :)

Stay easy and discover Daejeon with LeX Paradise!

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For the Tired and Weary traveller: The South Korean Jim-jil-bang

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When travelling anywhere abroad, many travellers look to stuff their itinerary with as many sightseeing activities as possible.  Events, festivals, attractions, and local food stands out as a focus among many travellers, with relaxation often overlooked entirely.  While it is easy to adhere to a schedule and get quite a bit done, when things don’t go as planned, tensions run high, and bodies get tired, it can be difficult to adhere to this schedule comfortably.  For the tired and weary traveller, the South Korean Jim-jil-bang is an excellent stop to relax before heading to sleep.

What is a Jim-jil-bang?

Jim-jil bang

First and foremost, it is important to understand that Jim-jil-bang refers to a specific type of facility, rather than a single attraction.  A Jim-jil-bang is a large, gender-segregated South Korean public bathhouse.  These locations come complete with showers, hot tubs, Finnish-style saunas, as well as massage tables in certain locations.  In most locations, the Jim-jil-bang refers to this specific room (or “bang” in Korean), with several other rooms attached.  These areas typically have snack bars, ondol-heated floor, lounges for relaxation or sleeping, as well as other rooms for either viewing movies, playing games (known as a PC Bang or PC room), and karaoke rooms called Noraebang.  These locations are typically open 24 hours, and offer a relaxing experience, as well an inexpensive alternative to traditional hotel rooms.

Selecting a Jim-jil-bang

While many of these facilities offer similar services, they are not entirely alike.  Many focus on similar aspects, but offer different food and drink menus, different bathing facilities, and may have other rooms omitted entirely.  When selecting a Jim-jil-bang, it’s important for travellers to consider which features are most important to them, as well as what locations are close to the next day’s destination.

The Key to a Relaxing Stay :) 

Jim-jil bang

While it is safe to say that few travellers visit South Korea specifically to spend time at a Jim-jil-bang, along with excellent planning, a Jim-jil-bang can make any trip much more enjoyable and relaxing.  While there’s no need to book a stay at a Jim-jil-bang in advance, it’s still an excellent idea to plan your other travel activities well in advance.

Those interested in a more complete, more customized trip to South Korea, such as travellers searching for Asia honeymoons, should make sure that they research the area carefully and choose well known travel agents specialising in Asia Tours.  Be sure to specifically mention Jim-jil-bangs as your preferred lodging method, and their agents will be sure to find a good match.

All in all, picking your flight and planning your trip well may be frustrating at first, but preparation truly is the key to a relaxing trip for those who fly to South Korea.  Combine planning with a relaxing evening at a Jim-jil-bang, and no traveller can go wrong. So, do not miss Jim-jil-bang in your South Korea trip and include it in your travel list.

Please feel free to leave any your thought here! Thanks! :) 

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A Visit to International Buddhist Temple in South Korea !!

I always wonder and curious about how is the temple and Korean Buddhism tradition look like? Same like Malaysia or China? One day I decided to go with my ASEAN friends to take a visit at International Buddhist Temple near Daejeon. All of us wake up early in the Sunday morning and take several buses to a temple call Mu Sang Sa International Buddhist Temple! It took about an hour for us to be there. 

Finally the bus stop! but we still need to spent some time to climb up the hill in order to get to the temple. Started to feel good about the surrounding, fresh air, the sound of nature and some rain drops! 

Few minutes later, we finally can see the temple! The picture above was my first glanced of the temple with very special architecture and design! Awesome! Right? So, I took quite some of the pictures of the temple!  ^_^ 

After look around the temple, we decided to go inside one of the building and make a wish and pray for peace! : D   The architecture and design of the Korea Buddhist Temple is somehow a little bit different from Malaysia Buddhist Temple especially the colors as well as the roof design! Very interesting!

Then now is the time for our picture! ^_^

Later one we greeted by a monk and we started to introduce ourself as well as him too. After that, I was too shock! Very Shock! He speak hokkien (one of the chinese dialect) to me! My God! Korean do learn Hokkien? I was totally out of my mind! Well! later on he told us that he is a Malaysian!! A Malaysian Monk from Melaka! I am really surprise about it! Then we continue talk more about ourself and shared some experiences that we had go through in our life and we are in Korea. After talk about half an hour, we start our vegetarian lunch with others monks and international visitors. 

Somehow, I get really surprise again because this is my first time I saw westerner monk in my life. Wow! I feel that Buddhism is very international as well. ^_^ 

Now what? then what we going to do in the temple after this? Well! after all the visitors get their stomach full, then we going to practice Zen Meditation! It is a simple meditation to relax ourself with very simple steps. The meditation take about one and half an hour in the room. It was my first time to meditated in that time of period!

After some hard work on the meditation practice, we continue with a talk from Buddhist Teacher  by the Malaysian Monk, Myong An Sunim (his name)  and a westerner Monk from Europe. The talk mainly about the Zen Meditation that we went through and some life time experiences sharing from the teachers! 

All of us were really attracted by their speech and explanation! I can say that it was a very inspirational talk and somehow I understand more about myself! Both of them had went through many hardship and difficulties. I am impress!

After the talk, before we going back to University, we luckily have a chance to take picture with the Buddhist Teachers. It was a very memorable experience for me! 

Dear readers, if you have a chance to visit Korea or you currently in Korea, I strongly recommend you to take a visit here " The Mu Sang Sa International Buddhist Temple". They will organize a retreat in this coming winter. Do not miss it! ^_^

How to get there?

By Train: 

From Seoul, Yongsan Station take about 2 and half hours to Gye-Ryong Train Station. From Gye-Ryong, you can take a short taxi ride to Mu Sang Sa International Buddhist Temple about 20 minutes time with 6000 to 7000won. 

By Bus: 

Take an Express Bus from Seoul Nambu Express Bus Terminal to Shindo-an Bus Stop near Omsa-ri about 2 hours and 10 minute. Then take a short taxi about 20minute to Mu Sang Sa International Buddhist Temple with around 8000won.

If you have any questions, please leave comments or you can email me (Email is in my profile).

Thank you! 

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Pottery I made in Ceramic Village, Korea

Hi guys, had you browse through my previous post about Ceramic Village in Korea ? If you not yet, feel free to take a look how I manage to produce my own poetry with all my writing on the surface. I believe you see my nick name "LeX", chinese name "陈奕良" on the poetry. My hand writing somehow not that neat, but kind of artistic, Hahaha ! 

As for this photo is the another side of the pottery with my full name "Tan Yih Liang" Korean name "랙스" and at the bottom "soju" (Korean famous traditional alcohol drink). Actually this is the soju bottle, I slowly liking to drink soju with all my friends in Korea because is cheap and with high concentration of alcohol @_@. 

So, drop by at Korea to visit some exciting festival ( you can check it here ) , take a break to drink soju and make your own soju bottle  in Ceramic Village.  

If you do plan to make one for your-self too while you in Korea, please visit Icheon Ceramics Village 

Feel free to leave some comments. ; ) 

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Korea Supermarket

The Blogsherpa Travel Carnival #3: Foreign Food Finds

After I was few weeks staying in Daejeon, everyday taking the meals in the cafeteria, I think me and my friends should try to cook something by ourself and learning some Korean recipe. However, where should we go to shop for grocery? where is the best place to shop? 

HOME PLUS is one of the best Korea Supermarket to shop for grocery. As for the nearest Homeplus from Daejeon University is Tambang-dong. So, firstly we take a bus to Dae-dong subway station and take the subway to the Tambang station. After we arrive we can see the building of HOMEPLUS.  

Well, inside the homeplus have varieties of grocery to shop.

Apples

Bananas

Grapes

Different kind Vegetables too.

Chillis

Mushrooms

Meat Section : 

Beef

Big Squids

Shell Fish

This is special, it is cut squid with sweet and a little spicy source.  Customer allow to freely taste it before decided to buy. What a good service!  

As for us, we taste non-stop because it is delicious! yummy! There also different kind of side dishes can be taste before any purchase. 

The Chef is making the side dishes, they seem really expert.  

Haha! this is noodle with sup! But is cold x_x This was my 1st time to taste the cold noodles. It taste really weird for me. But at least we get to know this noodles for cold style cook. 

Breads

Snacks

This one are some of our favourite, soju!! The Korean alcohol drink. It selling cheap in Homeplus!   

Finally, Ice-cream ; )

By comparing the Korea Supermarket to Malaysia Supermarket, some of the grocery is more expensive and some are more cheaper. Especially, Banana in Korea is very expensive ; alcohol drink in Malaysia is very expensive. Korea Supermarket is more bigger as for the grocery section, its also offer more choice. Particularly, more taste testing for Korea supermarket. 

Anyway if you interested about the Homeplus Korea Supermarket  please browse it ; ) 

For more interesting stuff about Foreign Grocery Market,
Please visit Jennifer Lo Prete at OrangePolkaDot.com   

The Blogsherpa Travel Carnival #3: Foreign Food Finds


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The horrible experience end up nicely in South Korea !

The Blogsherpa Travel Carnival: 
Travel Safely

One night, I am so desperately going with my ASEAN friends to taste the best Indonesian cuisine in Daejeon downtown. My feeling was so happy and exciting because I love to taste various kinds of delicious dishes. We went there by bus overwhelmingly and walk fast to the restaurant!

The name of the restaurant call "CINTAKU" mean "my love" and we step into the place then order the Indonesian dishes! SUDDENLY! I feel there is something missing at my back of my pant pocket!!! What! My wallet is gone!! @#$%^& My friends were shock with the drastic change of my expression!!

That time I have no ideas what to do, my mind went blank and only the words of "Search for it now!!" pop up in my mind! I went out the restaurant and search along the route I passed by, my friends help me as well... we went to bus stop ask people around with sign language (that time Korean not really good), but no one saw it. I am so scared! Then I realize it might drop in the bus, then my Korean friends call the bus station officers to check for my wallet when the bus off service. 

After few hours, the officer calls and told that nothing has been found. I am so sad... Because all the important documents inside my wallet are important, not only Korean ID card and others Korean documents but the Malaysian documents as well, it included Malaysian ID card, driving license, bank card, medical card, membership card and some others important stuff. I am totally freaky out! I can't really sleep well all night long and keep worrying! 

Well... next day after has report to international office, all of my Korean friends said " LeX, please don't expect your wallet will be back, almost impossible it will happen, cheer up man!" some said " LeX, I lost my wallet too, but as an advice please don't expect to be back!", my best buddy said " LeX, stay calm, you still have passport and the documents can be apply back! don't worry". So, it seem like I have to forget about my wallet, it will never return! It made me cannot really sleep well for a week. Is was horrible! !@#$^&*() 

Few days later I apply back my Korean ID card, bank card and others as well. As for Malaysian document, it needed to wait until I back to Malaysia and reapply again, so lame. Every night, I keep thinking how I drop my important item! Then I realize my wallet too thick due to too many documents inside it and not really fit into my pocket! Ah! Stupid mistake. 

My advices are, when you travel anywhere please!!  

- Keep your wallet as thin as possible.

- Put all un-relevant items out of your wallet or hand bag such as, (as of my case) Malaysian  
   cards or others  card which is not applicable in Korea.

- Put your wallet in zip pocket or zip hand bag. 

- Please don't expect to get it back if you lost your wallet! 

It was really terrible experience, and sad! However it ends very soon!

After one month, international relation officer call me “LeX, I have good news for you! An uncle found your wallet! You will receive it by next week!" then my responses is "Oh My God!! Oh My God!! My wallet is coming back!" it really surprises me! But I hope all the documents remain, as for the cash I don't mind if the he take all of it. 

When the week comes, I receive my wallet in a neat package. I quickly open it and check everything! You know what!!? Everything still there, even all the cash!! Oh my oh my! is miracle!! So, now I know why Korea recognizes as one of the safest country in the world. 

Anyway, this horrible experience end up with a nice memory and it was a lesson for me! Because this is the first time I lost my wallet!! and is last time!! So, anyone out there please take my advices! ^_^

The Blogsherpa Travel Carnival: Travel Safely

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