Daejeon Expo Park and Hanbit Tower: Why Squid Game Fans Should Visit Too

Many foreign tourists search for Hanbit Tower without realizing it was a major filming location for Netflix's Squid Game. Several sets, including the "Red Light, Green Light" game area, were created at Studio Cube right next to Daejeon Expo Park, though now only a commemorative photo zone remains.

Based on my visit, I've summarized what Hanbit Tower, commemorating the 1993 Daejeon Expo, represents, its connection to Squid Game, and the best times to visit. Knowing more about this free landmark in Daejeon makes your visit much more rewarding.

Daejeon isn't as crowded with tourists as Seoul or Busan, which means you can enjoy Hanbit Tower and Expo Park without the crowds. KTX makes it accessible from Seoul in just over an hour, making it a great option for a day trip or a short itinerary.

Basic Info — Hanbit Tower & Expo Park
Address	480 Daedeok-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (within Expo Park)
Height	93m (symbolizing the 1993 Expo)
Opening Hours	09:30~17:40 (shops inside the exhibition hall open until 21:30)
Admission	Free
Night Attractions	Media facade show, musical fountain

1993 Expo and the Meaning of Hanbit Tower

Hanbit Tower was built to commemorate the World Expo held in Daejeon in 1993. The name "Hanbit" means "a single ray of light connecting the present and future." Its height of 93 meters was designed to symbolize the 1993 Expo.

After the Expo, most exhibition halls and facilities were dismantled, but Hanbit Tower and the international conference hall remain as a rest area and symbolic landmark for Daejeon citizens. The first-floor exhibition room displays photos and videos of Daejeon's main attractions, making it a good place to understand the city before ascending the tower.

The 1993 Daejeon Expo, themed "The Challenge of a New Road of Development," ran from August to November that year. It was a large-scale international event with participation from 108 countries and over 14 million visitors. It was a symbolic moment for Korea to showcase its scientific and technological capabilities on the world stage. This Expo helped Daejeon establish its identity as a science and technology city, and many research institutions, including Daedeok Research Complex, are still based there due to this legacy. Hanbit Tower stands as a physical testament to the ambition and pride of that era.

Squid Game Filming Location Connection

Studio Cube near Expo Park was a key filming location for Netflix's Squid Game. Iconic scenes like the dormitory, "Red Light, Green Light" game area, glass bridge, and maze-like stairs were filmed here.

TIP: The actual filming sets were dismantled after filming ended. Instead, there's a photo zone with statues related to Netflix dramas like Squid Game and Hellbound, so visiting the photo zone is a good alternative for fans.

Some visitors are disappointed to find the sets are gone, but knowing this in advance can make taking commemorative photos at the photo zone a special experience. Expo Park is conveniently located near Hanbit Tower, allowing you to achieve both goals in one visit.

With the series' global popularity, Daejeon has gained newfound attention among international fans. Visiting reveals a peaceful and tranquil park atmosphere, quite the contrast to the intense imagery of the drama, making for an interesting experience.

Night Attractions — Media Facade & Musical Fountain

After sunset, Hanbit Tower and its surroundings transform completely. The media facade show projects lights and videos onto the tower's exterior, and the musical fountain's water jets move to music, welcoming night visitors. Experiencing Hanbit Tower at night offers a different charm, so if you have time, staying until the evening is recommended.※ Check the official website for exact show times and operation status before visiting

The moment the entire tower is illuminated is considered one of the best night views in Daejeon. What appears as a simple monument by day becomes a dazzling visual spectacle by night, which is why people return to Hanbit Tower. The musical fountain is popular with families, as the height and direction of the water jets change in real-time to the music.

If you enjoy photography, bringing a tripod is a good idea. Long-exposure shots of the illuminated tower and fountain can yield dreamy results, completely different from daytime photos. The park is spacious and open, making it easy to move around for the perfect angle.

Exploring Expo Park

Just visiting Hanbit Tower isn't enough; Expo Park's grounds are larger than you might expect. The expansive green spaces and walking paths created for the 1993 Expo remain, making it a pleasant place to stroll and take photos with the tower as a backdrop. Benches and rest areas are scattered throughout, making it a beloved walking spot for Daejeon locals.

In addition to Hanbit Tower, the park has sculptures and information panels that show traces of the Expo, allowing you to imagine the scale of the international event held here 30 years ago. Even without a specific purpose, just walking through this large urban park is a healing experience.

The first-floor exhibition room not only covers the history of Hanbit Tower and Expo Park but also introduces Daejeon's main tourist attractions through photos and videos. If you're just starting your Daejeon trip, visiting this exhibition room first can help you plan your itinerary. Since it's free, it's worth a visit.

How To Get There

Expo Park is conveniently located for public transportation access from downtown Daejeon.※ Check the exact subway stations and bus routes using a map app before visiting If you arrive in Daejeon by KTX, you can easily reach the park by city bus or taxi.

If you're departing from express bus terminals or Daejeon Station/Seodaejeon Station, it's about a 20-30 minute bus ride.※ Check the exact travel time using a map app before visiting If you're driving, there are parking spaces around the park, but it can get crowded during night shows or on weekends, so it's best to arrive early.

Visiting Tips

Hanbit Tower itself is free to enter, so you can visit without any burden. Since Expo Park is quite large, plan for 1-2 hours to leisurely explore Hanbit Tower, the photo zone, and the surrounding park.

Visit during the day for the exhibition room and park strolls, and in the evening for the media facade and musical fountain to experience the different charms throughout the day.

The park is an open area with little shade, so be cautious of the heat if visiting during midday in summer. Bring water and try to visit in the morning or late afternoon. In winter, the open space can be windy, so bring warm clothing. Spring and fall are considered the most comfortable seasons for outdoor activities, so if your schedule allows, aim for these times.

Visiting on a weekday morning means fewer tourists and a chance to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with local residents on their walks. Conversely, weekend evenings or holidays can be crowded with people coming for the night shows, so if you prefer a quieter visit, plan for a weekday.

Where To Stay Nearby

Near Expo Park, there are attractions like O-World theme park and Yuseong Hot Springs, making it popular for travelers to combine visits. If you're spending more than a day in Daejeon, it's efficient to visit Hanbit Tower in the morning or afternoon and fill the rest of your time with other attractions.

Yuseong Hot Springs is particularly close to Hanbit Tower, so many travelers end their day relaxing there after outdoor activities. For budget-conscious travelers, Daejeon is a good choice. Compared to Seoul or Busan, the tourist infrastructure is more compact, allowing you to efficiently visit multiple attractions in a day.

For families who enjoy theme parks, a popular itinerary is to enjoy rides at O-World and then end the day with Hanbit Tower's media facade show. This offers kids both the fun of a theme park and the excitement of a night light show, resulting in high satisfaction.

If you're looking for accommodation near Daejeon, compare locations and price ranges on the map below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really free?

Yes, admission to Hanbit Tower is free.

Can I see the actual Squid Game sets?

No, the sets were dismantled after filming. However, you can take commemorative photos at the photo zone with statues related to Netflix dramas.

How much time should I plan for?

1-2 hours is enough to see Hanbit Tower and the nearby photo zone. Allow extra time if you want to see the night media facade show.

Is it okay to visit with kids?

Yes, the spacious park and free exhibition room make it suitable for family visits.

Are the night shows held daily?

The schedule for the media facade and musical fountain can vary.※ Check the official website before visiting

Can you go inside the tower?

The first-floor exhibition room is free to visit. Check in advance for observatory access and hours.※ Check the official website before visiting

Is parking convenient?

There are parking spaces around the park, but it can be crowded during night shows or on weekends.※ Check before visiting

Can I visit on a rainy day?

Since it's mostly outdoors, it can be inconvenient in the rain, but the first-floor exhibition room is indoors.

How long does it take from Daejeon Station?

It's about a 20-30 minute ride by bus or taxi.※ Check exact travel time using a map app before visiting

Hanbit Tower is more than just a monument; it embodies Daejeon's message to the future. With the unexpected connection to Squid Game, this quiet park now attracts fans from around the world.