Haenggung-dong Guide: Suwon’s Top K-Drama Filming Spots

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (수원화성) and its adjacent neighborhood, Haenggung-dong (행궁동), form a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site built by King Jeongjo in the 18th century, now internationally famous as the stunning filming locations for hit K-dramas like Lovely Runner and Extraordinary Attorney Woo. If you are an international K-culture fan planning a trip to South Korea, you might be looking for the perfect day getaway from Seoul that seamlessly blends rich royal history with the vibrant, trendy energy of modern Korean youth. Living in Korea, I always recommend this area as the ultimate destination where you can walk the ancient fortress walls by day, step right into your favorite drama scenes, and sip artisan coffee in beautifully retrofitted Hanok cafes by night. Let me guide you through the royal origins of these iconic landmarks, pinpoint the exact filming spots you cannot miss, share the schedule for breathtaking traditional performances, and show you how to experience the very best of Haenggung-dong.

1. The Royal Origins of Suwon Hwaseong and Hwaseong Haenggung
2. Iconic K-Drama Filming Locations to Visit
3. Must-See Spots and Traditional Performances
4. Haenggung-dong: Where Tradition Meets Trendy
5. Explore More of Suwon (Local Recommendations)

The Royal Origins of Suwon Hwaseong and Hwaseong Haenggung

To truly appreciate the beauty of your surroundings, you need to know the profound story behind them. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was constructed between 1794 and 1796 by King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. It was an ultimate act of filial piety. King Jeongjo built the fortress to house and honor the remains of his father, Crown Prince Sado, who tragically died after being locked in a rice chest by his own father, King Yeongjo.

Beyond its emotional backstory, the fortress is a masterpiece of Eastern and Western military architecture, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled within the fortress walls is Hwaseong Haenggung (화성행궁), the largest and most beautiful temporary palace in Korea. Whenever King Jeongjo traveled from Seoul to worship at his father’s tomb, he would reside here. The palace was designed not just for rest, but as a secondary administrative headquarters, reflecting the king’s grand vision to make Suwon a self-sufficient, modern city.

💡 Local Note: Much of the original palace was destroyed during the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War, but extensive restoration projects over the past few decades have brought it back to its original 18th-century glory, making it a pristine canvas for historical storytelling.

Iconic K-Drama Filming Locations to Visit

Because of its perfectly preserved historical atmosphere and charming old-world alleys, Suwon has become a holy grail for K-drama location hunters. Whether you love time-slip romances or heartwarming legal dramas, you can physically step into the worlds of your favorite characters.

Modern Romances and Healing Dramas

• Lovely Runner (선재 업고 튀어): The incredible time-slip romance that captured hearts globally filmed many of its iconic 2008 scenes in Haenggung-dong. Im Sol and Ryu Sun-jae’s houses facing each other are actually located near the Haenggung-dong Mural Village. The house with the famous blue gate is a real cafe called Mongted (몽테드). Fans still flock here to recreate the yellow umbrella scene in the alleyway.
• Extraordinary Attorney Woo (이상한 변호사 우영우): The exterior for “Woo Young-woo Kimbap,” run by the protagonist’s father, is a real Japanese fusion restaurant named Kazaguruma (카자구루마) in Haenggung-dong. You can easily snap a photo outside to commemorate the heartwarming series.
• Our Beloved Summer (그 해 우리는): Choi Woong’s cozy house and studio were filmed right near the fortress walls by Jangan Park (장안공원) and the adjacent mural village. The sloping, narrow alleyways where Kook Yeon-soo lived were filmed in the nearby Jidong Mural Village, showcasing a nostalgic, residential vibe.

Epic Historical Dramas (Sageuk)

Hwaseong Haenggung is practically the Hollywood of Korean historical dramas. Its grand gates and beautiful courtyards provide the perfect Joseon-era backdrop.

Must-See Spots and Traditional Performances

Aside from drama hunting, the fortress itself is vast and packed with architectural marvels. My personal favorite spot is Banghwasuryujeong (방화수류정). Originally built as a military observation tower, it sits atop a small rocky cliff overlooking a serene willow-fringed pond called Yongyeon (용연). It is wildly popular among young Koreans for evening picnics and sunset photography, and it actually served as a dating spot for characters in Lovely Runner.

Within Hwaseong Haenggung, take time to explore Bongsudang, the main hall where King Jeongjo held a spectacular 60th birthday banquet for his mother, Lady Hyegyeong. The architecture here is incredibly intricate, showcasing the peak of late-Joseon design.

The Muye 24 Ki Martial Arts Performance

To truly feel the martial spirit of King Jeongjo’s elite royal guards, you must watch the Muye 24 Ki (무예24기) performance. This dynamic showcase features the 24 martial arts techniques detailed in a comprehensive military manual commissioned by the king himself.

• Location: In front of Sinpungnu (신풍루), the main gate of Hwaseong Haenggung.
• Time: Usually held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday through Sunday (Closed on Mondays).
• Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot, as the swordsmanship and traditional spear routines are highly engaging and draw large crowds.

Haenggung-dong: Where Tradition Meets Trendy

After soaking in the history, walking down into Haenggung-dong—affectionately dubbed “Haengnidan-gil” by locals—feels like stepping into a stylish, retro time machine. But how did this unique blend of past and present come to be?

Because Suwon Hwaseong is a heavily protected cultural heritage site, the surrounding neighborhoods were placed under strict development restrictions for decades. High-rise buildings were banned, leaving the area filled with low-rise, red-brick residential houses from the 1970s and 80s, and traditional Hanoks. In recent years, young entrepreneurs recognized the vintage charm of these aging buildings. Instead of tearing them down, they retrofitted them into incredibly aesthetic cafes, boutique bakeries, indie bookstores, and fusion restaurants.

Today, the neighborhood is a masterclass in urban regeneration. You can rent a beautiful modern Hanbok from one of the many rental shops, take four-cut sticker photos in vintage-themed booths, and wander through alleys adorned with colorful murals. The contrast of sipping an artisanal matcha latte in a glass-walled cafe while gazing directly at the 200-year-old stone fortress walls is an experience entirely unique to Haenggung-dong.

Explore More of Suwon

To make the absolute most of your visit, proper planning is key. Whether you are looking for the exact cafes to rest your feet or planning an extended weekend stay, check out these comprehensive local guides:

• If you want to experience the sweet side of the neighborhood, check out: 🥐 Suwon Hwaseong: The Cutest Cafes & Bakeries Near Haenggung-dong!
• Looking to turn your day trip into an immersive weekend? Read: 🏯 Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: Your Perfect 2-Day Getaway from Seoul!
• For the best authentic dining experiences around the fortress walls, don’t miss: 10 Must-Try Korean Restaurants Near Suwon Fortress

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

Gi, Oh

Founder of Kculture.com and MA in Political Science. He shares deep academic and local insights to provide an authentic perspective on Korean history and society.