Daejeon Weekend Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See & Eat in Korea’s Hidden Gem
- Jetta Allen
- Nov 1, 2024
- 6 min read
Mark your calendars and book the perfect weekend in Daejeon! There is so much to do, including a great mix of indoor and outdoor activities making it a great destination all year round. When I travel, I try to incorporate free or low-cost activities, allowing me to spend that money on souvenirs, hotel accommodations, or restaurants!
Why Choose Daejeon for a Weekend Getaway?
Daejeon is one of those cities in Korea that often gets overlooked, but it really shouldn’t be. Located in the center of the country, it’s easy to reach whether you’re driving, taking a bus, or hopping on the KTX. What makes Daejeon such a great weekend getaway is the balance it offers—you get the conveniences of a big city with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shopping, but you’re never far from nature, hiking trails, and peaceful green spaces.
It’s also an affordable destination compared to some of Korea’s larger cities. Many of the attractions, like the National Science Museum or Mt. Jangtaesan Forest, are either free or very low-cost, which means you can spend more of your budget on local food, unique experiences, or a comfortable hotel stay. Plus, Daejeon is home to some really interesting spots you won’t find anywhere else in Korea—from science and history museums to suspension bridges tucked in the forest and bustling traditional markets.
If you’re looking for a weekend trip that mixes learning, adventure, relaxation, and great food, Daejeon has a little bit of everything.
National Science Museum: A Must-See in Daejeon
My first stop was the National Science Museum! Parking is very easy and can hold hundreds of vehicles. Admission is incredibly affordable, just 1,000-2,000 won depending on your age and children ages birth to 3 years old are free.
There are 11 exhibitions including science technology, science discovery, natural history, human evolution, a botanical garden, and outdoor exhibits with static displays of rockets and trains. Their astronomical and planetarium exhibits are exquisite. The planetarium uses an IMAX theater to showcase space, space travel, constellations, and planets. Unfortunately with my vertigo, I had to pass on this opportunity, but attendees leaving the theater raved about their experience.
National Science Museum
대전 유성구 대덕대로 481 국립중앙과학관
Mt. Jangtaesan Natural Recreation Forest: Nature Escape
The next stop on my itinerary was Mt. Jangtaesan Natural Recreation Forest. This forest is famous for its recreation trails that allow you to enjoy walking through the forest on elevated walkways and suspension bridges high in the trees. The best part is there is no entry fee! The sequoia and redwoods are simply majestic, towering above everyone. Some of the trees were well over 30 meters high!
Planted in 1973, the forest is very dense with many local plants and animals now calling it home. Parking can be a struggle but I found it was possible to find parking all up and down the road to the forest and there were additional parking lots as you drove up. The forest has many free exhibits including a forest relaxation area, forest classroom, ponds, a suspension bridge high above the trees, hiking trails, observatories, and playgrounds. There are cafes and they even have on-sight lodging accommodations! The peak season is more expensive, with rooms starting around 134,000 won per night.
Fall colors in the evening can’t be beat in Daejeon! During the fall and winter, the park closes early. Unfortunately, this is something I had to learn personally, but it was still a great experience. My tip, go midday and explore, then head back to the suspension bridge for sunset pictures before leaving for the day. The park closes just before sunset and you may not get to experience all the exhibits or recreational paths if you come too late.
Jangtaesan Mountain Recreational Forest
대전 서구 장안로 461
Where to Eat in Daejeon: Local Favorites
After the cool evening strolls in the forest, I headed to town for soup! The Yuseongok Doryong Branch Restaurant serves some of the best Korean beef gomtang with a tasty bone broth. They also serve a variety of other dishes like beef tartare bibimbap and dumplings, plus dishes are served with so many sides!
Yuseongok Doryong Branch
대전 유성구 엑스포로123번길 34 도룡코아루스마트리치오피스텔 1층 113호
Best Hotels in Daejeon for Your Weekend Stay
To wrap up the evening, I checked into Lotte City Hotels in Daejeon. This hotel starts at around 135,000 won per night with a complimentary breakfast making it worth it. Lotte City Hotels in Daejeon is not only centrally located but it has an amazing city view from their spacious rooms!
After check-in, take a night stroll to see the nightlife, city lights, and sculptures around the area. I used the quiet night alone to catch up on reading a good book. For breakfast, arrive early to take advantage of the buffet and get a window seat to a gorgeous mountain sunrise.
Lotte City Hotel Daejeon
대전 유성구 엑스포로123번길 33 롯데시티호텔대전
Daejeon Expo Aquarium and Jungang Market Highlights
After breakfast, I headed out to the Daejeon Expo Aquarium. Adults are 29,000 won, children and those over 65 are 25,0000 won, and children under 3 are free. This aquarium has a wide variety of fish, a mermaid show, and even a cool shadow puppet show which was my FAVORITE! Seriously, it was epic! The performance lasted about a half hour and was funny and entertaining for everyone. Expect to be at the aquarium for a couple of hours to experience it all.
Daejeon Expo Aquarium
대전 유성구 엑스포로 1 대전 신세계 Art&Science 지하 1층
After the aquarium, it was lunchtime! I headed to lunch at the Chueojeong Korea Restaurant! Lots of meals to choose from including tteok-galbi, a Korean grilled beef dish.
Chueojeong
대전 서구 만년로68번길 45 (만년동, 1층)
There was extra time in my itinerary so I headed to the Daejeon Jungang Market! Korean markets are always fun for me. I love looking at neat things and seeing the local dishes and fresh produce. After the market, my trip was over and it was time to head home.
Daejeon Jungang Market
대전 동구 대전로 783
Plan Your Daejeon Weekend Itinerary Today
No matter where I go in Korea, I am reminded of how old this country is and its proud history. I always see something new. You may not get to see everything in Korea during your time here because there’s just so much to see, but get out and see as much of it as you can!
Explore the museums, restaurants, and national parks, and make memories that last a lifetime. Check out this month’s Explore Daejeon for your guide to all things Daejeon!
Our Itinerary
Trip Total Cost for 1 Adult, minus fuel: 216,000 won*
If you are looking to keep costs low, bring your own water bottles from home and keep them in a cooler in your vehicle. You can also bring a couple of snacks from home if you do not want to spend money between meals on snacks.
Check the off-season cost, off-season is usually more cost-effective. Hotel accommodations vary drastically based on when you book, how far in advance you book, online specials, and the season.
*Cost and admissions are subject to change.
Day 1
National Science Museum plus a snack and drink at the cafe (10,000 won)
National Science Museum
대전 유성구 대덕대로 481 국립중앙과학관
Mt. Jangtaesan Natural Recreation Forest (free)
Jangtaesan Mountain Recreational Forest
대전 서구 장안로 461
Dinner at Yuseongok Doryong Branch (15,000)
Yuseongok Doryong Branch
대전 유성구 엑스포로123번길 34 도룡코아루스마트리치오피스텔 1층 113호
Hotel check-in (135,000)
Lotte City Hotel Daejeon
대전 유성구 엑스포로123번길 33 롯데시티호텔대전
Nighttime stroll (free)
Day 2
Sunrise breakfast (price included in room)
DaejeonExpo Aquarium (29,000)
Daejeon Expo Aquarium
대전 유성구 엑스포로 1 대전 신세계 Art&Science 지하 1층
Lunch at Chueojeong (25,000)
Chueojeong
대전 서구 만년로68번길 45 (만년동, 1층)
Daejeon Jungang Market (free admission, bought bungeoppang fish cake, 2,000)
Daejeon Jungang Market
대전 동구 대전로 783
Return home
At the end of the day, a weekend in Daejeon is all about variety—museums that spark your curiosity, forests that clear your mind, meals that warm your belly, and city views that remind you just how much there is to see in Korea. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, Daejeon makes it easy to fill your days with memorable experiences. If you’re ready to explore something new, follow this Daejeon weekend itinerary and let the city surprise you.
For more travel inspiration, check out United on the RoK’s Explore Daejeon article for guides, tips, and hidden gems to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
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