Step Into the Screen : The Best Filming Locations Near Seoul, K-Drama Holy Sites

Ever felt that “Main Character” energy while walking down a Seoul alleyway? Honestly, living in Korea, I feel it every day. From the neon-lit streets of Itaewon to the futuristic canals of Incheon, the city isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the beating heart of the stories we love. This guide explores the most iconic K-drama filming locations in Seoul and Incheon from the last decade, offering you a roadmap to relive the most emotional moments from hits like Itaewon Class, The Glory, and Queen of Tears. Whether you are a hardcore fan or a casual viewer, these spots provide a unique way to experience the “real” Korea.

1. Namsan & Itaewon: Where Ambition and Romance Meet
2. Seongsu-dong & Seun Sangga: Urban Grit and Modern Hype
3. Incheon: Future Cities and Shakespearian Revenge
4. Paju: A Portal to European Fantasy
5. The Ultimate K-Drama & Movie Location Master List (2016-2025)
6. Insider Tips for Your Filming Location Pilgrimage

Namsan & Itaewon: Where Ambition and Romance Meet

If there is one place that defines the “Seoul vibe” in dramas, it’s the area around Namsan Mountain. For fans of Itaewon Class, the Noksapyeong Overpass is holy ground. Standing there, looking toward Namsan Tower, you can almost feel Park Saeroyi’s determination. The view is especially magical at sunset when the city lights begin to flicker on.

Not far from the overpass is the famous Namsan Park. Recently, it gained even more fame through the Disney+ hit Moving and the action-packed scenes of The Uncanny Counter (often called K-pop Demon Hunters). If you want to dive deeper into the food and views of this landmark, check out this detailed guide on Seoul’s Namsan K-drama food and views, which covers everything from the iconic cable car to the famous Tonkatsu alley that the characters in Moving loved so much.

📌 Local Note: The Noksapyeong Overpass (195-1 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu) is just a 5-minute walk from Noksapyeong Station (Line 6). It’s the best spot for a “poster-style” photo with the tower in the background.

Seongsu-dong & Seun Sangga: Urban Grit and Modern Hype

Seoul’s evolution is best captured in Seongsu-dong and the historic Seun Sangga. Seongsu-dong, often called the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” was a key location for Moving and Doona!. Its red-brick warehouses and trendy cafes like Cafe Onion provide a hip, youthful atmosphere that feels incredibly “now.”

On the other hand, Seun Sangga offers a grittier, nostalgic side of the city. This massive electronics market served as the “Geumga Plaza” in Vincenzo. Walking through its narrow corridors, you can almost expect to see Vincenzo Cassano walking toward you in a tailored suit. It’s a fascinating mix of old industrial Seoul and new cultural spaces.

• Seun Sangga Address: 159 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
• What to do: Visit the rooftop of Seun Sangga for a panoramic view of the Jongno district and the nearby Jongmyo Shrine.

Incheon: Future Cities and Shakespearian Revenge

Incheon is where K-dramas go to look expensive or atmospheric. Cheongna Lake Park became a global destination thanks to The Glory. This is where the giant Go (Baduk) board set was built for the intense psychological battles between Moon Dong-eun and Ha Do-young. While the actual set was partially modified, the park itself remains a serene spot that captures the drama’s chilly yet beautiful aesthetic.

In contrast, Songdo Central Park offers a futuristic “New York-meets-Venice” vibe. Seen in Descendants of the Sun and more recently in Queen of Tears, its water taxis and skyscrapers make it a favorite for romance. It feels like a different world compared to the historic alleys of Seoul.

Location	Drama/Movie	Key Highlight
Cheongna Lake Park	The Glory	The “Baduk” (Go) Park vibe and night skyline.
Songdo Central Park	Queen of Tears	High-end luxury atmosphere and water taxis.
Incheon Art Platform	Goblin	Red brick buildings where Gong Yoo walked.

Paju: A Portal to European Fantasy

For those willing to travel just an hour outside Seoul, Paju is a treasure trove of fantasy backdrops. Cafe ZINO is a must-visit. You might recognize it as the “Quebec restaurant” from Goblin. The interior is so authentically European that you’ll forget you’re in Korea. It’s the perfect place to grab a hot chocolate and pretend you’ve just stepped through a magical door.

Another Paju gem is the Byeokchoji Gardens. This botanical garden has appeared in dozens of dramas, including Hotel Del Luna and Vincenzo. Its “Queen’s Garden” section looks like a scene from a Victorian novel, making it a favorite for fans of historical or fantasy romance.

💡 Pro Tip: Cafe ZINO (211-33 Saeori-ro, Paju-si) is quite secluded. I highly recommend using a taxi via the Kakao T app from Geumchon Station to get there comfortably.

The Ultimate K-Drama & Movie Location Master List (2016-2025)

To help you plan your “pilgrimage,” here is a comprehensive list of the most significant filming locations in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, including iconic spots in Suwon that have taken the world by storm.

Seoul Landmarks

• The Hyundai Seoul (Yeouido): The “Queens Department Store” in Queen of Tears. For a detailed guide on the luxury lifestyle featured here, see our Part 1 Guide.
• Jahamun Tunnel (Buam-dong): The iconic “class descent” stairs and tunnel from the Oscar-winning movie Parasite.
• DDP (Dongdaemun): Featured in Lovely Runner and My Love from the Star. Its spaceship-like exterior is a photographer’s dream.
• Bukchon Hanok Village: Specifically the “Bokjeong Well” area where Im Sol from Lovely Runner lived.
• Seongsu-dong Yeonmu-jang-gil: The main setting for Moving and Doona!, famous for its trendy industrial aesthetics.

Incheon & Gyeonggi-do

• Suwon Haenggung-dong (Haengnidan-gil): The “holy land” for fans of Lovely Runner (Im Sol’s house) and Extraordinary Attorney Woo (the famous Kimbap shop). For exact addresses and tips on visiting Suwon, check our Part 1 Guide.
• Suwon Banghwasuryujeong: A stunning picnic spot featured in Lovely Runner and Twenty-Five Twenty-One.
• Ilwol Arboretum (Suwon): The glass greenhouse that served as the “rooftop garden” in Queen of Tears.
• Aqua Planet Ilsan: The aquarium where the emotional proposal took place in Queen of Tears.
• Paradise City (Incheon): The luxury hotel from Hotel Del Luna and the “Heaven” island in Single’s Inferno.
• Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley (Incheon): The yellow-walled “Hanmi Bookstore” from Goblin.

Insider Tips for Your Filming Location Pilgrimage

Visiting these spots is exciting, but a little preparation goes a long way. Honestly, the most common mistake I see visitors make is relying solely on Google Maps. Here is how to navigate like a local:

1. Master the Transit Apps

Google Maps often struggles with walking directions in Korea. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap. You can search for the addresses provided in this article in English, and they will give you the exact bus or subway exit to use. For traveling between Seoul and Suwon, the KTX or the subway Line 1 are your best bets.

2. Timing and Crowds

Places like The Hyundai Seoul or Haenggung-dong are incredibly crowded on weekends. If you want a photo without a hundred strangers in the background, try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning right when they open. Suwon’s “Haengnidan-gil” is especially busy during the sunset hours as fans gather for “golden hour” photos.

3. Respect the Residents

Many of these locations, like the Parasite stairs in Buam-dong or Sol’s house in Suwon, are in quiet residential neighborhoods. Keep your voice down and avoid peeking into private windows. We want to keep these spots welcoming for fans for years to come!

Walking through these locations feels like bridging the gap between our favorite stories and our own lives. Whether you are standing on the Noksapyeong Overpass or sipping tea at Cafe ZINO, I hope you find that bit of K-drama magic you’re looking for. See you in the city!

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

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