Cover N Seoul Tower—the most iconic building in South Korea (Photo: Aleksander Pasaric / Pexels)
N Seoul Tower—the most iconic building in South Korea (Photo: Aleksander Pasaric / Pexels)
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The N Seoul Tower, the Louvre Pyramid, and the Sydney Opera House. These places are icons that you must visit
In films, location is everything. Not only does it serve to be an important backdrop to scenes, but it also builds the world according to the narrative. We’ve seen iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House in Australia or the Namsan Seoul Tower in South Korea become stages for stories that have made us laugh and cry, and their appearances might have influenced some of us to see these places for ourselves. So if you’re thinking of where to go on your next international trip, we’ve got a list of iconic buildings for you to visit.
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The Louvre Pyramid, France
Above The Louvre Pyramid as seen in 'The Da Vinci Code' starring Tom Hanks
Featured in The Da Vinci Code (2006), the opening reception area at the Louvre Museum in Paris serves as the central plot element of the film. Inside the museum, the fictional character Jacques Saunière was found dead before Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The glass pyramid structure of the Louvre Museum’s entrance is a modernist design by Chinese-American architect IM Pei in 1981 that was added to the complex when the architect remodelled as well the museum’s interiors. Juxtaposed with the classical architecture of the surrounding buildings, the pyramid mirrors the film’s themes of ancient secrets coming to light in the modern world.
Brooklyn Bridge, New York
Above Spider-Man faces off with the Green Goblin at the Brooklyn Bridge
An iconic location in the heart of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge has been featured countless times in Spider-Man movies and video games. The most iconic moment, however, was the climactic battle between Spider-Man and Green Goblin in the 2002 film, where he had to choose between saving Mary Jane or a tram full of children. Designed by John A Roebling and completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge features two 84-metre-tall towers characterised by its gothic-style architecture.
The Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Above Tom Cruise scales the Burj Khalifa in 'Mission: Impossible—Ghost Protocol'
Standing as the tallest skyscraper in the world—at 828 metres—The Burj Khalifa is often synonymous with humanity’s architectural prowess. Its appearance in Mission: Impossible—Ghost Protocol (2011) presented viewers with another thrilling Tom Cruise stunt as he scaled the building’s glass exterior. Designed by Adrian Smith, the Burj Khalifa's structure is inspired by the Hymenocallis flower or spider lily. With 163 floors above ground and two observation decks—one on the 124th floor and another on the 148th—tourists can get panoramic views of Dubai and the surrounding desert and sea.
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The Sydney Opera House, Australia
Above Ben professes her love to Bea in front of the Sydney Opera House
Appearing in many films and TV shows, the Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most iconic wonders. We’ve seen it in romantic comedies such as Anyone But You (2023), where characters Ben and Bea profess their love around other couples proposing to one another. The Opera House has also been featured in animated films like Finding Nemo, introducing it to a new generation of viewers. The structure’s iconic white sails make it easy to spot from a distance and, at night, form a beautiful silhouette.
The Namsan Seoul Tower, South Korea
Above Lim Ju-kyung meets Soo-ho at the N Seoul Tower in 'True Beauty'
An easily recognisable building in South Korea, The Namsan Seoul Tower—also known as the N Seoul Tower—is often the backdrop for many romantic scenes in K-dramas. From meet-cutes to heartfelt moments of vulnerability, the city’s scenic views, romantic atmosphere, and surrounding love locks build the mood. The N Seoul Tower has been featured in shows such as Boys Over Flowers (2009), Rooftop Prince (2012), and True Beauty (2020), among others. The tower was designed by the architectural firm Jangjongryul and was the first general radio wave tower in South Korea. Standing at 479 metres above sea level with telescopes on its observation decks, tourists can get a 360-degree view of the city.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
