Daejeon National Cemetery

After a few days in Muido, Matt and I decided to go for a local trip to Daejeon's National Cemetery. It’s only a 35 minute subway ride from Seodaejeon Station to, yup you guessed it, the National Cemetery Station (exit 3). There we decided to rent bikes. Most subway stops in Daejeon have a free bike rental. All you have to do is give them your alien registration card and when you return the bike, you receive your card back. No fee, no complications, just an easy exchange and you can use the bikes for as long as you like.

Halfway into a 20 minute ride to the cemetery we saw a small temple and decided to check it out. We didn't end up going inside, but we stopped to take pictures of the cluttered atmosphere of Buddha's and Garden ornaments. Then set on our way once again.

Along the sidewalk there were lines of floral shops selling silk bouquets for people to buy on their way to the cemetery. All the vibrant colors made for a brilliant sight and lightened the overcast day. We stopped to ask if we were going in the right direction, however, we started to see clearly marked signs that led us right to the front gate. Turning to the right off the main street we passed a small river and there it was; fields of tombstones. Obviously, it was not as massive as Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, but still impressive. With exceptional statues and a small display of war crafts the cemetery proved to be an interesting day.







Since it was the weekend after Chuseok, all of the graves were accompanied with silk bouquets. On one side of the tomb it gave the person’s date of birth, date of death and cause of death. Most had died of natural causes and many were just in this year. At one point Matt overheard a woman crying and saying in Korean “Come back, I need you.” This was painful to see and Matt quickly ushered us away to give her privacy.

After spending some time feeding the Japanese Koi fish in a small man-made pond, we set off for our ride back home. Without stopping on the way back it was an easy 10min ride and we were soon on the subway and headed for dinner.

Next to the pond.