[Updated: 15 October 2021]
Bucket lists don't just have to be exciting adventures - sometimes it's amazing just to be able to visit places you've only ever seen on your TV screen! It's just like watching the drama come to life - who knows, you might run into your own Koo Chan-sung or Ri Jeong-hyuk there. ?
With so many K-dramas and locations in Seoul, you're definitely spoilt for choice if you want to walk on the spot where your favourite actor or actress once did. If you've spent the last week binge-watching the latest dramas, this is exactly the list for you - here are 9 stunning (and IG-worthy!) spots where your favourite K-drama scenes were filmed! ? Each spot is also near a halal or Muslim-friendly eatery for extra convenience!
Gyeongbokgung Palace & surrounds
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung is one of the landmarks every visitor to Seoul has to see at least once. ? It's appeared in hit series including Goblin and My Sassy Girl, with different parts of the palace being showcased too. If you're planning on renting out a hanbok for that authentic Seoul experience, the ancient buildings will give you that Joseon dynasty atmosphere for the perfect photo op!
Don't just linger near the main guardhouses - the entire palace complex is full of beautiful buildings to snap a photo with! Take your cue from My Sassy Girl, which was filmed at the Chwihyanggyo Bridge leading to the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. The pavilion is decorated in shades of red and green, and you'll feel like you've been transported back in time! While you can't cross onto the bridge itself, it's still a great place for a photo op. ?
Dramas: Goblin, My Sassy Girl, Queen In-hyun's Man, Legend of the Blue Sea
Entrance Fees: KRW3,000 (Visitors aged 19-64), KRW1,500 (Visitors aged 7-18), FOC (Children under 6, or seniors above 65)
Opening Hours: 9AM - 5PM (Nov-Feb), 9AM - 6PM (Mar-May), 9AM - 6.30PM (Jun-Aug), 9AM - 6PM (Sep-Oct)
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearby halal food: Halal Kitchen
Cuisine: Korean
Halal Status: Muslim-owned. Prayer facilities available in the establishment but do bring your own prayer mat and prayer garments.
Average Price: KRW15,000
Opening Hours: 12PM - 3PM, 5PM - 8PM (Wed-Mon, daily break between 3PM - 5PM), closed on Tuesdays
Address: 86-4, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03053 South Korea
Contact: +82 2-733-3106
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
There are several Hanok villages around Seoul, which refer to the traditional Korean 'hanok' houses that have been preserved as a cultural heritage of the city. The most popular Hanok is definitely Bukchon, which is a mix of residential buildings, guesthouses, cafes, and small art galleries.
Hanok villages have made appearances in some dramas such as Personal Taste, Hotel Del Luna, Coffee Prince, and Her Private Life, but their traditional look also makes them the perfect backdrop if you want to go back in time to the days of your favourite historical drama! ? The Baek In-Je House Museum showcases a traditional family house and is a great photo spot that's also educational.
You can find shops renting out traditional hanbok outfits nearby Hanok villages, and it's super common to find locals and visitors alike exploring the neighbourhood clad in the colourful skirts and jackets. Some shops even offer matching headscarves that are hijabi-friendly.
P.S. Do keep your voice down while you're exploring. The Hanoks are still residential areas after all!
Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37 (계동)). This address is for Bukchon Hanok village. Click here for more information on other Hanok villages around Seoul.
Nearby halal food: Halal Kitchen
Cuisine: Korean
Halal Status: Muslim-owned. Prayer facilities available in the establishment but do bring your own prayer mat and prayer garments.
Average Price: KRW15,000
Opening Hours: 12PM - 3PM, 5PM - 8PM (Wed-Mon, daily break between 3PM - 5PM), closed on Tuesdays
Address: 86-4, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03053 South Korea
Contact: +82 2-733-3106
3. Ihwa Mural Village
We’ve probably all heard of streets filled with murals but Seoul takes it a notch higher by dedicating an entire neighbourhood to murals! Ihwa village underwent a make-over in 2006 as the government wanted to revitalise the old neighbourhood. With the help of local artists, interesting and colourful mural paintings and mosaics decorated the walls of the village and staircases, turning the area into a treasure trove of Instagram-worthy spots.
The murals have appeared in some top dramas such as Doctors and Goblin, but you can step into a K-drama scene of your own by popping into one of the small, chic cafes for a cup of delicious coffee. ? Do note that there are no halal-certified eateries in the village, and we recommend you check with café staff before ordering any meals.
The steep steps around the village are also giving us major 'Parasite' vibes. ? Even though these aren't the exact steps where Parasite was filmed, you can snap a lookalike shot before leaving!
Dramas: My First First Love, Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon, Goblin, Doctors
Address: 49 Naksan 4-gil, Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울특별시 종로구 낙산4길 49 (이화동 9-416))
Nearby halal food: Nirosha Indian Restaurant Halal Food
Cuisine: Indian
Halal Status: Only halal ingredients used. Alcoholic beverages are served, but alcohol is not used in meals.
Average Price: KRW11,000
Opening Hours: Open daily; 11AM - 10PM
Address:43 Dongsung-gil, Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Contact: +82 70-8175-8877
4. Seoul Fortress Wall
Credit: VisitSeoul.net
Near Namsan Tower, the historic wall was built to protect Seoul from invaders but now the Seoul Fortress Wall is a widely popular K-drama filming location. Along the wall, there's also a park where in Itaewon Class, Park Saeroyi and Jo Yiseo's cute date was filmed here. If you were to come by here, we definitely recommend coming at night to enjoy the breathtaking view of Seoul's night life.
Dramas: Itaewon Class, Love Alarm, The Inheritors
Address: Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. Gwanghwamun Square
Credit: tvN
Gwanghwamun Square is a public space located in the heart of Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu. The square is famous for its two statues of King Sejong of the Great Joseon and Admiral Yi Sunshin. As depicted in the first episode of The King: Eternal Monarch starring the dashing actors, Lee Minho and Kim Goeun, this place is just as beautiful in real life. It's the perfect place to just take in the hectic and cheery city life of Seoul.
Dramas: The King: Eternal Monarch, Memories of the Alhambra, The Last Empress, Radio Romance, One Spring Night
Address: 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hongdae
6. Gyeongui Line Forest Park
Any fan of K-dramas will recognize this familiar scene: the main leads strolling down a boulevard lined with trees, taking a casual walk together as their relationship (and the plot!) develops. ? Gyeongui Line Forest Park is one park in Seoul that's been used as a popular spot for these walks across dramas including Goblin! The park was built on the location of the former Gyeongui railway, and it's become a multi-purpose area that's popular for laidback family outings.
The park is nearby Hongik University subway station, making it just a short walk away from the Hongdae neighbourhood. Perfect for taking a break mid-shopping spree, or for recharging once you've crossed everything off your shopping list. Buy yourself a delicious platter from the Halal Guys, and sit down for a picnic with your travel buddies!
P.S. Don't confuse this with the Gyeongui Line Plaza which is 2 subway stops away.
Dramas: Goblin, Her Private Life, I'm Not A Robot
Address: 147-89 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
7. Hongdae playground
This small playground is one of the Hongdae neighbourhood's iconic landmarks. Flea markets are held here on Sundays (do note they may not take place during winter due to cold weather), and you can find buskers and street performers showing off their talents every evening too.
Get in touch with your inner child playing around on the slides, or simply chill out and enjoy the live performances happening around you. ?
Dramas: Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Coffee Prince, Romance Is A Bonus Book, A Gentleman's Dignity
Address: 19-3, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
8. Cafés
Another popular filming spot in K-dramas are cafés and coffee shops. From chain stores such as Dal.komm and Hollys Coffee to small independent cafés, the strong coffee culture in Seoul has made it easy to find a spot for your next caffeine break around any corner. ? Do note that these cafés are not halal-certified, and we recommend you check with the staff about ingredients before buying any meals!
Thanks, Oat is a yoghurt and granola café that has appeared in the drama 'Romance Is A Bonus Book'. Lee Na-young and Wi Ha-joon's characters bump into each other outside its minimalist white entrance - make sure to snap a photo with its simple exterior!
Address: 68 Seongmisan-ro 23-gil, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울특별시 마포구 연남동 375-113)
Dramas: Romance Is A Bonus Book
The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince café was the location for ... you guessed it - the drama Coffee Prince! This K-drama classic is still a favourite spot for fans of the shows, and since it's located in Hongdae it's super convenient to add it in amidst your shopping. ? If you only found out about the actor Gong Yoo from his recent work in Goblin you might want to check out Coffee Prince which was another of his hit dramas back in 2007!
Address: 337-2, Seogyo-dong
Dramas: Coffee Prince
Green Cloud Coffee Shop has actually appeared in several K-dramas including Goblin, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, and Suits! ? Seoulites love their chic cafés, and the clean minimalist look of this café definitely gives it major hipster points. Given that it's appeared in so many dramas and has become a mainstay for K-drama locations, it's definitely a must-visit for any K-drama fan!
Address: 138 Wausan-ro, Changjeon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울 마포구 와우산로 138 (창전동 6-4))
Dramas: Goblin, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, Romance Is A Bonus Book, I'm Not A Robot, Suits
Nearby halal food: The Halal Guys (Hongdae branch)
Cuisine: Western
Halal Status: Only halal-certified ingredients used. No alcohol served or used. We recommend you dine at your own discretion.
Average Price: KRW11,900
Opening Hours: 11AM - 10PM (Sun-Thurs), 11AM - 4AM (Fri-Sat)
Address: 159-5 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울특별시 마포구 동교동 159-5)
Contact: +82 2-332-1802
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Itaewon
9. Grand Hyatt Seoul
This luxurious hotel sits near downtown Seoul - but don't worry if you can't fit a stay there into your schedule. Many of the K-drama scenes have happened at the public spaces here so you can pay the hotel a visit without breaking the bank. ?
You might recognize the ice skating rink from Boys Over Flowers, and if you're visiting Seoul in winter you can even pay for a 2-hour ice skating afternoon of your own (from KRW20,000). The rink transforms into an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, and some scenes from What's Wrong With Secretary Kim and Goblin were filmed at the pool and in the interior of the hotel too.
Dramas: What's Wrong With Secretary Kim, Boys Over Flowers, Goblin
Address: 322 Sowol-ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearby halal food: The Halal Guys (Itaewon branch)
Cuisine: Western
Halal Status: Only halal-certified ingredients used. No alcohol served or used. We recommend you dine at your own discretion.
Average Price: KRW11,900
Opening Hours: 11AM - 10PM (Sun-Thurs), 11AM - 4AM (Fri-Sat)
Address: Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Itaewon-ro, 187 이태원역 2번출구 2층
Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Banpo Bridge
The Banpo Bridge at Banpo Hangang Park is a popular all-day spot for Seoulites to cycle, enjoy the tranquillity of the Han river, or just sit and enjoy the fountain water display once the sun goes down.
Recreate your favourite scenes from Suits, Boys Over Flowers and more by taking a walk along the riverside.
Dramas: Hotel Del Luna, Suits, Boys Over Flowers
Fountain show timetable:
April-June and September-October: Mon-Fri; 12PM, 9PM, 9.30PM, 10PM, Sat-Sun; 12PM, 8.30PM, 9PM, 9.30PM, 10PM
July-August: Mon-Fri; 12PM, 8.30PM, 9PM, 9.30PM, 10PM, Sat-Sun; 12PM, 8.30PM, 9PM, 9.30PM, 10PM, 10.30PM
Address: 40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Banpo 2(i)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearby halal food: Makan Halal Korean Restaurant
Cuisine: Korean
Halal Status: Halal-certified. Next to the Itaewon mosque.
Average Price: KRW10,000
Opening Hours: 10.30AM - 10PM (Wed-Mon), closed on Tuesdays
Address: 52 Usadan-ro 10 gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04407 South Korea
Yongsan-gu
11. Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)
N Seoul Tower is one of the city's most famous landmarks - no wonder it's appeared in so many dramas! ? The tower also made an appearance in the teaser trailer for Hotel Del Luna, and several K-pop groups have even filmed parts of their variety shows there.
Whether you're on a trip with your sweetheart, BFFs, or family, snap a photo with the love locks at the top of the tower for a sweet K-drama worthy experience.
Dramas: A Korean Odyssey, Boys Over Flowers, My Love From The Star
Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearby halal food: Kampungku
Cuisine: Malaysian/Indonesian/Korean
Halal Status: Muslim-owned. Prayer facilities available in the establishment, including prayer garments.
Average Price: KRW8,000
Opening Hours: Open daily; 11AM - 10PM
Address: 25 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04629
Contact: +82 2 310 9249
Seodaemun-gu
12. Sinchon Graffiti Tunnel
It's safe to say that a trip to Seoul without visiting the famous Sinchon Graffiti Tunnel is unfathomable! If anyone remembers the one of the iconic Goblin scenes where Kim Shin and The Grim Reaper walked stunningly with bags of groceries before a motorcycled honked at them was filmed here! With long black coats and great lighting, you could recreate the scene with your friends here ?
Dramas: Goblin, My First First Love, Touch Your Heart, While You Were Sleeping
Address: Sinchon Graffiti Tunnel, Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Looks like you now have more spots to work into your Seoul itinerary. ? Thankfully with so many photogenic spots around the city, you won't have any trouble hitting the K-drama jackpot!