I didn’t watch K-dramas for my first 20 years in Korea.
Living here since 1989, I thought I didn’t need TV to experience Korea. I was living it.
Then a friend made me watch “Goblin” in 2017.
I recognized every location. The overpass where he appears. The chicken shop. The bridge. I’d walked past these places hundreds of times without knowing they were famous.
That changed everything.
Now I notice film crews everywhere. I’ve accidentally walked into shoots. I’ve watched locations transform from ordinary streets to tourist destinations overnight.
After 35 years in Korea and probably watching 50+ K-dramas (yes, I got hooked), here’s your guide to finding those magical filming locations in Seoul.
Why Visit K-Drama Filming Locations?
1. They’re Real Places
Unlike Hollywood studios, most K-dramas film on location. That coffee shop? Real. That bridge? You can walk across it. That convenience store? Still selling triangle kimbap.
2. The “I Was There” Moment
Standing where your favorite scene happened hits different. I’ve watched grown adults tear up at a random overpass because of Goblin.
3. Beautiful Spots Anyway
Most filming locations are chosen because they’re genuinely beautiful or interesting. Even without the K-drama connection, they’re worth visiting.
4. Free (Mostly)
Most locations are public spaces. Parks, streets, bridges — no admission fee. Some cafes or restaurants require purchases, but that’s it.
Iconic K-Drama Locations by Show
Goblin (도깨비) — 2016
The drama that launched a thousand pilgrimages.
1. Deoksugung Stone Wall Road (덕수궁 돌담길)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Where Goblin and Eun-tak walk together |
| Location | Deoksugung Palace wall, Jung-gu |
| Subway | City Hall Station (Line 1, 2), Exit 2 |
| Best time | Autumn (beautiful leaves) |
This stone wall path existed for centuries, but Goblin made it a romance destination. Couples now walk it holding hands, recreating scenes.
I walked this path in 1990 without a single tourist. Now? Selfie sticks everywhere.
2. Jumunjin Beach (주문진 해변)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | “First snow” scene, bus stop |
| Location | Gangneung, Gangwon-do |
| From Seoul | 2.5 hours by bus/car |
| Note | The bus stop is a replica (original scene filmed elsewhere) |
Not technically Seoul, but fans make the pilgrimage. The beach installed a Goblin-themed bus stop because so many people came looking for it.
3. Unhyeongung Palace (운현궁)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Goblin’s house exterior |
| Location | Jongno-gu, Seoul |
| Subway | Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 4 |
| Admission | Free |
A smaller, less crowded palace. The traditional architecture made it perfect for Goblin’s centuries-old character.
Crash Landing on You (사랑의 불시착) — 2019
The drama that made everyone fall for North-South love stories.
1. Tangeum Lake (탄금호)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Swiss-like scenery, paragliding scene |
| Location | Chungju, North Chungcheong Province |
| From Seoul | 1.5 hours by car |
The “Switzerland” scenes were actually filmed in Switzerland, but Korean location scenes used this beautiful lake area.
2. Bongpyeong Herb Farm (봉평 허브나라)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Village scenes in “North Korea” |
| Location | Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do |
| From Seoul | 2.5 hours by car |
The production built a fake North Korean village here. Some structures remain for fans.
3. Seoul Locations
| Location | Scene |
|---|---|
| IFC Mall | Captain Ri’s Seoul wanderings |
| Daebudo Island | Beach scenes |
| Various Seoul streets | South Korea scenes |
Itaewon Class (이태원 클라쓰) — 2020
The underdog story set in Seoul’s most international neighborhood.
1. Itaewon Main Street
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Park Saeroyi’s bar “DanBam” |
| Location | Itaewon, Yongsan-gu |
| Subway | Itaewon Station (Line 6), Exit 3 |
The actual DanBam bar was a set, but you can walk the same streets. The neighborhood vibe is exactly as shown.
2. Gyeongnidan-gil (경리단길)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Various street scenes |
| Location | Behind Itaewon main street |
| Vibe | Trendy cafes, restaurants |
The drama captured Itaewon’s multicultural energy perfectly. Walking these streets feels like being in the show.
My Love from the Star (별에서 온 그대) — 2013
The alien love story that made Koreans crave fried chicken during snowfall.
1. Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Romantic confession scene |
| Location | Namsan Tower |
| Subway | Myeongdong Station (Line 4) + bus/cable car |
The love lock fence and observation deck feature prominently. This drama boosted an already popular spot to must-visit status.
2. Petite France (쁘띠프랑스)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Do Min-joon’s house |
| Location | Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do |
| From Seoul | 1 hour by car |
| Admission | ₩10,000 |
A French-themed village that looks like it belongs in the Alps. Multiple dramas have filmed here.
Vincenzo — 2021
The Italian-Korean mafia lawyer drama with stunning locations.
1. Geumga Plaza (금가 플라자)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Main building in the drama |
| Location | Actual building: near Yeouido |
| Note | CGI enhanced |
The charming old plaza building is partially real, partially enhanced. The nostalgic Seoul vibes resonated with Korean viewers.
2. Various Seoul Locations
| Location | Scene |
|---|---|
| Nodeul Island | Outdoor scenes |
| Seonyudo Park | Meeting scenes |
| Olympic Park | Various |
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (갯마을 차차차) — 2021
The seaside romance that made everyone want to move to a fishing village.
1. Cheongha-ri (청하리), Pohang
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | The fictional village “Gongjin” |
| Location | Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province |
| From Seoul | 4 hours by car / 2.5 hours KTX to Pohang |
The actual village embraced its fame. Shops, cafes, and photo zones remain. Worth the trip for fans.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One (스물다섯 스물하나) — 2022
The nostalgic 1998-2000s romance drama.
1. Seongsu-dong (성수동)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Na Hee-do’s neighborhood |
| Location | Seongsu-dong, Seoul |
| Subway | Seongsu Station (Line 2) |
| Vibe | Now trendy cafe district |
The drama used Seongsu’s industrial-turned-hip aesthetic. Now it’s one of Seoul’s hottest neighborhoods — perfect for combining drama locations with cafe hopping.
Queen of Tears (눈물의 여왕) — 2024
The recent mega-hit that dominated Netflix globally.
1. Yongsan District Locations
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Various Seoul scenes |
| Location | Yongsan-gu area |
| Subway | Multiple stations |
2. Queens Group Building
The drama’s fictional conglomerate headquarters used impressive modern architecture locations around Seoul.
Classic Locations Featured in Many Dramas
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Featured in | Historical dramas, Goblin, various |
| Location | Jongno-gu, Seoul |
| Subway | Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5 |
| Guide | Full Gyeongbokgung Guide |
Every historical K-drama films here. The main palace in Seoul, stunning architecture, iconic gate shots.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Featured in | Personal Taste, numerous dramas |
| Location | Jongno-gu, Seoul |
| Subway | Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 2 |
| Guide | Full Bukchon Guide |
Traditional Korean houses on a hillside. The narrow alleys and wooden architecture appear in countless romantic scenes.
Warning: Residents live here. Keep noise down, especially mornings and evenings.
3. Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Featured in | My Love from the Star, Boys Over Flowers, countless others |
| Location | Namsan Mountain, Seoul |
| Guide | Full Namsan Guide |
The default K-drama romantic spot. Love locks, city views, confession scenes. If a drama needs romance, Namsan delivers.
4. Han River Parks (한강공원)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Featured in | Almost every modern K-drama |
| Locations | Yeouido, Ttukseom, Banpo, etc. |
| Subway | Various stations |
The “convenience store chicken and beer” scene happens here. Late-night riverside dates. Morning jogs. Han River is K-drama’s backyard.
Best spots:
- Yeouido Hangang Park (fireworks, picnics)
- Banpo Bridge (rainbow fountain at night)
- Ttukseom (younger crowd)
5. Samcheong-dong (삼청동)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Featured in | Coffee Prince, many romance dramas |
| Location | Jongno-gu, Seoul |
| Subway | Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 1 |
| Vibe | Cafes, galleries, tree-lined streets |
The quintessential “walking date” neighborhood. Charming cafes, art galleries, quiet streets near palaces.
6. Ihwa Mural Village (이화벽화마을)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Featured in | Rooftop Prince, various |
| Location | Hyehwa-dong, Seoul |
| Subway | Hyehwa Station (Line 4), Exit 2 |
| Note | Some murals removed due to tourist crowds |
Colorful street art on a hillside neighborhood. Instagram heaven, but please be respectful — people live here.
Day Itineraries for K-Drama Fans
Half-Day: Classic Seoul
| Time | Location | Dramas |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Gyeongbokgung Palace | Historical dramas |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch in Samcheong-dong | Coffee Prince |
| 1:30 PM | Bukchon Hanok Village | Various |
| 3:30 PM | Deoksugung Stone Wall | Goblin |
| 5:00 PM | Namsan Tower (sunset) | My Love from the Star |
Full Day: Romance Route
| Time | Location | Dramas |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Ihwa Mural Village | Rooftop Prince |
| 11:00 AM | Bukchon Hanok Village | Various |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch in Insadong | Traditional vibes |
| 2:30 PM | Deoksugung Stone Wall | Goblin |
| 4:00 PM | Han River Yeouido | Various |
| 6:00 PM | Namsan Tower sunset | My Love from the Star |
| 8:00 PM | Itaewon dinner | Itaewon Class |
Full Day: Modern Dramas
| Time | Location | Dramas |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Seongsu-dong cafes | Twenty-Five Twenty-One |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch in Seongsu | — |
| 2:00 PM | Itaewon | Itaewon Class |
| 4:30 PM | Han River | Various |
| 7:00 PM | Yeouido IFC Mall | Crash Landing on You |
Day Trips from Seoul
Gapyeong (가평) — 1 hour from Seoul
| Location | Dramas |
|---|---|
| Petite France | My Love from the Star, Secret Garden |
| Nami Island | Winter Sonata, various |
| Garden of Morning Calm | Various |
Worth a full day. Multiple drama locations close together.
Gangneung/Jumunjin — 2.5 hours from Seoul
| Location | Dramas |
|---|---|
| Jumunjin Beach | Goblin |
| Gyeongpo Beach | Various |
| Anmok Beach | Coffee shops |
The KTX makes this an easy day trip from Seoul.
Pohang — 4 hours from Seoul
| Location | Dramas |
|---|---|
| Cheongha-ri | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha |
For serious fans. The whole village embraced the drama fame.
Practical Tips
Finding Exact Locations
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Naver Map | Search drama name + “촬영지” (filming location) |
| Korean drama forums | Detailed fan research |
| Visit Korea website | Official tourism info |
| Search location tags |
Getting There
Use the Seoul subway for most locations. Your T-money card works everywhere.
For day trips, KTX train or express buses from Seoul stations.
Best Times to Visit
| Location Type | Best Time |
|---|---|
| Palaces | Morning (less crowded, better light) |
| Namsan Tower | Sunset |
| Han River | Evening |
| Cafes/Streets | Afternoon |
| Villages | Weekdays (fewer tourists) |
Respecting Locations
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
|---|---|
| Take photos quietly | Block sidewalks for photos |
| Support local businesses | Leave trash |
| Visit during reasonable hours | Disturb residents |
| Keep voices down in residential areas | Play drama OSTs loudly |
Some locations (like Bukchon) have resident complaints about tourists. Be considerate.
Changes Over Time
I’ve watched filming locations evolve over 35 years.
1990s: Nobody cared where dramas filmed. Locations stayed quiet.
2000s: Winter Sonata changed everything. Nami Island became a pilgrimage site.
2010s: Social media exploded. Every drama location became Instagram content.
2020s: Global Netflix hits. International tourists now outnumber Korean visitors at some spots.
What this means:
Popular locations get crowded. Very crowded.
Some residents resent the attention. Signs asking for quiet. Murals removed. Gates closed.
The magic is still there, but go with respect. These are real neighborhoods, not theme parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are K-drama filming locations free to visit?
Most are free — they’re public streets, parks, palaces, and buildings. Some specific locations (like Petite France or palace interiors) have admission fees. Cafes and restaurants require purchases.
How do I find exact K-drama filming locations?
Search on Naver Map using the drama name plus “촬영지” (filming location). Korean drama fan forums have detailed location guides. The Visit Korea website also lists popular drama filming spots.
Can I visit filming locations during active shoots?
If you stumble upon an active shoot, staff will redirect you. Don’t try to interrupt or get photos with actors. Production schedules aren’t public, so encounters are random luck.
Which K-drama location is most popular with tourists?
Namsan Tower, easily. It appears in dozens of dramas and is already a major tourist destination. The love locks and city views make it romantic even without K-drama connections.
Are locations the same as they appear in dramas?
Usually yes, but some scenes use camera angles, lighting, or minor set dressing that make places look different. CGI enhancement is increasingly common for modern dramas.
Should I visit on weekdays or weekends?
Weekdays are better for most locations — fewer crowds, better photos. Weekend mornings can work too. Avoid weekend afternoons at popular spots like Bukchon.
How many locations can I visit in one day?
In Seoul, 4-6 locations comfortably. More if locations are close together (like the Jongno palace area). Day trips outside Seoul typically cover 2-3 spots.
Do I need to watch the dramas before visiting?
You don’t need to, but it enhances the experience significantly. At minimum, watch key scenes from locations you’ll visit. The emotional connection makes the visit more meaningful.
Final Thoughts
I walked past that Goblin overpass for 25 years without a second glance.
Now I understand why fans cry there.
K-drama locations aren’t special because of architecture or history. They’re special because of stories — fictional stories that feel real because they happened in real places.
Standing where Kim Shin waited for Eun-tak. Walking the streets Park Saeroyi built his dream on. Watching sunset from where Do Min-joon confessed his love.
The magic isn’t in the places. It’s in what you bring to them.
Come to Seoul. Find your drama’s locations. Take the photos. Feel the feelings.
Just remember: be a good visitor. These neighborhoods existed before the cameras arrived. They’ll exist after the hype fades.
Respect the residents. Support the local shops. And maybe watch another K-drama on the flight home.
You’ll find new places to visit next time.
— Ted K
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