Daejeon대전

The questions people ask first about Daejeon, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Cards work almost everywhere, including taxis, convenience stores and many market stalls; carry ₩30,000–50,000 (≈ US$25–40) in cash for street food…South Korea-wide
• SIM or eSIMSK Telecom, KT and LG U+ sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at airport arrivals; a passport is required, and data-only plans are cheapest.South Korea-wide
• Tap waterOfficially safe from the tap; most people drink filtered water, and restaurants serve it free.South Korea-wide
• TippingRestaurants and cafés: No tip; a service charge appears only in top hotels.South Korea-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.South Korea-wide
• SafetyDaejeon is a low-crime city and safe at night in the centre.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee₩3,000–6,000 (≈ US$3–5)
• Street or quick mealNoodle soup or gimbap lunch₩7,000–12,000 (≈ US$6–9)
• Beerdraught / convenience-store can₩4,000–7,000 (≈ US$3–6)₩2,000–3,500 (≈ US$2–3)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiCross-town trips can reach ₩10,000.₩6,000–9,000 (≈ US$5–7)
• Metro or bus rideSubway ride₩1,200–1,400 (≈ US$1–2) (check)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₩15,000–30,000 (≈ US$11–25)
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum or Expo Park entryMany national museums are free or near-free; check the official site.₩0–5,000 (≈ US$0–4)
• Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₩25,000 (≈ US$18)
• Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room₩110,000 (≈ US$80)
• High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room₩220,000 (≈ US$160)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₩60,000 (≈ US$45) · Mid ₩100,000 (≈ US$75) · High ₩180,000 (≈ US$130)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

CJJ Cheongju International (Nearest airport, about 30–40 min by intercity bus to Daejeon Dongbu terminal; limited schedule) · ICN Incheon International (Most travellers arrive here; KTX or express bus to Daejeon, roughly 2–3 h 15 min)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

₩60,000–90,000 (≈ US$45–65) excl. bed

Mid

₩90,000–150,000 (≈ US$65–110) excl. bed

High

₩150,000 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed

• Cash is not accepted on city buses: use a traffic card or T-money.
• Unlicensed taxis wait around Dongbu bus terminal; check for a meter and the 'It's Daejeon' logo.
• Friday evening traffic gridlocks from about 17:00 until midnight; take the subway across town.Friday evening traffic gridlocks from about 5:00 PM until midnight; take the subway across town.
• Buses terminating at Dongbu terminal sometimes drop passengers at nearby petrol stations, not the terminal itself.