When mentioning South Korea, travelers often recall famous landmarks such as the glamorous capital Seoul, the enchanting Jeju Island, or the sunny coastal city of Busan. Few, however, have the chance to visit Daejeon and experience the gentle beauty of this serene city. Daejeon, one of South Korea's five major cities, is a hub of major transportation routes located just 50 minutes from the capital Seoul by high-speed train. Known as the 'Silicon Valley of Asia,' it hosts the headquarters of many important research institutes nationwide. Despite being a city of technology, visitors to Daejeon can fully enjoy an interesting trip experiencing the city's subtle and graceful beauty. Begin your journey at Expo Park, an unmissable destination in Daejeon. This is the only amusement park in South Korea built to promote the development of modern science and technology. Here, visitors can explore science laboratories and participate in various programs, classes, and entertainment activities to learn more about scientific and technological achievements. A picnic to Daejeon Lake will offer you many enjoyable experiences. Daejeon Lake, the third largest artificial lake in South Korea, was started in 1975 and completed in 1980, providing about 1.5 billion tons of water to people in the Daejeon and Cheongju areas. If you visit the observation tower on the dam, you can learn about the daily activities of the dam and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake from above. In the summer, you can admire snowy egrets hunting for prey on the azure lake surface. Nestled amidst majestic mountain ranges, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, Daejeon Lake exudes a peaceful natural beauty and is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Daejeon. If you're a shopping enthusiast, Eunhaeng-dong is a must-visit. It's a hub of numerous fashion stores, cosmetics shops, and restaurants. Additionally, you can indulge in typical Korean street food in this pedestrian-friendly area. If you have spare time, explore the city's universities (Daejeon University, KAIST, Hannam University). The campus's harmonious beauty with nature will not disappoint for a leisurely stroll. No matter when you visit throughout the year, you'll always find the distinctive beauty and vibrant colors of the four seasons on the university campuses: the pure pink of cherry blossoms in full bloom, the lively green of summer flowers, the red tinting the autumn sky, and the pristine white as winter arrives.
Daejeon University during cherry blossom season.
Embracing the Winter's White Snow. South Korea, with its hilly terrain, has mountain climbing deeply embedded in the lives of its people, seen as a form of health training. Try conquering Mount Gyejok, one of Daejeon's most famous mountains. In 2008, Mount Gyejok was voted one of South Korea's 33 most attractive destinations. Here, travelers can barefoot walk on the red clay road and enjoy the fresh scent of pine trees surrounding the mountain, as well as admire the view of Daejeon city center from Gyejoksanseong Fortress, built during the Three Kingdoms period. Immersed in the wind and clouds, feeling the majestic beauty of the mountains from the top of Gyejok, travelers will have an unforgettable experience.
The scenery at the foot of Mount Gyejok. Before embarking on a new journey, take time for Yuseong Hot Springs. Yuseong Hot Springs, located in the city center, are known to be effective in combating various diseases. The water here contains alkaline minerals such as calcium, potassium, sulfur, carbonic acid, silicic acid, and radium in high concentrations, beneficial for treating nerve pain and ailments of the elderly. There are also various other amenities available here to serve tourists. Additionally, tourists can visit Hanbat Botanical Garden, Ppuri Park, Dunsan Park, Daejeon Art Museum, and World Cup Stadium. Daejeon is truly an interesting stopover in the journey to explore the land of kimchi, South Korea.
Vnexpress
Posted by: Thảo Nguyễn
Keyword: The Beauty of Asia's Silicon Valley