Daejeon is a municipality directly under the central government administration of the ROK, covering an area of 539.5 km² and with a population of 1.5 million. This city is of great scientific research strength. Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone is the base of over 800 hi-tech enterprises, more than 80 research centers and 18 universities and is known as the “engine of science and technology development” and “high technology city” in the ROK.