Photos courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization ()
In 2023, two K-dramas rose to fame on Netflix! They were none other than “King the Land” and “See You in My 19th Life,” romantic dramas that featured all-star casts with interesting storylines. If you watched the dramas, the next step is to visit the filming locations. Stand where the stars stood to feel the romantic ambiance!
1. King the Land
“King the Land” tells the love story of Gu Won (played by Lee Jun-ho), the heir to King Hotel who is going through an inheritance dispute, and Cheon Sa-rang (played by Lim Yoon-a), a staff member working at the hotel. The drama drew extreme interest from the moment the cast was announced, since Lee Jun-ho and Lim Yoon-a are famous as members of K-pop groups 2PM and Girls Generation, respectively. The chemistry between the two only made the anticipation for the drama grow as each episode was released.
1) Sono Calm Jeju
Early in the drama, Gu Won and Sa-rang record a promotional video for King Hotel. Prior to this, the two often butted heads as Gu Won hates smiling, while Sa-rang is always smiling. However, looking out at the sunset, they share a moment with the same emotion.
This beautiful scene that makes you want to jump into your screen was filmed at Sono Calm Jeju, a resort in Seogwipo. The scene was recorded near the resort’s infinity pool. From here, you can enjoy the sunrise or sunset over the ocean, or take in the majestic Hallasan Mountain rising from the middle of the island. The resort also has a sauna, indoor swimming pool, and guestrooms in a variety of types, making it the perfect accommodation for all visitors.
The Heart Tree photo zone where Gu Won and Sa-rang took a photo together is also quite famous at the resort. The tree branches overhead make a heart shape, with many couples stopping here to get the perfect shot. The area is open to everyone, not just resort guests, so it’s a great addition to all travel itineraries!
Sono Calm Jeju details Address: 6347-17 Iljudong-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 표선면 일주동로 6347-17) Room rates: Standard family twin room 140,000-350,000 won (4 people basis) Inquiries: +82-2-1588-4888 Reservation website
2) Gapado Island
In the third episode, Gu Won and Sa-rang are forced to take shelter on an island due to unforeseen circumstances. They ride bicycles up to the observatory to look out over the island. Gu Won, who hates when people smile, tells Sa-rang to stop smiling, but she can’t help it because of her good nature. Secretly, Gu Won begins to feel conflicted each time he sees her beautiful smile.
This island episode was filmed on Gapado Island, a small island off the southern coast of Jeju. It takes just one hour and a half on foot or 30 minutes by bicycle to explore the whole island. In April, the whole island is a vibrant green color from the green barley fields. Visitors in June and July can enjoy colorful hydrangeas in full bloom, while fall visitors will be greeted by waves of orange cosmos. The island is only accessible via ferry from Unjin Port, so be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance.
Getting to Gapado Island
Unjin Port Address: 120 Choenamdanhaean-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 대정읍 최남단해안로 120) Ferry info - Seven ferries operate to Gapado Port and Unjin Port each (last ferry bound for Unjin Port departs at 16:30). - Reserved tickets must be picked up on-site at least 40 minutes before ferry departure. - On-site ticket sales close 10 minutes before ferry departure. - Foreigners must present their passport or registration card. Operating schedule Fare (round-trip): Adults 13,100 won / Children (ages 2 – elementary school student) 6,600 won Inquiries: +82-64-794-5490 Online reservations
Gapado Island bicycle rentals Location: 207 Gapa-ri, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 대정읍 가파리 207) * 2-min-walk from Gapado Dock Prices: Single bicycle 5,000 won / Tandem bicycle 10,000 won (Cash or wire transfer only)
3) Dae Jang Geum Park
Cheon Sa-rang played tour guide to a visiting Arabian prince. Falling for her beauty, the prince says he wants to do a traditional wedding ceremony with Sa-rang when touring the palace. Gu Won gets jealous and lies to the prince so that he can wear the traditional wedding clothes and do the ceremony with Sa-rang.
This scene, where you can feel their hearts beating, was filmed at Dae Jang Geum Park in Yongin. Started by “A Jewel in the Palace (2003),” one of the first big hallyu dramas, this park faithfully recreates traditional buildings and street views from the Three Kingdoms period to the Joseon dynasty. The park has been used as a filming location for popular historical dramas “Mr. Sunshine (2018)” and “The Red Sleeve (2021),” as well as BTS’ Suga’s “Daechwita” music video.
Dae Jang Geum Park details Address: 25 Yongcheon drama-gil, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 용인시 처인구 백암면 용천드라마길 25) Operating hours: March-October 09:00-18:00 / November-February 09:00-17:00 (Open all year round) Admission: Adults 9,500 won / Teenagers 8,000 won Inquiries: +82-31-337-3241 Website (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
4) Tando Port
The scene of Gu Won and Sa-rang walking along a road lined on both sides with a tidal mud flat, and large wind turbines in the distance was unforgettable. This is where Sa-rang gives a photo to Gu Won of his mother who he was separated from at a young age, and gives him the courage to find her again.
This scene was recorded at Tando Port in Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, famous for its sunset view. The paved road is covered in water when the tide rises, and then appears as if by magic as the waters recede. If you want to walk along the road like Gu Won and Sa-rang did, then you’ll need to check the tide times on the day of your visit, as they change daily. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the observation deck of Nueseom Island’s lighthouse. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful sunset.
Tando Port details Address: 717-5 Seongam-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 안산시 단원구 선감동 717-5) Tide times
2. See You in My 19th Life
“See You in My 19th Life” is a fantasy romance drama that focuses on Ban Ji-eum (played by Shin Hye-sun), a girl who can remember her previous lives, as she sets out to reconnect with Moon Seo-ha (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), her love from her 18th life. With a main character who can remember her past lives, the drama is able to show Korea through a long period of time, with many different filming locations!
1) Sea caves of Chaeseokgang Cliffs
We first meet Ji-eun as she stands in cave opening out to the sea, wearing a light blue dress. The contrast of the dark cave interior with the clear blue sky lends more mystery as she begins to tell the story of her life.
This scene was filmed by the sea cave of Chaeseokgang Cliff in Buan, Jeollabuk-do. This unique rock formation was created by waves endlessly eroding the softer rock sections of the cliff, showing the beauty and power of nature. The cave is extremely popular for taking silhouette photos. Because the cave is located on the cliff next to the ocean, you have to be very careful when climbing up the rocks. The cave is also inaccessible during high tide, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Chaeseokgang Cliff sea caves details Address: 1 Byeonsanhaebyeon-ro, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 부안군 변산해변로 1) Website Tide times * Best time to enter the cave is the two hours when the tide is low.
2) Borinara Hagwon Farm
During a war in a previous life, Ji-eun loses her child and runs aimlessly before collapsing in a field of buckwheat. In that moment, she comes to realize that the hard times will pass, and she will continue to live in a new place.
This scene of unraveling the mystery was filmed at Borinara Hagwon Farm in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do. This large farm grows green barley in spring, sunflowers and cosmos in summer, and buckwheat in fall. The farm hosts festivals during the peak of each season to enjoy the blooms to the full extent. The soft white buckwheat blossoms comforted Ji-eum, and will provide rest for your weary soul, too.
Borinara Hagwon Farm details Address: 154 Hagwonnongjang-gil, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 고창군 학원농장길 154) Operating hours: 09:00-18:30 Admission: Free Inquiries: +82-63-564-9897 Instagram: @hakwonfarm
3) Namsa Yedamchon Village
The two sub characters, Yoon Cho-won (played by Ha Yoon-kyung) and Ha Do-yoon (played by Ahn Dong-goo), hide their feelings for one another from each other. However, walking along the stone wall path of Namsa Yedamchon Village, they begin to speak a little more honestly with each other. Cho-won even gives a flower ring to Do-yoon, making viewers’ hearts skip a beat.
This scene was filmed at Namsa Yedamchon Village in Sancheong, Gyeongsangnam-do. The village has earned recognition as “Korea’s most beautiful village” and showcases the beautiful harmony created when hanok and nature coexist. In the drama, Cho-won and Do-yoon see the Pagoda Tree Couple, two large pagoda trees that appear like a couple embracing, as their trunks meet and cross. Myth has it that any couple who walks beneath these trees while holding hands will still be a couple in their next life.
Namsa Yedamchon Village details Address: 10 Jirisan-daero 2897beon-gil, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 산청군 단성면 지리산대로2897번길 10) Operating hours: Open 24 hrs Admission: Free Inquiries: +82-70-8199-7107
4) Mujinjeon Pavilion
Ji-eum and Seo-ha visit a pond to bring back memories of their first life. In their first life, their eyes met through a fire show over this pond. In this episode, the drama’s secret is revealed, like the lifting of a veil.
This beautiful fire show is a traditional fire show from the Joseon period, and is called nakhwanori, or “falling fire play.” Bags made of hanji (mulberry paper) are filled with charcoal powder and hung from many vines made from tree bark over a river before being set ablaze. The fire usually would burn for an hour or two, making a beautiful fire show that one could be mesmerized by. This scene in the drama was filmed at Mujinjeong Pavilion in Haman, Gyeongsangnam-do. The pavilion hosts the Nakhwanori Festival every year on Buddha’s Birthday (eighth day of the fourth month on the lunar calendar).
Mujinjeong Pavilion details Address: 25 Goesan 4-gil, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 함안군 함안면 괴산4길 25) Operating hours: Open 24 hrs Admission: Free Inquiries: +82-55-580-2551
More info 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)
* This content was last updated in December 2023, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.
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