Daejeon

Lore & Background

Daejeon is situated in a lowland valley with three major rivers, all eventually flowing into the Yellow Sea by way of the Geum River. The city is surrounded by several small mountains and experiences a monsoon-influenced, four-season climate with wet, hot summers and drier, cold winters. 'Daejeon' is a Hanja translation of the native placeword 'Hanbat', meaning 'Great fields'. The name Hanbat is still in use as a road name for Hanbat-daero, a road of 12.7 kilometers connecting Daejeon's Yuseong district to Dong-gu, and also exists in landmarks such as Hanbat National University and Hanbat Baseball Stadium. From the 1980s, multiple national administrative functions were moved from Seoul to Daejeon, most of which are now located in the Government Complex, resulting in another population increase.

Reader's Guide

Daejeon's significance stems from its role as one of South Korea's administration hubs, alongside Seoul, Gwacheon and Sejong City. The city is home to 23 universities and colleges, including Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Chungnam National University, as well as government research institutes and research and development centers for many chaebols such as Samsung and LG, mostly located in the city's Daedeok Innopolis. This concentration of education and research has made Daejeon a key center for technological innovation in South Korea. Historically, the Daejeon area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, as evidenced by sites such as the Yongho-dong site in Daedeok District. During the Proto–Three Kingdoms Period, the area was part of Mahan, one of the Three Han states. In the Three Kingdoms Period, it became part of Baekje's territory and was known as Usul-gun. The area was a frontline among Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, resulting in many mountain fortress ruins. After the fall of Baekje, the area became the backdrop for the Baekje Revival Movement. Daejeon's legacy includes its development as a railway town and major transportation hub, its hosting of international events such as Expo '93, and its continued growth as a center for administration and research. The city's name, derived from the native word 'Hanbat' meaning 'Great fields', reflects its agricultural origins, while its modern identity is defined by innovation and governance.

Did You Know?

• Daejeon is approximately 50 minutes from Seoul by KTX or SRT high speed rail.
• The city is home to 23 universities and colleges, including KAIST and Chungnam National University.