Places to visit

15 Must-Visit K-drama Filming Locations 2026 in Seoul (With Subway Guide)

TrendKorea 2026. 1. 24. 23:23

Have you ever found yourself clutching a pillow, tears streaming down your face, as your favorite K-drama couple finally confesses their love under a shower of cherry blossoms or the twinkling lights of the Seoul skyline? We’ve all been there. There is something truly magical about the way Seoul is captured on screen—the blend of ancient stone walls and futuristic skyscrapers creates a backdrop that feels both timeless and modern.

But what if I told you that you don’t need a production crew or a massive budget to step into those exact frames? Whether you want to recreate the "slow-motion walk" from Goblin, find the bridge where Park Sae-ro-yi stood in Itaewon Class, or see the library from Record of Youth, Seoul’s world-class public transport system makes it incredibly easy.

In this guide, we are visiting 15 must-visit K-drama filming locations in Seoul, all reachable by the city's clean and efficient subway lines. From the romantic peaks of Namsan to the trendy streets of Hongdae, this guide is designed for first-time visitors, solo travelers, and budget-conscious fans who want to see the real-life magic of dramas like My Love from the Star, Vincenzo, and Queen of Tears.

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly where to go, which subway line to take, and how to plan a seamless K-drama pilgrimage through the heart of South Korea.

 

How to Use This K-drama & Subway Guide

Navigating a foreign city can be intimidating, but Seoul’s subway is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. Before we dive into the locations, here are a few "pro-tips" to ensure your tour goes smoothly:

  • Get a T-money Card: Purchase this at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) or subway station. You can use it for subways, buses, and even taxis. Just tap on and tap off.
  • Download the Right Apps: While Google Maps works for basic locations, it doesn’t provide walking directions in Korea. Use Naver Maps or KakaoMap (both have English versions). For subway timing, Subway Korea or KakaoSubway are lifesavers.
  • Follow the Colors: Each subway line has a distinct color (Line 2 is Green, Line 4 is Light Blue, etc.). Follow the colored floor markers and signs inside the stations to find your transfers.
  • Mind the Exits: In Seoul, the exit number is everything. A single station can have 12+ exits spreading blocks apart. Always check the exit number listed in this guide before you leave the station.

15 K-drama Filming Locations in Seoul (Quick Overview Table)

Location Name Drama(s) Featured Nearest Subway Station Exit Area
N Seoul Tower My Love from the Star, Boys Over Flowers Myeongdong (Line 4) 3 Namsan
Bukchon Hanok Village Goblin, Personal Taste, The Heirs Anguk (Line 3) 2 Jongno
Gyeongbokgung Palace Kingdom, Moon Embracing the Sun Gyeongbokgung (Line 3) 5 Jongno
Starfield Library Record of Youth, Vincenzo Samseong (Line 2) 6 Gangnam
DDP (Dongdaemun) My Love from the Star, She Was Pretty DDM History & Culture (L2,4,5) 1 Dongdaemun
Yeouido Hangang Park Legend of the Blue Sea, Squid Game Yeouinaru (Line 5) 2 Yeouido
Ihwa Mural Village She Was Pretty, Strong Woman Do Bong-soon Hyehwa (Line 4) 2 Jongno
Banpo Bridge Fountain Boys Over Flowers, Hotel Del Luna Express Bus Terminal (L3,7,9) 8-1 Seocho
Yonsei University True Beauty, Extraordinary You Sinchon (Line 2) 2 Seodaemun
Noksapyeong Bridge Itaewon Class Noksapyeong (Line 6) 3 Itaewon
Gwanghwamun Square The King: Eternal Monarch, Memories of the Alhambra Gwanghwamun (Line 5) 9 Jongno
Lotte World Business Proposal, Stairway to Heaven Jamsil (Line 2, 8) 4 Jamsil
Choong Ang High School Goblin, Lovely Runner, Our Beloved Summer Anguk (Line 3) 3 Jongno
Hongdae Mural Street Reply 1988, The King: Eternal Monarch Hongik Univ. (Line 2) 9 Hongdae
Sewoon Bridge Vincenzo Jongno 3-ga (Line 1,3,5) 12 Jongno

Detailed K-drama Filming Locations With Subway Guide

1. N Seoul Tower – My Love from the Star / Boys Over Flowers

Perched atop Namsan Mountain, this is perhaps the most romantic spot in all of Seoul. It’s where thousands of couples come to hang "Love Locks," a tradition immortalized by Cheon Song-yi and Do Min-joon.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • My Love from the Star: Cheon Song-yi waits for Do Min-joon to have their romantic dinner at the tower restaurant.
    • Boys Over Flowers: Goo Jun-pyo and Geum Jan-di get "trapped" in the cable car overnight.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 4 (Light Blue)
    • Station: Myeongdong Station
    • Exit: Exit 3
    • How to get there: Walk toward the Pacific Hotel and go uphill for about 10-15 minutes to reach the Namsan Cable Car station. Alternatively, take the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus (No. 01) from Exit 3.
  • Best Time to Visit: Sunset. Watching the city transition from golden hour to a sea of neon is breathtaking.
  • Practical Tips: If you want to recreate the Love Lock scene, you can buy locks at the gift shop, but they are cheaper if you bring your own from a local Daiso!

2. Bukchon Hanok Village – Goblin / The Heirs

A living museum of hundreds of traditional Korean houses (hanoks). It’s a stunning contrast to the skyscrapers nearby and provides that "historical drama" feel right in the city.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • Goblin: The iconic scene where Ji Eun-tak walks through the narrow alleyways on her way to school.
    • Personal Taste: Lee Min-ho’s character lives in a hanok house located here.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 3 (Orange)
    • Station: Anguk Station
    • Exit: Exit 2
    • How to get there: Walk straight for about 300 meters, and you will see signs for the village on your right.
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning (before 10:00 AM) to avoid the heavy tourist crowds and respect the residents.
  • Practical Tips: This is a residential area. Please keep your voice down—there are signs reminding visitors to be quiet throughout the village.

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace – Kingdom / Moon Embracing the Sun

The main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. With its grand pavilions and reflecting ponds, it is the go-to spot for any Sageuk (historical drama) fan.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • Kingdom: The throne room and the beautiful Hyangwonjeong Pavilion were featured in this Netflix zombie thriller.
    • Moon Embracing the Sun: The palace grounds serve as the backdrop for the royal court's intense political and romantic drama.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 3 (Orange)
    • Station: Gyeongbokgung Station
    • Exit: Exit 5 (this exit leads directly into the palace courtyard!)
  • Best Time to Visit: 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
  • Practical Tips: Wear a Hanbok! If you enter the palace wearing traditional Korean clothing, your admission fee (3,000 KRW) is waived. There are many rental shops near the station.

4. Starfield Library – Record of Youth / Vincenzo

Located inside the massive COEX Mall, this open-concept library features towering 13-meter bookshelves that look straight out of a dream.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • Record of Youth: Sa Hye-jun (Park Bo-gum) and An Jeong-ha (Park So-dam) meet here for a quiet date among the books.
    • Vincenzo: Appears as a backdrop for the luxurious and modern lifestyle of Seoul's elite.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 2 (Green)
    • Station: Samseong Station
    • Exit: Exit 5 or 6 (Connected directly to COEX Mall)
  • Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings. It gets extremely crowded on weekends with people taking photos on the central escalators.
  • Practical Tips: Head to the second floor of the library for the best "wide-angle" photo of the bookshelves.

5. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – My Love from the Star / She Was Pretty

An architectural marvel designed by Zaha Hadid. Its silver, curved exterior looks like a spaceship has landed in the middle of Seoul.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • My Love from the Star: This is where Cheon Song-yi films an action scene and Do Min-joon uses his powers to protect her.
    • The Producers: Featured during the many professional events and office-related scenes.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Lines 2, 4, or 5
    • Station: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station
    • Exit: Exit 1 (Leads directly to the plaza)
  • Best Time to Visit: Night. The LED lights on the building and the surrounding "LED Rose Garden" (when active) make it incredibly futuristic.
  • Practical Tips: DDP is massive. Make sure to visit the "Design Lab" inside for unique souvenirs you won't find anywhere else.

6. Yeouido Hangang Park – Legend of the Blue Sea

The Han River is the soul of Seoul. Yeouido is one of the most popular park sections because of its wide-open spaces and proximity to the city's financial district.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • Legend of the Blue Sea: Heo Joon-jae and Shim Cheong watch the fireworks here.
    • Squid Game: Gi-hun is seen at the riverfront during some of his low points in the city.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 5 (Purple)
    • Station: Yeouinaru Station
    • Exit: Exit 2
    • How to get there: Walk straight out of the exit and you are in the park!
  • Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for a picnic.
  • Practical Tips: Do what the locals do—order "Chimaek" (Fried Chicken and Beer) for delivery to the park. Use the "Bae-min" app or look for the delivery flyers near the station exit.

7. Ihwa Mural Village – She Was Pretty

Located on the slopes of Naksan Mountain, this village was transformed by artists into a vibrant outdoor gallery to revitalize the neighborhood.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • She Was Pretty: The main characters walk through the village, posing with the famous murals.
    • Strong Woman Do Bong-soon: The hilly, colorful streets often appear during her walks home.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 4 (Light Blue)
    • Station: Hyehwa Station
    • Exit: Exit 2
    • How to get there: Walk through Marronnier Park and follow the signs toward Naksan Park. It’s a bit of an uphill climb, so wear comfortable shoes!
  • Best Time to Visit: Daytime for better lighting on the murals.
  • Practical Tips: Some of the most famous murals (like the flower stairs) have been painted over due to noise complaints from residents. However, many new and equally beautiful murals have taken their place.

8. Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain – Boys Over Flowers

Holding the Guinness World Record for the longest bridge fountain, this spot features nearly 400 nozzles spraying water synchronized to music and lights.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • Boys Over Flowers: A classic location for emotional conversations by the water.
    • Hotel Del Luna: The night views of the Han River from this area are frequently shown to emphasize the bridge between the human and ghost worlds.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Lines 3, 7, or 9
    • Station: Express Bus Terminal Station
    • Exit: Exit 8-1
    • How to get there: Walk straight for about 15 minutes toward the river. You will pass through a pedestrian tunnel that leads to the park.
  • Best Time to Visit: Check the fountain schedule (usually April–October). Shows happen every 30 minutes from 7:30 PM.
  • Practical Tips: The "GOTO Mall" (an amazing underground shopping center) is located right inside the Express Bus Terminal station. Shop there before heading to the fountain!

9. Yonsei University (Sinchon Campus) – True Beauty

Known as one of the "SKY" universities (the top three in Korea), Yonsei’s campus is famous for its Ivy-covered stone buildings and European vibe.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • True Beauty: Portrayed as the high school/college campus where the main trio experiences their youthful drama.
    • Extraordinary You: The "Dan Oh" and "Ha Ru" scenes in the library and the courtyard were filmed here.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 2 (Green)
    • Station: Sinchon Station
    • Exit: Exit 2 or 3
    • How to get there: Walk straight for about 10 minutes to reach the main gate.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (Cherry Blossoms) or Autumn (Ginkgo leaves). The colors make the architecture look even more magical.
  • Practical Tips: It is a working campus. Avoid visiting during exam weeks when the students are stressed and the library may be restricted.

10. Noksapyeong Bridge – Itaewon Class

This pedestrian overpass offers the most iconic view of Namsan Tower and the bustling streets of Itaewon.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • Itaewon Class: This is where Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon) often stands to clear his head and look toward the tower. It’s the quintessential "fighting for your dreams" spot.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 6 (Brown)
    • Station: Noksapyeong Station
    • Exit: Exit 3
    • How to get there: Walk out and look for the bridge immediately to your left.
  • Best Time to Visit: Night. The bridge itself lights up, and the view of the tower is spectacular.
  • Practical Tips: The bridge is very close to "DanBam" (the original pub from the drama). After taking your bridge photo, walk toward Itaewon to find the filming site of the bar.

11. Gwanghwamun Square – The King: Eternal Monarch

The historic center of Seoul, featuring statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-shin, with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the background.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • The King: Eternal Monarch: The parallel world crossing where Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho) first meets Jeong Tae-eul on his horse.
    • Memories of the Alhambra: Featured in the AR game sequences within the city.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 5 (Purple)
    • Station: Gwanghwamun Station
    • Exit: Exit 9 (Leads directly to the center of the square)
  • Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon.
  • Practical Tips: Check out the underground "King Sejong Museum" located right beneath the statue—it’s free and very informative!

12. Lotte World – Business Proposal

A massive indoor and outdoor theme park located in the heart of the city. It’s the ultimate date spot in K-dramas.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • Business Proposal: Kang Tae-moo and Shin Ha-ri have their adorable (and slightly awkward) dates here.
    • Stairway to Heaven: The iconic carousel scene was filmed right here in the Adventure section.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Lines 2 or 8
    • Station: Jamsil Station
    • Exit: Exit 4 (Follow the signs for Lotte World)
  • Best Time to Visit: Weekdays. If you must go on a weekend, buy a "Magic Pass" to skip the lines.
  • Practical Tips: You can rent school uniforms (Gyobok) nearby to wear inside the park, just like your favorite drama characters.

13. Choong Ang High School – Goblin / Lovely Runner

This school looks more like a castle than a high school. It’s a private school that allows visitors during certain weekend hours.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • Goblin: This is the high school that Ji Eun-tak attends.
    • Lovely Runner: Used for several school-based flashback scenes.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 3 (Orange)
    • Station: Anguk Station
    • Exit: Exit 3
    • How to get there: Walk straight toward Bukchon Hanok Village. The school is located at the end of the main Bukchon road.
  • Best Time to Visit: Weekends only. Since it is an active school, they generally do not allow tourists during school hours.
  • Practical Tips: There is a small K-drama souvenir shop right across from the school entrance that fans will love.

14. Hongdae Mural Street – Reply 1988

Hongdae is the youth capital of Seoul, known for street performers, busking, and indie culture.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • Reply 1988: While much of the show was on a set, the vibe of the neighborhood and several street scenes capture the Hongdae aesthetic.
    • The King: Eternal Monarch: Used for scenes showing the modern-day "Republic of Korea."
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Line 2 (Green)
    • Station: Hongik University Station
    • Exit: Exit 9
  • Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon/Evening when the buskers come out.
  • Practical Tips: Come hungry! Hongdae has some of the best street food in Seoul.

15. Sewoon Bridge – Vincenzo

An industrial-looking bridge connecting old electronics markets. It represents the "gritty" side of Seoul that often appears in thrillers.

  • Dramas & Key Scenes:
    • Vincenzo: This is the location of "Geumga Plaza." While the building itself is the Sewoon Cheonggye Shopping Center, the bridge is where Vincenzo and the tenants have their many meetings.
  • Subway Directions:
    • Line: Lines 1, 3, or 5
    • Station: Jongno 3-ga Station
    • Exit: Exit 12
    • How to get there: Walk straight for about 5 minutes until you see the large electronics plaza.
  • Best Time to Visit: Daytime. The area can be a bit quiet and dark at night.
  • Practical Tips: The rooftop of the building (Seoul Oksang) offers a great view of the surrounding Jongno district.

Suggested 1-Day K-drama Seoul Itinerary (Subway Only)

If you only have one day to dedicate to K-dramas, this optimized route covers some of the most iconic spots with minimal travel time:

  • 09:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Bukchon Hanok Village & Choong Ang High School
    • Start: Anguk Station (Line 3).
    • Explore the hanoks first while it's quiet, then see the school castle.
  • 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Lunch
    • Travel: 10-minute walk from Bukchon.
    • Eat "Samgyetang" (Ginseng Chicken Soup) nearby—a favorite of drama characters!
  • 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM: Gwanghwamun Square
    • Travel: 5-minute walk from the palace main gate.
    • See the King Sejong statue where Lee Gon rode his horse.
  • 04:00 PM – 05:30 PM: Starfield Library (COEX)
    • Travel: Take Line 2 from City Hall Station to Samseong Station (30 mins).
    • Grab a coffee and take photos with the book walls.
  • 06:00 PM – 08:30 PM: N Seoul Tower & Dinner
    • Travel: Take Line 2 back to Euljiro 3-ga, transfer to Line 4 for Myeongdong.
    • Take the cable car up, see the locks, and enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the city.

What to Know Before Visiting K-drama Locations in Seoul

  • Respect the Locals: Locations like Bukchon Hanok Village and Ihwa Mural Village are actual residential areas. Avoid shouting, peeking into private courtyards, or leaving trash.
  • Be Mindful of Businesses: If you are filming at a café or a shop, it is polite to buy at least one drink or item. Don’t block the entrance for other customers while trying to get the "perfect angle."
  • Check the Season: Seoul changes drastically. The parks are beautiful in spring (April) and fall (October/November). In summer (July/August), it is extremely hot and humid, so plan more indoor stops like COEX Mall.
  • Safety: Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world. Solo female travelers can comfortably use the subway late at night. However, always stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas like Myeongdong.
  • Language Barrier: While many young Koreans speak English, older shop owners might not. Download Papago—it’s the best translation app for Korean.

FAQ – K-drama Filming Locations in Seoul

Can I visit K-drama filming locations for free?

Yes! Most locations on this list, such as Noksapyeong Bridge, Han River parks, and Mural Villages, are completely free. You only pay for transportation and entrance fees for places like palaces (though even those are free if you wear a Hanbok!).

 

Is it safe to travel alone as a K-drama fan?

Absolutely. Seoul is highly regarded for its safety and ease of navigation. The subway stations have clear English signage, and most locals are happy to help if you look lost.

 

How do I find new filming locations that are not in this list?

Websites like Korean Dramaland or VisitKorea are excellent resources. Also, following K-drama location accounts on Instagram or TikTok can give you "real-time" updates on where current dramas are filming.

 

Can I join a guided K-drama tour if I don’t want to use the subway alone?

Yes, there are many "K-drama Day Tours" available on sites like Klook or Trazy. These are great if you want to visit spots outside of Seoul (like Nami Island) without worrying about bus schedules.

 

Are these locations open all year round?

Most are, but outdoor fountains (Banpo) and certain parks might have limited schedules during the winter months (December–March). Always check the official website if you are visiting in winter.

 

What is the best way to pay for my subway trips?

A T-money card is the standard. You can also get a Korea Tour Card, which is a specialized T-money card for tourists that offers additional discounts at certain attractions.

 

Do I need to make reservations for any of these spots?

Generally, no. Only specific attractions like Lotte World or the N Seoul Tower observatory require tickets, which can be bought on-site or online for a discount.

 

How much time should I spend at each location?

On average, 45 to 90 minutes is enough to explore a location and take photos. However, places like Gyeongbokgung Palace or COEX Mall can easily take 2-3 hours if you want to see everything.

Stepping into a K-drama location is more than just a photo opportunity—it’s a way to connect with the stories and emotions that made you fall in love with Korean culture in the first place. Whether you’re standing on the Noksapyeong Bridge imagining your own "Itaewon Class" comeback or wandering through the quiet hanoks of Bukchon, these spots offer a bridge between your screen and reality.

Don’t feel pressured to rush through all 15 spots in a single time. Pick the ones that resonate most with your favorite dramas, take your time, and enjoy the journey through Seoul. The subway is your best friend, the city is safe, and the memories will last a lifetime. Happy location hunting, and may your trip be as romantic and exciting as a K-drama finale!