Seoul isn’t just palaces and K-pop—it’s a living film set! Countless K-dramas and movies have turned the city’s streets, parks, and alleys into cinematic legends. For foreign travelers, visiting these spots offers a thrilling “reel vs. real” adventure. Here’s your curated tour:
🎬 1. Gwanghwamun Square & Sejong Boulevard
Featured in: The King: Eternal Monarch, Secret Garden, Dark Hole
Why visit: Walk where Lee Min-ho rode horseback in The King! This grand plaza, framed by mountains and skyscrapers, embodies Seoul’s duality—historical gravitas meets urban energy. Pose before the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin (a K-drama favorite) or reenact dramatic confrontations.
Tip: Visit at sunset when the lighting mirrors cinematic magic. Nearest station: Gwanghwamun (Line 5).
🏯 2. Bukchon Hanok Village
Featured in: Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, The Moon Embracing the Sun
Why visit: This hillside maze of 600+ hanok (traditional houses) is the go-to backdrop for historical/fantasy dramas. Stroll sloping alleys where Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun shared timeless moments in Goblin. The view of N Seoul Tower blending with tiled roofs is pure visual poetry.
Tip: Go early (before 10 AM) to avoid crowds. Respect residents—keep voices low!
🌊 3. Han River Parks (Yeouido Hangang Park)
Featured in: Crash Landing on You, I Saw the Devil, The Host
Why visit: Where Ri Jeong-hyeok and Yoon Se-ri (CLOY) cycled and picnicked! The Han River’s parks host 90% of K-drama “healing moments.” Rent bikes, grab fried chicken + beer (a classic combo), or join a night cruise.
Tip: Yeouido Park has bike rentals and fireworks festivals (April/October).
🎨 4. Ihwa Mural Village
Featured in: Chicago Typewriter, Fight For My Way
Why visit: Artsy staircases and quirky murals make this hillside enclave Instagram gold. Relive scenes where Yoo Ah-in scribbled fateful letters in Chicago Typewriter. It’s gritty, colorful, and authentically Seoul.
Note: Steep climbs—wear comfy shoes! Exit at Hyehwa Station (Line 4).
🌃 5. Namsan Seoul Tower
Featured in: My Love from the Star, Boys Over Flowers, Legend of the Blue Sea
Why visit: The ultimate romance spot! Couples flock here to lock “love padlocks” like Jun Ji-hyun and Kim Soo-hyun in Star. Ride the cable car for city views, then sip coffee at the tower’s cafe while spotting filming angles.
Pro tip: Visit post-sunset for neon-lit panoramas.
🚉 6. Gyeongui Line Forest Park
Featured in: Record of Youth, Start-Up
Why visit: This elevated park (built on old train tracks) is where Park Bo-gum and Park So-dam dreamed big in Record of Youth. Lined with bookshelves, cafes, and street performers, it’s Seoul’s answer to NYC’s High Line.
Nearby: Hipster haven Hongdae is steps away.
📸 Tour Smart: Foreigner-Friendly Tips
- Transport: Use Naver Maps (English) or KakaoMetro. Most sites are subway-accessible.
- Timing: Avoid weekends—locals love these spots too!
- Drama Tours: Join guided K-drama tours (Viator/Klook) for behind-the-scenes trivia.
- Etiquette: Don’t block alleys (Bukchon/Ihwa) or disturb residents.
Final Scene
Seoul’s filming locations blur fiction and reality—you’re not just sightseeing, you’re stepping into Korea’s storytelling soul. Whether you’re a K-culture newbie or a seasoned fan, these spots promise drama-worthy memories. Lights, camera, explore! 🎥✨
P.S. Missing Squid Game? While most sets were studios, the “Red Light, Green Light” doll lives at Seoul’s Nam June Paik Art Center! (Check exhibition schedules.)