Unlocked: Filming Locations Of Your Favourite Korean Shows

Now that I look back, I can’t recall exactly when my obsession with filming locations started. Perhaps it was during my first trip to Taiwan when I set out to find the filming location of Jay Chou’s movie Secret. When I travelled to Europe, I searched for the railway tracks in Scotland where the Hogwarts Express journey was filmed—though in the end, I settled for the Harry Potter Studios, which was far more convenient than chasing down a random railway in the middle of nowhere. Whatever the reason, this obsession of mine is here to stay.

With that, I present to you a summary of UNLOCKED filming locations of some old and new Korean dramas in Korea. In this article, I cover Korean drama classics like Lee Min Ho’s Boys over Flowers to newer Netflix Korean Dramas like Queen of Tears. Read on to find out where these major hits were filmed and how to get there!

Also read: Korean Food Lovers Guide To Where To Eat In Seoul

1. Queen of Tears Filming Location: Mungyeong Rail Bike

Mungyeong Rail Bike in Gyeongsangbuk-do is a charming and nostalgic destination that offers a unique way to explore Korea’s scenic countryside. Once a railway used to transport coal and serve local residents, the tracks were repurposed into Korea’s first rail bike route after the coal mines closed. Today, visitors can pedal along the tracks, enjoying stunning mountain and river views.

In Queen of Tears, Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in share an emotional final date on the Mungyeong Rail Bike, a poignant moment that beautifully reflects their love story. Fans of the drama can relive the scene by taking a ride along the same route. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by Gardenia Cafe, a cozy spot featured in the drama, where Hong Hae-in’s mother-in-law was seen buying coffee.

Address: 155 Jinnam 1-gil, Maseong-myeon, Mungyeong-si, Kyungsangbuk-do, Korea

2. To The Beautiful You (Drama) 아름다운 그대에게 Episode 3-4 – Pension Stay

This place is situated at the western coast of Korea, on an island called Anmyeon-do. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to get to this place from Seoul and of course, it is recommended that you stay a night in this lovely island.

However, this place isn’t very ready to welcome foreign visitors who are unable to read Korean. Reservation of rooms can only be confirmed upon payment to a Korean bank account and all the communication has to be made in Korean. Despite our short 18 hours stay on this island, we enjoyed it so much that my friends were all marking this place down as a honeymoon destination.

3. Secretly Greatly (Movie) 은밀하게 위대하게 – Village

This movie was a great hit in Korea. My friend is a huge fan of this show and she researched to find the filming location of this place. While the actual set doesn’t exist anymore, we did manage to locate certain landmarks seen in the movie. As the character’s home and grocery shop were built specially for the movie, the set was torn down when the filming ended.

The journey was approximately a one-hour train journey from Seoul.

Also read: Korea’s Fairy Tale Village is a Truly Magical Place That You Have to Visit

The village we visited was actually an art village, with colorful murals appearing at every turn. So, I suppose it was fair to say we were genuinely sightseeing.

Okay let me start off with screen captures from the movie to refresh your memory. As you can see below, there’s a supermarket (which doesn’t exist anymore). The pink house you see at the right side is still there and everything on the left side is computer graphic. By the way, you see this pointed roof beside the tree? It is a church, situated right on top of a hill. In the last screen capture, you can see the yellow railings. This is real too.

The yellow railings.

Note the murals in the background of the screen capture as well.

Okay now moving on to the real adventure of photographs that I took in my actual visit.

Spot #1- Boy in the green sportswear mural by the stairs

This was featured at the end of the movie and the green sportswear attire is the outfit he wears every day.

Yes this is the yellow railings down the steep slope.

We were guessing whether this rooftop can be the filming spot for the playground. We are not sure but it could be a possibility.

And so we walked on to take photos of the other random wall / floor murals.

So now here for the directions:

From the metro station, you have to take a bus. It is kind of uphill somewhere along that straight road. Maybe you can consider walking in autumn or spring, but if it’s summer, please just take the bus.

FYI, while I was Googling, I chanced upon an article saying that this village is currently in the plans for re-development. It might mean that if you visit this place 2 to 3 years down the road, it might not even exist anymore. I don’t know but it will be kind of sad. Then again, I’m glad to have visited this place.

4. Goblin Filming Location: Jumunjin Beach

Jumunjin Beach, located in Gangneung, is one of the most iconic K-drama filming locations in Korea. While Mungyeong City is well-known for its scenic backdrops in Queen of Tears, it’s also home to some of the most unforgettable moments in Goblin. This is where Ji Eun-tak first blew out the candle, unknowingly summoning the immortal Kim Shin—a scene that became one of the drama’s most memorable moments. The beach is also famous for featuring in BTS’s Spring Day music video, making it a must-visit spot for both K-drama and K-pop fans.

With its endless blue sea, clear skies, and serene atmosphere, Jumunjin Beach feels almost as if nature itself has conspired to create the perfect cinematic setting. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby fishing ports, where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood before continuing your journey to other famous filming locations for that perfect snapshot.

Address: Address: 1617 Haean-ro, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

5. The Moon That Embraces the Sun Filming Location: Dae Jang Geum Park

For those looking to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Korea’s past, Dae Jang Geum Park is the perfect destination. As the largest and most frequently used filming site for historical dramas (sageuk), this park has served as the backdrop for countless beloved series, including The Moon That Embraces the Sun. Unlike temporary film sets, the structures here are semi-permanent, meticulously designed based on historical records to recreate the architecture, culture, and daily life of Korea’s ancient dynasties.

To fully immerse yourself in the historical setting, rent a hanbok and stroll through the royal palaces and traditional streets—just like the characters in your favorite dramas. Beyond K-dramas, the park has also been featured in music videos, most notably BTS Suga’s Daechwita, making it a must-visit for both drama and K-pop fans.

Address: Dae Jang Geum Park, 25 Yongcheon drama-gil, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Kyunggi-do, South Korea

6. Heartstrings / You’ve fallen for me (Drama) 넌 내게 반했어 – Hanok House

Heartstrings is a very random drama which I watched randomly because it was showing on cable tv. So, once again the setting of this drama is that the two main leads are neighbours in a hanok village.

Okay I think that’s enough screenshots for you to recap if you have watched the drama.

And this is the place and the photos that I have taken:

As you can see, the numbers remain the same.

There were actually people living inside the house! I wonder how annoyed they must have felt to have so many random strangers just popping by.

Directions: Basically you just exit from exit 3 of Anguk station, walk along the path for about 7 to 10 mins and look to your right, and there you’ll be.

7. Disturbance by BoA Feat Taemin (MV) 그런 너 – Wooden Bridge

Ahhhh~ This is one of the loveliest,and also hard-to-find places that I’ve visited throughout this trip.

Well, my friend and I really love this song very much and she went all mad trying to find the wooden bridge which appeared in the MV. She kind of Googled for weeks and we finally found out that this bridge was part of a cycling route in Korea. After researching further, I found the exact location and directions to this place. Will touch on the directions later.

When I came back from Korea, I was looking through buzzkorea website and I realised that Ricky Kim went on a cycling trip in Korea and he also cycled across this bridge

View from 2:43 onwards if you want to just watch the bridge footage. After this video, I learnt that the name of this bridge is Bukhangang Railroad Bridge. This was a railroad which was turned into a bike route.

Above (taken by me); Below (Screen Capture from MV)

These were the images captured of the bridge in question when we visited!

Along the bridge, there were random glass panels which allow you to look down.

The closest we ever got with an empty bridge:

Directions for the place:

Go to Cheongnyangyi and change to the Jungang line and take the train all the way till Ungilsan station (approximately 35 mins). Exit by exit 2 and then walk towards the river. There is a foot path for you to follow. Actually, I am unsure if there are bicycle rental shops at the station but it would have been an amazing experience if you actually cycled down the path.

8. Boys over Flowers (Drama) 꽃보다 남자 – School @ Gyeonggi English Village, Yangpyeong Camp

I’m sure most people would have heard about F4 and the popular drama starring Lee Min Ho, KHJ, etc.

In my previous trip back in summer 2011, I have visited this place. Anyways, it also became another filming spot for SHINee’s World Concert 2 VCR for “Tie a Yellow Ribbon round to old oak tree”.

The English Village in Yangpyeong was the setting for Shinhwa High School’s hallways, lobby, and exterior facades. First opened in April 2008, Gyeonggi English Village Yangpyeong Camp covers a 100.935㎡ area and has a total of 55 buildings, which are modeled on historical buildings in Virginia, United States. This educational English camp consists of condo-style dormitories, an artificial soccer turf, indoor gymnasium, health club, swimming pool, outdoor concert hall, observatory facilities, and more. The English Village was the location for the scene when Jan-di’s friend, Oh Min-ji, spills ice cream on Gu Jun-pyo’s shoes.

Directions: take Metro, all the way till the last stop: Youngmun; Jungang line.

9. Fight For My Way Filming Location: Beomcheong-dong Terrace

Fans of Fight For My Way can relive some of the drama’s most iconic moments at Beomcheong-dong Terrace in Busan. This picturesque rooftop, where Park Seo-joon and Kim Ji-won’s characters shared heartfelt conversations, offers a breathtaking view of the city’s colorful hillside houses. Despite being located in the heart of Busan, the terrace exudes a peaceful charm, making it a must-visit spot for K-drama lovers.

While the original memorabilia from the drama was once displayed at the terrace, it has since been relocated to Hocheon Village, just a short walk away, as the terrace is on private property. If you’re on a filming location tour, don’t miss Namil Villa at Hangsung Apartment, the home of the main characters in the drama.

Address: Rooftop Beomcheong-dong, 42 Eomgwang-ro 495beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan, Korea

Places that I have yet to visit

1. SHINee World Concert 2 VCR (Water) – Jebudo

Yes this is the MV which started my research for this interesting island situated at the west of Korea.

Jebudo (제부도) – This is one mystical island which shows a somewhat biblical phenomenon of the parting of sea. Twice a day, the 2.3km stretch of waterway between Jebudo and mainland divides into foreshore. If you were stuck on either side, you will have to wait until the waterway parts again.

FYI, this phenomenon isn’t exclusive to just Jebudo. You can read more here.

My plan for Jebudo was to visit the lighthouse and dig for clams and BBQ the clams that I have dug out from the mud.

Also, I was so keen on visiting the Santorini Pension & Smurfs Pension. I guess, there will be a next time.

2. Petite France

This place should be rather popular with people watching running man. It has been featured in one episode starring nichkhun. Also, some parts of the Secret Garden drama is filmed at this place too. Beethoven Virus, a drama I didn’t watch, also filmed here. (UPDATE) Popular K-drama You Who Came From The Stars also had a scene filmed here. It has resulted in many fans flocking to this place to visit.

So, you might wonder, what’s so special about this place? It features the famous “Little Prince” which is a favourite among many people but I can’t seem to really enjoy the story. I’ve read the book, watched the cartoon and I still can’t grasp the emotional connection people have with this story.

However, I do have friends who feel that this attraction is too pricey for the limited sightseeing spots. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to get to this place from Seoul via public transport. Anyway, most people will visit Petite France together with Nami Island and Garden of the Morning Calm.

3. Garden of Morning Calm

If you’re visiting Nami Island and/or Petite France, there is one more tourist attraction which is also frequently visited because it is part of the bus route in Gapyeong region.

This place has been featured in the drama You’re Beautiful, featuring JKS, Park Shin Hye, etc. It was during the part where they were doing an outdoor suit and coordi noona gave PSH a dress to wear in the glasshouse. Yes, this place is in the calming garden.

Just like its name, this place is indeed a very beautiful garden, opened all year round, with different flowers and decorations to welcome different seasons.

Another variety show has also featured this place too. tvN’s Taxi, episode featuring SHINee. In this episode, you get to see what the place looks like during a winter night. Magnificent display of light to create a romantic backdrop.

6. That Winter the Wind Blows – House @ Jade Garden

Yes this was a really good drama that I enjoyed. The actors were really good in bringing out the character and their roles in the show and yes the actual house is actually in a proper attraction that can be visited.

Coincidentally, while Googling, I discovered that it is also the filming spot for “Love Rain” the drama starring JKS and Yoona.

This place was the location where WGM did their photoshoot too!

Also read: South Korea Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025: A Guide to When & Where to See the Blooms

From breathtaking beaches to historic palaces and hidden city rooftops, Korea’s filming locations bring beloved dramas to life. I hope that this guide has helped you and provided you with a unique glimpse into the world of K-dramas. So grab your camera, plan your itinerary, and embark on your own drama-inspired adventure across Korea!

Contributed by Follow My Footsteps x Flyhoneystars.