Reading the Formation of the Railway City and the Former Chungnam Provincial Government Building at the Daejeon Modern and Contemporary History Exhibition Hall
The Daejeon Modern and Contemporary History Exhibition Hall uses the main building of the former Chungnam Provincial Government Building, constructed in 1932, as a free exhibition space showcasing Daejeon’s urban growth and modern and contemporary history. Visitors can explore a Daejeon timeline, a topographical map from the Joseon period, the history of Daejeon Station, materials on the independence movement, the preserved governor’s office, and special exhibitions.
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Why the Main Building of the Former Chungnam Provincial Government Office, Built in 1932, Became an Exhibition Hall
The Daejeon Modern and Contemporary History Exhibition Hall is located on the first floor of the main building of the former Chungnam Provincial Government Office at 85 Jungang-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon Metropolitan City. The main building is introduced as one of Korea’s representative modern architectural structures, built in 1932. It reflects the modernist style of the 1930s and has been well preserved in its original form.
The building itself serves as the backdrop for the exhibitions because of its history of use. After liberation, the main building of the former Chungnam Provincial Government Office was used as the United States Military Government building, and during the Korean War it served as a temporary central government building. It is also known as a filming location for the films The Attorney and Seoul Spring, as well as the drama Mr. Sunshine. At the exhibition hall, visitors can therefore see not only historical materials but also traces of time inside the modern building>.
Following Daejeon’s 100 Years Through Daejeon Station and the Railway on the First Floor
The permanent exhibition on the first floor presents the changes in Daejeon under the theme “The Modern City: 100 Years of History.” A Daejeon chronology, a topographic map of Daejeon from the Joseon period, the history of Daejeon Station, and materials related to the patriotic national salvation movement in the late Joseon period are displayed alongside a variety of photographs.
The first floor also covers Daejeon’s development into a modern city following the opening of the Gyeongbu Railway. It is therefore suitable for travelers who want to understand Daejeon not simply as a transfer point, but as a place that expanded through railway construction and urban planning. The exhibition themes extend beyond history to architecture, urban planning, and design.
The Governor’s Office Used Until 2012 and Late Joseon Materials on the Second Floor
On the second floor of the main building, the space used as the governor’s office until 2012 has been preserved as it was. After viewing the chronology and photographic materials on the first floor, visitors can move to the second floor and connect the building’s former role as an actual provincial government office with the original form of its administrative spaces.
In rooms toward the back of the second floor, visitors can examine materials on the righteous army activities in the Chungnam region during the late Joseon period, as well as materials related to figures from the Daejeon area who led the patriotic enlightenment movement. Since the viewing area focuses on exhibitions and preserved spaces, it is safer to plan your visit by following the publicly accessible exhibition areas rather than assuming that the entire former government office is freely open.
“The Golden Age of Yuseong Hot Springs,” Announced Through December 31, 2025
According to the introduction published in July 2025, the special exhibition “The Golden Age of Yuseong Hot Springs” was being held in Special Exhibition Rooms 1 and 2, with the exhibition period announced as lasting until December 31, 2025. Since this information concerns an exhibition with a specified period, it does not apply unchanged to visits planned for 2026.
The special exhibition featured postcards of Yuseong Hot Springs, a guide map to hot springs in Joseon, and film records shot at Yuseong Hotel in 1967. It also introduced a reproduction of the furniture in Room 313, the VIP room at Yuseong Hotel where former presidents and prominent figures stayed, an interactive space using typewriters, and a reproduction of the former Yuseong Hotel bathhouse. The information panel listed a general admission fee of 800 won and a children’s fee of 400 won.
Free Admission from 10:00 and Closure on Mondays
According to the official Daejeon City information, operating hours are 10:00–18:00 during the winter season from November to February, and 10:00–19:00 during the summer season from March to October. Admission is allowed until 30 minutes before closing, making 17:30 the effective last admission time in winter and 18:30 in summer.
The exhibition hall is closed every Monday, and admission is free. The contact number is 042-270-4537, and the official information page is the Daejeon Modern and Contemporary History Exhibition Hall guide on the Daejeon Metropolitan City Daejeon Municipal Museum website. Daejeon City materials from December 2024 listed the hours as 10:00–18:00, closure every Monday, free admission, and 042-270-4537. Seasonal official pages indicate that it operates until 19:00 in summer, so visitors should apply the hours appropriate to their travel period.
An Urban Walking Route Linking Daejeon Station and the Seongsimdang Main Branch
The Daejeon Modern and Contemporary History Exhibition Hall is introduced as being close to Daejeon Station, making it a good place to begin an urban walking tour from the station. However, publicly available materials do not confirm the station exit number, bus route numbers, or the exact walking distance, so you should not plan your journey on the assumption of a specific exit or bus number.
The Seongsimdang main branch is also introduced as being nearby. Entering the exhibition hall address, 85 Jungang-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon Metropolitan City, into a map and marking Daejeon Station and the Seongsimdang main branch together makes it easy to adjust your route on site. The exhibition hall is introduced as not having dedicated parking, so visitors must use nearby paid parking facilities. Parking fees were not confirmed in publicly available materials.
What International Visitors Should Know About the Viewing Areas in Advance
This is a free historical exhibition hall, but publicly available materials do not confirm whether photography is allowed, which areas have access restrictions, whether payment is cash-only, or whether English information and audio guides are available. Therefore, do not assume that photographing exhibits or entering every room on the second floor is permitted; follow on-site guidance and view only the publicly accessible exhibition areas.
Reliable public information also does not confirm wheelchair and stroller accessibility, stair, slope, and surface conditions, or the recommended viewing time. Reviews from visitors interested in Daejeon’s modern and contemporary history mention a visit of approximately one hour, but the actual time may vary depending on the exhibition scope and whether visitors see the special exhibition. The viewing hours listed for the 2025 special exhibition were 10:00–19:00, with free admission.
Before You Go
- Address
- 85 Jungang-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon Metropolitan City
- Hours
- Winter season (November–February) 10:00–18:00 / Summer season (March–October) 10:00–19:00. Admission is available until 30 minutes before closing.
- Closed
- Every Monday
- Admission
- Free
- Phone
- 042-270-4537
- Official site
- https://www.daejeon.go.kr/his/HisContentsHtmlView.do?menuSeq=5804
- Transport
- Introduced as a convenient location for walkers because it is close to Daejeon Station. Specific station exits, bus routes, and walking time could not be confirmed.
- Parking
- Introduced as not having dedicated parking; nearby paid parking must be used. Parking fees could not be confirmed in publicly available materials.
The information above is based on the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.
Places
Nearby Attractions 2
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Daejeon StationExplore the history of the railway and the origins of Daejeon as a modern city. -
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Euneungjeongi Culture StreetWalk through the downtown shopping district and enjoy videos on Daejeon Skyroad.
Food & Dining 3
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Sungsimdang Main StoreTaste Daejeon’s signature breads, including fried soboro bread and chive bread. -
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