The World Cup stadium in Daejeon. (Allsport)

Despite being one of the world's most futuristic cities, Daejeon makes no apologies for being proud of its history.

As if a stadium with a Teflon roof is not enough Daejeon is the major city in the Daedeok Valley, Korea's version of Silicon Valley.

Yet its eight places of interest, including the Yuseong Hot Springs and the Expo Science Park, stand squarely alongside the futuristic elements of the city.

The Gyeongbuseon Railway and the Honamseon Railway expressways - two of the major transportation systems in the country - converge in Daejeon.

But the city is perfectly ringed by mountains, including Bomunsan and Sikjangsan from where scenic views of the city and surrounding area can be seen.

Accommodation:

There is accommodation to suit all budgets in Daejeon, ranging from motels to deluxe hotels.

Many offer traditional banquet halls, while some have karaoke bars and even concert halls within their complex.

Whatever you want, at whatever cost can be found in Daejeon.

Places of Interest:

The Expo Science Park. The first theme park to open in Korea, which is described as a "mecca of national science education, a place that depicts international sciences and the future".

Yuseong Hot Springs. In an area of over 100 motels is the Yuseong Spring, a pool of water kept between 42 and 55 degrees centigrade which is popular with tourists.

Daecheonghosu. The third largest lake in Korea with observation platforms to view the beautiful reflections of the mountains.

Gyejoksan. Probably the best place to view the lake is atop Gyejoksan. At night, the sunset can be viewed at its finest.

Local Delicacies:

Daecheongho Minmulgogi Maeuntang: Soup with freshwater fish, which is know for its unique flavour.

Samgyetang: A version of chicken soup cooked with ginseng and chinese dates.

Gujeuk Dotorimuk. A type of jelly made from acorns obtained in the wild this is a speciality in the Yuseong-gu area. A powerful dish with a blend of Korean spices.

Sutgol Naengmyeon. Cold noodle soup including the juice from a white salted radish.

Gujeuk Nongju. An sweet alcoholic liqueur made with a Korean type of yeast and rice.

Where To Eat:

The area around Kung Dong university and Yuseong are favourites, particularly with travellers.

But to savour some of the local delicacies try:

Seorabeol: A restaurant close to the stadium which offers "an exquisite blend of traditional and modern Korean cuisine".

Cheonjeong Dolgui: The choice of Daejeon's actors and actresses, although its speciality - pig belly - may not appeal to everyone.

Salroman Chicken: Offers Korean-style chicken at reasonable prices.

To the World Cup stadium:

Over 50 trains and 100 buses cover the 1-2 hour journey from Seoul to Daejeon every day while so-called 'limousine buses' ferry people from Incheon International Airport on a near four-hour journey.

Once inside Daejeon, buses leave the city centre at 10-minute intervals on a journey which takes almost an hour.