Korean dramas have become a global cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers from every continent. For international students in Korea, one of the most delightful discoveries is realizing that many iconic K-drama filming locations are real, accessible places — often just a subway ride away. Walking through a street you recognize from a beloved drama, sitting at the cafe where the leads had their first awkward coffee, or standing on the bridge where the tearful confession happened creates a unique thrill that blurs the line between fiction and your actual daily life in Korea.
K-drama tourism (드라마관광) is a recognized and growing sector of the Korean tourism industry. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) maintains databases of filming locations, and local governments actively promote their drama connections. For students who already live in Korea, visiting these spots is easy, cheap, and endlessly fun — especially if you go with friends who share your drama obsessions.
Seoul: Drama City
Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을) — Jongno-gu
Bukchon is perhaps the most frequently used backdrop in K-drama history. This neighborhood of traditional hanok houses perched on the hillside between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces has appeared in dozens of dramas, including Personal Taste, Marry Me, Mary!, and numerous sageuks (historical dramas). The narrow alleys, traditional rooftops, and views of Namsan Tower make it irresistible for any production seeking that "old Korea meets modern Seoul" aesthetic.
Getting there: Anguk station (Line 3), Exit 2 Cost: Free (outdoor streets). Some hanok guesthouses can be toured for small fees. Tip: Visit early morning (before 9 AM) or on weekdays. The local residents have posted signs asking tourists to be quiet and respectful — please honor these requests.
Namsan Tower / N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)
The iconic tower atop Namsan Mountain has appeared in more K-dramas than anyone can count. The lock fence — where couples attach padlocks to symbolize eternal love — became globally famous through My Love from the Star and Boys Over Flowers. The cable car ride, the observation deck, and the surrounding Namsan Park pathways have all served as dramatic backdrops for confessions, breakups, and reunions.
Getting there: Myeongdong station (Line 4), walk or take bus 05 to cable car. Or hike up from various trailheads (20–40 minutes). Cost: Free (tower grounds), observation deck ₩16,000, cable car ₩11,000 roundtrip Tip: Go at sunset for the most dramatic views and lighting — exactly as the drama directors intended.
Ihwa Mural Village (이화벽화마을) — Jongno-gu
This hilltop neighborhood near Naksan Park is famous for its murals and street art, which have appeared in numerous dramas and variety shows. The winding stairs, painted walls, and rooftop views of Seoul's eastern skyline create a photogenic landscape that drama crews love. The area has faced some controversy as residents grew tired of tourist traffic, leading to the removal of some murals, but many remain and the village retains its artistic character.
Getting there: Hyehwa station (Line 4), Exit 2, walk uphill about 10 minutes Cost: Free Tip: Combine with a visit to the Daehangno theater district at the base of the hill.
Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces
Korea's royal palaces are natural settings for sageuk (historical drama) productions. Jewel in the Palace (대장금), Moon Embracing the Sun, and Mr. Sunshine all used palace locations extensively. Changdeokgung's Secret Garden (Huwon), with its centuries-old trees and hidden pavilions, is particularly atmospheric.
Getting there: Gyeongbokgung station (Line 3) for Gyeongbokgung; Anguk station (Line 3) for Changdeokgung Cost: Gyeongbokgung ₩3,000 (free with hanbok); Changdeokgung ₩3,000, Secret Garden tour ₩5,000 Tip: Wearing hanbok gets you free palace admission and makes your photos dramatically more K-drama-worthy.
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (반포대교 달빛무지개분수)
The Banpo Bridge moonlight rainbow fountain, which shoots colored water from both sides of the bridge after dark, has appeared in numerous dramas and films. The riverside park along the Han River below the bridge is a popular evening setting for drama scenes and real-life dates alike.
Getting there: Express Bus Terminal station (Lines 3, 7, or 9), walk to the Han River park Cost: Free Tip: The fountain operates from April to October, typically starting at 7:30 PM on weekdays and with multiple shows on weekends.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP, 동대문디자인플라자)
Zaha Hadid's futuristic landmark has become a go-to location for dramas and films needing a modern, architecturally striking backdrop. The flowing silver curves of the building, the LED rose garden (which lights up at night), and the surrounding fashion district have appeared in My Love from the Star, Kill Me, Heal Me, and various other productions.
Getting there: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station (Lines 2, 4, or 5) Cost: Free (exterior and public areas). Exhibitions vary. Tip: Visit at night when the LED roses and building illumination are most dramatic.
Outside Seoul: Drama Destinations Worth the Trip
Nami Island (남이섬) — Chuncheon, Gangwon-do
Nami Island is the K-drama pilgrimage site. The tree-lined paths of this small, crescent-shaped island became internationally famous through Winter Sonata (겨울연가, 2002), the drama that arguably launched the entire Korean Wave in Japan and beyond. The specific avenue of metasequoia trees where Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo walked has become one of the most photographed spots in Korea.
Beyond the Winter Sonata connection, Nami Island is genuinely beautiful in every season — green tunnels in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, snow-covered paths in winter, and cherry blossoms in spring.
Getting there: ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan to Gapyeong station (~1 hour), then taxi or shuttle bus to the ferry dock. Ferry to the island takes 5 minutes. Cost: ₩16,000 ferry + admission (student discounts available). The unique zipline "crossing" costs ₩44,000. Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the massive weekend tour group crowds. Rent a bicycle on the island (₩10,000) to cover more ground.
Petite France (쁘띠프랑스) — Gapyeong, Gangwon-do
This small French-themed cultural village near Nami Island was the filming location for My Love from the Star and Secret Garden. The colorful European-style buildings perched on a hillside above Cheongpyeong Lake create a distinctly un-Korean landscape that drama directors use when they need a "European" setting without actually going to Europe.
Getting there: Gapyeong station, then shuttle bus or taxi Cost: ₩10,000 admission Tip: Easily combined with a Nami Island visit for a full-day Gapyeong trip.
Jumunjin Beach (주문진해변) — Gangneung, Gangwon-do
The Jumunjin bus stop became an overnight sensation when it appeared in the megahit drama Goblin (도깨비, 2016). The scene where Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun meet at this modest seaside bus stop turned it into one of Korea's most visited drama locations. The bus stop has been maintained as a photo spot, and visitors queue up to recreate the iconic scene.
Getting there: Express bus or KTX to Gangneung, then local bus to Jumunjin Cost: Free Tip: The bus stop is small — visit on a weekday or early morning to avoid waiting in line for photos.
Udo Island (우도) — Jeju
This small island off the eastern coast of Jeju has appeared in multiple dramas, including Boys Over Flowers and Secret. The white sand beaches (including the famous Sanho Beach with its coral sand), stone walls, and rural Jeju landscape provide a dreamy, isolated backdrop. Udo is accessible by a short ferry from Seongsan port and can be explored by bicycle or electric scooter in a few hours.
Getting there: Ferry from Seongsan-ri port (15 minutes), accessible from Jeju city by bus Cost: Ferry ₩5,500 roundtrip, bicycle rental ₩10,000–₩15,000 Tip: Combine with a visit to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) just across the water.
Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을) — Busan
Busan's colorful hillside village, often called "Korea's Santorini" or "Korea's Machu Picchu," has served as a filming location for numerous dramas and shows. The pastel-colored houses stacked up the hillside, narrow alleys with murals and sculptures, and sweeping views of Busan harbor create a visually unique setting.
Getting there: Toseong station (Line 1), then village bus Cost: Free (map/stamp tour ₩2,000) Tip: The village is a real residential area. Be respectful of residents, especially in early morning and evening.
Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) — Yongin, Gyeonggi-do
This living history museum/theme park in Yongin is the filming location for many historical dramas. The reconstructed Joseon-era village, complete with traditional houses, marketplaces, and performance areas, provides a ready-made sageuk set. If you have watched any historical K-drama, you have almost certainly seen buildings from this location.
Getting there: Shuttle bus from Suwon station (~30 minutes) Cost: ₩25,000 (student discounts available) Tip: Check the performance schedule — traditional wedding reenactments and acrobatic shows run at set times.
Campus Filming: Your University Might Be Famous
Korean universities are frequent filming locations, particularly for romance dramas set in the college years. Notable campus filming spots include:
- Korea University (고려대): The stone-built main building and campus grounds have appeared in multiple dramas
- Yonsei University (연세대): The iconic Underwood Hall and campus paths are classic drama backdrops
- Kyung Hee University (경희대): The Grand Peace Palace (평화의전당) and Gothic-style campus buildings are among the most filmed university locations in Korea
- Ewha Womans University (이화여대): The modern Dominique Perrault-designed Campus Center (ECC), with its dramatic sunken glass canyon, has appeared in dramas and films
- SungKyunKwan University (성균관대): The Confucian academy setting was central to Sungkyunkwan Scandal
If you attend any of these universities, you are literally walking through drama sets every day. Ask upperclassmen about which specific buildings and paths have appeared in which dramas — it adds a layer of magic to your daily commute.
How to Find K-Drama Filming Locations
Korea Tourism Organization (KTO): The official tourism website (english.visitkorea.or.kr) maintains a searchable database of drama filming locations with directions, maps, and information about which dramas were filmed there.
Naver Map and Kakao Map: Search for the drama title in Korean followed by "촬영지" (filming location) to find map pins for known locations.
Social media: Instagram hashtags like #드라마촬영지 (drama filming location), #케이드라마성지순례 (K-drama pilgrimage), and specific drama hashtags often include location information and current photos.
Drama tourism apps: Several apps, including "Korean Drama Locations" and similar, compile filming location information with photos, maps, and drama scene comparisons.
University Korean class projects: Some Korean language programs assign drama watching as homework. If yours does, visit the filming locations as extra credit for yourself — it deepens your understanding of the dialogue and cultural context.
Making the Most of Drama Location Visits
Watch (or rewatch) the relevant scenes before visiting. Having the specific scenes fresh in your memory makes the location visit dramatically more meaningful. Screenshot key frames to compare with the real location.
Go with friends who know the dramas. Half the fun is recreating scenes together and arguing about plot points on location.
Time your visits. Many drama scenes are specifically filmed at golden hour (the hour before sunset) or after dark. Visiting at the same time of day as the drama scene was filmed enhances the experience.
Check seasonal relevance. A location that appeared in a winter drama episode will look very different in summer. If the specific scene matters to you, try to visit in the same season.
Respect filming in progress. If you encounter an actual drama filming in progress (which is not uncommon in popular areas), do not approach the set, take photos of actors without permission, or create noise. Korean drama crews work extremely long hours under intense pressure — give them space.
K-drama filming locations offer international students a unique lens through which to explore Korea. The locations themselves are inherently worth visiting as cultural and scenic destinations, and the drama connection adds a personal emotional layer that makes each visit memorable. Whether you are a casual viewer or a dedicated fan, walking through the places where your favorite stories came to life is one of the small joys of studying in Korea.
For more ideas about exploring Korea during your studies, check out our student life guides and practical tips for international students.
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