A K-drama itinerary to Seoul: 8 must-visit filming locations

There are many stunning university grounds in South Korea, but none as intriguing as Yonsei University. Taking its place among the best private universities in the country, this educational institution also holds a list of K-dramas under its belt. Set in a Gothic-style building, the Underwood Hall was originally built for classrooms, but now houses the main offices of the university’s president and that of major administration departments.

The building is famous for appearing in multiple K-dramas, including Snowdrop, starring Blackpink’s Jisoo and Jung Hae-in. The building takes on the name of Hosu Women’s University where Eun Yeong-ro (Jisoo) studies English Literature. Other K-dramas where you can spot the building include Extraordinary You, True Beauty, Reply 1992, and My Sassy Girl.

50 Yonsei-ro, Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 

Fans of the web novel-turned-K-drama Marry My Husband will recognise this restaurant as the place where the main leads, Kang Ji-won (Park Min-young) and Yoo Ji-hyuk (Na In-woo) indulge in their first meal together. Outside of K-drama land, the contemporary Korean dining restaurant is located right next to Changdeokgung Palace and serves up innovative re-interpretations of traditional Korean food with novel flavours. Helmed by owner-chef Minzi Kim Wind, you can expect an expert touch of international flavours on classic Korean dishes, having graduated from Ecole Ferrandi in France and experienced working at Michelin restaurants in Denmark and Spain.   

47 Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Fans of the 2016 fantasy drama starring Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun will undoubtedly recognise this iconic stone walkway. This picturesque location was the backdrop for the first meeting of the main characters, a location which has attracted multiple fans to visit and recreate.

The 1,100-metre-long walkway belongs to Deoksugung Palace, one of the five grand palaces of Seoul, inhabited by the royal family during the Joseon era. Fans of Goblin may also recognise the stone wall as the Grim Reaper’s office. Other K-dramas filmed at the location include Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, The Beauty Inside, and Do You Like Brahms? 

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Read more: Coffee Prince, Boys Over Flowers and more: The best K-dramas of all time

Starring opposite Kim Go-eun, the romance-fantasy drama was Lee Min-ho’s return to K-drama land after completing his military service, which was met with much fanfare. The drama certainly did not shy away from filming at Seoul’s scenic and popular spots. The scene of Gwanghwamun Square has since become synonymous with the popular drama. 

Located in the centre of Seoul, the square is situated amongst modern buildings and the traditional Gyeongbokgung Palace. The site was also selected as one of the 100 regular filming locations for movies and dramas by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Film Council. Other K-dramas filmed there include The Devil Judge, Memories of the Alhambra, and The Last Empress. 

172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea 

Remember the scene where Gu Jun-pyo waits outside in the cold winter night for his love interest, Jan-di? You can re-enact this iconic Boys Over Flowers scene at Namsan Tower. Starring Lee Min-ho and Goo Hye-sun, the beloved and legendary K-drama still remains popular among fans. Book a ride on the cable car for the ultimate K-drama experience and reminisce about where the two characters had their first date. 

Namsan Tower is also a popular tourist attraction, sitting 237 metres atop Namsan Mountain. The tower boasts unparalleled views of Seoul and its surrounding cities at the viewing deck, perfect for that touristic shot. The attraction may also be familiar to fans as the filming locations for True Beauty, Hotel Del Luna, and The Legend of the Blue Sea.  

105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Fans of the hit Netflix K-drama can visit Hanbada Law Firm, the workplace of rookie attorney Woo Young-woo. The outside of the building was used as the exterior for the law firm. The interior, used as the lobby, is famous for being the location where Lee Jun-ho and Woo Young-woo discussed how to hold hands. 

The building is described as a bustling food and leisure destination. Situated in the Gangnam area, head to the nearby malls for some shopping after recreating memorable scenes from the K-drama.  

231 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) could not have been a better ending scene for Song Joong-ki’s drama, Vincenzo. The smooth curves of Zaha Hadid’s architectural creation were illuminated at night in the scene where Song Joong-ki and Jeon Yeo-bin’s characters share a sentimental and romantic moment.

The neo-futuristic design of DDP is fitting for the many events that take place there, including fashion shows and art exhibitions. Marvel at the architecture as you reimagine the scene at the bottom of the plaza’s steps. Other K-dramas filmed at DDP include Record of Youth, Love Alarm, The Producers, and She Was Pretty. 

281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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