Title: Daejeon – South Korea’s Smart City with a Soul

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #cityplaybook #postandearn Often flying under the radar, Daejeon is South Korea’s hidden gem—a hub of science and technology that also offers natural beauty, cultural depth, and unexpected charm. Located in the heart of the country, it’s the perfect place to experience a side of Korea that’s futuristic, yet grounded in tradition. I arrived in Daejeon without much expectation, but the city quickly won me over. My first stop was the Daejeon Expo Park, a legacy of the 1993 World Expo. Walking among high-tech museums and science installations, I felt like I was stepping into Korea’s vision of tomorrow. The National Science Museum is a must-visit for curious minds—interactive, hands-on, and fun for all ages. But Daejeon isn’t all labs and learning. I spent a peaceful afternoon at Yuseong Hot Springs, a naturally warm foot spa located right in the middle of the city. Locals and visitors sit with their feet in the mineral-rich waters while chatting or sipping tea—it was the most relaxing surprise of my trip. Nature lovers will love Jangtaesan Recreational Forest, where towering metasequoia trees create a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere. I walked across the Sky Tower, took in fresh mountain air, and felt completely disconnected from city stress. The local cuisine was another highlight. Daejeon is famous for its tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties) and Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles). At Daejeon Jungang Market, I explored rows of street food stalls, picking up piping hot fish cakes and dumplings from smiling ajummas (aunties). Best Time to Visit Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) – for pleasant weather and beautiful forest colors. Helpful Tips Daejeon is only 50 minutes from Seoul by KTX—perfect for a day trip or weekend escape. Use public buses or taxis to reach nature spots like Jangtaesan. Bring a towel for the foot spa at Yuseong Hot Springs! Location: Daejeon, South Korea #discoverdaejeon #smartcitykorea #yuseonghotsprings #sciencemeetsnature #daejeoneats #hiddenkorea #techandtradition #exploredaejeon #ktxadventures #koreancountryside