Korea Insider

K-Drama Filming Locations in Seoul 2026: Complete Guide with Map

Korea Travel··By Team Korea Insider

If you've ever paused a scene and thought "I need to stand exactly where they stood" — you're in the right place. Korea's filming locations are not just backdrops. They're pilgrimage sites for fans from the Philippines to Indonesia to Thailand who have spent hundreds of hours inside these dramas. This guide covers every major K-drama filming location in and around Seoul, with exact addresses, subway directions, and what to expect when you get there.

Southeast Asian fans drive more K-drama tourism than any other region — and Korean tourism boards know it. Many of these locations now have signage in multiple languages, dedicated photo zones, and nearby cafes capitalising on the drama connection. Whether you're planning a focused filming location tour or weaving sites into a general Seoul trip, this guide has everything you need.

Table of Contents

1. Goblin (도깨비) — Locations That Launched a Thousand Pilgrimages

No drama sent international fans to Korea in greater numbers than Goblin (2016–2017). Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun turned a handful of Korean locations into bucket-list destinations overnight. The good news: most of the Korean shoot locations are very reachable.

Unhyeongung Palace — The Flower Petal Scene

One of the most replicated K-drama photos in history: the Goblin standing in a courtyard as flower petals swirl around him. That courtyard is Unhyeongung (운현궁), a smaller Joseon-era palace complex in Jongno-gu that most tourists walk past on their way to Gyeongbokgung. Because it's less famous than the major palaces, it's quieter and easier to photograph without crowds.

  • Drama scene: Goblin summons flowers in the courtyard — appears multiple times across the series.
  • Address: 114 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (운현궁, 서울 종로구 삼일대로 114)
  • Subway: Line 3 Anguk Station (안국역), Exit 4 — 5-minute walk. Search "운현궁" on Naver Map.
  • Hours: Tue–Sun 9:00am–7:00pm (closes 6:00pm Nov–Feb). Closed Mondays.
  • Admission: Free
  • Best time: Spring (April) when the palace grounds have blooming trees — recreates that magical atmosphere perfectly. Autumn is also beautiful.
  • Nearby: Gyeongbokgung Palace (10-minute walk), Bukchon Hanok Village (15-minute walk), Insadong (10-minute walk).

Quebec House in Bukchon — "That" Alley

The narrow alley scenes between Kim Shin and Ji Eun-tak — specifically the scene where they meet and the Goblin's scarf blows in the wind — were filmed in the lanes around Bukchon Hanok Village and a building nicknamed "Quebec House" by fans, located in the upper Bukchon area near Gahoe-dong. The exact alley (Gahoe-dong 31 beonji gil) has become a dedicated selfie spot for drama tourists.

  • Drama scene: Meeting scenes between the Goblin and his bride, windswept emotional moments.
  • Address: Gahoe-dong 31 beonji gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (종로구 가회동 31번지길)
  • Subway: Line 3 Anguk Station, Exit 2 — 10-minute walk uphill. Search "가회동31" on Naver Map.
  • Best time: Early morning (before 8:30am) to avoid the crowds — this area is popular with all tourists, not just drama fans. Weekdays are noticeably calmer than weekends.
  • Note: Bukchon is a residential area. Residents have posted notices asking for quiet — be respectful, especially early in the morning.
  • Nearby: Bukchon Hanok Village proper, Changdeokgung Palace, Samcheong-dong café street.

Incheon — Goblin's Opening and Bridge Scenes

Several Goblin scenes were filmed in Incheon, including the moody opening sequences and bridge scenes. The Incheon Art Platform (인천아트플랫폼) and surrounding Chinatown area appear in multiple episodes. Incheon is also where the Canadian scenes were cleverly substituted — some "Quebec" street shots were filmed in Incheon's retro colonial architecture zones.

  • Address: Incheon Art Platform, 1 Art Platform-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 아트플랫폼길 1)
  • Getting there: Incheon Subway Line 1 to Incheon Station (인천역), Exit 1 — the Art Platform, Chinatown, and Open Port area are all walkable from there.
  • Best time: Spring or autumn. The area is pleasant to walk around and combines well with Incheon Chinatown for lunch.
  • Combine with: A day trip from Seoul — see our Day Trips from Seoul guide for the full Incheon itinerary.

2. Crash Landing on You — Between Two Worlds

Crash Landing on You (2019–2020) is probably the drama most responsible for introducing Korean travel to a generation of Southeast Asian viewers who weren't previously watching K-dramas. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin's chemistry, combined with genuinely beautiful locations, made this one land differently. Most of the "North Korea" village scenes were filmed in a studio set and in Switzerland, but the South Korean scenes are very accessible.

Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) — The Lock Scene

The famous "I'll find you in the next world" scene where Ri Jung-hyuk and Yoon Se-ri look out over Seoul from Namsan Tower is one of the most romantic moments in recent K-drama history. Namsan Tower has always been a must-visit Seoul landmark, but CLOY pushed it firmly onto the drama fan itinerary. The observation deck, the love lock fence, and the surrounding walking paths all feature.

  • Drama scene: Captain Ri and Se-ri at the tower, emotional final episodes.
  • Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 남산공원길 105)
  • Getting there: Take the Namsan Cable Car from Myeongdong (Myeongdong Station, Line 4, Exit 3). Alternatively, bus 03 or 05 from Chungmuro Station. Walk up takes about 40 minutes through the park.
  • Hours: Observatory 10:30am–11:00pm daily (last entry 10:30pm)
  • Admission: Tower observatory ₩21,000 adults. Cable car is separate (₩10,500 round trip).
  • Best time: Sunset to evening for the city lights — exactly the atmosphere from the drama. Weekends are busy; arrive by 5pm to avoid the longest queues.
  • Tip: Buy tickets in advance via Klook to skip the queue at the cable car. Search "Namsan Tower" on Naver Map: 남산서울타워.
  • Nearby: Myeongdong (15-minute downhill walk), Itaewon (15-minute walk in the other direction).

DMZ Area — The Border Scenes

Much of the drama's premise involves the DMZ and the North-South border. While the actual drama filming used studio sets and real DMZ-adjacent areas under controlled conditions, visiting the real DMZ is now deeply associated with CLOY for many fans. The Imjingak Park and the Third Tunnel are the most accessible DMZ sites and give you the authentic feeling of standing at the edge of two worlds — which is exactly what the drama was going for.

  • Getting there: Most visitors take an organised tour from Seoul — independent access to the DMZ is limited. Tours depart from Hongdae, Dongdaemun, or central Seoul hotels.
  • Best time: Year-round, but spring and autumn have the best light for photos. Tours run most days (check for national holiday closures).
  • Book: See our Best DMZ Tours 2026 guide for recommended operators and what to expect on a full-day tour.

3. Itaewon Class — The Street Itself

Itaewon Class (2020) is special because the entire drama is named after and set in a real Seoul neighbourhood. The show follows Park Saeroyi building his bar-restaurant on the main Itaewon street, and the filming locations are not "inspired by" Itaewon — they are literally shot on the actual street, in front of real buildings. Walking through Itaewon as an Itaewon Class fan is an unusually immersive experience.

The Main Itaewon Strip

  • Drama scenes: The storefront for "DanBam" bar, street confrontations, walking scenes throughout the series.
  • Address: Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 이태원로) — the main street running through the Itaewon neighbourhood. Search "이태원역" on Naver Map and walk the main strip.
  • Subway: Line 6 Itaewon Station (이태원역), Exit 1 or 2 — you're immediately on the drama street.
  • Best time: Evening, when the bars and restaurants are lit up and the energy matches the drama's atmosphere. Weekends are livelier but more crowded.
  • Note: The specific "DanBam" building facade changes as businesses turn over — use drama screenshots to identify the approximate block, then explore from there. The overall streetscape is unmistakably the same.
  • Nearby: Haebangchon (HBC), Gyeongridan-gil, Noksapyeong for cafes and restaurants. Our Itaewon shopping guide covers the area in full.

Itaewon Street Food and Atmosphere

The drama made viewers hungry — the food at DanBam looked genuinely delicious. Itaewon's real restaurant scene lives up to that. The neighbourhood has some of Seoul's best international dining alongside Korean options, and the multicultural energy is authentic. Budget ₩15,000-30,000 per person for a meal at a mid-range restaurant in the area.

4. Vincenzo — Seoul in Unexpected Corners

Vincenzo (2021) starring Song Joong-ki is a drama that used Seoul's architectural diversity to spectacular effect. The show's centrepiece location — the fictional Geumga Plaza — was filmed at a real building, and several other Seoul locations appear throughout the series.

Neulbom Village (Geumga Plaza Exterior)

The grand, slightly decrepit shopping complex at the heart of Vincenzo's story was filmed at a real building in Yeongdeungpo-gu. The exterior shots, the plaza scenes, and the rooftop sequences all used this location. Fans have turned it into a dedicated photo spot.

  • Drama scene: Geumga Plaza — essentially the drama's home base for the entire series.
  • Address: The primary filming location is the Sindorim area / Yeongdeungpo district. Search "빈센조 촬영지 신도림" (Vincenzo filming location Sindorim) on Naver Map for the most current pin.
  • Subway: Line 1 or 2 Sindorim Station (신도림역) — then a short walk or taxi.
  • Best time: Daytime for clear architectural shots. The surrounding area is an ordinary residential-commercial district, not especially scenic, so keep expectations calibrated.

Wangsoori Neighborhood Scenes

Several street and alley scenes in Vincenzo were filmed in the area around Wangsoori-ro in central Seoul. The drama deliberately sought out older, less-renovated streetscapes to give Geumga Plaza's neighbourhood a specific visual identity.

  • Tip: For the most complete Vincenzo location guide, fan sites like KoreaToDo and Hallyu Maps have crowd-sourced GPS pins for individual scenes. Cross-reference with Naver Map (search 빈센조 촬영지) for navigation.

5. My Love from the Star — Petite France and Nami Island

My Love from the Star (2013–2014) launched a wave of international K-drama tourism that had lasting effects on specific locations in Gyeonggi Province. The alien Do Min-joon and actress Cheon Song-yi shot scenes at locations that are now Korean tourism institutions.

Petite France — The Storybook Village

This French-themed cultural village in Gapyeong was already a quirky attraction before My Love from the Star. The drama pushed it onto the international radar. The colourful French-style buildings, the Little Prince references, and the hillside setting make it genuinely photogenic regardless of the drama connection.

  • Drama scene: Romantic scenes between the leads, also used in other dramas including Secret Garden.
  • Address: 1063 Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 청평면 호반로 1063)
  • Getting there: From Cheongnyangni Station (Line 1 or Gyeongui-Jungang Line), take the train to Cheongpyeong Station (about 60–70 minutes). From Cheongpyeong Station, take a taxi (about 15 minutes, ₩12,000–15,000) or the connecting shuttle bus (runs on weekends).
  • Hours: 9:00am–6:00pm daily
  • Admission: ₩10,000–12,000 adults
  • Best time: Spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for foliage — both seasons make the French village setting look magical.
  • Combine with: Nami Island is nearby — an excellent same-day combo.

Namiseon (Nami Island) — Autumn Leaf Drama Country

Nami Island is most famous as a filming location for Winter Sonata (2002), which is the drama that essentially invented Korean Wave tourism, but it appears in My Love from the Star and many other dramas. The island's tree-lined avenues turn spectacularly during autumn and look beautiful year-round. It's one of the most-visited day trip destinations from Seoul.

  • Address: 1 Namiseon-gil, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 남양주시 조안면 다산로 521) — accessible by ferry from Gapyeong Wharf.
  • Getting there: Train from Cheongnyangni to Gapyeong Station (Gyeongui-Jungang Line, about 75 minutes), then a short taxi or shuttle to Gapyeong Wharf, then a 5-minute ferry to the island. Or join an organised day trip from Seoul that handles transport.
  • Hours: Ferry runs 7:30am–9:30pm daily
  • Admission: ₩13,000 adults (includes ferry)
  • Best time: Autumn (October–November) for the famous leaf colour, but the island is beautiful in any season. See our Day Trips from Seoul guide for the full Nami Island itinerary.

6. Descendants of the Sun — The Taebaek Set

Descendants of the Sun (2016) starring Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo blew up globally and remains one of the most-watched Korean dramas of all time across Southeast Asia. The fictional war zone "Uruk" was partly filmed on a dedicated outdoor set in Taebaek, Gangwon Province, and partly in Greece. The Korean set location in Taebaek has been maintained as a tourist attraction.

Taebaek Drama Set (태백 세트장)

  • Drama scene: The "Uruk" field hospital and military base scenes — the heart of the drama's setting.
  • Address: Taebaek City, Gangwon Province — the exact set location is in the mountains outside Taebaek. Search "태백 태양의 후예 촬영지" on Naver Map.
  • Getting there: Taebaek is about 3.5–4 hours from Seoul by intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (동서울터미널). The drama set requires a local taxi from Taebaek City — approximately 20–30 minutes each way.
  • Best time: Summer or autumn — Taebaek is at high altitude (Korea's highest city), making it a popular escape from Seoul's summer heat. Winter brings heavy snow, which is dramatic but access can be harder.
  • Note: The set may have variable opening periods — confirm current status through Taebaek City tourism office before making the trip, as drama sets occasionally close for renovation or off-season. This is a dedicated trip best combined with other Gangwon Province attractions.
  • Nearby: Taebaek Coal Mine Museum, Taebaek Mountain (태백산) for hiking.

7. Start-Up — Pangyo and Suji-gu

Start-Up (2020) starring Bae Suzy and Nam Joo-hyuk depicted Korea's tech startup culture, using locations in the Pangyo Techno Valley area south of Seoul and the residential Suji-gu district of Yongin City for neighbourhood scenes. The rooftop meeting scenes and the Sandbox startup campus were key visual elements.

Pangyo Techno Valley Area

  • Drama scene: The "Sandbox" startup campus — exterior shots and establishing scenes.
  • Address: Pangyo Techno Valley, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 성남시 분당구 판교역로). The area around Pangyo Station was used for the startup district aesthetic.
  • Subway: Shinbundang Line to Pangyo Station (판교역) — about 30 minutes from Gangnam Station.
  • Note: Pangyo is a real tech district and looks exactly like the drama — glass office buildings, wide pavements, the atmosphere of a Korean Silicon Valley. It's more of a background experience than a specific filming site with markers.

Suji-gu Rooftop and Neighbourhood Scenes

  • Drama scene: Residential neighbourhood scenes, the rooftop sequences where the leads meet and talk.
  • Getting there: Suji-gu is in Yongin City, accessible by the Bundang Line from Gangnam — about 45–60 minutes. The specific rooftop locations are best found through fan sites with GPS coordinates, as the area is a standard residential district without drama signage.
  • Tip: If you're a serious Start-Up fan, Korean fan communities on Naver Cafe and Twitter/X maintain updated location maps. Search "스타트업 촬영지" (Start-Up filming locations) for the most detailed guides in Korean.

8. Romance at the Cherry Blossoms — Jinhae

No other location in Korea has appeared in more romantic drama scenes than Jinhae during cherry blossom season. The naval port city in South Gyeongsang Province transforms every spring into a pink tunnel of blossoms that drama production crews know will look extraordinary on screen. Scenes from multiple dramas — including Our Beloved Summer and various romance series — have been filmed along Yeojwacheon Stream's famous cherry blossom walk.

  • The location: Yeojwacheon Stream (여좌천), Jinhae, Changwon City, South Gyeongsang Province — the tunnel of cherry blossom trees alongside the stream channel is the iconic shot.
  • Getting there: From Seoul, take the KTX to Changwon Station or Masan Station (about 2.5 hours), then a local bus or taxi to Jinhae. The cherry blossom festival period (late March to early April) adds weekend shuttle buses from Changwon.
  • Best time: Late March to early April — peak bloom timing varies by year. For 2026, aim for the last week of March through the first week of April.
  • Read more: See our dedicated Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Guide for timing, accommodation, and crowd tips.

9. Recent 2025–2026 Drama Locations

K-drama production never stops, and new filming locations are being added to fans' itineraries constantly. Here are the areas gaining attention in 2025–2026 — this section will be updated as more specific information becomes available.

Seongsu-dong — Seoul's Coolest Neighbourhood

Seongsu-dong (성수동) on the east bank of the Han River has appeared in multiple 2024–2025 dramas as the go-to setting for hip Seoul lifestyle scenes. Its converted factory architecture, independent cafes, and pop-up culture make it a natural drama backdrop. If you see a sleek café scene in a recent drama and can't identify where it is, there's a good chance it's Seongsu.

Ikseon-dong — The Vintage Alley

The narrow vintage alleys of Ikseon-dong (익선동) near Jongno have become a favourite for nostalgic romance scenes. If a drama shows a couple walking through a lantern-lit hanok alley that feels slightly different from Bukchon, it's likely Ikseon-dong.

  • Getting there: Line 1 or 3 Jongno 3-ga Station (종로3가역), Exit 4.

Checking for the Latest Locations

The fastest way to find filming locations for dramas released in the last 12 months is Naver Map's "filming location" tag system (촬영지) and Korean fan communities on Naver Cafe. The hashtag #촬영지 on Korean Instagram also surfaces new locations almost in real time. We update this guide regularly — bookmark it and check back before your trip.

Organised K-Drama Filming Location Tours

If you want to hit multiple filming locations efficiently without doing your own research and navigation, organised tours are the smart option. A good K-drama tour will cover 5–8 locations in a half day, with a guide who knows the drama context and can tell you which scene was filmed exactly where you're standing. For first-time visitors to Seoul, tours also handle the public transport logistics that can eat up a lot of time.

Tour Type Duration Price Range What's Covered
K-Drama Walking Tour 3–4 hours ₩40,000–70,000 Walking tour of central Seoul locations — Bukchon, Insadong, Namsan area. Guide explains which scenes were filmed where. Good for Goblin, CLOY, and classic dramas.
K-Drama Day Tour (Vehicle) 7–8 hours ₩80,000–120,000 Covers more ground — can include Nami Island, Petite France, Namsan Tower, and Itaewon in a single day with transport included. Ideal for fans who want maximum locations.
Private K-Drama Tour 4–8 hours ₩150,000–250,000 Custom itinerary around your favourite dramas. Guide picks locations specific to the shows you've watched. Best for dedicated fans with a specific drama list.

Both Klook and GetYourGuide have strong selections of K-drama filming location tours with English-speaking guides, verified reviews from international visitors, and instant booking:

Book K-Drama Filming Location Tours

Find the tour that matches your favourite dramas — verified, English-language, instant booking.

K-Drama Tours — Klook
K-Drama Tours — GetYourGuide

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Tips for Visiting K-Drama Filming Locations

Screenshot Your Scenes Before You Go

The single most useful thing you can do is save screenshots from the drama scenes you want to recreate at each location. The exact angle, the time of day, and where to stand become obvious when you have the original frame on your phone. Google Lens or Naver Map's camera search can also help you match real-world views to drama scenes when you're on location.

Use Naver Map, Not Google Maps

Google Maps works in Korea but misses a lot. Naver Map (네이버 지도) has more accurate Korean business listings, better public transport directions, and — critically — a "filming location" filter that surfaces drama-related tags. Download the Naver Map app before you arrive. Our Naver Map guide for travellers explains how to use it without reading Korean.

Go Early to Popular Spots

Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsan Tower, and Nami Island all get busy — especially on weekends and during cherry blossom season. For the drama fan experience (quieter, better photos, more atmosphere), aim to arrive at opening time or in the last hour before closing. Weekday mornings are significantly calmer than weekend afternoons.

Manage Expectations at Interior Locations

Many K-drama interiors are sets — you can visit the exterior of a building but the inside might be a regular business or private property. Don't expect to walk into the exact café or apartment. Focus your energy on the outdoor scenes, landmark locations, and verified filming sites with public access.

Fan Communities Are Your Best Research Tool

Korean fan communities on Naver Cafe, Daum Cafe, and international sites like KoreaToDo have done exhaustive GPS mapping for almost every major drama location. If you're researching a specific drama not listed here, search "[drama name] 촬영지" (filming locations) on Naver or "[drama name] filming location" on YouTube — dedicated fans have posted walking tours for almost every popular series.

Combine Locations Into Logical Routes

Don't plan a day that has you bouncing across Seoul. Cluster locations by area: Bukchon + Unhyeongung + Insadong is a natural walking loop. Namsan Tower + Itaewon is a 15-minute walk. Nami Island + Petite France is a same-day Gapyeong trip. For accommodation, staying in central Seoul (Jongno, Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Itaewon) puts you close to the highest concentration of drama sites. See our Where to Stay in Seoul guide for area-by-area breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which K-drama filming locations are closest to each other in Seoul?

The Jongno area is the most drama-dense zone in Seoul. Within a 20-minute walk of Anguk Station, you can visit Unhyeongung Palace (Goblin), the Bukchon Goblin alley scenes, Changdeokgung Palace (used in historical dramas), and Ikseon-dong (recent romance dramas). Namsan Tower (CLOY) is about 30 minutes south by taxi or bus. Itaewon (Itaewon Class) is another 10–15 minutes from Namsan.

Do I need to book in advance for filming location visits?

Most outdoor locations are free to visit without booking — Bukchon alleys, Itaewon street, Seongsu-dong. You will need tickets for Unhyeongung (free but check hours), Namsan Tower (book via Klook to skip queues), Nami Island (ferry tickets, can buy at the wharf but busy during peak season), and Petite France (buy at the gate or online). Tours should always be booked in advance, especially for weekend slots.

Which drama locations are best for solo travellers?

All of them, but Namsan Tower, Bukchon, and Itaewon are particularly friendly for solo visitors — well-signposted, easy to navigate, and full of other tourists. If you're travelling solo and want to meet other drama fans, a group tour is an excellent option. Most K-drama tour groups attract visitors from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam — you're likely to share the experience with people who love exactly the same dramas you do.

Can I visit filming locations that are in private buildings?

Exterior shots of private buildings are generally fine — you're on a public footpath. Entering private buildings (apartments, offices) is not appropriate. If a building has a cafe or restaurant on the ground floor that appeared in a drama, you can visit as a paying customer. Residential buildings and office towers are off-limits beyond the entrance.

Is it worth hiring a private guide for filming locations?

If you have a specific list of dramas and want to maximise time at the exact right spots, yes — a private guide with drama expertise is worth the cost. If you're doing a general tour and drama locations are one part of the day, a group tour is fine and significantly cheaper. Private guides can also be flexible with pacing, which matters when some locations require more time than others.

Which K-drama filming locations are good for day trips from Seoul?

Nami Island, Petite France (My Love from the Star), and the Incheon Art Platform area (Goblin) all work as day trips from Seoul. Taebaek (Descendants of the Sun) and Jinhae (cherry blossom romance dramas) are longer trips that work better with an overnight stay. Our Day Trips from Seoul guide has transport details and timing for all of these.

Before You Go — Quick Planning Tips

  • Download Naver Map — it's better than Google Maps for navigating Korean filming locations. Search drama names in Korean (도깨비, 이태원 클라쓰, etc.) to find fan-tagged location pins.
  • If you're visiting in spring (late March–April), Bukchon, Unhyeongung, and Jinhae will all be in bloom — the best possible time for drama-style photography.
  • For transport within Seoul, the T-money card covers subway and bus. Pick one up at any convenience store at Incheon Airport or in the city. See our Korea transport guide for the full breakdown.
  • Many filming location tours include a hanbok rental — wearing traditional dress at Bukchon and Unhyeongung puts you right inside the aesthetic of your favourite sageuks and fantasy dramas.

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Written by Team Korea Insider. Last updated March 2026. Drama location details change — always verify current access and hours before visiting.

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