Drama filming spots in Seoul

Places like N Seoul Tower on Namsan, Bukchon Hanok Village, the streets of Itaewon, Han River parks and Cheonggyecheon stream have appeared in many dramas. Seoul combines palaces with modern streets, so everything from historical to contemporary dramas is shot there. Check the city's official tourism information or film commission for specific titles; most spots are reachable by subway.

N Seoul Tower is one of the city's signature views, so it has appeared in many romance dramas, and My Love from the Star (2013 to 2014) made it especially famous among international fans. The observatory and the railings covered with love locks often feature in date scenes. You can go up by cable car, bus or on foot.

Around N Seoul Tower, couples hang padlocks with their names on the railings as a promise of love. Frequent appearances in dramas and variety shows turned the spot into a tourist attraction. Follow on-site guidance about where locks can be attached, and please do not toss keys over the edge or leave litter behind.

Bukchon is a residential neighbourhood where people live in traditional hanok houses, so walk quietly and do not peer into homes. Jongno District has restricted tourist visiting hours in parts of the area to protect residents' daily lives. Check official Jongno or Seoul city information for the permitted hours before you go.

As its title suggests, Itaewon Class (2020) is set in Seoul's Itaewon area in Yongsan District, and its streets and hillside lanes appear on screen. The places used for the characters' bar may have changed since filming. The area mixes shops and homes, so explore with consideration for residents.

Han River parks are where Seoul residents walk, cycle, picnic on mats and eat convenience store ramyeon, so they naturally appear in dramas. The bridges and riverside night views make them popular for confession scenes too. There are several parks, such as Yeouido, Banpo and Ttukseom Hangang Parks, easily reached by subway.

Cheonggyecheon is a stream running through downtown Seoul that was restored and turned into a walking path. It often appears in dramas for city date scenes or walks home after work. The stream is lit up at night, and it is easy to explore on foot starting near Gwanghwamun.

Ihwa Mural Village is a residential neighbourhood below Naksan, known for murals and stairways featured in dramas and variety shows. Noise from visitors has caused residents real distress in the past, so explore quietly. Do not photograph people's homes, and stick to public paths.

Most Seoul filming locations are reachable by subway and bus, and a single transit card makes transfers easy. For hilltop spots, local village buses are convenient. Checking the exact exit number in a map app helps you avoid getting lost, especially at large interchange stations.

Seoul has five royal palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung. They appear as backdrops in both historical and modern dramas. Filming inside them is permitted only on a limited basis to protect the heritage. Check each palace's official visitor information before you go.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Road is a walking path along the palace's stone walls, lined with trees and historic buildings, which makes it a favourite for romantic scenes. It is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change colour. Being close to City Hall Station, it fits easily into a downtown walk.

Seongsu-dong is full of cafés and shops in converted factories and warehouses, giving modern dramas a stylish backdrop. It is popular with young people, so it is also used for date scenes. Shops change frequently in this area, so check before visiting a particular spot you saw on screen.

Group spots by area: for example, a downtown route with Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Cheonggyecheon, and a riverside route with Han River parks and Namsan. Visiting locations in the same district on one day is efficient. Leave enough time for public transport transfers between them.

Gwanghwamun Square and the City Hall area often appear in political, legal and news-related dramas to represent the heart of the city. Office towers alongside palace gates create a distinctly Seoul landscape. The area can get crowded on days when rallies or events are held.

Places overlooking the city lights, such as Namsan, the Han River bridges and the fortress wall trail in Naksan Park, often appear in night scenes. After dark, stick to well-lit paths for safety. Visibility depends on the season and weather, including fine dust levels on some days.

The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on Banpo Bridge sends illuminated water jets from both sides of the bridge and has appeared in Han River date scenes. It runs on a seasonal schedule at set times, so check official information first. Banpo Han River Park offers a good viewing spot.

You can see traditional hanok in Bukchon, Seochon, Ikseon-dong and Namsangol Hanok Village. Public facilities like Namsangol are easy to explore freely. Bukchon and Seochon include private homes, so visit quietly and respect residents' privacy. Remember that many of these lanes are residential.

University campuses and nearby streets are common backdrops for youth and school dramas. Campuses are students' spaces, so avoid entering buildings where classes are held and keep noise down. Each university has its own rules on outside visitors, so check before going in.

Many hanbok rental shops operate near palaces and hanok villages, and lots of visitors wear hanbok while touring. Palaces sometimes offer benefits for visitors in hanbok, so check the official guidelines. Watch your step on stairs with a long skirt, especially on old stone steps.

The official tourism sites of the Seoul city government and the Korea Tourism Organization list drama and film locations. The Seoul Film Commission also shares information on productions it has supported. Operating details can change, so double-check just before your visit.