Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Traditional Dishes and Local Specialties in Daejeon

a. Daejeon-style Spicy Noodles (Kalguksu and Bibim-guksu)

Description: Daejeon is famous for its spicy noodle dishes, particularly Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles in broth) and Bibim-guksu (spicy mixed noodles). The noodles are handmade, giving them a chewy texture, and the dishes are often served with a spicy, tangy sauce or a rich broth.
Ingredients: Wheat flour noodles, gochujang (Korean red chili paste), sesame oil, vegetables, and sometimes seafood or meat.
Where to Try:
- Jungang Market (Central Market) has several noodle stalls offering authentic versions.
- Gonghwachun Kalguksu is a popular restaurant specializing in this dish.
Price Range: 6,000–10,000 KRW per bowl.

b. Chungcheong-do Style Haejangguk (Hangover Soup)

Description: This hearty soup is a staple in Daejeon and the surrounding Chungcheong-do region. It’s often consumed after a night of drinking or as a comforting meal.
Ingredients: Beef broth, napa cabbage, soybean paste, radish, and sometimes ox blood or intestines.
Where to Try:
- Haejangguk Alley near Jungang Market is a must-visit for authentic haejangguk.
- Wonjo Haejangguk is a well-known spot for this dish.
Price Range: 7,000–12,000 KRW per serving.

c. Daejeon-style Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)

Description: Sundae is a popular Korean street food, but Daejeon’s version is unique for its use of local spices and ingredients. It’s often served with a side of spicy dipping sauce.
Ingredients: Pig’s intestines stuffed with a mixture of glass noodles, pork blood, and vegetables.
Where to Try:
- Sundae Town in Jungang Market is a hub for sundae lovers.
Price Range: 5,000–8,000 KRW for a plate.

d. Onggi-jip (Fermented Soybean Stew)

Description: This traditional dish is a rich, earthy stew made with fermented soybean paste (doenjang). It’s a staple in Korean households and is particularly popular in Daejeon for its deep, umami flavor.
Ingredients: Doenjang, tofu, zucchini, mushrooms, and sometimes clams or shrimp.
Where to Try:
- Onggi-jip restaurants in the Yuseong District are known for their authentic preparation.
Price Range: 6,000–10,000 KRW per serving.

e. Yuseong Hot Spring Chicken Soup (Samgyetang)

Description: Daejeon’s Yuseong District is famous for its hot springs, and the local specialty is Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) made with mineral-rich water from the springs.
Ingredients: Whole chicken, ginseng, jujubes, garlic, and glutinous rice.
Where to Try:
- Yuseong Samgyetang near the hot spring area.
Price Range: 12,000–18,000 KRW per bowl.

2. Street Food Options in Daejeon

a. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)

Description: A popular Korean street food, Hotteok is a sweet, chewy pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
Where to Try:
- Eunhaeng-dong Street is a great place to find street vendors selling hotteok.
Price Range: 1,000–2,000 KRW per piece.

b. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Description: A classic Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes in a spicy and sweet gochujang-based sauce.
Where to Try:
- Jungang Market and Daejeon Skyroad are hotspots for tteokbokki vendors.
Price Range: 3,000–5,000 KRW per serving.

c. Twigim (Korean-style Tempura)

Description: Deep-fried vegetables, seafood, and dumplings served with a soy-based dipping sauce.
Where to Try:
- Jungang Market has several stalls offering fresh twigim.
Price Range: 500–1,000 KRW per piece.

d. Gyeran-ppang (Egg Bread)

Description: A small, fluffy bread with a whole egg baked inside, often enjoyed as a quick snack.
Where to Try:
- Vendors near Daejeon Station or Jungang Market.
Price Range: 1,500–2,500 KRW per piece.

3. Food Markets and Notable Dining Locations

a. Jungang Market

Overview: The largest traditional market in Daejeon, offering a wide variety of street food, fresh produce, and local specialties.
What to Try: Spicy noodles, sundae, twigim, and tteokbokki.
Tips: Visit during lunchtime for the best selection of freshly prepared dishes.

b. Daejeon Skyroad

Overview: A modern shopping and dining area with a vibrant street food scene, especially in the evenings.
What to Try: Hotteok, gyeran-ppang, and other quick snacks.
Tips: The illuminated LED canopy makes it a great spot for photos while enjoying your food.

c. Yuseong District

Overview: Known for its hot springs, this area also has many restaurants specializing in traditional Korean dishes like samgyetang and doenjang-jjigae.
What to Try: Hot spring chicken soup and fermented soybean stew.
Tips: Combine your meal with a visit to the hot springs for a relaxing day.

4. Dining Customs and Cultural Considerations

Sharing Culture: Korean meals are often served family-style, with several side dishes (banchan) shared among diners. Don’t hesitate to try everything!
Chopstick Etiquette: Use chopsticks and spoons properly. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, as it resembles a funeral ritual.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in South Korea. Good service is expected and included in the price.
Spice Levels: Many dishes in Daejeon are spicy. If you’re sensitive to spice, ask for “덜 맵게” (deol maepge), meaning “less spicy.”
Cash vs. Card: Most places accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for street food vendors.

5. Typical Price Ranges

Street Food: 1,000–5,000 KRW per item.
Casual Restaurants: 6,000–12,000 KRW per dish.
Mid-range Restaurants: 12,000–20,000 KRW per person.
Fine Dining: 30,000+ KRW per person.

Daejeon’s food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Korean flavors and local specialties. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets or sitting down for a hearty meal, the city offers something for every palate. Enjoy your culinary adventure in Daejeon!