My Top 5 Sights In The Unknown Daejeon

Quite close to Seoul, Daejeon is nevertheless a destination often overlooked by visitors to the country. But, as someone who enjoys discovering lesser-visited places as well as hiking, I’ve actually found it to be one of the best cities to visit! Here are my top 5 places to visit if you only have a weekend to devote to this beautiful city!

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Daejeon in a few words

What if I told you that Daejeon is actually the 5th largest city in South Korea? It’s quite surprising, especially when you ask the locals if the city is worth a visit, they’ll probably tell you that there’s not much for a tourist to do, or that the place isn’t as lively as Seoul or Busan. If you’re a nature lover and want to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while recharging your batteries, Daejeon should be your next stop!

1. Gyeryongsan National Park (계룡산국립공원)

Address: 327-6, Donghaksa 1-ro, Banpo-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
How to get there: you can take the bus 107 at Daejeon station and stop at Donghaksa temple (~1h)

With its many temples and peaks, it’s a hiker’s paradise. Whichever season you choose to visit, you’re sure to marvel at its lush vegetation and breathtaking panorama. This sacred mountain is home to unique flora and fauna, as well as an interesting name dating back to the Joseon dynasty: “chicken dragon” as the mountain is supposed to look like a dragon with a chicken crest on its head.

Be warned, this is a moderate hike due to the many staircases and rocky paths that you more or less have to climb to make your way up. I went there in autumn to see the splendid autumn foliage and the only thing I can say is that I wasn’t disappointed!

2. Jangtaesan Recreational Forest (장태산자연휴양림)

Address: 산15번지 Jangan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon
How to get there: from Daejeon station, take the bus 20 for one hour and stop at Jangtaesan

This is the ideal place to escape the city in summer, in the shade of the large metasequoia trees. Stroll along the bridge, explore its botanical garden, go hiking and breathe in the fresh air.

The forest has many trails and facilities, whether you come alone, with family or friends. If you’re here to relax, try lying down on one of the pretty and original “deckchairs” and enjoy your favorite book or take a nap.

3. Jangan Reservoir (장안저수지)

Just 15 minutes from the Jangtaesan Recreational Forest lies this pretty reservoir, which I found totally by chance, or perhaps because I was getting impatient waiting for the bus back to town.

Either way, this little exploration of the surroundings was the perfect way to end an already beautiful day. The peaceful environment combined with the spectacular mountain views made the moment even more soothing and special.

4. Daejeon Skyroad (스카이로드)

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

This is the place to go if you’re looking for sustenance, shopping or simply to enjoy the nightlife! At night, the structure’s ceiling of multiple LED screens lights up for a more futuristic experience.

5. Expo Water Park (엑스포수상공원)

Address: Mannyeon-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon
How to get there: from Daejeon station, take line 1 (green line) to Government house station (정부청사역), then take bus 618 to Natural Monument Center (천연기념물센터) and walk about 10 minutes to your destination.

For a beautiful view of one of Daejeon’s landmarks (Expo Bridge), but also if you want to admire the sunset in a quiet, pretty setting. Plus, if you come here at the end of summer, between late September and October, the park will be filled with the magnificent orange cosmos flowers that mark the beginning of autumn and its magnificent fall foliage in the country!

How to get to Daejeon

From Seoul

• By KTX (high-speed train):
  Always check availability on the Korail website and try to book your ticket in advance to ensure a seat. You can choose between economy and first class. If you’re departing from Seoul, the fare is usually around $15 for 1 hour.
• By bus:
  You can always check prices on apps like Bustago (버스타고) or on TxBus.
  From Seoul, the trip takes about 2 hours and costs $13.

From Busan

• By KTX:
  From Busan station, count ~$24 for 1h30 travel time. This is the easiest way from Busan, as if you choose to take the bus, you’ll have to make a connection at Masan and take 2 buses in total.

From Gwangju

• By ITX (intercity):
  From Gwangju station, the journey will cost you between $8 and $14 for a duration of 2.5 hours.
• By bus:
  The journey takes 1h40mn and will cost you around $11.

In conclusion

Daejeon is the kind of town most people think of as a transit city, and yet it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to visit its nature and feel its different but charming atmosphere. Here, you can heal your mind and body, feeling energized and refreshed before hitting the road again!

If you’re interested in lesser-known places, check out my article on the peaceful Gurye!

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