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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Korean Drama Filming Locations (2022)

This Project Gora’s Korean Drama Filming Location guide came way too late. I am sorry. I had been busy with work, getting my LOMA certification and sadly, procrastination. So, before this week ends, I am going to introduce some of my favourite Korean drama and it’s filming location in South Korea. 

Honestly, I am no longer a Korean Drama fan. However, I’ve spent a great deal of time watching Korean Dramas. It’s just that sometimes I get so bored with the usual Korean Drama cliche. For example:

  • At the end of the drama, the lovers have to be apart for a year or more before they get reunited.
  • Coma or Amnesia
  • Trips to the hospital
  • LOVE TRIANGLES – have to emphasise this one because I am really sick and tired of this. LOL!
  • A family member who disapproves of the relationship
  • Really rich people, especially the main male lead
  • And many more!!! 

Korean Drama film tours are quite popular nowadays, with target itineraries to feed drama-hungry fanatics. But do you really need to avail a tour package to get this one done? NO. So how to make a Do-it-yourself Korean Drama Tour?

  1. Check out Korea Tourism Website
  2. Browse Filming Location Tours
  3. Click your favourite Korean Drama to know the filming location
  4. Create your own itinerary

Seoul and Nearby Province Filming Locations

Below are some of the filming locations in Seoul and nearby province like Gyeonggi-do. These locations are actually some of the most popular for foreign visitors. Whether or not you are a Korean Drama fan, visiting these places are really worth it!

Gwanghwamun Square

One of the scenes in Iris was filmed in Gwanghwamun Square. It was a 2013 drama starring Lee Byung‑hun, the gorgeous Kim Tae-hee and T.O.P. Oppa of Big Bang.

How to get to Gwanghwamun Square: From any part of Seoul, take the subway going to 1. City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 & 2, Exit 3) 2. Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3 Exit 6 & 7) or 3. Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 1, 2 & 8.

gwanghwamun square

Changdeokgung Palace

Some scenes of the iconic Korean drama, Dae Jang Geum, starring Lee Young-ae, were filmed in Changdeokgung Palace.

How to get to Changdeokgung: From any part of Seoul, take the subway going to Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3 Exit 3). Walk straight from the exit (towards east) for about 5 minutes until you reach the palace entrance.

secret garden
Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village was the main filming location of Personal Taste staring Lee Min Ho (one of the most popular Korean actors in the Philippines) and Son Ye‑jin (known for her role in Crash Landing on You with Hyun Bin).

How to get to Bukchon Hanok Village: From any part of Seoul, take the subway going to Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3 Exit 2).

photo of rooftops of the Bukchon Hanok Village, framing in the much newer N Seoul Tower in the background by Janko Luin

Love Locks at N Seoul Tower

Love Locks at N Seoul Tower was the filming location of MANY Korean Dramas including My Love from Another Star starring Kim Soo‑hyun and Jun Ji-hyun.

How to get to Namsan Tower: From any parts of Seoul, take the subway going to Myeongdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4 Exit 3). Then, go south along Toegye-ro 18-gil St. to Pacific Hotel and turn left. Walk along Toegye-ro 20-gil St. until you see Ministop. Turn right and walk until you see Namsan Cable Car. Roundtrip fare for adults is KRW 8,500 and KRW 5,500 for children.

love locks

Nami Island

Nami Island, the filming location of Winter Sonata starring Bae Yong‑joon and Choi Ji-woo.

How to get to Nami Island: From Seoul Station, take the subway going to Gapyeong which requires two train transfers. Get off at Hoegi Station and take the Jungang line to Mangu Station. Then from Mangu Station, take the Gyeongchun line to Gapyeong Station. Travel time is approximately 90 minutes and one way fare is KRW 1,950. From Gapyeong Station, take a shuttle bus to Gapyeong Wharf (KRW 1,000).

Petite France

Petite France was the filming location of Secret Garden and My Love from Another Star.

How to get to Petite France: From Cheongpyeong Station in Gyeongchun Line, board the Gapyeong City tour bus to Petite France. If you are coming from Nami Island, board the bus at 7 eleven. It will only take 30 minutes to get to Petite France.

Garden of Morning Calm

The Millennium Juniper at the Garden of Morning Calm was featured in the drama “You’re Beautiful” starring Jang Keun-suk (JGS) and Park Shin Hye.

How to get to Garden of Morning Calm: From Cheonpyeong Station in Gyeongchun Line, take the Gapyeong City tour bus bound for The Garden of Morning Calm. There are also busses coming from Nami Island and Petite France.

Travel Tip: If you are visiting Nami Island, Petite France and the Garden of Morning Calm in one day, be sure to avail the service of Gapyeong City Tour bus. With just one ticket (KRW 6,000 as of December 2015), you can freely discover and enjoy your desired attractions in Gapyeong! You can also check out my DIY Nami Island, Petite France and the Garden of morning Calm blog post. 

Jeju Island Filming Locations

Below are some of the filming locations in Jeju Island. However, I cannot really tell you guys how to get to each destination because we availed a taxi tour when we were there. DIY travel in Jeju is not that convenient so I recommend availing a taxi tour instead. The drivers know the island very well so if you have any specific place you want to visit, just tell them.

Seopjikoji Hill

Seopjikoji was the main filming location of “All In” starring the very beautiful Song Hye‑kyo and Lee Byung‑hun.

Seopjikoji Hill

Oedolgae Rock

Some scenes of Dae Jang Geum were also filmed at Oedolgae Rock in Seogwipo.

my friend and I at Oedolgae Rock

Locadio World

I am not really sure if this place was featured on Korean dramas but if you would like to try on traditional clothes as well as traditional musical instruments, then I highly recommend it! Thank you Mr. Kang (our driver/tour guide) for taking us here!

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak was one of my favourite attractions in Jeju Island. It was featured in several Korean Dramas including Queen In Hyun’s Man, Jeju Island Gatsby (aka Warm and Cozy) and All in. It was also featured twice in Hyori’s Bed & Breakfast (Hyori’s Homestay).

Jeju Teddy Bear Museum

Remember Princess Hours (Goong)? During their trip to Jeju Island, Chae-gyeong and the empress visited the Teddy Bear Museum.

So, there you have it! I hope this guide will prove useful when you plan your own Korean Drama filming location tour! Got any questions? Suggestions? Comments? I’m all ears! Le’s chat down below! Have a wonderful week ahead!

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.

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