Are you a K-Drama fan dreaming of visiting your favorite filming locations while exploring South Korea? For many K-Drama fans, stepping into the actual scenes of their beloved shows is a must-do experience. K-Dramas have captured viewers’ hearts worldwide because of the talented actor’s captivating storylines and the stunning and iconic filming locations that bring each scene to life. These dramas often showcase the beauty of South Korea, which we admire time and again on our screens.
Here are 10 iconic K-Drama filming locations in Korea that you won’t want to miss on your next trip!
1. Nami Island
K-Drama Series: Winter Sonata (2002)
Nami Island, or Namiseom, is a small, half-moon-shaped island in the Chuncheon area of Gangwon Province, South Korea. It sits in the Han River, about 63 kilometers (39 miles) northeast of Seoul, making it a popular day-trip destination from the capital city.
The most famous scene in the K-Drama “Winter Sonata” is when the lead characters, Kang Joon-sang (Bae Yong-joon) and Jung Yu-jin (Choi Ji-woo), take a romantic bicycle ride on Metasequoia Lane under the snow-covered trees.
Nami Island is a popular filming location and has appeared in various K-Drama series like, ‘Hi Bye, Mama! ‘ and ‘When My Love Blooms,’ among others.
Address: 1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to get there: Take a train to Gapyeong Station and look for shuttle buses heading to the island.
You can book the Nami Island tour in Klook.
2. N Seoul Tower
K-Drama Series: Boys Over Flowers (2009)
N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower, is a prominent landmark in Seoul, South Korea, located on Namsan Mountain. Opened in 1980, the tower stands 236 meters tall and offers panoramic views of the city from its observation decks, which are particularly stunning at sunset and night. It features attractions like the “Locks of Love,” a revolving restaurant, digital observatories, and light shows. Visitors can reach the tower by cable car, bus, or hiking trails through Namsan Park. Known for its blend of modernity and tradition, N Seoul Tower is a cultural icon and a must-visit destination for tourists and locals.
The iconic N Seoul Tower in Seoul hosts one of “Boys Over Flowers”‘ most unforgettable K-Drama sequences. Goo Jun-pyo brings Geum Jan-di to the tower’s observation deck for city views. The setting for their amorous moment emphasizes their growing relationship. This moment marks a turning point in their relationship as Jun-pyo shows his softer, more loving side, strengthening his friendship with Jan-di.
The tower is also a popular date location in K-Drama and was featured in, “The Legend of the Blue Sea”, “My Love From Another Star”, “Itaewon Class”, and “The Last Empress”, among many other shows.
Address: San 1-2 Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There:
By Cable Car: The Namsan Cable Car is a popular way to reach the tower, offering scenic views of the mountain and the city. It operates from the base of Namsan Mountain.
By Bus: Several buses go to Namsan Seoul Tower from various parts of the city. Shuttle buses are convenient options.
N Seoul Tower Ticket via Klook
3. Locks of Love in Namsan Tower
K-Drama Series: My Love from the Star (2014) / Legend of the Blue Sea (2017)
Seoul’s iconic N Seoul Tower is a major tourist attraction perched atop Namsan Mountain. Standing at 236.7 meters, it provides breathtaking views of Seoul and its surroundings. Many people regard Seoul Tower as one of the finest towers in Asia due to its stunning views. Additionally, The Love Locks at Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) is a popular tradition where couples attach padlocks to the fences or railings and throw away the key, symbolizing their eternal love. The view is both amazing day and night. It was shot as a filming location for the hit K-Drama “My Love from the Stars (2014) starring Jeon Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun and “Legend of the Blue Sea” (2017) starring Lee Min Ho and Jeon Ji Hyun.
Be sure to bring that special someone with you, and don’t forget the lock!
4. Petite France
K-Drama Series: My Love from the Star (2014)
Petite France is a lovely French cultural village located in Gapyeong, best known as a filming location for popular K-Drama such as “Beethoven Virus” (2008), “Secret Garden” (2011), and “My Love from the Stars” (2014). It also offers guesthouse accommodations.
Inspired by the famous French novel “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, this village features souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and unique galleries and museums like a traditional French house, an antique shop, a dollhouse, and a music box house. There’s also an outdoor central theater where visitors can relax and enjoy performances.
Food can be a bit expensive, so it’s a good idea for budget travelers to bring your own. There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy views of Cheongpyeong Lake.
Address: 616 Goseong-ri, Oeseo-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
How to get there: Take the subway or ITX to Cheongpyeing Station, before hopping on a shuttle bus that takes you straight to Petite France.
You can book the Nami Island tour in Klook.
5. Camp Greaves DMZ Experience Centre
K-Drama Series: Descendants of the Sun (2016)
The 506th US Second Infantry Division used Camp Greaves for 50 years following the Korean War truce. The Korean government reclaimed the land in 2007. The camp is now a peace and security experience facility 2 km from the DMZ. The 2016 hit K-drama “Descendants of the Sun” starring Song Hye-Kyo and Song Joong-ki filming location was Camp Greaves. Camp Greaves appears in most sequences showing “Urk” where military captain Song Joong-ki and doctor Song Hye-kyo romance.
The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization has placed signposts marking where particular scenes were filmed due to the show’s huge success in China and other Asian countries.
Address: 137, Jeoksipja-ro, Gunnae-myeon, Paju, Gyeonggi-do 10800 South Korea
How to get there: From Seoul to Imjingak Pavilion (Paju), take the Gyeongui-Jungang Line (Seoul Subway Line 1) from Seoul Station to Munsan Station. The journey takes about 1 hour. From Munsan Station, take Bus No. 058 or a taxi to Imjingak Pavilion. The bus ride takes about 10-15 minutes.
6. Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway
K-Drama Series: Goblin (2016)
Kim Shin and Ji Eun-Tak first meet at the Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway in the K-Drama “Goblin” (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God). This fateful encounter is one of the K-drama’s most iconic moments. As Ji Eun-take walks along the stonewall path, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Kim Shin, the Goblin, who is drawn to her presence. The romantic atmosphere of the walkway, with its historic stone walls and tree-lined path, enhances the mystical and emotional quality of their first meeting.
The Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway is especially beautiful in autumn and spring and is the perfect spot to take photos of fall foliage and dreamy cherry blossoms. Walk along the path and you’ll find yourself at the Deoksugung Palace or Seoul Museum of Art, two popular attractions in the vicinity!
Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Take the Seoul Subway Line 1 or 2 and get off at City Hall station, Exit 2.
7. Everland Amusement Park
K-Drama Series: What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018)
If you’ve watched the K-drama, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, you’ll recognize this scene as the couple’s unofficial first date. In Episode 2, Kim Mi-so arrives at Everland expecting to meet Park Yoo-sik, but instead, it’s Lee Young-joon who shows up, determined to win her heart! As Seoul’s most popular theme park, Everland offers countless ways to impress a crush, which is likely why other K-dramas like A Korean Odyssey and The Bride of Habaek were also filmed there.
Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
How to get there: Transfer to Yongin Ever Line at Giheung Station on Bundang Line. The journey takes around 30 minutes from Giheung Station to Jeondae Everland Station on Yongin Ever Line.
Book your Klook ticket
8. Gwanghwamun Square
K-Drama Series: The King Eternal Monarch (2020)
Also known as Gwanghwamun Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square is a public space located next to the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace and is most known for the magnificent statue of King Sejong, one of Korea’s most famous historical figures. The square is close to several attractions, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Insadong. You can easily combine these into a single trip.
The square was a filming location of a handful of K-dramas, with the most famous one being The King: Eternal Monarch. The location is where Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun first met, and you can set the statue in the backdrop of the K-drama’s poster.
Address: 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Line 5 (Purple Line): Take the subway to Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2.
Gungnamji Pond
K-Drama Series: Mr. Queen (2020)
Gungnamji Pond, a Historic Site located in Seodong Park, is Korea’s first artificial pond and was created by King Mu from the Baekje dynasty, who fell in love with and eventually married Princess Seonhwa. Gungnamji, which means a pond in the south of the royal palace in Korea, was the given name according to the Samguksagi records.
In the entertaining Netflix K-drama Mr. Queen, a modern-day chef named Jang Bong-Hwan (played by Choi Jin-Hyuk) unexpectedly finds himself transported back in time after falling into a pool, where he becomes trapped in the body of a queen during the Joseon dynasty. Fans of the series will recognize the scenic Gungnamji Pond, which appears prominently in several episodes. Created by King Mu of the Baekje Dynasty, this pond in Buyeo, Chungnam, holds the distinction of being Korea’s first artificial pond.
This location has also been featured in other popular K-dramas, such as The Tale of Nokdu, Haechi, and An Empress’s Dignity (also known as The Last Empress).
Address: 52 Gungnam-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
10. Cheonggyecheon Stream
K-Drama Series: Queen of Tears (2024)
Cheonggyecheon Stream, one of our favorite Seoul places, offers fresh air and quiet. The 11km stream through the city is dotted with lanterns, fountains, artworks, bridges, and outdoor exhibitions, making it ideal for a romantic stroll.
In this year’s most popular Netflix K-drama “Queen of Tears,” the scene where Hyun-woo promises Hae-in that he won’t use his “cuteness killer move” after a company dinner is set on Gwangtonggyo, the second bridge over Cheonggyecheon Stream, located near Jonggak Station in Sorrin-dong, Jongno, Seoul.
Additionally, the stream is a popular filming location for several other K-dramas, including the famous “Vincenzo”, “7 Prisoners’ Escape”, “The Virtuous Mrs. Park’s Contract Marriage”, and “Marry My Husband”.
Address: 1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
How to get there: Gwanghwamun Station (line 1, exit 5). 3 mins walk/ City Hall Station (line 1/2, exit 4). 6 mins walk.
LOTTE Department Store / LOTTE Hotel Seoul. 8-minute walk in the direction of the stream.
Which of these iconic spots are you excited to visit first, k-drama fans?
You can also check out this article: Complete South Korea Travel Guide 2024: Korean Travel Tips for more helpful tips to enhance your trip in South Korea.
