The Daejeon Zero O'clock Festival, offering a glimpse into Daejeon's past, present, and future, took place from August 9 to 17, 2024. Spanning a 1km stretch from Daejeon Station to the former Chungnam Provincial Office and extending into nearby old downtown areas, the festival ran daily from 2 PM to midnight, attracting visitors nationwide.

Under the slogan “Daejeon Never Sleeps, The Fun Never Ends,” the festival grounds were themed as a time travel experience through Daejeon’s past, present, and future, each era featuring its unique content. The “Past Zone” was designed to showcase the lives of one million refugees who gathered in Daejeon during the Korean War, reflecting the city’s historical journey since the establishment of Daejeon Station in 1905. Visitors could experience the city’s past through diverse performances, including a train multimedia show, silent films, retro comedy shows, and trot music performances. The “Present Zone” was filled with vibrant cultural and artistic performances, including busking stages and K-pop concerts, generating intense excitement. A grand street parade also captivated the attention of festival-goers. The “Future Zone” highlighted Daejeon’s identity as a “City of Science.” This area featured exhibitions and interactive experiences showcasing cutting-edge scientific technologies, including AI, virtual reality (VR), 3D, and robotics, offering visitors a fun and educational glimpse into the future.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism recognized the Daejeon Zero O'clock Festival as one of the “Top 100 K-Culture Events” and one of the “Top 100 Night Festivals of Korea” for 2023-2024. The Festival has firmly established itself as a signature event, connecting Daejeon’s past, present, and future.