South Korea has reshaped global pop culture with its films and drama series, many of which are filmed on location in the nation’s capital. From historic palaces to modern sci-fi-style structures, each location is more than just a pretty backdrop. Take a look at the real locations behind the big screen in and near Seoul, for film fans and travelers alike to explore.

<strong>Stairs near Jahamun Tunnel: </strong>Featured in one of the most iconic sequences from 2019’s “Parasite,” these steep steps are where Ki‑taek’s family rushes downhill in the pouring rain after fleeing the Park residence late at night. Director Bong Joon Ho uses the long, vertical descent to visually express the film’s central theme of class division, with the Jahamun Tunnel below marking the transition back to the family’s semi-basement reality.
Stairs near Jahamun Tunnel: Featured in one of the most iconic sequences from 2019’s “Parasite,” these steep steps are where Ki‑taek’s family rushes downhill in the pouring rain after fleeing the Park residence late at night. Director Bong Joon Ho uses the long, vertical descent to visually express the film’s central theme of class division, with the Jahamun Tunnel below marking the transition back to the family’s semi-basement reality.
Lee Jae-Won/AFLO/Alamy Stock Photo
<strong>Namsan Seoul Tower</strong>: A romantic symbol of Seoul, this tower has seen countless K-drama confessions and breakups, including “My Love from the Star,” “Boys Over Flowers,” and “Itaewon Class.” For the best view, head to Euljiro 2-ga, just outside the metro station.
Namsan Seoul Tower: A romantic symbol of Seoul, this tower has seen countless K-drama confessions and breakups, including “My Love from the Star,” “Boys Over Flowers,” and “Itaewon Class.” For the best view, head to Euljiro 2-ga, just outside the metro station.
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<strong>Han River Parks</strong>: The Han River is practically a supporting character in many K-dramas, including popular series<strong> </strong>“Start-Up,” and “While You Were Sleeping.” Locations like Yeouido Hangang Park are frequently used for night walks and bike‑date scenes. Iconic spots along the river, including Mapo<strong> </strong>Bridge — featured internationally in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" — highlight the river’s versatility as both a romantic backdrop and a global cinematic setting.
Han River Parks: The Han River is practically a supporting character in many K-dramas, including popular series “Start-Up,” and “While You Were Sleeping.” Locations like Yeouido Hangang Park are frequently used for night walks and bike‑date scenes. Iconic spots along the river, including Mapo Bridge — featured internationally in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" — highlight the river’s versatility as both a romantic backdrop and a global cinematic setting.
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<strong>Bukchon Hanok Village</strong>: Where traditional hanok homes meet modern storytelling, this well-preserved historic neighborhood regularly appears in period dramas. It's also appeared in modern dramas like “Personal Taste” and “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,” as a backdrop for emotional conversations.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Where traditional hanok homes meet modern storytelling, this well-preserved historic neighborhood regularly appears in period dramas. It's also appeared in modern dramas like “Personal Taste” and “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,” as a backdrop for emotional conversations.
SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg/Getty Images
<strong>Gyeongbokgung Palace</strong>: Once home to the kings of the Joseon dynasty, this 600-year-old palace complex is now one of the go‑to filming locations for historical dramas such as "Kingdom" and "The Moon Embracing the Sun." Mainly used for exterior courtyard and gate scenes rather than interiors, its architecture and layered history lends an authenticity that creates a contrast against modern Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Once home to the kings of the Joseon dynasty, this 600-year-old palace complex is now one of the go‑to filming locations for historical dramas such as "Kingdom" and "The Moon Embracing the Sun." Mainly used for exterior courtyard and gate scenes rather than interiors, its architecture and layered history lends an authenticity that creates a contrast against modern Seoul.
Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images
<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fenglish.visitkorea.or.kr%2Fsvc%2FwhereToGo%2FlocIntrdn%2FrgnContentsView.do%3FvcontsId%3D14709" target="_blank"><strong>I</strong></a><strong>kseon-dong Hanok Street</strong>: Charming alleyways lined with artisan cafes, wine bars and photogenic storefronts make this area a rising star among tourists and locals. It’s as popular in real-life tourism as it is in fictional romances like “Hotel Del Luna” and “Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol.”
Ikseon-dong Hanok Street: Charming alleyways lined with artisan cafes, wine bars and photogenic storefronts make this area a rising star among tourists and locals. It’s as popular in real-life tourism as it is in fictional romances like “Hotel Del Luna” and “Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol.”
Lee Jae-Won/AFLO/Shutterstock
<strong>Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)</strong>: A futuristic landmark of flowing curves, DDP often sets the tone for sleek sci-fi moments and high-fashion visuals. It’s also a favorite backdrop for iconic entrances — including those of Lee Jae-kyung, the villain in “My Love from the Star,” or Vincenzo Cassano and Hong Cha-young in “Vincenzo.”
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): A futuristic landmark of flowing curves, DDP often sets the tone for sleek sci-fi moments and high-fashion visuals. It’s also a favorite backdrop for iconic entrances — including those of Lee Jae-kyung, the villain in “My Love from the Star,” or Vincenzo Cassano and Hong Cha-young in “Vincenzo.”
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
<strong>Jumunjin Breakwater, Gangneung</strong>:<strong> </strong>While not technically in Seoul, it's just two hours from the capital, on South Korea’s east coast, and a must-see for K-drama fans. This iconic location features in a pivotal scene in the fantasy-romance series “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (popularly known as “Goblin”), where protagonist Kim Shin first meets love interest Ji Eun-tak.
Jumunjin Breakwater, Gangneung: While not technically in Seoul, it's just two hours from the capital, on South Korea’s east coast, and a must-see for K-drama fans. This iconic location features in a pivotal scene in the fantasy-romance series “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (popularly known as “Goblin”), where protagonist Kim Shin first meets love interest Ji Eun-tak.
Thanayu Jongwattanasilkul/Alamy Stock Photo