7 Instagrammable K-Drama Film Locations You Can Visit on a Day Trip From Seoul

Photo credit: @inquirersuper via Twitter

 

Do you know what the Namsan Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Han River have in common?

If you recognised them as filming locations My Love From the Star, Kingdom, and What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, you’re definitely a K-drama fan!

And what better way to relive your favourite K dramas than visiting them in real life? But take it up a notch, here are some locations that give us good reason to head out and explore the areas a little out of Seoul.

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1) Gwanghallu-won Garden, Namwon (2hr 45min drive)

Drama: Under The Queen’s Umbrella

Photo credit: Netflix

 

K-drama fans would probably recognise Gwanghallu-won Garden as the palace’s rear garden in Under The Queen’s Umbrella — featuring iconic landmarks like Gwanghallu Pavilion, Ojakgyo Bridge, and Wanwoljeong Pavilion. 

 

Photo credit: @naeni59 via Instagram

 

But did you know that before it became known as a K-drama location, Gwanghallu-won Garden was already famous for where two lovers from Korean folk tale Chunhyangjeon first met? Think of it as a South Korean version of Romeo and Juliet if you will. To celebrate their love, the Chunhyangjae Festival is also held here every Spring!

Entrance fee: ₩4,000/pax (~S$4)

Opening hours: 8AM - 8PM

Address: 1447 Yocheon-ro, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do

 

2) Garimseong Fortress, Buyeo (1hr 45min drive)

Drama: Alchemy of Souls

Photo credit: tvN

 

Nak-su’s hometown Danhyanggok may be a fictional place in Alchemy of Souls, but the village tree where she had fateful encounters with the two male leads is definitely real. It’s where Nak-su first met Seo Yul and where Jang-uk promises to take her up to the top and watch the moon!

 

Photo credit: @kjh_nail_2760 via Instagram

 

Known as the “Love tree of Seongheungsan Mountain”, it’s located at Garimseong Fortress — a stone fortress built along Geumgang River to protect Sabiseong Fortress (the former capital of the Baekje dynasty). To reach the over 400-year-old tree, you’ll need to climb a stairway up a cliff or wait for Jang-uk to fly you up there ;)

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: 24 hours

Address: 167, Seongheung-ro 97beon-gil, Imcheon-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

 

3) Jayu Park, Incheon (30min drive)

Drama: Business Proposal

Photo credit: @discoverincheon.en via Instagram

 

Built five years after the opening of Incheon Port, Jayu Park is the first Western-style park in Korea. The park houses a small zoo, a pagoda and even a memorial tower honouring the treaty between Korea and America! History aside, many people also come here during Spring (April) for the annual cherry blossom festival.

 

Photo credit: Netflix

 

With pretty pink blooms, no wonder it’s also the backdrop for Kang Tae-mu’s proposal to Shin Ha-ri in episode 12 of Business Proposal. Could it be yours in the future too?

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: 24 hours

Address: 1-1, Songhak-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon

 

4) Sabang Memorial Park, Pohang (3hr 30min drive)

K-drama: Hometown Cha Cha Cha

Photo credit: Netflix

 

Fun fact: Did you know that Hometown Cha Cha Cha was mainly filmed in the coastal town of Pohang?

One of the first meetings between dentist Yoon Hye-jin and handyman Hong Doo-shik is at Mugeunbong Peak at Sabang Memorial Park, where a wooden ship sits atop a hill. It’s also where the couple took their wedding photos in the final episode!

 

Photo credit: @kkk__bb via Instagram

 

It takes around 20 minutes on foot to reach the peak but if Yoon Hye-jin can do it in her wedding dress (and in heels), it can’t be that hard. Plus, apart from the ship, you’ll also be treated to panoramic views overlooking the Pohang sea.

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: 24 hours

Address: 1801 Haean-ro, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 

 

5) Susan Park Cafe, Gimpo (30min drive)

K-drama: Extraordinary Attorney Woo 

Photo credit: @susanpark.cafe via Instagram

 

Remember the scene where newbie lawyer Young-woo and Jun-ho were protesting for dolphin freedom?

Well, the “aquarium centre” in Extraordinary Attorney Woo is actually Susan Park Cafe and you’d probably recognise its large blue whale mural on the building exterior. The cafe is ocean-themed, with a “beach” seating area and even whale-inspired decor hanging from the ceiling.

 

Photo credit: @so_nice_juju via Instagram

 

Plus, there are many photo opportunities here — like a rooftop painted in 3D optical illusions so it looks like you’re on a cliff overlooking the sea!

Opening hours: 10AM - 9PM

Address: 52, Daemyeonghang 1-ro, Daegot-myeon, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do

 

6) First Garden, Paju (40min drive)

Drama: Sh**ting Stars

Photo credit: 김재용 via Facebook

 

Sure, the main couple in Sh**ting Stars is cute but who can deny the chemistry between side couple Yoon Jae-hyun and Jin Yoo-na? And the scene which finally brought them together was in episode eight, where the two budding actors had their first kiss at the fountain in First Garden.

First Garden truly sets the mood for love with beautiful spots within the complex itself. There are various gardens like the Rose and Butterfly Gardens, and even a wedding hall for those who want to pledge their love for eternity.

Entrance fee: ₩10,000/pax (~S$10) for weekdays, ₩12,000/pax (~S$12) for weekends

Opening hours: 10AM - 10PM (Lights up at 7PM)

Address: 1021-3 Sangjiseok-dong, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

 

7) Cheongna Lake Park, Incheon (30min drive)

Drama: The Glory

Photo credit: @runruncat123 via Instagram

 

If you’ve watched The Glory, you’ll know how the game of Baduk or Go plays a huge role in the K-drama. Spoiler alert:  it’s through the game that Moon Dong-eun gets closer to Joo Yeo-jeong (her former bully’s husband) and ultimately gets her revenge.

 

Photo credit: Netflix

 

Now, fans of the K-drama can visit a life-sized Go board at Cheongna Lake Park — which is the exact location where Joo Yeo-jeong and Ha Do-yeong played Go in the first episode! And at night, you’ll also be treated to a beautiful view of the city landscape. 

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: 24 hours

Address: 131 Crystal-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon

 

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If you’re a K-drama fan, what better way to recreate your favourite scenes than by travelling to Korea and visiting these iconic locations? Venture out of Seoul city and you’ll also find lesser-known places with beautiful backdrops too!

But before you fly to the land of K-dramas, remember to pre-book your essentials for a fuss-free trip. Here are some deals exclusively for UOB Cardmembers:

 

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