Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul and Namhae: Behind the scenes of popular Korean drama 'True Beauty'

Prince Comic Rental Shop as appeared in “True Beauty” photos courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization ()

“True Beauty” the tvN drama starring Cha Eun-woo and Moon Ga-young, was popular for its fun mix of make-up and a sweet love story between the main characters. Most of the drama was filmed in the area of Bukchon Hanok Village, but Namhae also appeared as the main character’s date location. Visit these attractions to continue feeling “True Beauty.”

Seolli Skywalk

Seolli Skywalk in Namhae is where Su-ho (played by Cha Eun-woo) and Ju-kyung (played by Moon Ga-young) get closer to one another while on a date.

Seolli Skywalk is a new attraction of Namhae, built at 38 meters above the ground. The view of the surrounding area is stunning, especially the sunset when the weather is nice!

Another key feature of the skywalk is the swing installed at the end of the skywalk! If you’re curious what it felt like for the main characters to ride on this swing, try it out for yourself! It’s thrilling yet also freeing.

Seolli Skywalk

Address: 176, Misong-ro 303beon-gil, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 남해군 미조면 미송로303번길 176)
Directions: Take a taxi for approx. 35 min from Namhae Intercity Bus Terminal
Operating hours - Skywalk: 10:00-21:00, open all year round - Swing: 10:00-18:00, open all year round * Hours subject to change by season and weather
Fees - Skywalk: Adults 2,000 won / Children 1,000 won - Swing (skywalk admission included): Adults 6,000 won / Children 4,000 won * Adults (ages 19 & older) / Children (ages 7-18)

Sangju Silver Sand Beach

Sangju Silver Sand Beach appears in the scene where Ju-kyung and So-ho are running at the beach before receiving an urgent phone call from Seo-jun. This beach is very popular during the summer season for its deep navy colored waters and the pine forest backing the beach. As the name suggests, the beach’s sand is also very fine, with a silver sheen to it.

Sangju Silver Sand Beach

Address: 17, Sangju-ro, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 남해군 상주면 상주로 17)
Directions: Take a taxi for approx. 30 min from Namhae Intercity Bus Terminal
Operating hours: Open 24 hr
Website: sangjubeach.com (Korean only)

Bukchon area

Major scenes of the drama, including Ju-kyung’s school and dates with Su-ho, were filmed in the area of Bukchon, between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine. With such a large area of ground to cover, it can be hard to know where to start looking! We recommend Yunboseon Road, starting right at Exit 1 of Anguk Station on Seoul Subway Line 3. The road is lined with cafés, accessory shops, and historic attractions such as the residence of Yun Posun, the fourth president of Korea.

Walking aong Yunboseon Road, you’ll come across a comic shop inside a traditional hanok building. In the drama, this was Prince Comic Rental Shop, where Ju-kyung and Su-ho often met. In reality, it is an accessory shop, selling all sorts of items. It also operates a small café, with a menu including coffee drinks and other beverages.

The stone-wall road next to Prince Comic Rental Shop is another hidden filming site of “True Beauty.” This is the path Seo-jun often rode on his motorcycle. In spring, the path is beautifully carpeted with pink cherry blossom petals.

Ju-kyung’s house in the drama is actually a gallery called Susho. You’ll have seen the outside of this house often when Su-ho walked Ju-kyung home. Currently, the gallery is closed, but you can still enjoy the outside, just like Su-ho.

What appeared in “True Beauty” as Sebom High School was actually Choong Ang High School in Seoul. Passing the school bulletin board and heading up the hill, you’ll be greeted with Gothic architecture. Down the hill from the school is the filming set of Pandora Shop, the store operated by Ju-kyung’s mother.

Yunboseon Road

Address: Area of Yunboseon-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 윤보선길 일대)
Directions: Walk for approx. 5 min from Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1
Operating hours: Open 24 hr * Hours vary by facility; inquire in advance

Choa (Prince Comic Rental Shop)

Address: 31, Yunboseon-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 윤보선길 31)
Directions: Walk for approx. 2 min from Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1
Operating hours: 10:30-19:00, open all year round

Sosho

Address: 32-4, Buchon-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 북촌로6길 32-4) * Closed temporarily until further notice
Directions: Walk for approx. 10 min from Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1

Choong Ang High School

Address: 164, Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 창덕궁길 164)
Directions: Walk for approx. 15 min from Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1 * School currently closed to visitors to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Namsan Seoul Tower

Namsan Seoul Tower is where Ju-kyung went on the first snow of the year, remembering her promise to meet Su-ho there.

“I missed you so much, I thought I was dying,” is how Su-ho confesses his feelings when suddenly seeing Ju-kyung again. They are standing at the Love Lock zone of Namsan Seoul Tower’s outdoor terrace. Many couples come here to hang a lock together, signifying their everlasting love to one another. While here, be sure to also ride the Namsan Cable Car like Ju-kyung did. It offers a fantastic view of Seoul, especially at night when the city lights up.

Namsan Seoul Tower

Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105)
Directions: Take Circular Bus No. 02 or 04 from Dongguk Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6 or Circular Bus No. 02 from Chungmuro Station (Seoul Subway Line 3, 4), Exit 2 * Buses run in 7~12 min intervals, first bus 06:30 / last bus 22:45
Operating hours: Sunday-Friday 10:00-23:00 / Saturdays 10:00-24:00
Admission (observation deck): Adults 16,000 won / Children 11,000 won * Adults (ages 13 & older) / Children (ages 3-12)
Website: (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Namsan Cable Car

Address: 83, Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 소파로 83)
Directions: Walk for approx. 10 min from Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 4
Operating hours: 10:00-22:00, open all year round * Hours subject to extention on Fridays, Saturdays & public holidays
Fares - Round trip: Adults 13,000 won / Children & senior citizens 9,500 won - One-way: Adults 10,000 won / Children & senior citizens 7,000 won * Adults (ages 13-64) / Children (ages 3-12) / Senior citizens (ages 65 & older)
Website: (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)