DAEJEON

For over two years Daejeon has been nothing more than one of the stops along the way from the south up to Seoul. With only weeks left in Korea however it was decided to make a visit to this frequently overlooked metropolis to see if it had anything to offer. As the 5th biggest city in Korea it was once the home of the 1993 World Expo and proved to remain a city with some flare.

As soon as one exits the train station on the left there is a large and bustling traditional market displaying herbal medicine, local produce and an abundance of other sights, sounds and smells. After hopping on a local bus and arriving just outside the city rests Sikjangsan Moutain which offers fantastic hiking trails; traversing streams and at times using ropes to scale muddy slopes. At the top is a majestic view overlooking the whole of the city and nearby Daecheonghosa Lake.

While back in the city on a Saturday evening, they have turned it’s nearly 20 year old World Expo Park into a fully functional city gathering grounds. The area hosts a central concert hall where a track for joyous children on tricycles, dates rocking couple wear can skate hand in hand, parents teach children to ride bicycles, and just casual on lookers can enjoy the fresh air and music.

It is surrounded by an arboretum and lined with a river traced by bicycle paths which is spanned by a unique red white and blue bridge leading to the Expo Tower. It is also flanked by the Government Complex, that although with dull architecture still has countless tennis courts, basketball courts and other sporting facilities free for use. In addition the park offers rides, museums and countless other activities; the perfect way to unwind and embrace the leisure’s of city life.

Daejeon remains a city underrated but is deserving of a chance to exploit its numerous attractions, surrounding mountains and unique blend of Korean culture as it rests in the heart of this thriving nation!