Best K-Drama filming locations in South Korea

The global rise of K-drama isn’t slowing down anytime soon, as blockbuster hits like Squid Game and South Korean romances continue to dominate streaming lists. So, if you’re one of the tens of millions who’ve watched an episode, or 20, why not make your next trip to South Korea even more cinematic by visiting the country’s many K-drama shooting spots. 

Squid Game filming locations in Seoul 

This immensely popular Netflix show has cemented South Korean television’s reputation on the world stage. Centring on a bloodthirsty competition that targets Korean society’s most troubled souls incentivised by financial rewards, much of the action takes place in eerie, built-for-purpose spaces. But occasionally we get a glimpse into the characters’ lives in Seoul before they enter the ring at these Squid Game locations .  

Yangjae Citizens’ Forest Station 

This Gangnam-bound platform is where one of Squid Game’s most iconic scenes takes place, when season one protagonist Gi-hun gambles on a childhood game called ddakji with a mysterious character known as the Recruiter. Each round raises the stakes further – pain, pride and the lure of big money – nudging Gi-hun deeper into the game.  

Tapgol Park 

The Recruiter later appears in Tapgol Park, a green oasis amid Seoul’s urban sprawl. It’s in the park’s picturesque pavilion that he lays the groundwork for future games, distributing bread and lottery scratch cards – and wildly stomping on buns.  

Goblin (aka Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) filming locations 

High school student Eun Tak’s ability to see ghosts makes her life in Seoul complicated, but chaos strikes when she accidentally summons Kim Shin, a handsome goblin with a tragic past. Many of Goblin’s filming locations are in Seoul, with others, such as Hagwon Farm – where the pair first kiss – further afield in Gochang.  

Samcheongdong Doldam-gil 

“Meet-cute” might not be the right term for Eun Tak and Kim Shin’s first meeting, but their first encounter takes place along this atmospheric stone walkway. Combining trendy boutiques and coffee shops with hanok-style traditional architecture, it’s a quick walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. 

BBQ Olive Chicken 

Eun Tak winds up working part-time for Sunny, the owner of a Gangnam fried-chicken spot, which has since embraced its pop-culture status. With costume pieces and nods to the show on the walls, it’s three storeys tall and an ideal place to indulge in chimaek: South Korea’s tradition of fried chicken and beer. 

Crash Landing on You filming locations 

This offbeat romance centres on a South Korean heiress named Yoon Se-ri, who accidentally winds up in North Korea after a paragliding accident, and is found by the tight-lipped North Korean army captain Ri Jeong-hyeok. Much of the story’s action takes place in the capital, Pyongyang, though in reality it’s filmed in locations around South Korea. 

Hallasan National Park, Jeju Island 

When Se-ri literally crash lands in Pyongyang’s wilderness, she’s actually crashing into the verdant greenery of this Jeju Island Park. Whether you’re hiking its Unesco-honoured trails or donning a lavender jumpsuit for the perfect shot-for-shot recreation, it’s a stunning place to relax and commune with nature.  

Hotel Commodore Busan 

This striking hotel’s exteriors and old-school interiors draw inspiration from traditional Korean architecture, making it the perfect setting for the series’ Pyongyang Hotel. In the drama, Se-ri meets with a photographer here to try to get a passport photo to create a fake ID to return to Seoul. Want to stay here yourself? Book yourself in with Cathay Holidays. 

Other iconic K-Drama filming locations around South Korea 

Namsan Tower, Seoul 

Namsan Tower not only regularly features on Seoul attractions lists, it’s also a popular Seoul filming location for many of your favourite titles. Shows like Boys Over Flowers, My Love From a Star and Itaewon Class were filmed here, taking advantage of its panoramic views of Seoul.  

Dae Jang Geum Park, Yongin 

Watch any historical period K-drama and chances are, it was probably filmed in Dae Jang Geum Park. It’s a dizzying mish-mash of traditional historic architecture and it’s all one gigantic set, used by numerous shows including Jumong, The Rebel, Dong Yi and The Forbidden Marriage. Stars like Stray Kids and BTS’s Suga have also used it as a backdrop for music videos, making it a fun day trip for K-pop fans.