Overall I found the natural history exhibits and outdoor exhibits to be my favorite. Maybe it was the cooler weather, the impressive size of the rocket that gained my attention, or maybe it was the medieval “God Machine”. This machine was a magnificent piece of weaponry. It is called the ‘Munjong Hwacha’ because it was invented by King Munjong in 1451. At the time of firing, the wagon would be loaded with arrows and adjusted to the appropriate angle. Then there would be ignition wires attached to each row of containers. When ignited, 100 shots were fired at the same time, 15 in a row from the upper floor to the lower floor. It is the world's oldest multi-barrel rocket weapon whose production blueprints remain. I was fully engulfed in its size and impressiveness. 

This museum isn’t just for kids! As an adult traveling kid-free, I found the museum to be one of the most expansive museums I’ve ever seen. You can easily spend at least half a day there if not more. They have a small cafe on the property with a few treats, coffee, and my go-to, lemonade. They also have a food court, a corporate dining area, and a convenience store selling all your favorite Korean snacks and drinks so you don’t have to worry about food options when you come. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 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. 

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! 

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

https://naver.me/xQedEesJ

Mt. Jangtaesan Natural Recreation Forest (free)

Jangtaesan Mountain Recreational Forest

대전 서구 장안로 461

https://naver.me/GkRBCUUk

Dinner at Yuseongok Doryong Branch (15,000)

Yuseongok Doryong Branch

대전 유성구 엑스포로123번길 34 도룡코아루스마트리치오피스텔 1층 113호

https://naver.me/xnhm1sP3

Hotel check-in (135,000)

Lotte City Hotel Daejeon

대전 유성구 엑스포로123번길 33 롯데시티호텔대전

https://naver.me/FRLhvuzq

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

https://naver.me/5XJ0tc56

Lunch at Chueojeong (25,000)

Chueojeong

대전 서구 만년로68번길 45 (만년동, 1층)

https://naver.me/5k7pjKha

Daejeon Jungang Market (free admission, bought bungeoppang fish cake, 2,000)

Daejeon Jungang Market

대전 동구 대전로 783

https://naver.me/59vOQl0d

Return home 

About the Author

Jetta Allen is an Army spouse stationed at USAG Humphreys. Since she arrived in 2019, she has contributed to numerous organizations in a volunteer capacity. She began her journey with United on the RoK Magazine in 2022 as an author of a support column for adults and children enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Two years later, she is an accomplished author, photographer, and content creator fulfilling the role of Editor in Chief at United on the RoK Magazine. She loves nature, travel, and culture, but most of all, she loves making memories with her family. As a military spouse, Jetta understands the importance of community and how being connected can help one find the resources and networks that help them thrive.