Traces of the 1993 Daejeon Expo Read from the 93m Hanbit Tower

August 7 to November 7, 1993: Why the Dorong District Was the Site of the World Exposition

Daejeon Expo Science Park is the space left in the Dorong District of Yuseong-gu, the site of the Daejeon World Exposition, also known as Daejeon Expo '93, which ran for 93 days from August 7 to November 7, 1993. The official name of the exposition was "The Taejon International Exposition, Korea, 1993," and its theme was "The Road to a New Leap Forward."

At the time, the total site area was 902,000 square meters, comprising a 250,000 square meter international exhibition zone, a 251,000 square meter permanent exhibition zone, and a 401,000 square meter support facilities zone. A total of 108 countries and 33 international organizations participated, and cumulative attendance reached 14,005,808. Its location adjacent to Daedeok Research Complex reflects the exposition's character as an event that placed science and technology at the center of national development.

Hanbit Tower 93 m Observation Deck: Check Monday Closures Before Free Admission

The park's key landmark is Hanbit Tower, a 93 m-tall structure that has stood since 1993. Inspired by light, science, and space, the ring-shaped tower offers an observation deck with views over Expo Science Park and major parts of Daejeon. Around the tower base, installations representing the Eight Trigrams, the Twelve Deities, the Twenty-Eight Constellations, and the Twenty-Four Directions are arranged, allowing visitors to read Korea's traditional cosmology at a glance.

Admission to the Hanbit Tower exhibition hall is free, and operating hours are 09:30 to 17:40. Shops inside the exhibition hall operate until 21:30. The hall is closed every Monday, and also on January 1, Seollal (Lunar New Year) day, and Chuseok day. There are two elevators, each accommodating 20 people at a time, so on weekends or event days it is wise to allow plenty of time for the observation deck.

The Eight Trigrams, Twelve Deities, Twenty-Eight Constellations, and Twenty-Four Directions at the Hanbit Tower Ground Floor and Tower Plaza

Hanbit Tower is more than a simple observation facility; it is a place where the exposition's idea of combining science and tradition is expressed in sculptural form. At the tower plaza, visitors can sequentially see the Eight Trigrams, Twelve Deities, Twenty-Eight Constellations, and Twenty-Four Directions, each symbolizing time, direction, and the order of the heavens. Walking once around the plaza before going up to the observation deck makes it easier to understand why the tower's decorations are arranged this way.

The first-floor exhibition room is a space to spend time before going up to the observation deck, introducing photos of major tourist attractions in Daejeon and audiovisual materials. From the moment the elevator starts, it is designed so that for about 30 seconds you can look outside through the transparent observation window. Rather than only checking the height and leaving quickly, allowing 40 to 60 minutes for Hanbit Tower, including the first-floor exhibition and the plaza, makes for a more natural route.

Woolbit Plaza, Newly Renovated on September 25, 2020, 180 m from Hanbit Tower to Expo Bridge

The music fountain section of Woolbit Plaza south of Hanbit Tower was newly renovated on September 25, 2020 as part of the Expo re-creation project. Since it is a pedestrian space extending 180 m in length and 70 m in width from Hanbit Tower to Expo Bridge, it is a good reference point for moving toward the Gapcheon River after visiting Hanbit Tower.

This area reveals the scale of the site better when the tower, plaza, and riverside are viewed together, rather than by seeing only a single building from the exposition. However, because the music fountain's operating schedule may vary by season and event, those visiting for water features or performances should check the day's event schedule and whether it is operating. If you are only planning an evening walk, you can arrange your route around the plaza separately from the Hanbit Tower exhibition hall's 17:40 closing time.

From the Trade Exhibition Center Stop to Behind Hanbit Tower: 705, 911, 618, and 121

The address is 480 Daedeok-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon Metropolitan City. When arriving by bus, the Trade Exhibition Center stop is the most convenient point, as it is close to the back of Hanbit Tower. Route guidance includes trunk bus 705 and local buses 911, 618, and 121. Even if you get off at the DCC terminal, you can approach the park from the northeast side.

From Daejeon Station, take the Daejeon Metro Line 1 train bound for Banseok, get off at Government Complex Daejeon Station, then take bus 618 from the stop near Exit 3 to go to the DCC terminal. On the same stretch, you can also take bus 705 and get off at the Trade Exhibition Center stop. From the Yuseong Intercity Bus Terminal, bus 121 is available to the Trade Exhibition Center stop.

• Daejeon Station: Metro Line 1 bound for Banseok -> near Exit 3 of Government Complex Daejeon Station -> bus 618 -> DCC terminal
• Daejeon Station: Metro Line 1 bound for Banseok -> near Exit 3 of Government Complex Daejeon Station -> bus 705 -> Trade Exhibition Center
• Yuseong Intercity Bus Terminal: bus 121 -> get off at Trade Exhibition Center

Unification Hall Outdoor Parking Lot: Free for 1 Hour on Weekdays, Then 500 Won per 30 Minutes

Visitors by car can use the Expo Science Park parking lot, which is directed to the Unification Hall outdoor parking area. On weekdays, the first hour is free, then it is 500 won per 30 minutes, with a daily maximum of 5,000 won. Vehicles for national merit recipients, disabled vehicles, compact cars, and hybrid cars receive a 50% discount.

According to guidance materials from the Daejeon Transportation Culture Training Institute, this parking lot may be limited in space, so public transportation is recommended. Those materials also state that large vehicles cannot enter due to width restrictions and that parking fees are settled by postpaid card payment. On days overlapping with events at the Daejeon Convention Center, the parking lot may be congested, so if you only plan to see Hanbit Tower, getting off at the Trade Exhibition Center stop is simpler.

A 2 to 3 Hour Route Linking the Expo Memorial Hall and the World Expo Souvenir Museum

Yuseong-gu tourism information introduces the World Expo Souvenir Museum, the Expo Memorial Hall, and the Unification Hall together as nearby attractions around Expo Science Park. Since the park itself is a large outdoor space, seeing only Hanbit Tower takes about 40 to 60 minutes, while adding a walk toward Woolbit Plaza and Expo Bridge makes about 1 hour 30 minutes appropriate.

If you want to focus on the exposition legacy, it is better to allow 2 to 3 hours to combine the Hanbit Tower first-floor exhibition and observation deck, the tower plaza, and the Expo Memorial Hall and World Expo Souvenir Museum. Because operating days and hours may differ by facility, if you plan to visit on Monday you should check not only Hanbit Tower's closure but also whether each facility is open. For stroller and wheelchair users, the plaza and outdoor walkways are relatively flat, but it is best to call in advance to confirm whether the observation deck is accessible.

The inquiry number is 042-250-1115 for Expo Science Park, with information hours from 09:30 to 17:30. The main number for Daejeon Tourism Organization is 042-250-1111, with information hours from 09:00 to 18:00. On the official website, the Daejeon Tourism Organization's Expo Science Park page provides facility, event, and visitor information.