Drama locations in Jeolla

Jeonju Hanok Village, the Boseong green tea fields, the Suncheon Drama Filming Set and Damyang's Juknokwon bamboo forest are known from dramas and variety shows. Wide plains, coastline and traditional villages make the region popular for period and healing dramas. Allow plenty of travel time, and check official provincial tourism information.

The Boseong green tea fields, with rows of tea bushes terraced up the hillsides, became known as a filming location for the KBS drama Summer Scent (2003). They have since appeared in many commercials and videos. The terraces are steep in places, so wear comfortable shoes, and check Boseong County's official information.

Jeonju Hanok Village, a downtown neighbourhood with hundreds of traditional houses, often appears in dramas and variety shows needing a traditional atmosphere. Many visitors stroll its lanes in hanbok. Some homes are still lived in, so walk quietly. Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jeondong Cathedral are close by.

Juknokwon in Damyang is a park with walking trails through dense bamboo forest, which became famous after being featured on shows such as the KBS variety program 2 Days and 1 Night. The sound of wind through the bamboo creates a refreshing atmosphere. The nearby metasequoia-lined road is also loved for its drama-like scenery.

Wando has a set built for the KBS drama Emperor of the Sea (2004 to 2005), which has been used as a tourist attraction. The drama tells the story of Jang Bogo, who established the Cheonghaejin maritime base during the Unified Silla period. Check Wando County's official information on whether it is maintained and open.

The Naju Image Theme Park is known as an ancient-era set built for the MBC drama Jumong (2006 to 2007), with fortresses and villages recreating a period before the Three Kingdoms. Tourism listings in 2026 describe it as preparing to reopen, so it may not be operating normally. Be sure to check Naju City's official information before visiting.

The Buan Image Theme Park is known as a set built for historical dramas, including the KBS series Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin (2004 to 2005). It recreated Joseon-era palaces and streets, offering a historical drama atmosphere. Check Buan County's official information for its operating status and visiting details.

Gunsan has a modern history district with buildings from the Japanese colonial period, used as a backdrop for period dramas and films. You can see the old customs house and Japanese-style houses. These sites reflect a painful chapter of history, so visiting the Gunsan Modern History Museum adds valuable context.

From Seoul, trains including KTX run to Jeonju Station, and express buses are frequent. From the station or bus terminal, take a city bus or taxi to the Hanok Village. Tickets can sell out on weekends, so book in advance, especially during festival periods.

Well-known dishes include Jeonju bibimbap and bean sprout soup with rice, Damyang tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties) and rice cooked in bamboo, plus Namdo set meals and seafood. Jeolla is famous for its generous spreads of side dishes. Exploring neighbourhood restaurants is part of the fun.

Spring tea fields and wildflowers, plus autumn foliage and reeds, are especially beautiful. In summer, bamboo groves offer cool shade, and winter coasts are peaceful. The region hosts many seasonal festivals, so check local government tourism information. Timing your trip with a festival adds extra fun.

Cities like Jeonju, Suncheon and Gwangju are easy to reach by train and bus, but tea fields and island locations often have infrequent buses. A rental car or tour may be easier if you plan to visit several spots. Check timetables in a map app beforehand.

Yes, many hanbok rental shops surround the village, and lots of visitors stroll the lanes in hanbok. Wearing hanbok does not always mean free entry, though Gyeonggijeon has offered discounts to visitors in hanbok on designated days, so check official information. Avoid long photo shoots in front of residents' homes.

You can walk the trails between tea terraces, take photos and try green tea drinks or green tea ice cream. Some places offer tea leaf picking or tea ceremony experiences. Availability varies by season, so check Boseong County's official information.

Yes, Jeollanam-do has many islands, and dramas and variety shows have been filmed in island villages and along their coasts. Ferries can be cancelled in bad weather, so always check sailing information before departing. Please respect islanders' living spaces. Take time to walk village lanes and coastal paths.

Check official tourism information from Jeollanam-do, Jeonbuk State and their cities and counties, along with regional film commission materials. Older sets may have been dismantled or changed operations, so confirming details before your visit is essential. Tourist information centres also offer maps.

The Damyang Metasequoia Road is a walking path lined on both sides with towering trees, known as a backdrop for films, dramas and commercials. The trees change colour with the seasons, making it a popular photo spot. Check Damyang County's official information for visiting details.

Gwangju often appears as a setting in works about modern Korean history, and sites related to the May 18 Democratic Uprising are meaningful places to visit. Areas like Yangnim-dong preserve older buildings. Please approach historical sites with respect. Visiting after watching related dramas adds meaning.

Group spots by area: Jeonju and Gunsan in the north, Suncheon, Boseong and Yeosu in the southeast, and Mokpo, Wando and the islands in the southwest. Distances are long, so covering one area per day works best. A rental car makes getting around easier.

Tea fields, bamboo groves and island villages are workplaces for farmers and residents, so stay on marked paths and do not touch crops. In hanok villages, do not peer into homes. Please carry your rubbish out with you. Keeping noise down is part of good manners.