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.
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.
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.
