KR · Daejeon · 36.35°N 127.39°E

daejeon

Science city turned bread pilgrimage. The queue at Sungsimdang is the whole point.

Best time
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Go on a weekday if you want shorter bakery queues.
How long
A day trip, or 1 night
Getting there
Fly from KL to Seoul (about 6.5 hours) or Busan (about 6 hours). The KTX takes about an hour from Seoul and about 1.5 to 2 hours from Busan.
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KR · Daejeondaejeon36.35°N 127.39°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Science city turned bread pilgrimage. The queue at Sungsimdang is the whole point.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingDaejeonKR, Daejeon
KLdaejeon
≈ 4,536 km from KL, as the crow flies
The rain keeps people away in droves today. Ordinarily, this place is crawling with humanity.

Photo: Jo · CC BY 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A big, easy-going city in central Korea, best known for its science institutes and as the stop between Seoul and Busan. For many visitors the real draw is Sungsimdang, a bakery going since 1956 that people travel from all over Korea to queue for.

Makan

  1. Twigim soboroSungsimdang's famous fried streusel bun with red bean filling.Map ↗
  2. KalguksuDaejeon has a lot of knife-cut noodle shops. A warm bowl is the classic local lunch.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. SungsimdangThe original shop in the old downtown, with a queue out the door and trays of bread inside. There's also a branch in Daejeon Station.Map ↗
  2. Expo Science ParkThe site of Expo '93, with the Hanbit Tower and science exhibits.Map ↗
  3. Hanbat ArboretumA large city arboretum with gardens and greenhouses.Map ↗
  4. Gyejoksan red clay trailA long forest trail laid with soft red clay, made for walking barefoot.Map ↗
  5. Yuseong hot springsThe hot spring district, with public foot baths where you can soak your feet.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Sungsimdang's queues are longest on weekends and holidays. Go early on a weekday.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.