When watching K-dramas, one of the things that makes each scene perfect, aside from the characters and the overall plot, is the setting where it takes place. There are many times you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the breathtaking views or modern aesthetic of the places shown in K-dramas.
Although some scenes require specially-created sets that the staff take down after filming or utilize high-quality technology to make unique backdrops, many feature real-life locations. If you get the chance to visit Korea, you’re free to drop by these iconic K-drama filming sites:
Dae Jang Geum Park
If you’ve watched many Korean historical dramas, you might be familiar with this place. Dae Jang Geum Park has been the filming location of well-known period dramas like Jumong, The Tale of Nokdu, Mr. Queen, Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung, and more. It is also a famous site for music videos like BTS’ Suga’s “Daechwita.”
Though there are various sets for historical dramas around the country, Dae Jang Geum Park is the largest so far. The park contains facilities that showcase the culture and lifestyle of traditional Korea. You can try recreating scenes from your favorite period drama here, complete with the experience of wearing a hanbok!
Forest of Wisdom
Found in Paju, the “City of Books” in Korea, the Forest of Wisdom is one of the town’s various infrastructures related to books. Aside from being a total haven for bibliophiles, this place has also been shown in notable K-dramas like What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Romance is a Bonus Book, Yumi’s Cells S2, Record of Youth, and more.
With donations by publishing companies, over 200,000 books can be found in the Forest of Wisdom. In line with the place’s vision to go beyond being a library or a bookstore, their books can only be read inside and are neither for sale nor for borrowing. So you can take your time looking for a good read or simply take photos of the impressive array of books!
“Goblin” – Jumunjin Beach
K-drama fans who’ve been active since 2016 or earlier would easily recognize this spot from the hit series “Goblin.” Jumunjin Beach in Gangneung is the place where one episode’s famous scene was shot. Many locals and tourists go here to take a photo with the same pose, at the end of the rocky piers. Other K-dramas filmed here include More Than Friends, Hotel King, and Racket Boys. A bus stop nearby is also an iconic photo location for K-pop fans and ARMYs, as BTS shot the music video for their hit song “Spring Day” here.
Yonsei University
One of Korea’s most prestigious universities, the Yonsei University campus has been the filming site for popular K-dramas like True Beauty, Extraordinary You, Reply 1994, Snowdrop, and more. The buildings’ grand architectural style has made it perfect for coming-of-age and school-themed K-dramas. Fun fact: the series “Cheer Up” was inspired by Yonsei’s legendary cheering squad.
Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway
In many K-dramas like Run On, Do You Like Brahms, Find Me In Your Memory, The Beauty Inside, and more, you’ll see the main characters strolling through the Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway. With its combination of modern and historical, the aesthetic surroundings make the walkway a good spot for photography and filming. Especially if you’re having a walk with your lover, the romantic ambiance here is like no other! It’s a bonus if you go during autumn as you’ll be able to see the beautiful foliage around the place.
By visiting these K-drama filming sites, you can experience what it’s like to be in your favorite series, which you only watched on screens before. You’ll be able to connect more deeply with the stories of the characters you’ve loved while also making memories for yourself.
