Korea's Sparkling City of Culture and Technology

The stunning Gyeryong Mountains and the sparkling waters of Daecheong Lake are just a few kilometers from Daejeon. Yet even in the city one is never far away from nature. The mountain paths and hidden valleys that unfold in all directions, the picturesque banks of the Gapcheon River and the numerous parks and rivers are perfect for an afternoon stroll. And a short ride away you will find the charming pottery village, the ancient city of Gongju, and, a little farther out, the breathtaking beaches of the Anmyon Peninsula. But it is the vibrant spirit of Daejeon as a metropolis that will win your heart. With its National Government Complex, making Daejeon a “little Seoul,” brand new subway system and excellent highways Daejeon offers all creature comforts. At the center of Korea’s transportation network, Daejeon is close to everything.

After a long day exploring the parks and boulevards of Daejeon, be sure to rest up at the fabulous Yuseong Spa district. Famous throughout Korea for its service, you will be much refreshed after a massage at one of the fine establishments at Yuseong. Then check out the gourmet restaurants of the hopping Mannyeon District, or go shopping at the luxurious Galleria Department Store in the Dusan District. There is something for everyone in the department stores, specialty boutiques, cafes and bars of downtown Daejeon.

Children will especially enjoy Daejeon. Zooland Park, the rides of Gumdori Park, the Ecosystem Museum near Daecheong Lake, the Daejeon Science Museum and the Hanbat Arboretum will win their hearts. Daejeon features a world-famous International School (TCIS) and several of its elementary and high schools, particularly the Daejeon Science High School, are considered the best in Korea. There are many playgroups and activities for the international community that will keep your children busy. The Pyeongsong Youth Center also has many activities to stimulate young minds. Surrounded by idyllic jade mountains peppered with ancient temples and Confucian pavilions, Daejeon is generally considered the most livable and dynamic of Korea’s major cities.

Traffic is quite reasonable, parks, rivers and museums are never more than a short ride away and one can get to Seoul in 50 minutes by train. But what makes Daejeon unique among all the cities of Asia is its astonishing collection of universities and research institutes conducting world-class research in the applied sciences from semiconductors to fusion technology and next-generation satellites.

Daejeon boasts a large international community and an incredible population of over 7,500 citizens with Ph.D. degrees in the applied sciences and an equal number with M.A.s and other advanced training. Daejeon has earned its name as Asia’s “Silicon Valley.”

Provided below are a few web sites that will provide more insight into life in Daejeon.

Daedeok Innopolis

http://www.ddinnopolis.or.kr/english/
Daedeok Innopolis, the umbrella organization for research groups in the Daedeok Special District of Daejeon, features a fine website introducing the IT side of the city.

Daejeon Art Guide

www.artne.net
The Daejeon Art Guide is the place to go for the latest on gallery showings, museum exhibitions and other cultural events around town.

Daejeon International Community Center DICC

http://www.dicc.or.kr/
DICC (in English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean) offers much practical advice and has public events that are a great way to get to know the community.

Daejeon What’s On?

http://daejeonwhatson.blogspot.com/
This blog is filled with helpful information about films, cultural events and more and how to find them.

Foreigners in Daejeon

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/foreignersindaejeon/
One of the best sources for information for life in Daejeon. Join this Yahoo Group as soon as you arrive.

Hello DD

http://hellodd.com
“Hello DD” is a site with up-to-date reporting in Korean, Chinese and Japanese on technology, business and culture in Daejeon and Korea. An English language section will be added in 2008.

KAIST (Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

http://kaist.ac.kr
As a world-class technical school with a large foreign population, KAIST’s website has much valuable information for residents.

KAIST Times

http://times.kaist.ac.kr/eindex.html
The KAIST Times is Daejeon’s effective English language newspaper.

Metropolitan City of Daejeon

http://www.metro.daejeon.kr/english/index.jsp
The City of Daejeon Homepage offers much practical advice about life in this city.

SOCIUS

http://socius.or.kr
An excellent blog about living, working and playing in Daejeon, Socius covers everything from restaurants to registering as a foreigner. Links to all other important sites. Check it out.

Tour 2 Daejeon

http://tour.daejeon.go.kr/english/index.jsp
This site has everything you need to know about shopping, transportation, sports and entertainment in Daejeon. An excellent first stop when you are planning a night out.