If you have ever found yourself crying at 2 AM over a fictional couple or booking a flight to Incheon just because of a 15-second teaser, welcome to the club. As a fan living in Korea, I have seen how these stories transform ordinary streets into magical landmarks. This K-drama filming locations tour guide is designed to help you step inside your favorite scenes and experience the “real” Korea that goes beyond the screen. From the luxury of Seoul’s penthouses to the salty breeze of Pohang, let’s explore the must-visit spots for 2026.
- Seoul & Metropolitan Area: Luxury Life and Youthful Records
- Busan & Gyeongnam: Coastal Romance and Historical Legacy
- Jeonbuk & Namwon: Classic Beauty and First Love
- Practical Enthusiast Tips for Your 2026 Pilgrimage
Seoul & Metropolitan Area: Luxury Life and Youthful Records
Seoul is the heart of the K-drama world. Whether it’s the high-stakes world of chaebols or the heart-fluttering days of high school, the capital and its surrounding cities offer a perfect blend of modern glitz and nostalgic alleys.
Queen of Tears: The Queens Group Empire
In Queen of Tears, Hong Hae-in’s world is defined by absolute luxury. The Hyundai Seoul(108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul) served as the “Queens Department Store.” If you visit during the winter of 2025-2026, the 5th-floor Sounds Forest is a spectacle of massive Christmas markets and towering trees. Honestly, standing under that glass ceiling makes you feel like you’re about to lead a board meeting.
For a truly emotional experience, head to The River Bella Cucina in Banpo-dong. This is where Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in shared that poignant meal on the Han River. Pro tip: Use the ‘Catch Table’ app to book a window seat. The view of the water is exactly what Kim Soo-hyun praised during filming. To round off the “chaebol” experience, visit Conrad Seoul. Even if you don’t stay the night, grab a drink at 37 Grill & Bar to see the same panoramic Han River view the characters admired from their offices.
Lovely Runner: The Timeless Charm of Suwon
Suwon’s Haenggung-dong (Haengnidan-gil) has become a sanctuary for Lovely Runner fans. This is where Im Sol and Ryu Sun-jae lived across from each other. The centerpiece is Mongted (14 Hwaseomun-ro 48beongil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do), a charming cafe that served as the exterior of Sol’s house. I’ve seen many fans recreate the scene where Sol runs out to meet Sun-jae right in front of that iconic gate.
📌 Local Note: Directly across from the cafe is the “Blue Door House”—Sun-jae’s home. Since people actually live there, please be quiet and respectful while taking your photos. While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t miss out on the cutest cafes and bakeries near Haenggung-dong, and consider making it a 2-day getaway to explore Suwon Hwaseong Fortress fully.
Hierarchy: The Elite World of Jooshin High
The Incheon Global Campus provided the backdrop for the ultra-elite Jooshin High School in Hierarchy. Its futuristic and grand architecture perfectly captures the “old money” vibe of the show. Afterward, head back to Seoul to the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon’s Privilege Bar. Many of the show’s high-end party scenes were filmed here. It’s the best place to enjoy a cocktail while looking out over the Seoul skyline.
Busan & Gyeongnam: Coastal Romance and Historical Legacy
Moving south, the atmosphere shifts from the bustle of Seoul to the dramatic coastlines and historical estates of Busan and Gyeongsang-do.
Reborn Rich: Stepping into the Soonyang Family Estate
The legendary “Jeongsimjae” estate from Reborn Rich is actually the Busan Open Ceremony Hall (the former Mayor’s residence). The traditional Korean architecture and the vast, manicured gardens reflect the immense power of Chairman Jin Yang-chul. It is open to the public on weekdays, and walking through the garden feels like you’re part of a historical power struggle.
After your tour, I recommend Namcheon-dong Daidokoro. It’s a quiet, refined Japanese home-cooking spot nearby. It has that calm, sophisticated atmosphere that fits perfectly with the vibe of the drama’s elite characters.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha: Healing in Gongjin
Pohang is the soul of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. At Cheongha Market (382-3 Minam-ri, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do), you’ll find the “Coffee in the Daytime, Beer at Night” cafe building still standing. It instantly teleports you back to the healing days of Hye-jin and Chief Hong. For the ultimate shot, hike up to Mugeunbong Peak at Sabang Memorial Park to see the red boat perched on the hill.
| Drama Location | Key Scene / Highlight | Nearby Hotspot |
|---|---|---|
| Pohang Mugeunbong | Hong Ban-jang’s Boat on the Hill | Cafe ‘Repaint’ (Ocean View) |
| Cheongha Market | The Heart of Gongjin Village | Yoon Dental Clinic (Exterior) |
| Busan Jeongsimjae | The Soonyang Family Mansion | Daidokoro (Japanese Dining) |
Jeonbuk & Namwon: Classic Beauty and First Love
If you love the aesthetics of “First Love” or the poetic grace of historical dramas, the Jeolla province is your destination.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One: The Tunnel of Youth
In Jeonju, the Hanbyeok Tunnel (Hanbyeokgul) is where Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin shared some of their most heart-wrenching and hopeful moments. It’s an absolute “must” to take a silhouette photo from inside the tunnel looking out toward the entrance. Just down the road is Crossing Guesthouse, which was used for the exterior of Hee-do’s house. You can even stay overnight there to fully immerse yourself in the 90s nostalgia. Look for Hanbyeokdang (2 Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do) right next to the tunnel.
The Red Sleeve: Royal Romance at Gwanghanruwon
Namwon Gwanghanruwon (1447 Yocheon-ro, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do) is perhaps one of the most beautiful traditional gardens in Korea. It’s where the tragic yet beautiful romance of King Jeongjo and Uibin Seong unfolded in The Red Sleeve. The Wanwoljeong bridge is the iconic spot where their eyes met across the water. Here is a secret: if you wear a Hanbok, you often get free or discounted entry, and your photos will look like official drama posters!
Practical Enthusiast Tips for Your 2026 Pilgrimage
To make the most of your K-drama filming locations tour guide experience, here are a few “Local Insider” secrets for 2026:
- Master Public Transit: Navigating Korea is easy once you know the basics. For travel within the city, check out our guide on mastering the Seoul subway. For reaching filming spots by bus or using Kakao T, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions.
- Long-Distance Travel: When traveling between major cities like Seoul, Busan, or Jeonju to hit multiple filming spots, you’ll need to use the KTX or express buses. See our comprehensive guide on How to Use Public Transport in Korea for all the details.
- Use Naver & Kakao Maps: Unlike other countries, Google Maps isn’t the best here. Use Naver Maps or KakaoMap for the most accurate walking directions and bus arrival times.
- The “Drama Angle” Photography: When visiting spots like Hanbyeok Tunnel or Sol’s House, look for small stickers or QR codes on the ground. Sometimes local fans leave markers showing exactly where the camera stood during filming.
- Timing is Everything: Places like The Hyundai Seoul or Haenggung-dong get extremely crowded on weekends. Try to visit on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings to get that “main character” solo shot.
Traveling through these locations isn’t just about seeing a place; it’s about revisiting the emotions those stories gave us. Whether you’re standing in the “Queens” department store or running through a tunnel in Jeonju, I hope you feel the magic of the stories we all love so much. See you in Korea!
Korean Culture portal KCulture.com
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Founder of Nameinfra and MA in Political Science. He shares deep academic and local insights to provide an authentic perspective on Korean history and society.
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