A journey that begins with a name
In Korea, a family surname can carry stories of ancestry and place. Daejeon's Bburi Park turns that tradition into a walk among sculptures representing Korean surnames and family origins. Even visitors unfamiliar with genealogy can begin with a simple question: what stories sit behind a name?
Two indoor stories beside the park
Inside the park, the Korean Genealogy Museum explores how family histories were recorded, from royal genealogies to changing record-keeping traditions. Next to the park, the Korea Filial Piety Culture Promotion Institute asks a different question: what has filial respect (hyo)—care and respect within families—meant in the past, and how is it understood today?
Five exhibition rooms across floors 1–3 introduce the history, experience, shared stories, practice and wider cultural meanings of hyo. Rather than a single display of sayings, they encourage visitors to explore these ideas through different exhibits. Etiquette, hanbok and tea-ceremony activities are reservation-based, unlike ordinary exhibition viewing.
Neighbours, but not the same opening hours
Bburi Park is at 47 Bburigongwon-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon; the institute is at number 45. According to Daejeon Tourism, park access varies by season. The Korean Genealogy Museum is listed at 10:00–17:00, closed Mondays and major holidays, with free admission. The institute is listed at 09:00–17:30, closed Mondays, with free admission. Check the two indoor venues first and fit the outdoor walk around them. Verify seasonal park access, programme registration and unexpected closures before setting out.
One thought to take away: the surname sculptures ask where a family came from, while the institute asks how its members care for one another now. The two questions make this short outing memorable.