The best Seoul travel guide for fans of K-dramas
Whether you’re a beginner to the Hallyu scene or a seasoned practitioner, it might be difficult to keep your thoughts from straying through the streets of Seoul. Such is the splendour of South Korea’s capital.
Some of the most well-known sites from your favourite K-dramas are wonderful destinations for a first-time tourist to see. Here is a Seoul travel guide written by a K-drama fan (that would be me!).
Here are some suggestions for what you might include in a Seoul travel guide for fans of K-dramas:
- A list of popular K-drama filming locations in Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Recommendations for K-drama-themed tours or activities, such as visiting K-drama filming sets or taking a K-drama-inspired food tour.
- Suggestions for where to stay in Seoul, such as neighbourhoods with a high concentration of drama filming locations or hotels that have been featured in K-dramas.
- Ideas for what to do and see in Seoul beyond just K-drama-related activities, such as visiting temples, shopping at local markets, or trying traditional Korean cuisine.
- Tips on how to get around the city, including information on the subway system and recommendations for public transportation passes.
- Information on the culture and customs of Seoul, including advice on how to show respect in local temples and traditional Korean homes.
Now that we know what to do when we are in Seoul, let us take a quick peek into the places that are the most attractive and travel-worthy when you are here. These would be the ideal Seoul landmarks.
Namsen Tower
Namsan Tower, also known as the Namsan Seoul Tower or the Seoul Tower, is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul, South Korea. The tower stands at 236.7 meters (778 feet) tall and offers panoramic views of the city from its observation decks and restaurants. It is a popular tourist attraction in Seoul, with over 3 million visitors each year.
In addition to its observation decks and restaurants, Namsan Tower also has a digital observatory, a Hanbok photo studio, and a Teddy Bear Museum. It is also a popular spot for couples to visit, as it is traditional to write your love wishes on a lock and attach it to the tower’s “Locks of Love” fence.
The best location in Seoul to obtain a fantastic perspective of the city without having to walk far is the Namsan Tower, also referred to as the N Seoul Tower by tourists. The outdoor elevator is the reason of this. Dates at this renowned spot can be seen in numerous K-drama programmes. This area has featured protagonists anxiously waiting for their lady loves against the backdrop of magnificent snowfall and bright city lights, from Joon Jae in The Legend of the Blue Sea to Goo Jyon-Piyo in Boys Over Flowers.
The cable car ride to the tower offers beautiful nighttime aerial views of the city from September through November, as well as panoramic views of the fall foliage during the day. As Song-Yi and Min-Jun did in their movie, My Love from the Star, don’t forget to hang your padlock on the Love Lock Bridge’s handrails.
Lotte World
Lotte World is a major recreation complex in Seoul, South Korea. It consists of an indoor theme park, an outdoor theme park, a shopping mall, a luxury hotel, and a folk museum. It is the largest indoor theme park in the world, covering an area of over 1.4 million square meters.
Lotte World’s indoor theme park, known as the Adventure section, features over 40 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, spinning rides, and a parade. The outdoor theme park, called the Magic Island, is home to more thrill rides and also includes a lake with water-based attractions. The shopping mall, called Lotte World Mall, has over 300 stores and a department store. The Lotte World Hotel is a 5-star hotel located within the complex, and the Lotte World Folk Museum is a traditional Korean village exhibit.
It is lively, alluring, and gorgeous all year long, but the spring, when cherry blossoms adorn the streets, is especially lovely. The whimsical Camelot Carousel, with its 64 lovely white horses prancing up and down at a slow pace, offers the ideal carnival experience. Enjoy corn dogs and bumper cars like Kang Tae-Mu and Shin Ha-Ri from Business Proposal, or show off your skills on the ice rink like Han Seo-Jun and Im Ju-Kyung from True Beauty. Cross a bridge from the indoor World Adventure area to the outdoor Magic Island to reach the most beautiful position with a view of the Lotte World Castle.
You may almost “touch” life-size hand impressions of all your favourite K-pop and K-drama stars on the Star Avenue, which is part of Lotte World. Prepare to watch interactive videos on big digital screens wherever you go, and shop here for never-before-seen fan stuff. This is what paradise looks like for a K-pop fan.
Itaewon
Itaewon is a neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea, known for its diverse international community and vibrant nightlife. It is a popular destination for tourists, as it is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops catering to different cultures and tastes.
Itaewon is also known for its many halal restaurants, making it a popular destination for Muslim travelers visiting Seoul. In addition to its food and entertainment offerings, Itaewon is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Hamilton Hotel and the Itaewon Freedom Museum.
Itaewon is easily accessible from the rest of the city, as it is served by several subway lines and is close to major transportation hubs.
After making an appearance in the Park Seo-Joon series Itaewon Class, a blockbuster success on Netflix, it shot to the top of travellers’ must-see lists. The neighbourhood of Itaewon is a maze of streets lined with hip and intriguing beer bars, BBQ joints, independent stores, adorable boutiques, clubs, and other businesses. Itaewon, formerly shunned by locals as a seedy red-light district, is now seen as crucial to any trip to Seoul. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Itaewon, take a look at the G Guest House. Its architecture is unassuming yet aggressive and distinctive.
Crossing the Noksapyeong Bridge, where Park Seo-Joon, the male lead in the K-drama Itaewon Class, regularly went for walks, don’t be surprised if you come to a stop. It’s conceivable that a huge group of punk dancers will block the road with their quick movements. It’s a common scene around here, especially on the weekends after dark.
The Han River
The Han River, also known as the Han Gang, is a major river in South Korea that flows through the capital city of Seoul. The Han River is approximately 480 kilometers (298 miles) long and is an important transportation and recreational corridor for the city.
The Han River is a popular destination for recreational activities in Seoul, such as picnics, jogging, and cycling. There are several parks located along the river, including Yeouido Hangang Park and Ttukseom Hangang Park, which offer a variety of outdoor amenities, such as playgrounds, water sports, and barbecue areas.
In addition to its recreational uses, the Han River is also an important transportation route, with several bridges crossing the river and a number of ferries and boats operating on it. It is also a popular spot for fireworks displays and other events, such as the annual Han River Cruise Festival.
Do you remember the picnic date between Do Bong Soon and Ahn Min-endearing Hyuk from Strong Women? Or the scene where Kang Ji-Hwan and Yoon Eun-Hye are seen floating down the river in adorable duck boats from the movie Lie to Me?
You can vividly revisit these recollections, in addition to a great deal more, at the Han River. There are numerous activities available here. Get ready for kayaking and flyboarding on the water. Fishing for largemouth bass and swimming are both permitted in the freshwater river. A 570-meter-long fountain with whirling, rainbow-colored water jets may be found at the Banpo Bridge, where 200 lights project a fountain. Or you could just spend a beautiful summer night camping by the Han River.
Tents, round-the-clock showers, grills, and hot, fresh ramyeon served in disposable foil tins are among the campground’s facilities. Other campers are frequently serenaded by live music performed on-site. The Han River divides the city physically, yet it actually strengthens Seoul’s community.
Every year in October, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival presents a magnificent fireworks display on the Han River banks, which is complemented by music and laser lights.
Yeongjin Beach in Gangneung
Yeongjin Beach is a popular beach located in Gangneung, a city on the east coast of South Korea. It is known for its clean, sandy beach and clear blue waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Yeongjin Beach is also home to a number of beachside amenities, such as restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is a popular destination for tourists, as it is close to several other popular attractions in Gangneung, such as the Anmok Beach coffee street and the Ojukheon House.
In addition to its natural beauty, Yeongjin Beach is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites, such as the Yeongjin Beach Observatory and the Yeongjin Beach Museum. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
If you want to replicate the happiness of the Shin-Tak marriage from the well-liked Korean show Goblin, take notes. The most well-known scene, in which Ji Eun-Tak first summons Kim Shin on her birthday, was filmed at this beach, at one of the five (now particularly recognised by a signboard) rocky piers on a breakwater by the sea. It takes 2.5 hours to get to this lovely white-sand beach from Seoul, but it’s worth the trip for the calm waves and shallow blue waters. Take in the sea breeze and put your hands into the crystal-clear water to gather some shells to take home as souvenirs.
As more people try to recreate the Goblin scene that was recorded here, many nearby businesses are renting out items like the red scarves and buckwheat flower bouquets shown in the programme.
Bukchon Hanok village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located in Seoul, South Korea. It is a neighborhood of narrow alleys and traditional houses, known as hanoks, that have been preserved to give visitors a sense of what life was like in olden times.
Bukchon Hanok Village is a popular tourist destination in Seoul, as it offers a unique contrast to the modern city that surrounds it. Visitors can tour the hanoks, which have been converted into museums, guesthouses, and cultural centers, and learn about the history and culture of Korea.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Bukchon Hanok Village is also a popular spot for photography, as its narrow streets and traditional architecture make for picturesque backdrops. It is located on the north side of Cheonggyecheon Stream and is easily accessible from the rest of the city.
The easiest and quickest way to travel back in time to Korea’s ostentatious Joseon Dynasty, which lasted from 1392 to 1897, is to visit the Bukchon Hanok Village. In addition to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, there are numerous hanoks to be found here (traditional Korean homes). The most well-known is Sanggojae, who plays Park Gae-home in the 2010 K-drama Personal Taste.
Through its cultural institutions and museums, this 600-year-old urban colony, which is peppered with houses with pagoda-style roofs enhanced by slightly climbing eaves, protects Korean heritage. You will recognise Bukchon-Ro 11-Gil, the village’s main street, with its red and gray stone walls.
Many K-drama characters, including those from Twelve Nights and She Was Pretty, have occasionally been seen walking down this street.
There are hanbok rental stores in the royal complex that provide voluminous, delicate, long-sleeved traditional garments as well as hairstyling solutions. The traditional dress of Korea is called the hanbok. Dress the part, and swirl around as though you’re on a real royal vacation.
Paradise City Hotel & Resort
Paradise City Hotel & Resort is a luxury hotel and casino resort located in Incheon, South Korea. The resort is located near Incheon International Airport and offers a variety of amenities, including multiple hotels, a casino, a spa, a golf course, and several restaurants and bars.
The resort’s casino is one of the largest in South Korea, featuring over 400 game tables and 1,500 slot machines. The hotel also offers a variety of accommodation options, including standard rooms, suites, and villas. The resort’s spa offers a range of beauty and wellness treatments, and the golf course is a popular spot for both local and visiting golfers.
Paradise City Hotel & Resort is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering a range of entertainment and relaxation options. It is located about 30 minutes by car from central Seoul.
The lavish Paradise City, which is close to Incheon International Airport, has everything urban travellers could possibly need for hospitality and entertainment, including the biggest casino in the country, a convention centre, an indoor amusement park, a sizable duty-free shopping mall, and a five-star boutique hotel. Paradise City served as the location for the Willy Wonka-like amusement park and other scenes from the fantasy-romance drama series Hotel Del Luna.
In the parallel universe of the South Korean drama The King: Eternal Monarch, Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho) stays in the Grand Deluxe Pool Villa while visiting the Republic of Korea. The oddly built Chroma, one of Asia’s biggest nightclubs, has four floors and offers a different ambience on each. There have also been performances by international artists, including Steve Aoki and DJ Afrojack.
Consider getting a jjimjilbang at Cimer, a spa in Paradise City. The pinnacle of elegance and relaxation may be found in the bathhouse that features a traditional Korean kiln sauna. It is lined with hinoki charcoal or Himalayan pink salt crystals. Enjoy a drink and the sunset while spending the evening by the infinity pool.
Myeongdong Shopping Centre
Myeongdong is a shopping and entertainment district in Seoul, South Korea, known for its bustling streets, colorful neon lights, and wide variety of shopping and dining options. Myeongdong is particularly popular with young people and tourists, and is known for its cosmetics stores, clothing boutiques, and street food vendors.
Myeongdong is also home to several department stores, such as Lotte Department Store and Shinsegae Centum City, which are popular for their wide range of products and their food courts, offering a variety of local and international cuisines.
In addition to its shopping and dining options, Myeongdong is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites, such as Myeongdong Cathedral and the Myeongdong Nanta Theatre, which offers non-verbal percussion performances. It is easily accessible from the rest of the city, as it is served by several subway lines.
The underground Myeongdong shopping complex is made up of a mix of charming shops that offer eye-catching things in all types and sizes, including K-drama memorabilia. Just wait until you see the size of the K-drama and K-pop industries if you thought the world of K-dramas was large. As you prepare to become hallyu-cinated, stock up on the best K-pop light sticks, holiday cards, pop sockets, scarves, vinyl records, photobooks, keychains, cushions, pins, fridge magnets, mascot plushies, deco tapes, Lomo cards, and more.
The list goes on and on. There are also fan membership kits. If you liked the earrings and hairpins the heroes wore, you’re in for a treat. Each item in the shops here has a picture of the shop next to it on the screen to help you make a decision. Spend all you want because Myeongdong shopping is also eligible for fast tax refunds.
To assist you in recovering from your shopping exhaustion, The Alley, which is close to the shopping arcade, sells bubble tea. The King: Eternal Monarch is credited with making bubble tea, which is offered here, more well-known.
Taean-gun
Taean-gun is a county in the province of Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. It is located on the west coast of the Korean peninsula and is known for its agricultural and fishing industries. Taean-gun is home to several popular tourist attractions, including the Taean Haean National Park, the Anmyeon Island Beach, and the Taean Tulip Festival.
Taean-gun is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites, such as the Chamsil Petroglyphs and the Geumgang Estuary. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, as it offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and beachcombing.
Taean-gun can be easily accessed from the rest of the country by car or public transportation, as it is located near several major roads and highways and is served by a number of bus and train routes.
The fictional rural North Korean town of Taean is where Captain Ri from Crash Landing on You resides. Three hours of driving from Seoul will take you to the charming village. Fans of Jin-Bin are welcome to meander through the neighbourhood, admire Ri Jeong Hyeok’s sage-fence residence, and take in the love.
Go to the Haebyeongil, a 100-kilometer-long network of trails that run through Taean, after you have filled a hole the size of a crash landing in your heart. The trails are divided into seven sections, and they feature day-long excursions that pass through fishing communities, hills, and beaches. Finally, savour the magnificent sunset as it sets beyond Sinduri’s sand dunes.
When arranging travel arrangements to this picturesque village, keep in mind that the Taean Tulip Festival, the largest flower festival in Korea, is held every year from mid-April to mid-May. Thousands of tulips, along with daffodils and lilies, are displayed next to replicas of well-known international structures, like the Eiffel Tower, an Egyptian pyramid, and a Dutch windmill.
Note from the author: It’s normal to get swept up in the allure of K-dramas and their beloved characters, but don’t count on it working in real life. Having said that, I do have plans to travel to these locations in the future. Happy travelling!
BBQ Olive Chicken Café
Do not miss the BBQ Olive Chicken at the café. The Goblin Korean Fried Chicken Café is another name for it. Sunny owned and operated this restaurant in the South Korean drama Goblin. It is stated that this is where you can find the tastiest tub of wonderful chimaek, the Korean equivalent of fried chicken and beer. Going to Chimaek on a weeknight is a tradition for young Koreans to unwind after a successful day at work and build friendships over more than 11 varieties of fried chicken.
This café looks just like it did in the drama, complete with a crazy blue entrance and floor tiles that look old. Large glass window panels allow you to view the city from this busy metropolis’s center-located three-story fast food establishment.
The wait staff at the BBQ Olive Chicken Café is outfitted in Sunny’s uniform from the entire series, and the restaurant sports the infamous black fedora that Lee Dong Wook may have worn in Goblin.