Daedeok

Daedeok is a district (gu) in Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea. Located in the northern part of the city, it combines residential neighborhoods with government offices and a large science and technology corridor. The district is a key component of Daejeon’s identity as a national hub for research and development.

A defining feature of Daedeok is Daedeok Science Town, also known as Daedeok Innopolis, a major cluster of research institutes, universities, and high-tech companies. Established by government planning to concentrate science and technology activities in one area, the science town brings together public laboratories, academic researchers, and private firms across fields such as information technology, biotechnology, materials science, and space science. The concentration of facilities has shaped the local economy and urban development.

History and context: the Daedeok initiative began in the late 20th century as part of Korea’s broader strategy to regionalize R&D activity and foster innovation ecosystems. Over time, the district grew into a leading science and technology hub, attracting researchers, engineers, and startups, and contributing to Daejeon’s role as a national center for science and technology.

See also: Daedeok Innopolis, Daedeok Science Town, Daejeon.