Calling all the Korean drama fans!
If you've caught the K-wave, then Seoul is your dream destination. We understand it isn't just another city for you but a sprawling cinematic landscape from where all your emotions and memories emerge. From romantic hanok villages to action-packed bustling city streets, Seoul holds enchanting backdrops for unfolding the K-drama magic. Come, let's explore those iconic K-drama filming locations in Seoul. Who knows? You might even bump into a shooting scene and get a chance to watch your favorite protagonist in action.
1. Lotte World Theme Park
Lotte World is a sparkling theme park right in the heart of Seoul, and it’s the perfect mix of magic and romance that has made it a K-drama favourite.
With its carousels, ice-skating rink, and fun night parades, it’s no wonder dramas like Business Proposal, True Beauty, and Stairway to Heaven chose it for their date scenes.
Whether you visit during the day or at night, the lively vibe and stunning views make it an ideal spot to create your own K-drama moment.
To make things even more fairytale-like, why not go all out and wear a trendy school uniform while you're there too?
2. Namsan Tower
Also known as N Seoul Tower, Namsan Tower is perched atop the Namsan Mountain. Instantly recognisable amidst the Seoul city skyline, Namsam Tower is one of the unmissable places to visit in Seoul for K-drama fans.
The picturesque view of the city from the observation deck is the perfect aromantic stage for many K-dramas such as 'My Love from the Star' and 'Legend of the Blue Sea'. Near the tower, the padlock covered fences, where couples seal their forever love and throw away the key, is also one of the charming K-drama spots to checkout in Seoul.
3. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1394, is a historical site in Seoul, that plays a starring role in the period dramas of Korean entertainment. The grandeur surrounding the royal palace is captured in Korean dramas such as 'Tree with Deep Roots', 'Queen in Hyun's Man', and 'My Sassy Girl'.
While such K-dramas offers glimpses of Seoul's heritage, it also shows the importance of 'Hanbok' — Korea's traditional dress decked by the main characters of Korean dramas. What if we tell you that you can rent a hanbok of your choice from a wide collection and explore the Gyeongbokgung Palace wearing it? For the K-drama enthusiasts, it is like stepping in the Joseon era and experience the Korean culture like never before.
4. Bukchon Hanok Village
Nestled amidst the modern skyscrapers of Seoul lies the ancient beauty of Bukchon Hanok Village, teeming with traditional Korean architecture and cultural heritage. Stepping into Bukchon feels like a journey back in time, with its collection of age-old hanok houses, cultural centres, restaurants, shops and tea-houses. Its picturesque streets and well-preserved edifices have served as the backdrop for many K-dramas, including the beloved series 'Love in the Moonlight', 'My First First Love', and many many more.
Bukchon Hanok Village is amongst the most famous K-drama filming locations in Seoul and a quintessential destination for the fans to immerse themselves in the romance and charm straight out of a K-drama script. Bukchon also has a K-drama inspired merchandise shop, from where you buy your favorite goodies.
Just like Gyeongbokgung Palace, at Bukchon Hanok Village, you can rent a luxurious and stylish Hanbok and live your Korean dream while exploring the village wearing the traditional dress.
5. Seoul Land
Seoul Land is a classic theme park where several K-dramas have been filmed.
If you follow the 'When My Love Blooms' series, the romantic scene where the main characters meet is shot right next to the carousel. 'The Secret Life of My Secretary', 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes', 'She Was Pretty', and 'The Golden Bride' are some other K-dramas that were filmed at the Seoul Land amusement park.
6. Coex Aquarium
Featured prominently in the hit K-drama 'I Can Hear Your Voice', Coex Aquarium sets the stage for memorable scenes like the romantic first kiss between the main characters.
Being one of the largest aquariums in Seoul, you will be greeted with graceful stingrays, majestic sharks, attractive starfish, and other underwater creaturesinto this aquatic paradise. Coex Aquarium is one of the coolest places to visit in Seoul because of the themed areas and discovery zones such as Ocean Kingdom, Amazonian World, and Undersea Tunnel, which allows you to understand the marine habitat deeply.
7. Itaewon
The cosmopolitan charm of Itaewon with its bustling night life has won hearts of the K-drama enthusiasts, especially the Oriole Bar — a rooftop bar which is seen frequently in the K-drama sensation 'Itaewon Class'.
Where the streets are lined with cozy bars, BBQ restaurants, jazzy clubs and high-class boutiques, the Itaewon district in Seoul must be added in your K-drama itinerary. If you are a true blue fan of Korean entertainment, then flaunt your dance moves to the latest beats at the King Club in Itaewon.
8. Cheonggyecheon Stream
Meandering through Seoul's urban landscape, this tranquil waterway is adorned with whimsical lanterns, pretty lights and bubbling fountains. There's a high chance you might witness a K-drama being filmed at the Cheonggyecheon Stream, as it is one of the most famous K-drama locations in Seoul.
The scenic walkway across the stream and the outdoor exhibitions have provided the perfect ambience for filming heartwarming moments in numerous K-dramas like 'Miss Hammurabi', 'Hide and Seek', and 'Find Me in your Memory'.
9. Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway
The picturesque Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway is a famous location often seen in the K-drama, Goblin. A historic pathway next to the palace, it becomes extremely beautiful during autumn when the rows of trees go from their summer lush green shades to red, orange, and yellow.
Even if you don't enjoy K-dramas, this spot will transport you into a different era with its timeless allure. Because of its beauty, Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway is often featured in K-dramas like 'Personal Taste', 'The Beauty Inside', and 'Run On'.
10. Han River
When we are curating a list of K-drama filming locations in Seoul, how can we not bring up the Han River that flows gracefully through the city? With its scenic beauty and peaceful ambience, the Han River adds a touch of romance and serenity to the screen.
The glowing lights of Banpo Rainbow Bridge illuminating the Han River, the Yeouido Hangang Park and its outdoor attractions such as the waterside fountain, piano waterway are some of the famous K-drama filming locations along the Han River. Embarking on a Han River cruise is the best way to explore these spots featured in 'More Than Friends' and 'The Spies Who Loved Me'.
11. Gwanghwamun Square
If you are an ardent fan of the K-drama 'The King: Eternal Monarch', you will take no time to identify the Gwanghwamun Square from its main poster. This unique square is surrounded by modern buildings and the Gyeongbokgung Palace, and is dominated by the majestic statue of King Sejong the Great. This shooting location in Seoul added an enchanting layer of mystique to that fantasy romance K-drama, when the square transforms into a portal connecting parallel universe.
Beyond that, Gwanghwamun Square holds a significant historical importance as the site for the March 1st Movement for Korean independence from Japanese colonial rule, making the square a spot of national pride for the localsand one of the major places to visit in Seoul for the visitors.
12. Hotel Seine
Hotel Seine is a vintage-themed concept cafe of six floors spanning a rooftop lounge, boutique, art salon, cake factory, and a bakery. Looking exactly like a hotel with a lobby and a concierge desk, Hotel Seine adorns the trendy neighborhood of Ikseon-dong.
Serving as a prime filming location for the hit K-drama series 'Hotel Del Luna', this enchanting hotel exudes an air of mystery and magic, much like its on-screen counterpart. With its retro decor, cosy ambiance, and quaint furnishings, every corner of Hotel Seine draws photo-worthy spots, making it a must-visit filming location for both K-drama admirers and Instagrammers alike.
13. Paradise City Hotel
Paradise City Hotel has garnered attention not only for its lavish accommodations but also for its star-studded appearance in several K-dramas, including the popular reality series 'Single's Inferno'.
From its chic interiors and world-class facilities, Paradise City Hotel has served as an elegant and sophisticated background for romantic encounters and dramatic scenes of Korean dramas. Located conveniently near Incheon Airport, this hotel is your perfect starting point to explore K-drama shooting locations in Seoul.
14. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Standing as a modern architecture marvel in the heart of Seoul, Dongdaemun Design Plaza is where you will be mesmerised with innovative and futuristic displays and art installations.
One of the plaza's most enchanting attractions is the LED Rose Garden where thousands of illuminated roses bloom creating a magical atmosphere of light and color. This gorgeous setting and other such striking designs at Dongdaemun Design Plaza have been a backdrop of many K-dramas including 'Record of Youth', 'Perfume' and 'The Producers'.
15. Yonsei University
Apart from being an educational institution, Yonsei University in Seoul is also a coveted filming location for K-dramas. For the storyline of series like 'True Beauty', 'Extraordinary You', and 'Reply 1994' involving college scenes, the stunning architecture and vine covered building of the Yonsei University serves as a great location.
Yonsei University truly shines during the autumn months when the Sinchon campus premises transforms into a kaleidoscope of fiery reds and golden yellows of fall foliage. This breathtaking scenery serves as a picture-perfect backdrop for the K-drama college romance scenes and for K-drama lovers' pictures.
Simplifying getting around Seoul
The Discover Seoul Pass is the most convenient way to explore these filming spots for free! Not just that, but with this pass you can also enjoy discounts on other attractions and transportation.
Want to explore South Korea beyond Seoul? All you have to do is buy a KORAIL Pass for yourself.
This pass is perfect to reach other parts of the country as it connects to over 600 stations and also lets you ride on the high speed KTX trains along with other regional trains.
Journey Through K-drama Filming Locations in Seoul
As the curtains close on our K-drama adventure through Seoul's iconic filming locations, it is clear that the magic of your beloved Korean entertainment dramas extends far beyond the screen. From the charming streets of Bukchon Hanok VIllage and fairy-tale ambience of the Lotte World to the phenomenal vistas from Namsan Tower and historic backdrop of Gyeongbokgung Palace, each location holds a piece of the intriguing stories that have captured the hearts of the fans around the world. As you explore these shooting spots, you are not just retracing the steps of your favorite characters, you are starring in your own K-drama-worthy tale along the way.
Commonly Asked Questions
Which K-dramas were filmed in Lotte World?
Notable K-dramas filmed at Lotte World include Stairway to Heaven, Love Alarm, True Beauty, Business Proposal, Hyde Jekyll and many others.
Where do most K-dramas take place?
While K-dramas can take place at various settings in Seoul, iconic spots as Itaewon, Bukchon Hanok VIllage, Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway, Han River often serve as the backdrop for Korean dramas.
Where are K-drama filming locations in South Korea?
Some of the popular K-drama shooting locations around South Korea are Seoul, Jirisan National Park, Nami Island, Hallasan National Park and so on.