kdrama locations
Korea is the land of Korean pop (K-pop) and Korean dramas (K-dramas) with fans from all over the world. Source: Frederic J. Brown/AFP

South Korea has always been at the top of the list of travel destinations, from its history to culture and beauty brands. This wanderlust-worthy country is the land of Korean pop (K-pop) and Korean dramas (K-dramas) with dedicated fans from all over the world.

This list picks out six famous Kdrama locations that offer a special something for everyone. The best part? They’re free of charge, making it perfect for international students who are big K-drama fans, to explore on a budget. 

6 free Kdrama locations to visit in South Korea

Eungbong Mountain Park, Seoul

 

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Wondering where you can go to soak in Seoul’s spectacular cityscape? Head over to Eungbong Mountain Park, just a short 10 minutes walk from the Eungbong Station. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists due to its feature in various K-dramas such as “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo,” “It’s Okay It’s Loveand “Black Knight.”

Undoubtedly, anyone who visits this site would surely gush over the breathtaking view of mountains and the Han River. No matter day or night, Eungbong Mountain Park does not disappoint.

How to get there: Eungbong Station (Jungang line, exit 1). Turn left upon exit. Walk along the road as the train line. At the first junction, turn right. Turn left at the next junction. Walk straight ahead and take the stairs up the mountain. 

Address: Eungbong Mountain Park, 271 Eungbong-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

2. Hantangang Sky Bridge, Pocheon

 

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If you’ve watched the K-dramas “Crash Landing On YouorWhat’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” you’ll notice that this was one of the sites featured in the dramas. 

Hantangang Sky Bridge is situated in Pocheon, lying between Seoul and the mountainous areas of the Gangwon province. Given that it’s above the canyon of the Hantangang River, this 200-metre-long skywalk is the perfect spot to watch sunsets due to its undisrupted views. 

What’s more, the path at the midpoint of the bridge is embedded with a glass panel which allows you to view the Hantan River 50 metres below the bridge. Visitors can indulge in the lush greeneries and find a  completely different vibe from Seoul, in the best ways possible. 

If you’re keen to explore further, you can take a five-minute walk from the entrance to Hantan Geopark to learn about the geography and history of this place.

Address: Hantangang Sky Bridge, 207 Bidulginang-gil, Yeongbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

3.  Bidulginang Falls, Gyeonggi

 

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If you prefer the outdoors and enjoy hiking, visiting this place is a must. Featured in some scenes in the political period horror thriller – “Kingdom” — Bidulginang Falls in Hantangang River Geopark is Korea’s first geopark under UNESCO and is now a world-famous geological attraction. 

The Byeorut-gil trail is the starting point leading to Bidulginangpokpo Falls. It’s a 6.2 kilometres hike one-way, making it a 12.4 kilometres hike altogether. It should take you approximately an hour and a half to complete. 

How to get there: Take subway Line 1 to Dongducheon, then take bus 3300 from Dongducheon Station to Hantangang Tour Attractions Entrance and walk for 17 mins. 

4. Forest of Wisdom, Paju

 

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Ever wanted to do nothing but spend the day reading? If so, taking a visit to the Paju Book City is a no-brainer. There are a few tourist attractions there, — the greatly-named Forest of Wisdom being one of them. It houses 200,000 donated books by publishing companies and is located a few kilometres away from the demilitarised zone (DMZ). In fact, Paju used to be the centre of book culture in South Korea. Now it’s a city dedicated to building many book-related structures. 

Though the Forest of Wisdom is considered a library, they do not lend or sell any of its books. Looking at its concept, it acts as more of a library café as visitors can enjoy drinks and some desserts while picking up a book to read. You may recognise it from K-drama scenes such asIt’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” “She Was Pretty,” and more.

How to get there: Paju book city Samgeori to Paju-si – 4 ways to travel via bus, taxi, and car (rome2rio.com)

Address: 145, Hoedong-gil, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

5. Jumunjin Beach Breakwater, Gangneung

 

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Here is where the iconic Breakwater Scene was shot from the drama series “Goblin.| Located in the northernmost part of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Jumunjin Beach is known for its fine sand and clear blue waters. It was initially built to protect the coastline from the effects of erosion and longshore drift.

Check out this guide for things to know before re-creating this scene.

How to get there: From Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal, take bus 302 or 315 to Jumunjin Beach OR From Gangneung Station, take bus 300 or 302 to Jumunjin Beach.

Address:  81-32 Gyohang-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, South Korea

6. Hotel Seine Café, Seoul

The Hotel Seine was originally a European-style hotel built in 1979 in a four-storey building. Today, as seen in the K-drama “Hotel Del Luna,| it is a trendy hotel-themed café with four levels designated for cakes, coffee, art and a rooftop lounge

Located in one of the most culturally rich areas in Seoul, Ikseon-dong is a traditional Korean village that tourists flock to every year for Instagrammable pictures. Though the restaurants and bars are modern, they still maintain the traditional Korean village (called “hanok” in Korean) architecture. 

How to get there: Take subway Line 5 to Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, and take exit 4

Address: 28-5 Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Nakwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul