Daejeon Highlights

Last spring, my friend Abbie and I explored Daejeon’s Old Downtown, Eunhangdong and Daehungdong. Both little neighborhoods make up the older (but also much cooler) part of Daejeon!

Y’all know I love a good craft beer. Gung-dong is full of great student-friendly fast food joints and pubs. The best, in my humble Daejeonite opinion, is Ranch Pub.

I’ve been going to TSC Gym for three months now, and I am so much stronger, faster and well-trained than when I started. Punching and kicking things is SO fun, who knew?? My friend, Abbie G, made this video about it!

Today for Daejeon Highlights, we’re covering the underground shopping mall. Any Korean city with a subway will have one of these, but Daejeon’s has some unique things in it that I’m excited to talk about!

Where do you go in Daejeon if you want really good New York-style pizza? Johnny’s Pub, home of giant pizzas, craft beer and the best birthday dinners. What is Daejeon without Johnny’s?

My friend Abbie G and I collabed for a vlog showcasing the Youth We Can Center in Daejeon. If you’re into rock climbing—you’re in for a treat.

At Lumbini you can get your samosas, mutton curry, naan, biryani—of course, you can grab a Nepali beer or chai too. It’s a hole-in-the-wall tucked away among the minimalist cafes and big bbq chains, and our own little underdog.

Two for one! I’m reviewing two cafes today because actually these are literally right across the street from another. Both are located in the Gung-dong area, right next to KAIST.

By way of unique culture, Daejeon doesn’t seem to have much. Except for this! People from all over Korea come to Daejeon to eat here—Sung Sim Dang, the Michelin-starred bakery.

Part of my Daejeon Highlights series. While KAIST is a stressful place to attend, there’s a few things to love. Like cherry blossoms!

Students will flock to the cafes in Gung-dong to sip coffee late into the night. My favorite of them is Gabae Roasters.

This week, my coteachers and I went out for pufferfish (복어)—interesting, delicious—and then drove to Interview Mansion, one of Daejeon’s most instagram-able cafes.

It’s also a bar, a vinyl haven, and a manga reader’s paradise. It’s Cafe Bidol in Daehungdong, Daejeon.