top of page
Under the clear sky, the waters of Daecheong Lake shimmer in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing, wave-like scene.

Lake

The Story Behind Daecheong Lake

Daecheong Lake’s hidden past: Once a vibrant village, now a stunning reservoir in Korea
Transformation of Daecheong Lake: From a local village to a scenic travel destination in South Korea

This image was generated using AI based on historical references

Daecheong Lake was created in December 1980 with the construction of the Daecheong Dam, built to provide a stable water supply for the region.

  • Before the lake existed, this area was home to 86 villages across Daejeon, Cheongju, and surrounding counties.

  • As the dam was built, the landscape transformed, and the villages became part of the lake’s foundation.

  • Today, locals still share stories of the past, remembering the homes and communities that once thrived here.

What remains now is a breathtaking lake surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking both beauty and history.

The Natural Beauty & Experience

Daecheong Lake panoramic view with blue water and lush greenery | Hidden gem in South Korea travel

Daecheong Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, and there’s a good reason for it! The lake serves as a drinking water source for nearby communities, and to keep it clean, strict environmental protection measures are in place. Pollution is strictly controlled, making it one of the purest lakes in Korea.

 

If you love nature, Daecheong Lake is the perfect escape!

Lakeside walking trail at Daecheong Lake, perfect for a light stroll and nature appreciation in Daejeon

you can take a leisurely walk along the lakeside, enjoying the peaceful scenery.

If you prefer a more relaxing experience, bring a simple picnic and enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by nature. (Cooking is not allowed, but a packed meal is perfect!)

Peaceful lakefront at Daecheong Lake, resembling a seaside escape | Must-visit scenic destination in Korea
Tranquil lakeside scenery at Daecheong Lake with clear skies and reflections | Best nature travel spot in Korea

And when the wind blows, something magical happens.

The gentle waves ripple toward you, creating a mesmerizing illusion of being by the sea. It’s a moment that makes Daecheong Lake truly unforgettable.

A Scenic Film Location

Daecheong Lake: A breathtaking backdrop for Korean movies and dramas, known for its mystical ambiance
Famous Korean drama and movie filming location: Daecheong Lake’s cinematic landscapes featured in K-dramas

AI-generated image inspired by real locations

Daecheong Lake’s breathtaking scenery has made it a popular filming location for Korean dramas and movies.
 

Notably, the lake served as a backdrop for the 2005 K-drama "Sad Love Story (슬픈연가)", enhancing its emotional and cinematic appeal. In addition, Daecheong Lake appears in the 2014 historical film "The Fatal Encounter (역린)", bringing a majestic atmosphere to its intense storyline. The lake also plays a key role in the 2018 thriller "Seven Years of Night (7년의 밤)", where its mysterious and eerie ambiance heightens the tension of the film.
 

With its tranquil waters and stunning natural surroundings, Daecheong Lake continues to be a beloved filming location, drawing both filmmakers and visitors who wish to step into a scene from their favorite dramas and movies.

Where to Eat & Drink

Daecheong Lake is also home to some fantastic local food and cozy cafés. Among them, Keunmoegol and LE Café stand out as must-visit spots for travelers looking to enjoy both great flavors and stunning landscapes.

Traditional Korean restaurant near Daecheong Lake, offering authentic local flavors in a cozy setting
A cozy Korean restaurant with a subtle view of the lake, blending nature and tradition.

Keunmoegol
Traditional Korean Flavors

AI-generated image inspired by real locations

Keunmoegol is a family-run restaurant known for its authentic Korean flavors and warm hospitality. If you’re looking for an authentic yet approachable Korean dining experience, Keunmoegol is the perfect place to try!

Smoked duck (Ori Rosu) marinated in Korean spices, grilled to perfection at a local restaurant near Daecheong Lake
Freshwater shrimp stew (Minmul Saeutang), a rich and hearty Korean soup with handmade sujebi dough flakes

Marinated in a traditional Korean sauce, this grilled duck is rich, savory, and perfectly balanced—not too spicy, yet full of flavor.

Served with vegetables and bold Korean spices, it’s a must-try.

 

And don’t forget the fried rice at the end—Koreans love mixing rice into the leftover sauce for a delicious, satisfying finish!

🔥 Smoked Duck
(Ori Rosu)

In Korea, “Tang” refers to a hearty, slow-simmered soup with deep, comforting flavors. Freshwater shrimp stew is a rare find, with small shrimp adding a rich, savory taste. The longer it simmers, the better it gets—so let it boil a little longer!

Plus, don’t miss the chewy handmade dough flakes (Sujebi), unique to Korea! These hand-torn pieces soak up the flavorful broth, adding a delicious texture.

A must-try!

🦐 Freshwater Shrimp Stew
(Minmul Saeutang)
A table full of unlimited Korean side dishes (Banchan), offering an authentic home-style dining experience.
🍽️ Traditional Korean Side Dishes
(Banchan)

Every meal in Korea comes with a variety of free, refillable side dishes (banchan), offering a true taste of Korean home cooking!

 

Enjoy dishes like acorn jelly, kimchi, stir-fried eggplant, and zucchini—each one is a must-try for an authentic dining experience.

Keunmoegol

  • Opening Hours: Every day, 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM

  • Location: 488 Masan-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon

  • Price: ₩10,000–20,000 per person

LE Café

Modern lakeside café with stylish architecture and scenic outdoor seating near Daecheong Lake
Outdoor seating at a café near Daecheong Lake, offering a relaxing atmosphere with nature views
Terrace seating at a popular café overlooking Daecheong Lake, perfect for a coffee break in nature
Cozy indoor seating with large glass windows providing stunning views of Daecheong Lake

AI-generated image inspired by real locations

LE Café is truly one of the best cafés around Daecheong Lake. No matter where you sit—indoors or outdoors—you can enjoy a breathtaking lake view.Outside, you’ll find various seating options: cozy sofa-like seats, bench-style seating, and even elegant terrace spots like the one in the fourth photo. Just order your favorite drink, grab a seat and soak in the view—it’s that simple. It’s absolutely perfect.

 

If it’s a bit chilly or you prefer staying inside, don’t worry. The indoor seating offers just as stunning a view of the lake. Whether you're inside or outside, this place guarantees a relaxing and scenic experience.

Scenic outdoor seating at a lakeside café near Daecheong Lake, offering breathtaking panoramic views of nature
Cozy lakeside café near Daecheong Lake, serving coffee and signature desserts with a stunning lake view

These photos were taken while enjoying the tulips and the view outside, but as it got a bit chilly, we moved inside for dessert. You can still see the stunning Daecheong Lake view

No matter where you take a photo, this place is so beautiful that every spot feels like a photo zone. I highly recommend visiting! You might even spot ducks floating on Daecheong Lake or—who knows—some kiwifruit hanging from the trees. I'm not sure if it's the owner's unique taste, but there are tons of kiwifruit growing here!

They also offer a variety of desserts and simple brunch menu items, so be sure to enjoy them as well.

LE Café

  • Café Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Last order: 8:00 PM)

  • Brunch Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Last order: 5:30 PM)

  • Location: 34-8 Naengcheon-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon

  • Price: ₩1–10,000 per person

© 2025 Daejeon Dream. All rights reserved. Reproduction or redistribution is prohibited.

bottom of page