5D4N South Korea Itinerary for K-Drama Fans

It’s a common phenomenon that has taken place across the globe in the past few years: Even the most unexpected folks turned into K-drama fans. This was especially true during the lockdown period, as destinations everywhere closed borders, leading to more of us taking to these dramas for comfort and vicarious travel. Fortunately, now we can easily see our favourite K-drama filming locations in real life! Check out our special five-day four-night K-drama itinerary, which focuses on these destinations: Seoul, Jeju, Gangwon, and Busan.

Also read: 14 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in South Korea Featured in K-Dramas

Days 1 to 2: Seoul

When visiting South Korea, it’s nearly impossible not to want to visit Seoul, the country’s bustling capital. After all, it’s filled to the brim with tourist attractions, shopping, and restaurants galore! As for the best way to get around the city? The subway! Seoul boasts an efficient public transportation system, something tourists should certainly take advantage of.

Also read: 26 Seoul Airbnb Stays in Popular Areas & Neighbourhoods

Seoul K-drama itinerary

Starfield Library

Bibliophiles and fans of Park Bo-gum and Park So-dam’s Record of Youth will want to add the gorgeous Starfield Library to their K-drama itinerary. The picture-perfect library located at the centre of Seoul’s COEX Mall is most famous for housing a giant bookshelf, which is a whopping 13 metres tall. 

Feel free to browse their wide selection of books (though most are written in Korean, there’s a section dedicated to foreign titles), snap Instagram-worthy photos, or simply sit down and people-watch!

Address: 955-9 Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Also read: 12 Beautiful Libraries & Bookstores to Visit Around Asia

Gyeongui Line Forest Park

How about a breath of fresh air in the middle of the buzzing city? Gyeongui Line Forest Park has appeared in a number of dramas that include Lovestruck in the City, Her Private Life, I’m Not a Robot, Goblin, Record of Youth, and Do Do Sol La La Sol.

One of Seoul’s lovely green spaces, the park is an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, go jogging, or simply sit on a bench and relax. Some even like to call it “Yeontral Park,” as it’s often compared to New York’s Central Park!

Address: 147-89 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hotel Seine

Hotel Del Luna fans will recognize Hotel Seine from an episode of the drama. Fun fact, though: Hotel Seine isn’t actually a hotel, but rather, a gorgeous cafe designed like an old-school hotel. So, you’ll be hitting two birds with this particular stop on our K-drama itinerary; it’s a photo op and a great place to have drinks and dessert!

Address: 28-5 Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Nakwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11길 28-5)

Deoksugung Palace

One certainly can’t visit Seoul (or South Korea, for that matter) without getting to appreciate its cultural attractions. Deoksugung Palace is one of Seoul’s five palaces and dates all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty.

The palace’s beautiful stonewall walkway has been featured in several dramas like Goblin, Misaeng, Do You Like Brahms, among many others. So, be sure to whip out your cameras and take photos outside — but you’ll want to explore the palace grounds themselves, too!

Address: 04519 99, Sejongdaero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Han River

But of course, is any visit to Seoul ever really a visit to Seoul without at least catching a glimpse of the breathtaking Han River? In dramas, we often hear of characters who dream of living someplace that boasts unobstructed views of Korea’s most famous river — and we certainly can’t blame them. It’s also been shown in countless dramas: What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Itaewon Class, Start-Up, and Squid Game are just some examples.

There are countless ways to enjoy the beauty of the Han (also known as Hangang) River: taking a stroll or having a picnic in one of the many Han River parks like Yeouido Hangang Park; going on a river cruise; or simply enjoying the area’s captivating nighttime scenes. 

Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeoeuido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Day 2 alternative: Gangwon Province

Seoul also happens to be a great jumping-off point for day trips outside the city; and for this K-drama itinerary, we’re zeroing in on the stunning Gangwon Province, which lies just a little over an hour away from the city. Should you be able to see enough of Seoul in a single day, we highly recommend taking a day trip to this stunning province.

Also read: 12 Best Day Trips From Seoul & How to Get There

Gangwon Province K-drama itinerary

Nami Island

Best known for its magnificent autumn scenes, Nami Island looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. It’s no secret that it’s one of South Korea’s most popular tourist attractions — and some even say its fame can be attributed to K-drama Winter Sonata, which came out in 2002! In an ode to the drama, the island even has a statue of its main characters, Jung Yoo-jin and Kang Jun-sang.

Address: 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Jumunjin Breakwater

This particular spot is on every Goblin fan’s bucket list. After all, it’s where Ji Eun-tak met Kim Shin for the very first time. Countless tourists have visited Jumunjin Breakwater just to replicate scenes that were shot here — so don’t forget to bring your props!

On top of Goblin, this attraction also served as a filming location for dramas such as Racket Boys and More Than Friends.

Address: 81-32 Gyohang-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge

How about a trip to South Korea’s longest and largest pedestrian bridge? Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge, which was featured on It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, is Wonju’s most popular tourist attraction to date. It’s a must for your Gangwon Province K-drama itinerary — not just to recreate scenes from the drama, but for the heart-stopping views, too!

Address: 26, Sogeumsan-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do

Also read: Best Hiking Experiences in Gangwon Province During Autumn

Day 3: Jeju Island

One of the most popular tourist destinations for locals and foreigners alike, Jeju Island is famous for its strikingly beautiful natural attractions. As the island was formed by an underwater eruption, its beaches, caves, and waterfalls boast an almost otherworldly kind of charm.

The volcanic island can be accessed from either Seoul or Busan — either way, it’s just an hour’s plane ride away! Once you’re in Jeju, the best way to get around is via their public bus system.

Also read: 22 Coolest Jeju Airbnb Homes to Bookmark for Your Next Trip

Jeju Island K-drama itinerary

Seopjikoji Hill

Boasting jaw-dropping green fields blanketed with eye-popping canola flowers, Seopjikoji Hill has appeared in a number of dramas. The lighthouse atop the hill is quite a popular shooting location, too! Dramas shot in the general area include All In, My Girl, Running Man, Boys Over Flowers, and Warm and Cozy. 

Address: 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Maze Land

Make your Jeju experience even more exciting with a visit to Maze Land: a unique theme park famed for housing the biggest maze in all of Korea. It’s also said to have the longest stone maze in the world; how could anyone possibly resist the opportunity to witness this in real life? 

On top of all that, Maze Land has attracted a lot of tourist attention, as it was the filming site for a thrilling chase scene from K-drama The Legend of the Blue Sea. Additionally, it was also a shooting location for popular variety show Running Man.

Address: 2134-47, Bijarim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Hallasan National Park

When in Jeju Island, one must visit Hallasan National Park for a number of reasons. For one thing, Hallasan is the tallest mountain in South Korea; it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, if you’ve got a love for trekking, you’re in luck: the park is home to six gorgeous hiking courses that offer some of the most enchanting nature views.

What’s more, this spot is a big deal in the K-drama world, as it was a filming site for none other than Crash Landing on You, which triggered the K-drama craze of 2020. Instead of actually filming on the North Korea DMZ, Yoon Se-ri’s crash landing scene was actually filmed here! Besides CLOY, Hallasan National Park is also known to have been featured in My Lovely Sam Soon.

Address: 2070-61 1100 (Cheonbaek)-ro, Odeung-dong, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea

Also read: 7 Popular K-Dramas That Were Filmed in Jeju Island

Days 4 to 5: Busan

Of course, what’s a trip to South Korea without a visit to Busan — the country’s second most populous city? It’s just an hour’s plane ride away from Jeju; or, should you decide to travel there from Seoul, it’s about 2.5 to 3.5 hours away by train. Marked by its colourful homes, beaches, and mountains, Busan is also home to a number of K-drama filming locations. The best part? You can easily get around the city by way of their metro and public bus systems, which tourists usually get the hang of in no time.

Also read: 10 Busan Airbnb Stays for Gorgeous Sea Views & More

Busan K-drama itinerary

Gwangalli Beach

If your hometown isn’t one that’s on or adjacent to a beach, then visiting Busan will no doubt be refreshing. Just minutes from the city proper, you’ll already be able to access Gwangalli Beach — a well-loved sightseeing destination, plus a filming site for K-drama Racket Boys. 

The 1.4-kilometre white-sand beach is great for leisurely walks and taking in breathtaking views. Those who’ve visited it recommend coming by either around sunset or once the night falls, when the bridge across the water is lit up beautifully.

Address: 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan

Gijang Ahopsan Forest

Get lost in a sea of stunning bamboo trees at Gijang Ahopsan Forest, which served as a filming location for the drama The King: Eternal Monarch. After being preserved for about 400 years, the once-private forest opened to the public in 2016. Brimming with more than just bamboo trees, the magical forest is home to oak trees, red pine trees, hinoki cypress trees, and more.

Whether you’re a K-drama fan or simply love basking in the beauty of nature, this stop is certainly a must-visit!

Address: 37-1, Midong-gil, Cheolma-myeon, Gijang-gun, Busan

Rooftop Beomcheong-dong

In Fight for My Way, the gang’s hangout spot — dubbed “Namil Bar” — is undoubtedly one of the most scenic spots in the drama. Located at the very top of their apartment complex, it was there the series’ four friends would hang out and enjoy a couple of drinks with views of the city.

While Rooftop Beomcheong-dong isn’t actually a bar in real life, you can certainly still visit this attraction for yourself. There’s even a life-sized standee of Ko Dong-man and Choi Ae-ra, specifically put up for Fight for My Way fans!

Address: 42 Eomgwang-ro 495beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea

Day 5 alternative: Pohang

Another great thing about Busan: It’s only a three-hour bus trip away from the coastal city of Pohang — perfect for a scenic day trip. The city is fast becoming one of South Korea’s most coveted tourist destinations, thanks to a number of countryside dramas like Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and When the Camellia Blooms. So, if one day is enough to see the best of Busan, we recommend taking the opportunity to visit Pohang.

Pohang K-drama itinerary

Sabang Memorial Park

If you’re a big fan of tVN’s Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, then you certainly can’t miss a visit to Sabang Memorial Park. The boat, which rests atop a hill, is easily one of the most memorable filming locations from the drama; while it appears in a few episodes, it’s most notably known to be the spot where love interests Yoon Hye-jin and Hong Du-sik formally meet — and eventually, snap pre-wedding photographs!

Address: Mugeunbong Peak 8 Mt., Odo-ri Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Homigot Sunrise Square

Not a K-drama filming location per se, this site was featured in the popular reality-variety show, 2 Days 1 Night. As you might be able to guess from its name, Homigot Sunrise Plaza is the very first place that sees the sunrise in Korea.

It’s best known for one particular attraction: Sangsaeng’s Hand, also known as the “Hands of Harmony.” While the hand that emerges from the ocean is the one you’ll probably see in more photos, it’s actually half of a two-part art installation. There’s another hand that faces it, located right on Homigot Square.

Address: 20 Haemaji-ro 150beon-gil, Homigot-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Guryongpo Modern Culture and History Street

For K-drama fans, no trip to Pohang is complete without visiting Guyrongpo Beach, the filming location for When the Camellia Blooms’ fictional town of Ongsan. Guryongpo Modern Culture and History Street is particularly famous, as it’s where they shot the drama’s official poster. It’s also seen in the series countless times because it’s situated close to Dong-baek’s house! Make sure to take advantage of the photo op at the top of the uphill walk — it’s too iconic to miss out on.

Address: 147-2, Guryongpo-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 포항시 남구 구룡포읍 구룡포길 147-2)

Also read: 15 Underrated Places in South Korea That You Should Experience

Ready to make your way to South Korea and visit these K-drama filming locations? Don’t forget to share your pics with us on Instagram by tagging @tripzillamag.