Daejeon – Bread and Nature
Daejeon is South Korea’s fifth largest city, located roughly in the middle of the country. The city is known for being a technology and research centre, but Daejeon also has lots of nature to explore and is home to one of the country’s most famous bakeries. It’s worth visiting for a break from South Korea’s busier cities.
Things to do in Daejeon
Jangtaesan
Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is the best place to enjoy nature in Daejeon. This park is known for its large metasequoia, or dawn redwood trees, that surround the titular Jangtaesan mountain. It’s best to visit in autumn when these trees turn a vibrant orange colour, but getting the timing of your visit right can be tricky.
As well as the beautiful trees, the park also features various walking routes, the swinging bridge (출렁다리) and a forest skytower. You can spend the best part of a day walking along the various trails the park has to offer.
Hanbat Arboretum
For nature closer to the city centre of Daejeon there is the Hanbat Arboretum. This park is split into the west and east gardens, with the west side featuring plants local to the area while the east features more exotic plants. It is a pleasant area to spend an hour or two enjoying nature.
Expo Science Park
From the Hanbat Arboretum you can cross the Expo Bridge into the Expo Science Park. The central attraction of the Expo Science Park is the Expo Hanbit Tower, which you can ascend to reach the viewing platform. In the courtyard leading to the tower there are tiles highlighting all the elements of the periodic table.
Sungsimdang Bakery
Sungsimdang Bakery is one of the most famous bakeries in all of Korea, and is the most famous place in Daejeon. I know people who have travelled to Daejeon just to visit this bakery. The main branch in Daejeon is located close to the Daejeon Skyroad pedestrian street.
The bakery offers a wide variety of breads, cakes and pastries, all at reasonable prices. Their most famous is perhaps the soboro-ppang, or soboro bread, which is also known as the Korean streusel bread.
This bakery is a must-visit when in Daejeon, but be aware there may be a large queue of people outside waiting to get in. At least while you wait you can watch them preparing the food through the window. Head along and pick up some lunch or sweet treats!
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