by Marion KDL

“Catching a falling cherry blossom makes your first love come true.”

This is what Eun-tak taught Kim Shin (and also us) about the meaning of cherry blossoms in episode 1 of Goblin. She made this fact sound like social-cultural common sense that only I (seemingly) was ignorant about. But this Spring, here’s what I’d noticed: that once the fragile, 10-flowering-days-short light pink petals are on my screen, people in K-Dramaland usually tend to fall in love.

In short: if two people walk or sit under cherry blossoms at the beginning of a show, they will eventually end up together.

Did I just discover a K-Drama trope (which I really was ignorant of until now)? Can cherry blossoms help us predict who ends up with whom? Let’s give it a try.

K-DRAMA CHERRY BLOSSOMS’ BLISS & BLESSING

It is in this scene-stealing, breath-taking cherry-blossom scenery at Green Hill Training Center [청려수련원] that Jung Gal-hee’s (Jin Ki-joo) dream of a permanent employment gets shattered when she is fired by her boss Do Min-ik (Kim Young-kwang). Not a good start for a lasting love relationship.

But it is also under cherry blossoms that Min-ik later starts to fall for her. Clearly, even if firing Gal-hee appeared to set them off on the wrong foot, the cherry blossoms at this training facility already lets us viewers in that a love-line will develop between these two. Even more so, it foreshadows this couple’s development and even accompanies this couple in getting to know, and grow feelings for each other.

The same way as for Gal-hee and Min-ik, cherry blossoms — this time at Namsan Public Library [남산도서관] — foreshadow Lee Jung-in (Han Ji-min) and Yoo Ji-ho’s (Jung Hae-in) relationship when, for the first time, they divulge their feelings for each other (and the troubles these feelings cause); and this, under a cherry blossom tree.

‘Foreshadow’ would be too much of a word for Sung Deok-mi (Park Min-young) and Ryan Gold’s (Kim Jae-wook) fake-dating at a cherry tree lined alleyway at Yangjaecheon [양재천]. They might fool themselves here. But did you get fooled?

Park Kyung-sun (Lee Ha-nee) also clearly fell for Kim Hae-il’s (Kim Nam-gil) physical features at first sight and she did not hide her attraction (at least in her self-talk). While bickering through the first episodes of The Fiery Priest/Hot Blooded Priest (열혈사제), they also got closer and finally became partners in crime. Does the splendid cherry blossoms at the tail end of the show in Ilsan Lake Park [일산호수공원], foreshadow a blossoming of a love-line between the two in Season 2? I would be clearly in for the ride.

A year earlier, at the same park, Mong-mong (Elkie from CLC) confessed her feelings to Myeong-ha (Kim Min-gue) here, and it presumedly worked out.

On the other hand, what we see at Namiseom Island/Nami Island [남이섬 종합휴양지] is not a first love come true or a love-line that will develop in front of us. Instead, what comes true here is probably one of the most important forms of love: self-love. Here, Park Sun-ja (Kim Hae-sook), a person who has dedicated all her life to her family and children, learns to give a little love to herself; by having a good time and escaping the daily grind through a day trip with good friends.

And a last evidence that Eun-tak is right is her own love-story. It is under a cherry tree in bloom with petals flying in the air at the Freedom Park MacArthur General Statue [자유공원 맥아더장군동상] that Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) tells her that she was all his first loves and asks her to marry him.

WHEN CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON ENDS

But what happens when cherry blossoms are not in full bloom anymore? And when we see more petals flying through the air than flowering cherry trees? Would these cherry tree flower petals still work their magic on a couple to fall in love?

When Kim Dan (Kim Myung-soo) and Lee Yeon-seo (Shin Hye-sun), for instance, are both sitting on his favorite bench located under a cherry tree at Incheon Grand Park [인천대공원], would the last flying petals also giving their last grace to the blooming love of these two — before falling to the ground and marking the end of spring? Or will their love be one that’s short and glamorous, before being swept away by the fact that his time on Earth is counted (or the rain, in the case of the petals)?

We can ask the same question for these two, Bae Ta-mi (Im Soo-jung) and Park Mo-gun (Jang Ki-yong), when he tells her that he is single –surrounded by flying cherry blossom petals in front of her office building at noon— and she then very clearly puts an end to their blossoming love-story at night at the same location; this time with cherry flower petals slowly accumulating at their feet.

Does the absence of cherry blossom also predict an unfulfilled love?

Let’s take a look at Nam Eun-ki’s (Ahn Bo-hyun) case. It was not his easiest competition, even as a Judoka. He had kept his first love for Seong Deok-mi secret all the time… until Ryan Gold arrived on the scene. Too late, as he notices himself and asks his mom why love, that should be beautiful, hurts so much. The cherry blossoms at Balbadak Park [발바닥공원] — the scenery that surrounds him when talking to his mother — just shows as much: the cherry blossoms are gone; only light effects gave us the impression that they are still there.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS: MEANING & HISTORY

< Tripitaka Koreana stored at Haeinsa, photo by Lauren Heckler >

Meaning

Aside from Eun-tak’s ‘first love’ explanation — which is, of course, one that is played up a lot in Korean dramas —  cherry blossoms also represent “outstanding beauty” (뛰어난 미인), according to Naver Wiktionary and “purity/chasity” (순결) and “wild/savage beauty” (절세미인) when following the Naver Dictionary entry in the language of flowers.

Origins

One question that seems to arise regarding cherry blossoms and its celebrated status in South Korea, is its origins. This question ties in particularly in relation to neighboring Japan and its long-standing tradition of admiring cherry blossoms. It is such a highly sensitive matter in South Korea, that they went as far as for DNA-testing the cherry trees for a final answer.

What everyone seems to agree on, though, is that cherry trees have made up South Korea’s landscape for a long time; at least since the Kingdom of Goryeo (918–1392). There is actually hard evidence for this in the form of cherry tree woodblocks that the celebrated Tripitaka Koreana (팔만 대장경 or 고려 대장경) was mainly printed on, as attested to in an analysis by Sang-jin Park titled Under the Microscope: The Secrets of the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks (2013 [2007]).

Another common understanding seems to be that the cherry blossom festivals were instated under South Korea’s Japanese colonial rule. In this sense, they are described by professor of Korean Modern History, Hur Hyun-hye (허동현), as a “Japanese heritage” and hence a symbol of Japanese militarism that should be, according to him, remembered when enjoying the cherry blossoms.

CHERRY BLOSSOM SITES TO VISIT

Cherry tree flowers usually blossom on our screens from April through to June. But, in case you’re interested in seeing them in real life, take note that cherry blossom season actually only happens within a very short span of time: from early to mid-April. There is an annual prediction for when these flowers will come into bloom in each province, and when the respective cherry blossom festivals are — so, you’d want to be in South Korea at the right time!

At KDL, we’re just as enthralled by the beauty of these blooms as you probably are; if you’d like to include some nature viewing in your K-drama location hunt, here’s a list of K-Dramaland cherry blossom sites that we’ve seen on our screens to date — who knows? You might just meet someone special under the falling petals.

We’ll continue updating this list, so check back as and when you’re planning your next Spring visit!
Last update: 15/06/2019

by Mich KDL

Goodbye Spring, and hello Summer! Time to stash away those coats and boots, and pull out the tank tops, shorts and flip-flops for some fun in the sun.

Not planning on being at the beach anytime soon? You can still get your summertime dose of Vitamin D, have a cool drink in hand, and enjoy an amazing view — all from a rooftop café, which Seoul has plenty of. Here are just some of them that’s recently been featured in K-Dramaland! Click the links to visit their respective listings.

The 100 Factory [더백푸드트럭]

45-1 Sinheung-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 신흥로20길 45-1)

When I first saw this café featured in My First First Love (2019), my first (first?) thought was, “Where are the railings?!”  I must admit, though, that I did like the illusion of seeing Do-hyun and Tae-oh ‘on the edge’ as they calmly enjoyed their chat over lunch.

This rooftop in Huam — with a close-up view of N Seoul Tower — is part of The 100 Factory,  a three-storey building that also has a 1st floor shop, and a 2nd floor restaurant called ‘Seats’. The 3rd floor rooftop has a name, by the way (‘Fantastic Rooftop’), and offering Korean-Western fast food from handmade burgers to skewer sticks. Fantastic indeed!

Doodoong Namsan [두둥남산]

29-17 Duteopbawi-ro 38-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 두텁바위로38길 29-17)

Just a minute’s walk from The 100 Factory is this Japanese restaurant and café. Though it only briefly appeared in My Fellow Citizens! (2019), it also made quite an impression with its impressive rooftop view! Unlike what a distracted Jung-kook pointed out to an excited Mi-young, we hope that the view during your visit to Doodoong Namsan isn’t marred by fine dust.

Rooftop Cafe Haru [루프탑 카페하루]

2-3F, 134-5 Susaek-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울 서대문구 수색로 134-5)

As seen in web drama Alrang Malrang (2019) — the building of this rooftop café in Bukgajwa is also where much of Namgoong Ye-ji’s house interior scenes were filmed.

Café Motte [카페모뜨]

24 Pyeongchang 30-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 평창30길 24)

Located on the third floor of an art gallery, this cafe/restaurant in Pyeongchang also has an indoor section — which we see Seo Do-jae and Han Se-gye walk through in The Beauty Inside. We reckon the view from the terrace is worth dining alfresco for though, so kudos to Do-jae and Se-gye for making a decent choice on their (orchestrated) first date.

FATUM [파툼]

86-5 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 삼청로 86-5)

Blink and you’ll miss it — this may have been the case if you’ve seen this street in Devilish Joy (2018) and Should We Kiss First (2018). Shown fleetingly in the latter drama is the sign for FATUM, a café in Samcheong with a rooftop that can be seen along that street. And as this blogger shows us, for example, it is a view that shouldn’t be missed. No wonder it heralds itself as the ‘view point for couples’!

Tip: Naver/Kakao Maps will direct you to Bukchon-ro 5na-gil, which is the street in the abovementioned dramas. The entrance of FATUM, however, is actually on Samcheong-ro itself. Best to start from there — you may not be able to enter the place otherwise!

C156 Rooftop [c156루프탑]

156 Dongil-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 동일로 156)

Need to cool off after a long day out in the sun? Not only does C156 at Hwayang‘s H Avenue Hotel (Kondae Branch) have a bar on its rooftop — it also has a pool! While it may be only reserved for hotel guests, it still seems nice to chill there with a refreshing drink in hand, while watching the sun set on yet another day.

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Have we missed out any others from your favorite Korean dramas? Tell us in the comments! Otherwise, we hope you have a ‘cool’ summer with these awesome rooftop cafés and restaurants!

by Mich KDL

If you’ve jumped on the Search: WWW (engine) bandwagon, you’re not alone. It may only be the first few weeks of this tvN Wed/Thurs drama series, but consider me hooked too!

Along with the pride of having strong women characters like Bae Ta-mi and Cha Hyeon in the forefront, and the inexplicable heartskip brought about by Park Mo-gun’s down-to-earth feels, the world that the Search: WWW team created has also caught my eye, and attention beyond the main storyline. As I delved deeper, I came to observe and learn that the feel of this ‘world’ is made up by more than just the physical locations. Let’s jump straight into the whys:

Fancy First-timers

As Marion KDL said to me upon seeing the draft of this post, “It’s a wonder how K-Dramaland can still surprise.” Indeed — when it comes to locations in K-dramas, we know there’s always more to discover! And it’s always exciting to see new places featured in the dramas I watch. Don’t get me wrong; it’s great to see familiar staples on our screens, and see how they’re juxtaposed in across different shows and scenes. In fact, Search: WWW features a number of them!

But, I’ve been more than impressed by just how many new locations Search: WWW has featured in these few weeks. From the old school arcade where Ta-mi and Mo-gun first met and the cafe they’d gone to after in episode 1, to the park in episode 3 that Mo-gun asked Ta-mi to answer his calls and see him when he wished, and the place in episode 4 where Ta-mi discovered that she’d jumped back onto the real time searches; this series keeps pulling out the stops to draw viewers into a uniquely crafted world — and it’s working, really well!

Multiple Locations, One Building

For most dramas I’ve seen as of late, they’ve kept mostly to one location for both the interior and exterior shots of their key office building. But in Search: WWW, we’ve been kept very much on our toes! Can you tell that both Unicon’s and Barro’s buildings are an amalgamation of multiple locations? Here’s a quick rundown of both search engine company’s buildings:

Unicon’s sterile exterior is already telling of how uptight they are behind closed doors; even though their rooftop provides a breath of fresh air and enough space for clandestine discussions.

On the other hand — beneath its sleek exterior, the Barro headquarters across the street has a bright, colorful and super fun interior to reflect their laidback culture, and lots of open areas for employees to chill and bond. While Ta-mi and Cha Hyeon’s team appears to have a very personalized office space (which interestingly, reminds us of Goblin’s home interior…), other employees at Barro seem to work in a more conventional office set-up.

Psst: While both buildings are meant to look like they’re in close proximity to each other (thanks to the magic of K-Dramaland), this couldn’t be further from the truth. The Unicon building is located in Pangyo Techno Valley in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, while the Barro building is actually in Daegu, Gyeongsangbuk-do — a whopping 269 km and 3 hours away! This leads me to how the team goes all out in…

Going the Distance for Locations

I’ve got to give kudos here to any production team that is ambitious enough to select filming locations that are beyond Seoul and Gyeonggi Province — not to mention those that eventually become staple locations in the series. While everything appears to be seamless in the show, there’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make it possible!

So, it’s amazing to me that the Search: WWW team would go out of their way to select locations in places like Daegu, Daejeon and Jeonju, which would involve a lot of traveling back and forth from Seoul. To their credit, however, those locations definitely add a nice touch to their ‘world’.

Dreamy Lights and Neon Glows

Whether by coincidence or a part of the team’s visual plan, locations with neon signs and lighting have made a number of appearances thus far in Search: WWW. These include the tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) eatery and ‘dart bar’ in episode 4. Even the earlier-mentioned arcade has its own pink neon sign, giving its retro self a modern, youthful glow. The fluorescence adds an illuminating touch to the series’ color grading, which already has an occasional dreamy, whimsical feel.

This dreamy feel in certain scenes (typically those featuring Ta-mi and Mo-gun) can also be attributed to a choice technique used frequently by the directors: tilted angles fortified by distorted lights. A little distracting at times, but it also seems to artistically play up the disorientation or confusion experienced by the characters at that point. So no, don’t rub your eyes or try to wipe your screen!

Of Patterns and Symmetry

Have you noticed a ‘pattern’ in the way some locations are presented in Search: WWW? For one, the directors (Jung Ji-hyun — Mister Sunshine; and Kwon Young-il — Suits) seem to like adding textured, and somewhat structured backgrounds to layer their scenes.

This structure also continues in the medium and wide shots, displaying a certain consistency, and sometimes, evoking a sense of poetic poignance in its symmetry.

Reflections too — produced by buildings’ glass facades, or even mirrors in a restaurant — produce interesting patterns, almost akin to the kind seen in Rorschach tests. Maybe, they could even be a true ‘reflection’ of the thoughts or situation at the core of that given scene.

But, more often than not, it seems as if the directors allow some scenes to frame itself — through the clever, creative use of the environment surrounding it. Though truth be told: such a perfectly organic-looking ‘frame’ is almost always planned to a T.

And on that note about framing scenes, here’s Marion KDL with her thoughts on that topic 🙂

Framing is Everything

Indeed, framing is an important aspect in communicating a narrative without words; and for a director, it is also a display of one’s ‘signature’ style. I am impressed at how the directors of Search:WWW — who are working together for the first time — manage to do so. Apart from what Mich had mentioned before, I am fascinated with four techniques that anchor the cinematography of this drama: tilted angles, foreground perspectives, close close-ups, and empty centers.

Did you tilt your head in the first episode to follow the story, the way some people do when playing a race car computer game? I was first disoriented when the whole landscape and situation somehow tilted in front of me (a technique known as the Dutch angle or tilt), but after seeing it multiple times, it now feels organic to the narrative pace of Search: WWW. Though if inverted too many times, it could also make viewers feel rather nauseous (as I did at the end of episode 4).

Foreground perspective is another technique often seen in Search:WWW’s scenes — and I cannot remember seeing it used to this extent in any other drama.

To put the foreground into further perspective, there seems to be no fear in the use of close-ups in Search:WWW. They may be a typical feature in K-dramas, but the ones here are extremely close for comfort — and I mean, extremely close. Juxtaposed with the wide-angles, this technique helps to slow down the pace in some situations, while keeping the narrative dynamic.

But probably the most notable way of how scenes are framed in this drama, is how the center of the screen is left open. Protagonists will either do things on the right half of the screen or the left. If two people interact, they would usually still each be in their screen-half. The center of the narrative is thus ‘de-centered’ (or becomes asymmetrical) in terms of the screen’s frame. Again, this gives the whole drama a very structured feel and underscores the purposeful, and headstrong nature of all its characters.

Thanks to Marion for sharing!

As the drama continues to air, we can’t wait to see what else we’ll get to discover in the weeks to come! Are you just as intrigued by the world and locations of Search: WWW as we are? Is there something else that contributes to making their world such a unique one? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! And be sure to keep checking back with us at KDL for more Search: WWW locations 🙂

by Marion & Mich KDL

Hello Summer! Who’s ready to hit the beach? To celebrate the new season, we’ve put together a list of K-drama rooftop cafes and restaurants to visit if you’re in Seoul. Which ones are you planning to put on your itinerary? (I can’t wait to visit 100 Factory! –Mich KDL)

But before that, we bid Spring good-bye and appreciated how it graced our screens with beautiful, lush cherry blossoms. Take a look at our cherry blossoms post and start planning your visit next year.

We’ve also been so enthralled by the world of Search: WWW, that we just had to pen our thoughts about what makes it so unique. Check out Mich KDL’s blogpost!

PD Ahn’s recent work One Spring Night is screening right now, and we are slow-tracking its locations too. Again, it is fascinating how coherent this drama is with its locations, in terms of South Korea’s actual geography. If you want to read a bit about Ahn’s previous work, you can check out our new Something in the Rain overview.

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

Marion and I were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of veteran actress Jeon Mi-sun, whose performances we’d enjoyed in Baker King Kim Tak Goo, Chicago Typewriter, and Love in the Moonlight, among others.

Just a few weeks before, we’d finally got to see the top of Mapo Bridge [마포대교] in a K-drama, and what it has that’s unique to the 26 other bridges in Seoul. As part of a 2013 campaign to lower suicide rates on the bridge, positive quotes along the bridge railings were to have lit up as people walked by, as a way to encourage those who may have second thoughts about being alive. The railings may no longer be lit now, but the hope in these quotes still remain bright. (Note: If you are in distress and require a listening ear, please find a hotline on this international resource list.) — Mich KDL

On Mich KDL’s note about loss and mourning, was anyone else touched by Seol Ji-hwan (Lee Jae-wook) in Search: WWW and how devastated he was at not being able to see his dog, Seol-ri, anymore when geo-browsing Barro‘s virtual map?

After Seol-ri’s death, Ji-hwan would make a daily virtual visit to this very spot where they’d last walked, so as to see its face, captured by the geo-camera — until it got blurred by an upgrade of the map. “But suddenly now that Seol-ri’s face has disappeared, it seems like the world is being erased,” he says. We read a lot about ‘Remembering…’ profiles on Facebook. But I have never thought about this use of virtual maps before, where it is possible to look up places, people and also animals long gone. As Ji-hwan sums it up when talking to Cha Hyun (Lee Da-hee), “To me, this is like proof that Seol existed.” –Marion KDL

To end this section in a slightly lighter fashion: has anyone spotted our favorite K-Dramaland gallery-café yet in the past first half of 2019? Once a constant companion, it now seems like it has disappeared from our screens… forever? — Marion KDL

OUR FAVORITE STAPLES

Once again, Pangyo Techno Valley‘s in the spotlight for yet another filming location staple. I couldn’t be happier to have found the Neowiz Building [네오위즈] for Search: WWW, AND discover that it’s also the office building in dramas like Jugglers and Tomorrow With You (thanks deanekitty29)! Turns out that it’s also the backdrop for quite a number of advertisements; be sure to check them out in the listing. — Mich KDL

The National Assembly Building [국회의사당] has never been the K-Dramaland staple … until this year. Aside from gracing our screens in various shows, it’s also now become Chief of Staff‘s central location. Is this to prepare South Korea’s citizens for the National Assembly elections to be held in 2020? — Marion KDL

KISS, KISS, KISS

A marriage decoration “stamped” with a forehead kiss at the Freedom Park MacArthur General Statue [자유공원 맥아더장군동상]….

…a kiss in a pool at U-Retreat…

…at one of our favorite rooftops…

…in a lofty summer garden …

.. and a sweet first kiss while on a trip. (We can’t wait for the next season of My First First Love, coming out this month! — Mich KDL)

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AREA: BAEKHYEONGDONG CAFE STREET

It has been a little bit silent around Baekhyeondong Cafe Street [백현동카페거리] lately. But with summer arriving, this coffee street also is back on our screens. It invites us to choose one of its cafés as a location to work outside the office or meet up over dinner or lunch here with work colleagues. –Marion KDL

NEWLY ADDED FILMING LOCATIONS

As always, thanks for following and supporting us on KDL, whether it’s through the daily updates, our special blog posts, or even through submitting a location/photographs! Every contribution helps to grow the largest collection of K-drama locations online — by K-drama fans, for K-drama fans 🙂

Till the next Saturday Summary — read on below to check out the newest location additions from the past month!

Search: WWW (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL, unless otherwise stated
— Barro office exterior: DGB Daegu Bank 2nd Headquarters [대구은행 제2본점]
— Barro office interior (1): Wework Jongno Tower [위워크 종로타워]
— Barro office interior (2) + rooftop: Golfzon Zoimaru [골프존 조이마루]
— Unicon office exterior: Neowiz Building [네오위즈]
— Unicon rooftop: Hongdae Aekyung Tower [홍대애경타워]
— Unicon HQ subway station [E1]: International Business District Station [국제업무지구역]
— Playing Tekken [E1]: Mengkkongyee Oraksil [맹꽁이오락실]
— Being dropped off [E1]: Seongsan Bridge [성산대교]
— Chickening out [E1]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— Working out [E1]: Team Max Multi Gym Gimpo [팀맥스멀티짐 김포], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— First day of unemployment/Meeting by chance [E2/4]: Lazy Mint Café [레이지민트], ♡ added by Marion KDL

— Making amends [E3]: Gwanggyo Lake Park [광교호수공원]
— Having a meal with the ex [E4]: Ugly Man Sikdang [추남식당]
— Getting beaten at darts + team lunch [E4/6]: Café Valor [발로]
— Confrontations [E4/6]: U:DALLY — Seokchon Lake Branch [유달리 석촌호수점]
— Being saved from shock [E4]: Dirty Trunk [더티트렁크]
— Meeting the director [E5]: U:DALLY — Ansan Branch [유달리 안산점]
— Chasing a manipulator [E5]: Soongeui Pyeonghwa Market [숭의평화시장]
— Revenge destruction [E5]: Hangilsa Publishing [한길사]
— After the destruction [E6]: Bookstore BookNStory [한미 서점]
— Recalling how they met [E6]: Dongtan Global High School [동탄국제고등학교]
— Driving past [E6]: Songdo ConvensiA Convention Center, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Walking past [E6]: Nexon Korea Building [넥슨코리아]

— Watching the sunset [E6]: Ayajin Harbor [아야진항구]
— Sitting together [E6]: Bus Stop Pangyo Eco Center [판교생태학습원 정류장]
— Temporary accommodation [E6]: Hotel Skypark Incheon Songdo [호텔스카이파크인천송도]
— Staying in the same room [E6]: Skybay Gyeongpo Hotel [스카이베이경포호텔]
— Witnessing a chase scene [E7]: Onemount [원마운트], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— On the road [E7]: Geumtocheon Bridge [금토천교]
— A press conference [E7]: Forest of Wisdom [지혜의숲] — Library, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Death anniversary [E9]: Gakwonsa Temple [각원사], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— In the same fishtank [E9]: Lotte World Tower & Mall [롯데월드타워&롯데월드몰] (Aquarium)

Perfume (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL, unless otherwise stated
— Seo E-do’s fashion house [E1]: Miss Gee Collection [미스지컬렉션 — 청담동 본사]
— A hallucination [E1]: The Garden of Morning Calm [아침고요수목원]
— Hotel interior [E2]: Conrad Hotel Seoul [콘래드호텔]
— Hotel exterior [E2]: Oakwood Premier Hotel Incheon [오크우드프리미어 인천]
— Driving [E2]: Convensia-daero [컨벤시아대로]
— A fan-meeting [E3]: Tri-Bowl — Multiplex Cultural Center [트라이볼], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Dinner & a proposition [E3]: Faro Grand [파로그랜드], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A shock discovery [E7]: The National Assembly Building [국회의사당]
— Out to play [E8]: Lotte World [롯데월드]
— Flashback to an accident [E8]: Yongma Land [용마랜드]
— E-Stream Workshop location [E8]: Intercontinental Pyeongchang Resort Alpensia, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Forced to work out + a dating admission [E9/11]: Seorae Seom [서래섬]
— Filming an advertisement + fashion show [E9/11]: NC Cube Canal Walk [NC큐브 커넬워크]
— Speaking like an aunt [E9]: Asosan [아소산 본점]
— Viewing the ‘Linear Comet’ [E10]: Anseong Astronomical Science Museum
— Entertainment company lobby [E11]: KBS Broadcasting Station [여의도KBS홀]
— ‘Dating’ in the open [E12]: Some Sevit/Sebitseom [세빛섬]
— The New Wave Fashion Week [E13]: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The nightclub [E15]: The Valenti — Wedding Hall [더발렌티청담], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Going into hiding [E15]: HS Ville [HS빌; 에이치에스빌], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Waiting for Ye-rin [E18]: Babylian Table [바빌리안테이블]
— An allergic reaction [E18]: Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도]
— Filing a divorce [E18]: Seoul Family & Administrative Court Building [서울가정·행정법원청사]

Chief Of Staff (2019), ♡ added by Thom Musni, unless otherwise stated
— The National Assembly Building [국회의사당]
— A breakfast meeting [E1]: Damyang Reina Country Club [담양레이나CC]
— Going to work [E1]: National Assembly Station [국회의사당역]
— Dinner meeting [E2]: Asosan [아소산 본점], ♡ added by Marion KDL

Partners of Justice 2/Investigation Couple 2 (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— National Forensic Service (NFS) headquarters: Daewoong Management Development Institute [대웅경영개발원]
— Seoul Eastern District Office: Kumho Asiana Human Resources Development Institute
— Courtroom: Seoul Central District Court [서울중앙지방법원]
— Injoo University building [E2-3]: Catholic Kwandong University [가톨릭관동대학교]
— Meeting a HR manager [E3]: Coffee The Camp — Gayang Store [커피더캠프 가양본점]
— An SOS call [E4]: Mapo Bridge [마포대교]
— Visiting a cafe [E8]: Green Cloud Coffee Shop [그린클라우드커피] 
— Having a drink, uninvited [E8]: Cafe Kitchen LikeLike [라이크라이크]
— Visiting a victim’s room [E10]: House Yonghyeon 1il 4sa-dong [용현1.4동]
— News about the ‘spree killer’ (1) [E11]: YTN Building [YTN 뉴스퀘어]
— News about the ‘spree killer’ (2) [E11]: MBC Headquarters [MBC문화방송 본사]
— News about the ‘spree killer’ (3) [E11]: DMC Cultural Park [DMC문화공원]
— News about the ‘spree killer’ (4) [E11]: Gasan Digital Complex Station [가산디지털단지역]
— Destroying the evidence [E11]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— Notifying the public (1) [E14]: Madu Subway Station [마두역]
— Notifying the public (2) [E14]: Gwanghwamun Station [광화문역]

One Spring Night (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Woori Pharmacy: Himchan Pharmacy [힘찬약국]
— Jung-in’s apartment complex: King’s Garden 3rd Complex [경희궁의아침3단지]
— Neighborhood restaurant: Moineun Saramdeul [모이는사람들]
— Favorite cafe [E4/5]: Ssangmun-dong Coffee [쌍문동커피]
— Getting suspicious [E6]: torreN [토레엔]
— On the way home [E6]: The Dalda Cafe [더달다]
— Asking a favor [E6]: Matsugaze Japanese Restaurant [마쯔가제]
— Parents’ laundry [E11]: Pyeongchangsa Laundry [평창사 세탁]
— Suspicions over a drink [E12]:  Salmon Today [오늘의연어]

The Wind Blows (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL, unless otherwise stated
— Anfix Media: Humanist [휴머니스트]
— Announcing an affair [E1]: Pino Bistro Italiano [피노 이탈리안 레스토랑]
— Praying [E2]: Yakhyeon Cathedral [중림동약현성당]
— Double-testing a disguise [E3]: Shillakwon — Gimpo Branch [쉴낙원 김포장례식장]
— Confronting the truth [E4]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant [쌍대포 본점], ♡ added by Mich KDL

Angel’s Last Mission: Love (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— ‘Fantasia Ballet Theatre’: Arts Center Incheon [아트센터 인천], ♡ added w/ Thom Musni
— Orders from superior [E2]: Hapdeok Catholic Church [합덕성당]
— Giving respect [E5]: Chungah Park Columbarium [청아공원기독교전용관]
— A neighborhood bridge [E6/7]: Songdo Central Park [송도센트럴공원]
— A meeting point [E5/E8]: I’m Home Cafe [아임홈 백현점]
— Running from a kiss [E8/E9]: KT&G SangsangMadang Chuncheon, ♡ added by Thom Musni
— A sponsors event gone wrong [E11-12]: E-land Cruise [이랜드크루즈]

Arthdal Chronicles (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Sending of one’s mother [E4]: Bangokji Pond [반곡지]

Absolute Boyfriend (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A missed chance to talk things out [E11]: Cafe M [카페엠]
— Not going on a cruise [E11-12]: E-land Cruise [이랜드크루즈]
— Team work dinner [E15]: C156

The Secret Life Of My Secretary (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The T&T Mobile secretaries lunch meeting place: Jookdang — Yaksu Branch [조옥당 약수본점]
— Company sports day event [E1]: Green Hill Training Center [청려수련원]
— Taking a day off [E4]: Duksung Girls’ High School [덕성여자고등학교]
— Eating grilled clamps [E12]: flores 2 [플로레스2]
— Making coffee/reminiscing [E15/17]: Seven Eleven — Seongbuk-dong Branch
— A kiss [E16]: The 100 Factory [더백푸드트럭]
— Way home [E17]: House Yonghyeon 1il 4sa-dong [용현1.4동]
— Way home #2 [E17/18]: Mind Travel [마음여행자]
— In sight [E18]: Bus Stop Hongik Univ. Middle & High School Entrance
— A funeral [E18]: Shillakwon — Gimpo Branch [쉴낙원 김포장례식장]
— A cancelled date [E20]: U Retreat [유리트리트]
— Sangmo Hospital exterior [E21]: Seoul Medical Center [서울의료원]
— The secret is lifting [E24]: State Tower Namsan [스테이트 타워 남산]
— Two heart-breaks [E24]: Seoul Land [서울랜드]
— Eating Alone [E26]: Miss Yoon In Wonderland [이상한 나라의 미쓰윤]
— Delaying lovely times [E27]: MBC Dae Jang Geum Park (MBC Dramia)
— Passing by [E28]: Pastel de nata [파스텔드나따 안국점]
— Buying flowers [E28]: Botte Flower Boutique [보뜨플라워]
— A lunch discussing work [E30]: Luka 511 [루카511]

My First First Love (2019), ♡ added by Mich & Marion KDL
— Tae-oh’s house: TABIYA Guesthouse [타비야 게스트하우스]
— A hotel in the USA [E2]: State Tower Namsan [스테이트 타워 남산]
— Snacking in pyjamas [E4]: Milk Gongbang [밀크공방]
— Unnie’s Food Truck Stand [E5]: CTS Christian TV Building [CTS기독교TV]
— Bookstore date [E6]: Choiina Books [최인아책방]
— A trip and a kiss [E9]: Sotto Voce [소토보체]

A-Teen 2 (web drama) (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Burgers and workplaces [E7/8/11]: Lotteria — Jonggak Station store
— Having cake [E7]: Favor Cafe and Lifestyle Shop [페이버]
— Studying together [E8/9]: The Library Study Cafe — Imae
— Breaking up; signing a contract [E10/14]: Cafe Bless Roll — Wirye Store [블레스롤 위례점]
— Seoyeon University [E11]: Incheon National University [인천대학교] — Songdo Campus
— After school snack [E12]: Cafe de Roomtone — Seokchon branch [카페드룸톤 석촌점]
— Confessing to each other [E16]: Insaeng Dongaseu [인생돈가스]

My Fellow Citizens! (2019)
— Election HQ [E9]: Onemount [원마운트], ♡ added by Mich KDL

Her Private Life (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL & Marion KDL
— A b-day surprise [E15]: Cafe M [카페엠]
— A date [E16]: Gyeongui Line Forest Park [경의선숲길공원 / 경의선공원]
— Being released from prison [E16]: Seodaemun Prison History Hall [서대문형무소역사관]
— Closure [E16]: Yakcheonsa Temple on Simhaksan Mountain [약천사]

Mother of Mine (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Hansung Goupr Mansion: Island Resort Country Club [아일랜드컨트리클럽]
— Sun-ja’s ox-bone soup restaurant: Hanchon Seolleongtang — Bukgajwa Branch
— Together/apart [E20/34]: Anjuya — Hapjeong Branch [안주夜/안주야 합정점]
— Proposing/reminiscing/a ‘test run’ [E38/48/50]: Yeouido Hangang Park [한강 공원 여의도 지구]
— Clearing the air [E39]: colline [콜린]
— Sending off [E40]: Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]
— Some me-time [E60]: Tapgol Park [탑골공원], ♡ added by Marion KDL

Item (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Jo Se-hwang’s mansion: U Retreat [유리트리트]
— Being released [E1]: Seongdong Detention Center [구 성동구치소]
— Meeting lawyers [E1]: The Ananti Club Seoul [아난티클럽서울]

Eulachaha Waikiki 2 (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Dinner date [E5]: C156

Encounter (2018-19)
— Meeting up [E11+E13]: Coffee Bay — Gasan Branch, ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Asking information [E11]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant [쌍대포 본점], ♡ added by Marion KDL

Memories of the Alahambra (2018-19), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Hospital in Spain [E5/6]: Baptist Hospital [침례병원]
— Getting a weapon [E6]: Gyeonggi English Village — Paju Camp [경기영어마을 파주캠프], ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Test-running Next #1: Gwanghwamun Square [광화문광장] [E7]
— Test-running Next #2: Gwanghwamun Station [광화문역] [E7]

The Guest (2018), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— s459

Eulachaha Waikiki (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Guesthouse & Hostel Boulanger [E15]: U Retreat [유리트리트]

Your Honor (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Birthday pool party [E5]: U Retreat [유리트리트]

The Beauty Inside (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Food donation event [E3]: Green Hill Training Center [청려수련원]

Something in the Rain (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Jin-a’s parents’ apartment complex: Cheongsol Village Daewon Apartments [청솔마을대원아파트]

My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Kellun Parfume event [E4]: C156

Still 17 (2018)
— Wrongly accused [E8]: Baekhyeondong Cafe Street [백현동카페거리]

Are You Human? (2018)
— Coming face to face [E25]: Baekhyeondong Cafe Street [백현동카페거리]

Special Laws of Romance (2017), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Courtroom: Seoul Eastern District Court [서울동부지방법원]

Introverted Boss (2017), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Orphanage [E6]: Green Hill Training Center [청려수련원]

Avengers Social Club (tvN, 2017), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A mansion’s swimming pool [E1]: U Retreat [유리트리트]

A Poem A Day (2017), ♡ submitted by sianiam
— On the way to dinner [E7]: Yoon Dong-Ju Literature Museum [윤동주문학관]

Chicago Typewriter (2017), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Meeting for the first time [E7]: Konkuk University [건국대학교]
— Clarification over coffee [E7]: Hollys Coffee — Mugyo Branch [할리스커피 무교점]

Longing Heart (2017)
— Walking away [E1]: Baekhyeondong Cafe Street [백현동카페거리]

Goblin (2016-17)
— Being a happy tourist [E2]: La Boutique de Noël de Québec

Come Back Mister (2016), ♡ added by deanekitty29
— Han Gi-tak’s restaurant: Tartine Bakery [타르틴베이커리서울]

Entourage (2016), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A camping trip: Bidulginang Waterfalls [비둘기낭폭포]
— A kiss between good friends [E6]: U Retreat [유리트리트]

She Was Pretty (2015), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Heartbroken [E11]: Staircase Sowol-ro [소월로 계단]
— Finally together [E11]: E-land Cruise [이랜드크루즈]
— Making plans [E11]: Yoon Dong-Ju Literature Museum [윤동주문학관], ♡ submitted by sianiam

Pinocchio (2014-15)
— Meeting again at the mall [E7-8]: Onemount [원마운트], ♡ added by Marion KDL

Cantabile Tomorrow (내일도 칸타빌레) (KBS2, 2014), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Music boot camp [E6/7]: Sotto Voce [소토보체]

Good Doctor (굿 닥터) (2013), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Sungwon University Hospital: The Catholic University of Korea – Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital [가톨릭대학교서울성모 병원]

The Master’s Sun (2013), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Damyang Reina Country Club [담양레이나CC]

Nice Guy (2012), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Being released [E20]: Seodaemun Prison History Hall [서대문형무소역사관]

Glory Jane (2009), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Left for adoption [E1]: Gongseri Catholic Church [공세리성당]

Boys Over Flowers (2009), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— A rejection [E24]: Stairs to Namsan Tower — Sam-soon Stairs [삼순이 계단]

Hello My Teacher (2005), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A shopping spree [E1]: Apgujeong-ro [압구정로]

One Million Roses (2003-04), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Everland [에버랜드]

My Love Patzzi (2002), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Everland [에버랜드]

NEWLY ADDED MOVIES

Highway Star (복면달호) (2007)
— Eungbong Mountain Park [응봉산 팔각정]

Hoya/Eighteen, Nineteen (열여덟,열아홉) (2012)
— Eungbong Mountain Park [응봉산 팔각정]

Love Me Not (사랑따윈 필요없어) (2006), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Walkerhill Hotel & Resort [워커힐 호텔 & 리조트]

The Yellow Sea (황해) (2010), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]

You’re My Pet (너는 펫) (2011), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Jade Garden [제이드가든 수목원]

Gimpo Airport, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A Brand New Life (여행자) (2009)
— No Mercy (용서는 없다) (2009)
— My Father (마이 파더) (2007).

NEWLY ADDED MVs

Hoody (후디) (w/ Jay Park) — ‘Sunshine (Feat. Crush) (Dance Visual)’ (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— C156

Lugoh (루고) (2016) “With You”(너와)” (Feat. Olltii [올티], Xit Suh [서출구]), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— U Retreat [유리트리트]

PSY — Gentleman (2013), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Mapo Bridge [마포대교]
— Onemount [원마운트]

PSY — Gangnam Style (2012), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— International Business District Station [국제업무지구역]

NEWLY ADDED TEASERS

Perfume (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— The Garden of Morning Calm [아침고요수목원]

Hotel Del Luna (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Namsan Tower aka N Seoul Tower [N서울타워]

NEWLY ADDED VARIETY SHOWS

Love Catcher (러브캐처) (Mnet, 2018–), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— U Retreat [유리트리트]

NEWLY ADDED CFs

Samsung Anycall Bodyguard with Kim Bum and Kim So-eun (2009), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Stairs to Namsan Tower — Sam-soon Stairs [삼순이 계단]

Kanu Decaffeine (카누디카페인) ‘굿나잇편’ CF with Gong Yoo (2016), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Neowiz Building [네오위즈]
Click on listing to see other CFs filmed at this location.

TONYMOLY Floria Nutra Energy 100 Hours Cream CF with MONSTA X (2018), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Baekhyeondong Cafe Street [백현동카페거리]

Penshoppe Spring/Summer 2019 with Nam Joo-hyuk, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— C156

Ministry of Employment and Labor [고용노동부], ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Mediterium [메디테리움]

by Marion KDL

Aside from enjoying the views from a rooftop cafe or restaurant, how about checking out lookout points this Summer? If overpriced cakes and coffee isn’t quite your thing, then just pick up a few of your favorite snacks and drinks and head to one of our recommended spots — and the view is free.

When planning for a visit, be sure to chose the right timing. Some of these lookouts are best visited during the day, while some sparkle at night; others are 24/7 jewels that shine no matter when you go.

From historical ones, to those off the beaten track — let’s jump straight into our thematic list of 15 K-Dramaland lookouts!

Joseon Era Lookouts

Quite a few of K-Dramaland’s lookouts and viewing platforms are directly part of, or very close to Hanyangdoseong (literally translated as the Seoul City Wall or Seoul Fortress Wall); Seoul’s Joseon era borders.

The most K-Dramaesque starting point to explore the Joseon frontiers of Seoul would certainly be Naksan Park [낙산공원]. It lies directly at the 2.1 km long Naksan section of the Fortress Wall (its Eastern part) that runs between Heunginijimun Gate and Hyehwamun Gate, passing via Naksan Mountain. A trip to this section can be easily combined with a visit to Ihwa Mural Village [이화 벽화마을], which lies directly on the slopes of this mountain with Café Gaeppul [개뿔] and Ihwa-dong Village Museum [이화동 마을박물관] that also sit along the Seoul Fortress Wall.

Naksan Park not only offers a splendid view of Seoul on any given day or night; if what we see in K-Dramaland is anything to go by, this is also the perfect place to bond with family, relax with friends (or alone) — and for some, fall in love.

Since Mich KDL told me about her visit to this place, and seeing her photos with the backdrop of lush autumn leaves, this 6.3 km long Southern section of the Seoul Fortress Wall is definitely on my bucket list on my next trip to Seoul. This trail leads you toward two other lookouts, Namsan Tower/N Seoul Tower [N서울타워] and the famous Kim Sam-soon Stairs [삼순이 계단].

These two best friends definitely know how to choose places to hang out and have a heart-to-heart talk. You don’t need to ‘cosplay’ them entirely by renting a scooter to visit this lookout, which has a direct view of Seoul Fortress Wall’s Inwangsan Section. You can also go for a walk and climb the staircase that you see them leaning against.

This lookout would probably be one with the most historical and cultural depth in this overview. Aside from being located at the Baegak Section, which is Seoul Fortress Wall’s Northern part, it also opens up to a quite dark chapter of Korea’s history — its colonialization by Japan. During your visit here, you would also be introduced to the life and work of one of Korea’s most reknowned poets, Yoon Dong-ju. My tip is to make it a day trip when coming here, so that you can discover and dwell in lovely Buam-dong.

Classic K-Drama Lookouts

You cannot find a location more classic than this, when looking for the lookout to visit; at least as a K-Drama aficionado. When here, look out for the pavilion. I always feel that this is one part of the N Seoul Tower platform that is too overlooked, as the love padlocks get all the attention. One option to getting here is by taking the Namsan Cable Car [남산 케이블카], which already allows you take in views Seoul on your way to one of its peaks.

No doubt, Cha Hyun-o (Shin Hyun-soo) picked the perfect (K-Drama) place for a heart-to-heart talk. This platform sits on a trail that also leads to Namsan Tower; a perfect way to rest in between the hike, by taking in the view from a distance.

Han River Lookouts

I totally understand why Deanekitty29 has chosen this lookout as her favorite location. As she shared with us, “Seeing the wonderful view of the city – especially at night – in dramas like Manhole, really amazed me.”

On the other hand, I think I can safely say that this mountain park would be my go-to lookout (sorry, deanekitty29). A calm environment, with a pavilion, an exercise area, and a splendid view both day and night. It indeed has everything going for it — what more could I ask for?

In K-Dramaland, this is also a place where feelings grow, or are confirmed. Maybe you’d want to see if the K-Dramaland spells also works on your crush, by bringing them here?

Staircase Lookouts

In K-Dramaland, this staircase is a place for retreat or for heart-to-heart talks. So, when looking for a place to be on your own, get lost in thoughts or just to cry your heart out, you might want to consider coming here. Because afterwards, when relieved of some emotional weight or having regained a clear head, you can enjoy a great view over Seoul and letting your s(e)oul just be.

When visiting, I suggest following along Sowol-ro [소월로 계단] till Bus Stop Bosung Girls’ Middle & High School Entrance [보성여중고입구 정류장] — a bus stop in shape of a radio — while enjoying the ride, ahem, walk.

Disclaimer: Do not expect Gong Yoo to show up with a steak when you light a match here. That said, this staircase definitely redeems itself with a nice view (and access to Songhyeon Neighborhood Park [송현근린공원]) after some climbing.

“It was as if I was standing from the rooftop of a tall building overlooking the city!,” described Iris27, as she shared how she’d felt when climbing up this staircase and lingering at its top.

This is certainly not a bad place that Kim Jin-hyeok (Park Bo-gum) chose to wait for his beloved. Yet, he was probably too impatient to see her, that he did not have eyes for the beautiful view … if only he could have just turned his head to the right for a second?!

If somebody else has the same idea as you and also comes here for a break, just head a little bit down the street to Mind Travel [마음여행자] and the staircase right next to it.

Let’s close this section with K-Dramaland’s most famous staircase lookout. This is definitely a place to go on a date. Most people seem to concentrate on the walk up — but don’t forget to turn around, once you’ve arrived at the top.

Two Bonus Lookouts

If you prefer the more off-the-beaten-path K-Drama tracks, this lookout might be right up your alley. Why not end an afternoon visiting Secret Forest locations right here, enjoying the view and relaxing from a day of discoveries?

Even though Seoul is already a rather green city, you might want to escape the city’s hustle-bustle for a little while, but not heading too far out. This park on Bugak Mountain [북악산] offers some fresh air and a splendid view over Seoul. You would certainly want to bring a picnic basket with you as Eun-chan did. But make sure your love-rival is not in close proximity, in case you want to spend some time with your crush here.

Have we missed out any others from your favorite Korean dramas?
Tell us in the comments!

SUMMARY

After being stabbed in the back by the company she had so loyally served for years, search engine executive Bae Ta-mi decides to jump ship and join their rival. With cutthroat competition and dirty tricks abound, Ta-mi continues to stay afloat, thanks to the support of a strong team, and a worthy Tekken opponent who believes in her. We also follow the stories of fellow search engine superwomen, Cha Hyeon and Song Ga-gyeong, each with their own battles to fight and challenges to overcome: in life, love and work. — by Mich KDL

Search: WWW will certainly go down in K-Drama history as one (or even the one) game changer of gender representations in a South Korean television series. — by Marion KDL

PRODUCTION: WRITER & DIRECTOR

Screenwriter Kwon Eun-sol (권은솔)

This drama is the debut of screenwriter KWON Eun-sol (권은솔). She honed her skills working as assistant writer under the well-known and award-winning K-Drama writer Kim Eun-sook (김은숙) for nearly a decade. She assisted her on Secret Garden (2010), A Gentleman’s Dignity (2012), The Heirs (2013), Descendants of the Sun (2016), Goblin: The Lonely and Great God (2016–2017) and Mr. Sunshine (2018). Like Kim, Kwon also stayed with her agent Hwa&Dam Pictures [화앤담픽쳐스], a subsidiary of Studio Dragon, for her first drama.

In her debut, Kwon centers the story around a couple of self-confident and head-strong working women in their 30s and 40s (with a love-life!), which contrasts very much with the societal and gender portrayals of her mentor. There is also a focus on the trio’s relationship with each other, both professional and personal; and as Search: WWW actress Jeon Hye-jin shared in an interview, “It seems like there hasn’t been a drama series so far that has captured the special relationship of women so realistically.” 

Co-Directors Jung Ji-hyun (정지현) & Kwon Young-il (권영일)

Search:WWW is co-directed by Jung Ji-hyun (정지현) and Kwon Young-il (권영일). While Jung has already served as a director on shows like Mister Sunshine (2018), this is Kwon’s first foray as a director; he had previously co-directed Suits (2018) with Kim Jin-woo (김진우).

PRODUCTION: EXPLORING THE PDS SIGNATURE STYLE

You might agree that the two directors created a fascinating world of its own with Search: WWW. Mich KDL shares some of her insights in this article how they did so.

FILMING LOCATIONS

Search: WWW features a number of familiar staples; but what we’ve been most impressed by are the many new locations featured in the series. From an old school arcade and a flower cafe, to a park with a phone-booth library, and a fancy 2-storey ‘coffee factory’ — the discovery of each new location has kept us in a state of wonder. This is also one of the few dramas in which multiple locations were pieced together (in different cities, no less!) to give us an illusion of seamlessness that they were filmed in just one place. — Mich KDL

It is safe to say that if you want to get the Search: WWW locations feels not so far away from Seoul, your destinations should be Incheon, Seongnam and Paju. — Marion KDL

Search Search: WWW/Type in Search Word: WWW (검색어를 입력하세요: WWW) (tvN, 2019) on KDL for a visual look of all locations.

Last update: 25/08/2019

K-DRAMA REFERENCES

If you found this scene familiar, you’re most likely not imagining things: the retribution scene in episode 5 is the human and female version of the scene featuring Goblin‘s divine men, who set out to save damsel-in-distress Eun-tak in episode 3.

The choice of Deungmyeong Beach [등명해변] as a filming spot in episode 7 is mostly likely a nod to Kim Eun-sook’s dramas Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-17) and Goblin (2016-17), which were also filmed there.

Makjang dramas [막장]

The daytime drama that Scarlett/Cha Hyeon watches on ‘TBM’s drama channel’ is called What’s Wrong With My Mother-In-Law (장모님이 왜그럴까!) — which serves as an interesting meta as a drama that is aired and filmed within a drama and is certainly a nod to tvN’s Why Secretary Kim! Such dramas, known as makjang, have over-exaggerated, mega-dramatized plots that play on the emotions of their viewers — as we’ve seen with Scarlett.

MEDIA REFERENCES

When Ta-mi and Cha Hyun head to August Hill [어거스트 힐] in order to find out how they can win over one of Unicon’s artists to Barro, Ta-mi looks desperately for a disguise. Cha Hyun has several different headpieces for choice in her trunk — all related to her sports.

When trying all of them on, Ta-mi feels like “The King of Masks,” as she says, referring to the 1996 Chinese film that centers around a street performer of Bian Lian (变脸). Bian Lian, literally translated from Mandarin as ‘changing faces’, is an artistic performance most commonly seen in Chinese operas in which the actors are seen changing multiple, colorful masks swiftly and effortlessly against fast-paced music. This ancient art form is a closely guarded secret, and traditionally only males were allowed to learn the techniques, though this has changed in modern times.

Würde: Was uns stark macht – als Einzelne und als Gesellschaft (존엄하게 산다는 것) (2018)

The book that Seol Ji-hwan (Lee Jae-wook) reads on a train is a science book by renowned German researcher in neurobiology Gerald Hüther; now emeritus at the Max-Planck-Institute, Germany. His research centers around the influence of anxiety and stress on the early development of the brain. Roughly translated from German by “Dignity: what makes us strong – as individuals and as a society”, the book focuses around the theme of living a life of dignity (“Würde” in German). It was published in 2018 in German and translated a year later into Korean.

Apart from this interesting reading tip, I liked the fact how the book (and its cover) was not put into the center of the scene but the book as medium for text and reading; juxtaposed with lines of smart phones.
–Marion KDL

SOCIO-CULTURAL REFERENCES

“Don’t worry, there’s always other fish in the sea.” — This is something you might have heard if you’ve ever gone through a break-up, as an assurance that there are other people out there in the world that you could possibly cross paths with. On the flipside, ‘having someone in your aquarium’ could instead — whether jokingly or otherwise — refer to how they are merely an option in the waters of love. Ta-mi and Mo-gun constantly referred to this metaphor in the early days of their budding relationship, as she resisted having him in her life and consciousness. Finally, in episode 7, Ta-mi tells Mo-gun that she’s “going to keep [him] in [her] aquarium from now on” — a sign that he’d finally swum his way into her heart.

Iljin (일진)

“You were a problem child? Like a iljin gang member?” Mo-gun asks Tae-mi when talking with her at his house, in episode 5; and again in episode 14 — both times in a joking manner, of course.

Mo-gun refers here to a South Korean slang term, iljin, that means ‘top rankers’. This term describes a denomination of middle or high school students who bully other students, through actions that range from  (but not be limited to) money extortion to violence. While K-Dramaland bullies can be rather dramatized (or be rich and good looking, like the F4 in Boys Over Flowers), this sadly, is also part of South Korea’s societal reality.

In episode 6, we see that Barro’s in the midst of publishing new emoticons, with one depicting a cute rabbit pouring sauce on tangsuyuk — a very popular Korean dish which consists of deep-fried meat (pork of beef), and a sweet and sour sauce. This sparks a heated discussion between the pourers and the dippers within the Barro team, and provides Scarlett with the inspiration needed to make an impact on the world wide web.

< Image from: Wikimedia >

Regardless of which camp you’re in, you can customize your very own tangsuyuk dish by making it at home. Give this recipe a try!

While at Deungmyeong Beach [등명해변] in episode 7, Ta-mi asks Mo-gun which Park clan he belongs to and he answers without hesitation: “Miryang Park.”

Park (박) –occasionally romanized as ‘Bak’ or ‘Pak’; written in Mandarin as ‘朴’ (magnolia tree)– is the third most common surname in Korea. In the South Korean kinship system, groups of people that share the same surname are often divided into clans or lineages, also known as bon-gwan (본관). Each clan has a founding myth in terms of ancestry that explains from which person the different clans derive; in the case of Park, it is Hyeokgeose (혁거세), the first king and founding monarch of Silla,  whose full name was Bak [Park, Pak] Hyeokgeose. According to the 2015 population census, 70–80% of the people with the Park surname belong to the Miryang Park clan.

Until 1997, it was prohibited by law that people of the same clan could marry and start a family. Though Ta-mi and Mo-gun share different last names, it still didn’t hurt for her to ask, even if out of curiosity.

KDL CREDITS

Any other information to add? Or any thoughts about the drama and its locations?
Let us know in the comments!

by Marion & Mich KDL

Who else is surprised that the year’s moving by so quickly! Can you believe that in just a blink of an eye (or so it seems), we’re already halfway through summer. Where is all the time going!? o.O

Thankfully, there’s still time to enjoy the warmth of this season. So, if you’re making a trip to South Korea before summer ends, check out our recommendations for K-drama lookouts within Seoul and Incheon, to enjoy some picturesque views of the city.

This past month, we’ve also had to bid farewell to our fave strong women in Search: WWW — and as Marion very aptly mentioned in our overview, this drama will “certainly go down in history as [a] game changer of gender representation in a South Korean television series”. To Ta-mi, Scarlett and Ga-gyeong, and all the ladies who identify with them in one way or another: continue to believe in yourselves, and be amazing at what you do!

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

As a fangirl, it definitely gets me in the feels when I hear stories of fans being recognized by their favorite singers/actors/etc. We’ve seen a few ‘success’ stories as of late in dramas like Her Private Life, Perfume, and Search: WWW. Here, certain characters not only got to support their favorites through attending concerts, providing support coffee carts or buying billboard space in a subway station — but also interact with them, whether as friends or even in a budding romance. If you have the fortune of meeting your faves in real life, just remember to stay calm and be yourself. They’d probably be more at ease with you that way 🙂 (also #TeamPuppy 5eva — to all my Beanies still missing this couple)

 
Also, while I’m still awaiting my long-awaited sojourn to the land of K-dramas (sigh), it’s great to see fellow K-drama fans making their own trips to visit their fave filming locations 🙂 A big thank you to sianiam and melovestage for contributing photos from their recent visits! Thanks also to Thom Musni for faithfully sharing his photos with us as well. — Mich KDL

OUR FAVORITE STAPLES

Here’s a few well-known staple locations from way back when that have recently popped up on our radar:

Cliff of (non)doom makes a comeback! It’s been a while since we’ve seen Buyongdae Cliff [부용대]…

…also, thanks to Hotel Del Luna, we get to see this railroad bridge in a new (albeit CG) light….

…here’s a different part of the Seoul Central District Court [서울중앙지방법원] that we don’t often get to see: its West Wing, or 서관….

…and, as every K-Dramaland year comes with its distinct high school, this year’s high school is definitely Dongtan Global High School [동탄국제고등학교]; best known probably to most still as Jeguk High School in The Heirs, it’s appeared this year in A-Teen 2, Search: WWW and is right now at the center of Class of Lies.

KISS, KISS, KISS

A honeymoon kiss at Conrad Hotel Seoul [콘래드호텔]…

…a sweet, on-the-record kiss at Bang’s Records [방레코드]…

…and an open declaration along Gyeongui Line Forest Park [경의선숲길공원 / 경의선공원].

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AREA: DAEJEON

When thinking about K-dramaland cities, it’s highly likely that Daejeon (대전) wouldn’t be one that immediately comes to mind. After all, it doesn’t quite have the lively vibe of Seoul, the beautiful seaside views of Busan and Gangneung, or even the old world charm of Jeonju.

But what South Korea’s 5th largest city probably has, is versatility. Maybe it’s because Daejeon is one of the country’s government administrative hubs, or known as the Silicon Valley of Asia (because of its many research institutes — and its most notable university, KAIST), but its locations could pass off for those in Sangam in Seoul, and even Pangyo Techno Valley in Bundang.

Outside of the city, it may be worth venturing into the neighborhoods and alleyways of Daejeon — it’ll be interesting to come across some hidden finds!

NEWLY ADDED FILMING LOCATIONS

As always, thanks for following and supporting us on KDL, whether it’s through the daily updates, our special blog posts, or even through submitting a location/photographs! Every contribution helps to grow the largest collection of K-drama locations online — by K-drama fans, for K-drama fans 🙂

Till the next Saturday Summary — read on below to check out the newest location additions from the past month!

My First First Love (2019), ♡ added by Mich & Marion KDL
— Do-hyun’s workplace [E2/5/10]: Ministop — Ilsan Western Branch [미니스톱 일산웨스턴점]
— Buying fruit tarts [E3]: Tarr Tarr — Hongdae Outlet [타르타르 홍대점]
— Riding past [E7]: Cafe LN [카페LN/루덴로켄카페ln]
— A kiss at a record store [E9]: Bang’s Records [방레코드]
— Passing by [E9]: Shinsegae Department Store — Main Branch [신세계백화점 본점]
— A dessert date [E9]: Faro Grand [파로그랜드]
— Saving Song-yi [E9]: Pocheon Art Valley [포천아트밸리] (Astronomical Science Museum)
— Finding out that Tae-oh knows [E9]: Paik’s Coffee — Sinsa Crossing Store [백다방 신사사거리점]
— Talking about relationships [E9]: Daehyun Cultural Park [대현문화공원]
— Running away [E10]: Ilsan Cultural Park [일산문화공원]
— Walking through + a first hug [E12]: Gyeongui Line Book Street [경의선책거리]
— Catching up + a kiss [E13]: Gyeongui Line Forest Park [경의선숲길공원 / 경의선공원]
— Confrontation between friends [E13]: Sinchon Graffiti Tunnel [신촌벽화터널]
— Drink with dad [E15]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant [쌍대포 본점]
— Feels like spring [E15]: Shingu Botanic Garden [신구대학교식물원]
— Heart-to-heart [E15]: Izakaya Minami [미나미 이자카야]
— Evening walk [E16]: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) [동대문디자인플라자]

Moments of Eighteen (2019) , ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Being picked up [E1]: House Yonghyeon 1il 4sa-dong [용현1.4동]
— Driving across [E1]: Dongho Bridge [동호대교]
— Hanging out after school [E1]: Share D Table [쉐어드테이블]
— Part-time job [E1]: CU — Bangbae Jiin Branch [CU 방배지인점]
— [E4]: Bookcafe Noon [북카페눈]

Justice (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Gambling [E1]: B One Lounge Club [비원 라운지클럽]
— Going to trial [E1/2 (full E1)]: Seoul Central District Court [서울중앙지방법원]
— Assessing a gangster [E2 (full E1)]: Jangheung Prison Set [장흥교도소 세트장]

Hotel del Luna (2019) , ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Hotel del Luna exterior: Mokpo Modern History Museum [목포근대역사박물관]
— Royal Pacific Hotel [E1]: Paradise City Hotel & Resort [파라다이스시티]
— ‘Mabaek Station’ [E1]: Madeul Subway Station [마들역]
— Deciding to run away (1) [E1]: Yolgok-ro 3-gil [율곡로3길]
— Deciding to run away (2) [E1]: We Are Young Mural
— An eerie encounter [E1]: Bukchon-ro 5-gil [북촌로5길]
— Frenzied escape (1) [E1]: Samcheong-ro 5-gil [삼청로5길]
— Frenzied escape (2) [E1]: Coffee in Ddeurak [커피인뜨락]
— Getting cornered [E1]: Samcheong-dong Korea Guesthouse [삼청동 코리아 게스트하우스]
— Having dumplings [E1]: Changhwadang — Daehakno Branch [창화당 대학로점]
— Approached and attacked [E1]: Baekbeom-ro 87-gil [백범로87길]
— The road to the afterlife [E2]: Bukhangang Railroad Bridge [북한강철교]
— Shopping for shoes [E2]: Lotte World Tower & Mall [롯데월드타워&롯데월드몰]
— [E4] Anguk Station [안국역], ♡ added by Thom Musni
— SeMA — Seoul Museum of Art [서울시립미술관]
— Mungyeong Saenae Open Film Set [문경새재촬영장 (오픈세트장)]
— Seogang Bridge [서강대교]

Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The explosion [E1]: The National Assembly Building [국회의사당]
— Aftermath [E1]: Cheongwadae / Blue House [청와대]
— Seeing the explosion [E1]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— Agitating the masses [E3]: Tapgol Park [탑골공원]
— Working out [E5]: Yeouido Hangang Park [한강 공원 여의도 지구]
— A memorial ceremony [E5]: Daejeon National Cemetery [국립대전현충원]

Search: WWW (2019), ♡ added by Mich & Marion KDL
— Ta-mi’s apartment building: Suwon I’Park City Complex 4 [수원아이파크시티4단지아파트]
— KU Chairwoman’s home: Mimesis Art Museum [미메시스 아트 뮤지엄]
— Unicon employees’ hideout: Youngbok Girls’ High School [영복여자고등학교]
— Having a meal [E1+E8]: Café Fleurs [플뢰르 카페]
— Second round [E4]: Brunch Café from [프롬]
— At the beach [E7]: Deungmyeong Beach [등명해변]
— Meeting the newly-elected president (1) [E8]: Cheongwadae / Blue House [청와대]
— Meeting the newly-elected president (2) [E8]: Hapcheon Image Theme Park [합천영상테마파크]
— Watching the Superrace Championship [E8]: AMG Speedway [AMG스피드웨이자동차경주장]
— TF team bonding [E10]: Café Valor [발로]
— Heart-to-heart [E10]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— Grocery shopping [E11]: Oasis Market — Seocho Branch [오아시스마켓 서초점]
— School reunion [E11]: Tanis Restaurant — Songdo Branch [타니스 송도점]
— Watching from afar [E11]: Art Gallery Café [아트갤러리카페]
— In the background [E12]: Expo Bridge [엑스포다리]
— Exterior of office pub [E12]: Hesse Boulangerie 152 [헤세브랑제리152]
— Fangirling successfully [E12]: International Business District Station [국제업무지구역]
— Piano recital [E12/13]: Youngsan Art Hall [영산아트홀]
— A meeting [E13]: HS Ville [HS빌; 에이치에스빌]
— Returning from Shanghai/Australia [E13/16]: Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]
— Formalizing the divorce [E14)]: Seoul Central District Court [서울중앙지방법원]
— Topping the search engine rankings [E16]: The National Assembly Building [국회의사당]

Perfume (2019), ♡ added by Mich & Marion KDL
— Crossing a bridge [E16, full E8]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— Launching a new smartphone [E21, full E11]: DDMC [동아디지털미디어센터]
— On the phone [E22, full E11]: Gaon Culture Park [가온문화공원]
— Susung Electronics’ event [E22/23, full E11/12]: Conrad Hotel Seoul [콘래드호텔]

Chief Of Staff (2019), ♡ added by Thom Musni
— [E8] Osaek Chanyeon [오색찬연/五色燦宴]

Class of Lies (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Chunmyung High School: Dongtan Global High School [동탄국제고등학교]
— Talking to the main suspect [E1]: Seongdong Detention Center [구 성동구치소]

Partners of Justice 2/Investigation Couple 2 (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Taking the subway [E16 (full E8)]: Ewha Woman’s University Subway Station [이대역]
— Chasing a suspect (1) [E21 (full E11)]: Yongin Rest Area [용인휴게소]
— Chasing a suspect (2) [E21 (full E11)]: Buyongdae Cliff [부용대]
— Going undercover [E22 (full E11)]:  Seongsim Beauty Shop [성심미용실]
— Grilling a convict [E28 (full E14)]: Seongdong Detention Center [구 성동구치소]
— Guest on a news program [E28 (full E14)]: MBC Headquarters [MBC문화방송 본사]

One Spring Night (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Ji-ho’s Apartment
— A dinner appointment [E31 (full E16)]: Asosan [아소산 본점]
— Passing by [E32 (full E16)]: Gwanghwamun Square [광화문광장]
— Some me-time [E32 (full E16)]: Eoulmadang Street [어울마당로]

The Wind Blows (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL, unless otherwise stated
— Meeting 5 years later [E5/8]: Hakchon Blue Performance Hall [학전블루소극장], ♡ submitted by Sarah
— An awkward meeting [E8]: Jongno 5-ga Station [종로5가역]
— Trying to rehire Ye-rim [E9]: Izakaya [미나미]
— Being young [E11]: The Visit [더 비지트]

Level Up (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— On a rooftop [E1]: 63 Square [63스퀘어]

Angel’s Last Mission: Love (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Two near-deaths [E1+E12 (full E6)]: Expo Bridge [엑스포다리]

Absolute Boyfriend (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Award ceremony [E2]: Seongnam Arts Center [성남아트센터]
— Broadcasting company [E12]: Nuritkum Square Building [누리꿈스퀘어빌딩]

The Secret Life Of My Secretary (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL unless otherwise stated
— Park Seok-ja’s mansion: Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park [대명비발디파크]
— Camping and fishing trip [E21 (full E11)]:  Polar Day Caravan and Pension [폴라데이 카라반 펜션]
— A proposal [E28-29 (full E14-15)]: JP Chef Diary [제이피셰프다이어리], ♡ submitted by a KDL Guest

A-Teen 2 (web drama) (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Mich KDL
— Meeting for a meal [E16]: Young Dabang — Nowon Station Branch [청년다방 노원역점]

Arthdal Chronicles (2019)
— Town of Arthdal: Arthdal Chronicles Open Set [아스달 연대기 드라마세트장]

Mother of Mine (2019)
— The first night as a couple [E31]: Conrad Hotel Seoul [콘래드호텔], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Trying not to be discovered [E66, full E33]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]

Item (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Where Kang Gon lives: Dongpirang Mural Village [동피랑벽화마을]

Terius Behind Me (2018)
— Office of ‘The Voice’ [E24]: Cheongwadae / Blue House [청와대]

Come and Hug Me (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Adult Han Jae-yi’s house [E20]

Hymn of Death (2018), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Mokpo Modern History Museum [목포근대역사박물관]

Love Alert (2018), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— A first meeting [E1]: 7 Eleven — Samsong Park Branch [세븐일레븐 삼송파크드림점]

The Great Seducer (2018), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— Meeting with a love-sick Hye-jung [E13]: Brunch Café from [프롬]*
*Click on the link to find out which other dramas were filmed at ‘Brunch Cafe from’.

Feel Good To Die (2018), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Passing by [E2]: Nuritkum Square Building [누리꿈스퀘어빌딩]

Still 17 (2018), ♡ submitted by Thom Musni
— Taking photos [E11]: Gyoha Central Park [교하중앙공원]

My Only Love (2017-18), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Yakhyeon Cathedral [중림동약현성당]

Three Colors of Fantasies (2017), ♡ added by Chelle
— Having a drink [E9]: Kao Kao Pub [카우카우펍]

Father I’ll Take Care of You (2016-17), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Taking some time for oneself [E30]: Gyoha Central Park [교하중앙공원]

Go Back Couple (2017), ♡ submitted by Chelle
— Having dinner [E12]: Yuksudang — Kondae Branch [육수당 건대점]

Nice Guy (2012), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Moving to the village [E20]: Dongpirang Mural Village [동피랑벽화마을]

Padam Padam (2011-12), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Where Kang-cheol lives [E4]: Dongpirang Mural Village [동피랑벽화마을]

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Nuritkum Square Building [누리꿈스퀘어빌딩]

Time Between Dog And Wolf (개와 늑대의 시간) (2007), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— [E2]: Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]
— National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul [국립현대미술관 서울관]
— Lotte Hotel Seoul [롯데호텔서울]
— Stairs to Namsan Tower — Sam-soon Stairs [삼순이 계단]

Beautiful Days (2001), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A heart-to-heart talk [E11]: Ewha Woman’s University Subway Station [이대역]

NEWLY ADDED MOVIES

Parasite (기생충) (2019)
— Jahamun-ro [자하문로]
— Jahamun Tunnel [자하문터널]

A Bittersweet Life (달콤한 인생) (2005)
— Woonsan Korean Restaurant — Yeouido Branch [운산(雲山)여의도점]

Nuritkum Square Building [누리꿈스퀘어빌딩]
— Petty Romance (쩨쩨한 로맨스) (2010)
— Haunters (초능력자) (2010)
— Scandal Makers/Speedy Scandal (과속스캔들) (2008)

NEWLY ADDED TEASERS

Doctor John (의사 요한) (2019)
—Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital [이대서울병원]

NEWLY ADDED CFs

SK Telecom (2016) — with NCT U, ♡ added by Chelle
— Murals at Seongsuiro 7(chil)-gil [성수이로7길]

by Mich KDL

2019 will probably go down in K-drama history as the year that viewers were reminded of the joy of reading, thanks to book publishing-themed drama Romance is a Bonus Book (RIABB). Many came away inspired to start picking up their books again (myself included), and even developed an appreciation for those in the publishing business!

But truth be told, K-dramaland characters have had quite a love affair with books over the years, and it’s not uncommon to see their rooms and offices filled with them. They can be seen reading (real paperback or hardcover books, not on tablets) at home, at cafes, even while commuting from place to place. And of course, they’d occasionally even pick up a book or two at their favorite bookstore to add to their growing read list.

There’s just something about a bookstore that makes you just want to lose yourself in it, even if only for a while. Whether you’re a bookworm or a book newbie, here are some book-related places in K-dramaland to check out on your next trip to Korea!

Bookstores | Bookcafes | Book-specialty Areas |

BOOKSTORES

House In Mind [마음책방 서가는]

1F, 21 Changgyeonggung-ro 35-gil, Hyehwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로35길 21)

This Hyehwa bookstore is an extension of local Korean publishing house House In Mind (생각속의집), which publishes books related to psychology and mindfulness. It’s probably best remembered, though, as the bookstore that Hae-rin tracked Seo-joon down to in episode 13 of RIABB — because what’s not to love about seeing her and Geum-bi, Seo-joon’s golden retriever, with red ribbons around their heads?

ARC.N.BOOK — City Hall
[아크앤북 시청점]

B1F, 29 Eulji-ro, Eulji-ro 1(il)ga, Jung-gu, Seoul(서울특별시 중구 을지로 29)

As seen in Mother of Mine (2019), this bookstore has an Instagrammable arc display that’s reminiscent of those at the iconic The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles. Though Arc.N.Book is less than a year old (it opened in November 2018), it seems like this “city culture complex” — aimed at promote reading as a culture and lifestyle — has been doing just that with its cozy, welcoming space. It also prides itself on “curating special books that cannot be found easily”.

Choiina Books [최인아책방]

521 Seolleung-ro, Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 선릉로 521)

Named after its owner, a former advertising copywriter, Choiina Books in Yeoksam is a haven for those needing a quiet reprieve from the bustle of the city. This eponymous bookstore also offers a curated section of books, some by the owner herself, with “handwritten cards that explain why the particular book was chosen and a simple profile of the recommender”. Keen to read the book you’ve just purchased? You don’t have to hang around the store like Tae-oh and Se-hyun from My First First Love (2019) did while they were there; instead, bring it up to the cafe within the store. Note, however, that only purchased books can be brought in.

Seoul Book Repository [서울책보고]

1 Ogeum-ro, Sincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 오금로 1)

Considered a new kid on the bookstore block, the newly opened Seoul Book Repository (or ‘Seoul BoGo’) is touted as “Seoul’s first public secondhand bookstore”. It has over 120,000 secondhand books on sale in this former warehouse, from “25 secondhand bookstores scattered around the city”, like those at Cheonggyecheon Stream‘s secondhand book street. Just like Arc.N.Book, Seoul BoGo’s steel semi-circle frames are certainly another picture-perfect attraction — and it has already attracted much interest since it was featured in Hotel Del Luna (2019)!

Bookpark [북파크]

294 Itaewon-ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 이태원로 294)

Located on the 2nd and 3rd floor of Blue Square in Hannam, Bookpark specializes in natural sciences, arts and humanities books. This café-bookstore has been featured in dramas like RIABB and Rich Man (2018), and the movie A Tiger In Winter (2018).

Byeolcheck Bookstore [별책부록 서점]

7 Sinheung-ro 16-gil, Yongsan-dong 2(i)ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 신흥로16길 7)

“I like local, independent bookstores,” Kang Dan-i tells Ji Seo-joon while perusing this bookstore in episode 7 of RIABB. “These places are like a space that introduces books to the readers.” And it truly seems like Byeolcheck has lots to introduce to their customers, as seen by the many colorful and quirkily-designed book covers on their Instagram feed. They also offer various workshops at their humble space in Yongsan, ranging from acting and writing classes, to those in hand-binding and crocheting.

Hanmi Bookstore [한미 서점]

7-1 Geumgok-ro, Geumgok-dong, Dong-gu, Incheon (인천 동구 금곡로 7-1)

This is probably a familiar sight to many Goblin fans; that’s because Hanmi Bookstore (listed on KDL as ‘Bookstore BookNStory’) is best known as Kim Shin’s hideout in the 2016-17 hit drama series. Established in 1955 along Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley (배다리 헌책방 골목), this quaint Incheon secondhand bookstore is probably the second oldest in this list, just a few years behind Daeoh Bookstore (see below). While its yellow exterior is clearly its signature look, Search: WWW (2019) showed us that there’s more to it than meets the eye, especially once the shutters are down.

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BOOKCAFES

How about a drink to go with your book? Check out these K-drama-featured book-cafes:

Daeoh Bookstore [대오 서점]

55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Nuha-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 자하문로7길 55)

With its close to 70-year history, Daeoh Bookstore (listed on KDL as ‘Rank and File Bookstore’) is quite possibly the grand dame of second-hand bookstores in Seoul. Named after the then-newly married couple who owned it, this Seochon Village (서촌마을) and Cheongunhyoja establishment continues to stand proudly in the neighborhood that it’s been in since 1951. It was even featured in the 2013 drama Shark and in Super Junior’s Yesung’s ‘Paper Umbrella (봄날의 소나기)’ MV (2017).

If you’re visiting, take note that you can only take pictures of the place when you purchase a drink at their cafe. Otherwise, filming/photo-taking is strictly prohibited.

Book Cafe “The Story” [더스토리]

12 Seongmisan-ro 32-gil, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 성미산로32길 12)

Located in a quiet part of the trendy Yeonnam neighborhood, “The Story” is just the place for those seeking somewhere conducive to study or read. Don’t expect any fancy cafe-style offerings here though; it has a simple drink menu that’s enough to quench your thirst, or provide you with enough caffeine for the rest of the day!

Bookcafe Noon [북카페눈]

125-11 Hoedong-gil, Gyoha-dong, Paju (경기 파주시 회동길 125-11)

If Forest of Wisdom in Paju Book City (see below) is too crowded for your liking, steal away from the bustle of human traffic and hide out at Bookcafe Noon instead, which is just across the street. After being welcomed at the door by a quote from author Mark Twain (“Good friends, good books, a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.”), head in and pick something sweet from the menu (it serves bingsu – shaved ice!) and make yourself at home in the cafe’s cozy and well-decorated interior. If you’re lucky, you’d be able to sit at the table and seat that Ji Sung sat at in Familiar Wife (2018).

Mr. Vertigo Books [미스터버티고]

8-2 Gangsong-ro 73beon-gil, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang (경기 고양시 일산동구 강송로73번길 8-2)

Even before entering Mr. Vertigo Books, you might be surprised to see that this Baekseok bookstore has ‘BEER’ written on their window! They indeed have craft beer on their cafe menu… and the reason for that? Simply because the owner — who formerly worked in online retail for a big bookstore, and also in publishing — likes beer. “I don’t drink enough to get drunk,” he said in a 2015 interview with MyGoyang, “I just sip on beer very often.” Another interesting fact about this bookstore, which was seen in Because This Is My First Life (2017), is where it got its name from. Aside from it being inspired by the book of the same name by American author Paul Auster, it’s also the owner’s nickname — as his name in Korean (Hyun-hoon, or 현훈) partly means ‘vertigo’ (현훈증, hyunhoonjeung).

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BOOK-SPECIALTY AREAS

Here are two book-specialty areas that every book-lover has to visit!

Paju Book City [북카페눈]

145 Hoedong-gil, Gyoha-dong, Paju (경기 파주시 회동길 145)

Ask anyone about the city of Paju, and this is one location that would most likely be mentioned. Paju Book City is best known for being home to around 250 companies across the spectrum of book publishing, “from planning to printing and distribution”, along with numerous other bookstores, cafes and art galleries within its midst. It’s even claimed that “books outnumber people by a ratio of 20-to-1” in this unique city! The most notable location here would have to be the Forest of Wisdom library, whose endless wooden shelves of books were prominently featured in dramas like Chicago Typewriter (2017) and Why Secretary Kim (2018). Most recently, of course, it was aptly featured as the HQ for Gyeoroo Publishing in RIABB. That aside, be sure to check out the other K-drama filming locations in the area!

Bosu Book Street [보수동 책방골목]

16 Chaekbanggolmok-gil, Bosu-dong, Busan (부산광역시 중구 책방골목길 16)

If you’re heading to Busan, a visit to Bosu Book Street is most definitely in order if you’re in the Gukje Market vicinity. It’s said that its history dates back to the 50s and 60s, when refugees from the war “were forced to sell their beloved possessions” — among them, books — in order to survive. Considered a “proud attraction” of this port city, this book alley continues to charm both locals and tourists alike with its walkways lined with piles of books written about various topics, in different languages. Clearly, Louis from Shopping King Louis (2016) was also charmed enough by Bok-shil to kiss her here, amidst all these literary works!

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“We are all like books. We wait for someone to find us and open us to see what’s inside.” This RIABB quote is a sentiment that’s most likely shared by bookstores aplenty. With this, we hope you have a fascinating time in your bookstore(s)and/or places of choice, and may you continue to discover, and rediscover the joys of reading 🙂

Which of these book-related places are you going to add to your next Korean trip itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Here are more of our book-related posts on KDL:

— The Books in ‘Because This Is My First Life’
— The Books in ‘Encounter/Boyfriend’
— The Books in ‘Romance Is A Bonus Book’ — Part 1
— The Books in ‘Romance Is A Bonus Book’ — Part 2

by Marion & Mich KDL

It was one of South Korea’s hottest August days in years (or so I was told), and it was the day I chose to walk through Buam-dong. I came to visit this lovely, classic K-drama neighborhood, but what eventually made me spend considerably more time here was coming across a public map, which informed me that the Shining Inheritance/Brilliant Legacy house was ‘just around the corner’. I walked. And walked. And sweated. And rested. And walked. But I couldn’t find it.

< Photos © Marion KDL >
Only years later, I finally realized that my endeavor was doomed from the very start. Because it was not even the main mansion that I had tried to find that’s located in Buam-dong, but Ko Eun-seong’s house, featured right at the beginning of the drama (which I’d passed, unknowingly, while on my way). So one house was found. But the mansion –a classic K-Dramaland staple– stayed mysteriously unspoken about, unshared and, let’s say, un-hyped (compared to this one, for instance). Finally, I got more and more convinced that it was somewhere to be found in Pyeongchang-dong and also secretly hoped that it would reveal itself as I explored my way through this neighborhood online.

But it was when looking into locations for Time Between Dog and Wolf, a 2000s classic, that I stumbled over a post of a realtor, Mr. Ahn, who had put the mansion on sale this January.

Were my hours in Buam-dong wasted? Not at all. I am grateful that Brilliant Legacy‘s mansion made me discover this beautiful neighborhood; for it somehow resonated with me as it invited me to dwell at every turn of the street — with new perspectives, cosy cafés and multiple layers of green, mountains and tiny town houses.
— Marion KDL

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

Mich has put together a list of K-dramaland bookstores, for your reading pleasure — and of course, to add to your itinerary on your next trip!

Also, we’re glad to see our flower meaning collection continually blossom over the past years. This month has seen two more additions to our flower meaning collection: Bindweed Flower and Cotton Flower.

OUR FAVORITE STAPLES

I took a liking to Once In A Blue Moon [원스인어블루문] a while ago, and it feels nice and homey to see it on our screens again after a little hiatus. This jazz bar truly lives up to being one of the most long-lasting K-Dramaland staples — because imagine our surprise when we realized how many dramas (along with movies, variety shows and music videos) were filmed here! — Marion KDL

We know Seodaemun Prison History Hall [서대문형무소역사관] thanks to its red brick exterior, which a number of K-Dramaland characters have walked free from after spending time behind bars. Doctor John, however, gives us an interesting insight into an area that isn’t often featured in dramas — the compound itself. (And based on this photo, it seems like the location was only set up for filming!)

It’s actually been a while since we’ve seen this bridge on our screens, but in this past month alone, we’ve already seen it in not 1, or 2 — but 3 dramas!

KISS, KISS, KISS

This past month came with one hesitant kiss at Naksan Park [낙산공원]

… and this sweet reunion at ISVILL Outlet [아이즈빌아울렛] is just as good as a kiss. (Anyone else misses Scarlett and Ji-hwan from Search: WWW and wants — needs a sequel?)

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AREA: HUAM-DONG

We’ve got a new neighborhood tag on KDL: Huam-dong.

Mostly known as the neighborhood of Dobong Walnut Bakery before, it is this year, that Seoul’s neighborhood of Huam –located at the Eastern feet of Namsan– has revealed itself through recent dramas like Hip Hop King, Moment of Eighteen, One Spring Night or My Fellow Citizens! as a very charming place to discover and dwell at.

It is probably best described as Seoul’s rooftop hub with most likely the highest density of rooftop cafés, rooftop bars and rooftop restaurants per square meter in South Korea’s capital. It is here that The 100 Factory [더백푸드트럭], Doodoong Namsan [두둥남산], Oriole [오리올] and Moonee [무니] invite for some rooftop hopping. Mich KDL has written on some of these place at more length in her lovely rooftop summer compilation.

Another particular feature of Huam are certainly the multiple staircases that lead up direction Sowol-ro (and, of course, Namsan). The staircase Sowol-ro [소월로 계단] can soon be considered a new K-Dramaland staple and recently its close neighbor, the Staircase/Elevator to Namsan Library, takes center stage in Hip Hop King as Young-baek’s place of inspiration and retreat.

If you read us regularly, you know that we usually suggest the nearest subway station to visit a location. But how can one not take the bus to and from this neighborhood with this bus stop right here?

Next stop, another artist bus stop. But another neighborhood.
— Marion KDL

NEWLY ADDED FILMING LOCATIONS

As always, thanks for following and supporting us on KDL, whether it’s through the daily updates, our special blog posts, or even through submitting a location/photographs! Every contribution helps to grow the largest collection of K-drama locations online — by K-drama fans, for K-drama fans 🙂

Till the next Saturday Summary — read on below to check out the newest location additions from the past month!

Graceful Family (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— MC Tower: Asem Tower [아셈타워]
— Proposing a job [E1]: Milky Way Café [몽마르뜨언덕위 은하수다방]
— Blackmailing gone wrong [E1]: The River [더리버]
— The beginnings of TOP [E2]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— Paying respects and getting arrested [E2]: Chungah Park Columbarium [청아공원기독교전용관]
— Pleading to stay [E3]: Staircase Sowol-ro [소월로 계단]
— Imprisoned [E3]:Jangheung Prison Set [장흥교도소 세트장]
— Passing by [E4]: Jaehwa Square [재화스퀘어]
— Founding TOP [E5]: State Tower Namsan [스테이트 타워 남산]
— Seeing one’s mother for the first time in 15 yrs [E5]: Seongdong Detention Center
— Being saved and adopted [E5]: Nanji Hangang Park [난지한강공원]
— Failing to win over TOP [E5]: Café Zino [지노 파주]

Miss Independent Jieun (web drama) (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Serim University: Hansung University [한성대학교]
— Confronting a group member [E5]: Naksangil29 [낙산길29]
— After a confrontation [E5]: Naksan Park [낙산공원]
— Accepting a confession [E10]: Seoul Forest [서울숲]

Hip Hop King (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Arriving in Seoul & being creative [E1]: Staircase Sowol-ro [소월로 계단]
— Arriving in Seoul #2 [E1]: Huam Mineral Spring Park Bus Stop [후암약수터]
— Hanging out in the afternoon #1 [E2]: Staircase/Elevator to Namsan Library
— Hanging out in the afternoon #2[E2]: Some Sevit/Sebitseom [세빛섬]
— Borrowing books [E2]: Namsan Public Library [남산도서관]
— Afternoon hang-out and filming a DIY Rap MV [E2+E4]: Apgujeong Graffiti Tunnel [압구정나들목]

Love Alarm (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Working part-time: CU Buam-dong Branch [CU 부암럭키점]
— Everybody’s high school: Choong Ang High School [중앙고등학교]
— Going to school [E1]: Freedom Park MacArthur General Statue [자유공원 맥아더장군동상]
— Testing the Love Alarm app [E1]: Onemount [원마운트]
— Passing by at night #1 [E1]: Broister [브로이스터]
— Passing by at night #2 [E1]: A Place To Go [어플레이스투고], ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Passing by at night #3 [E1]: La Retro [라레트로]
— Announcing a new feature [E8]: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) [동대문디자인플라자]

Love Affairs in the Afternoon (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A family dinner [E1]: Luka 511 [루카511]
— A dinner as a couple [E3]: Y Spazio [와이스파치오]
— Lee’s gallery #1 [E3]: Blume Museum of Contemporary Art [블루메미술관]
— Lee’s gallery #2 [E3]: Gallery White Block [화이트블럭]
— Ha-yoon artist studio [E16]: Café Zino [지노 파주]

I Wanna Hear Your Song (2019), ♡ added by Marion & Mich KDL
— Neighborhood convenience store: CU Itaewon 2-dong Store [CU이태원2동점]
— Round About Midnight jazz bar: Once In A Blue Moon [원스인어블루문]*
— Jang Yoon’s workplace: Y Spazio [와이스파치오]
— Hong Soo-young’s workplace: National Traffic Accident Rehabilitation Hospital
— BBQ restaurant: 692 Gogi Pocha [692고기포차]
— Dissuading a jumper; out for fresh air [E1/5]: Banpo Bridge [반포대교]
— After a breakup; a brother’s meeting [E2/full E6]: Yeouido Saetgang Pedestrian Bridge
— Climbing up [E4]: Stairs to Namsan Tower — Sam-soon Stairs [삼순이 계단]
— Closed for the day [E4]: Namsan Cable Car [남산 케이블카]
— While running away [E4]: Namsan Tower aka N Seoul Tower [N서울타워]
— First paid performance [E5]: Lafesta [라페스타]
— Having an affair [E7] Hotel Skypark Incheon Songdo [호텔스카이파크인천송도]
— A blind date [E7]: Café Zino [지노 파주]
— A first kiss [E8]: Naksan Park [낙산공원]
— Buying bread [E8 (full E4)]: Bella Citta [벨라시타]
— A background-check [E10 (full E5)]: Wonhyo Bridge [원효대교]
— A shady meeting [E10 (full E5)]: A.Y Lounge Bar [에이와이 라운지]
— Finding a new sponsor for Shinyoung Philharmonic [E12 (full E6)] Kensington Hotel Yoido
— Being complimented & scolded [E13 (full 7)]: Woonsan Korean Restaurant — Yeouido Branch

*Check out the listing for other shows that were filmed here!

Doctor John (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Prison (exterior): Yeoju Prison [여주교도소]
— Prison (interior — field): Seodaemun Prison History Hall [서대문형무소역사관] 
— Hanse Medical Center: Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital [이대서울병원]
— Visiting their late son [E1/2]: Chungah Park Columbarium [청아공원기독교전용관]

When The Devil Calls Your Name (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Soul Entertainment building: The Book Company Building [더북컴퍼니빌딩]
— Flashback scene [E1]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— Confronting Chairman Song [E1]: I&C Technology [아이앤씨테크놀로지]
— Running in full armor [E1]: Yeouido Saetgang Pedestrian Bridge [샛강다리]
— tvS Building [E1]: DDMC [동아디지털미디어센터]
— A near accident [E1]: Chuncheon Grand Bridge [춘천대교]
— Passing by a street of buskers [E1/3]: Eoulmadang Street [어울마당로]
— Ambulance crossing [E2]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— After getting evicted [E3]: International Business District Station [국제업무지구역]

In Seoul (web drama) (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Along the Han River [E2]: Yeouido Hangang Park [한강 공원 여의도 지구]
— Having a snack [E2]: E-land Cruise [이랜드크루즈]
— Visiting a university in Seoul [E2]: Kyonggi University — Suwon Campus
— Writing CVs [E4]: Tora B [토라비]

Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Hanyang: MBC Dae Jang Geum Park (MBC Dramia) [MBC 용인 대장금 파크/MBC드라미아]
— The palace garden #1: Gwanghallu-won Garden [광한루원]
— The palace garden #2: Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]
— Royal Villa in Onyang [E6]: Sosuseowon Confucian Academy [소수서원]

Hotel del Luna (2019) , ♡ added by Thom Musni if not stated otherwise
— [E1]: Myeongdong Shopping Streets [명동쇼핑거리], ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Providing more books [E2]: Seoul Book Repository [서울책보고], ♡ added by Mich KDL
— [E3]: The SKYFARM at FKI Tower [더스카이팜]
— [E8]: UriKkot Botanical Garden [화성시우리꽃식물원]
— [E16]: Michuhol Park [미추홀공원]
— A meeting [E16]: Forest of Wisdom [지혜의숲] — Library

Moments of Eighteen (2019)
— Jun-woo’s house, ♡ submitted by Edwin
— Lunch with the home teacher [E13]: Gonbap [곤밥], ♡ added by Marion KDL

Class of Lies (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Meeting a former colleague [E6]: colline [콜린]
— Informing a journalist [E12]: Green Cloud Coffee Shop [그린클라우드커피]

Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Trying on a dress [E1]: Arha Bridal [아르하]

Everything or Nothing (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Going home [E1]: Seoul Station — Subway Station [서울역]
— Finding closure [E2]: Oido Station [오이도역]

Search: WWW (2019), ♡ added by Mich & Marion KDL
— Scarlett’s house [E9/12/14]
— Happy memories [E9]: Ilsan-ro [일산로]
— Having a hard time from a senior [E11]: Ilsan Lake Park [일산호수공원]
— Going shopping [E12]: IPARK Mall [아이파크몰]
— Going to the movies [E14/E16]: ISVILL Outlet [아이즈빌아울렛]

Partners of Justice 2/Investigation Couple 2 (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Walking home [E24 (full ep 12)]: DMC Ian Officetel [DMC이안오피스텔]
— Going undercover at ‘Jin Hair’ [E22 (full 11)]: Seongsim Beauty Shop [성심미용실]

One Spring Night (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Breaking off the relationship [E14-15 (full E7-8]: Jaehwa Square [재화스퀘어]
— Sisters eating out [E16-17 (full 8-9)]: Verde [멕시칸식당 베르데]
— Meeting with the “in-laws” [E31 (full E16)]: Korea House [한국의집 민속극장]

Absolute Boyfriend (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Zero Nine’s birthplace: Samtan Art Mine [삼탄아트마인]

My First First Love (2019), ♡ added by Mich & Marion KDL
— University: Hansung University [한성대학교]
— ‘Retro Bakery’: Sosohan Gwansim Cafe [소소한관심]
— First date [E9 (S2-E1)]: Myeongdong Shopping Streets [명동쇼핑거리]
— In thoughts [E11 (S2-E3)]: Yeouido Saetgang Pedestrian Bridge [샛강다리]
— A yard sale [E11 (S2-E3)]: Café Bomdong [약다방봄동]
— Asking around [E11 (S2-E3)]: howany [하우애니]
— Returning to Seoul [E12 (S2-E4)]: Central City Terminal [센트럴시티터미널]
— Taking a walk [E12 (S2-E4)]: Hyanggyo-gil — Jeonju [향교길]
— A heart-to-heart talk [E12]: Jeondong Catholic Cathedral [전주전동성당]
— Catching up [E15]: Staircase Sowol-ro 20-gil [소월로20길 계단]

Touch Your Heart (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Drinks after dinner [E4]: Tenuto Malt Bar [테누토]
— Passing by [E4]: Jaehwa Square [재화스퀘어]

Romance Is A Bonus Book (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Ji Seo-joon’s house
— Passing by [E9]: Sulhwasoo Flagship Store [설화수 플래그십스토어]
— Buying a necklace [E9]: The AK Town Suwon [The AK Town 수원]
— Trying to make amends [E13]: House In Mind [마음책방 서가는]

A Pledge to God (2018-19), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The Kim family mansion *

*Check out the listing for other shows that were filmed here!

Where Stars Land (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A rail bike ride [E24]: Sea-Side Park [씨사이드파크]

Suits (2018), ♡ submitted by Thom Musni
Discussing a case [E4]: Sea-Side Park [씨사이드파크]

Hide and Seek (2018), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Meeting up [E36/40]: Tenuto Malt Bar [테누토]

Devilish Joy (2018), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— Walking through on a date [E15]: Myeongdong Shopping Streets [명동쇼핑거리]

Player (2018), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Having a meal [E3]: Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도]

100 Days My Prince (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A mission for the Solution Agency [E6]: Ahopsan Forest, Gijang [아홉산숲]*

*Check out the listing for other shows that were filmed here!

My Only One (2017-18), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The Kim’s family home
— A missed meeting with friends [E1]: Artinus Farmer’s Table [파머스테이블]
— Incarcerated [E1]: Jangheung Prison Set [장흥교도소 세트장]
— A world turned upside down [E5]: Seorae Seom [서래섬]
— Devastated [E5]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— A love confirmation [E7]: Bojeong-dong Café Street [보정동카페거리]
— A work-trip [E28]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]

Temperature of Love (2017), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Taking the airport bus [E6]: KINTEX Exhibition Hall 1 Bus Stop [킨텍스제1전시장]

Goblin/Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016-17), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Going to the movies [E7]: ISVILL Outlet [아이즈빌아울렛]

Moon Lovers (2016)
— A near kiss [E4]: Gwanghallu-won Garden [광한루원], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Kidnapped and saved [E4]: Ahopsan Forest, Gijang [아홉산숲],* ♡ submitted by Channel

*Check out the listing for other shows that were filmed here!

Signal (2016), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Discovering Jae-han’s whereabouts [E16]: Garden Gallery [가든갤러리]

One More Time (2016), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Meeting a ‘little match girl’ [E1]: Cheonggyecheon Stream [청계천]
— KG Entertainment building [E1]: SMTOWN Coex Artium [SMTOWN 코엑스아티움]
— KG Entertainment meeting room [E1]: State Tower Namsan [스테이트 타워 남산]

Descendants of the Sun (2016), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Urk [E4-E5] Samtan Art Mine [삼탄아트마인]

My First Time (2015), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Getting fired from a part-time job [E1]: Coffine Gurunaru — Naebang branch [커핀그루나루 내방점]

Kill Me, Heal Me (2015), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— The Oh’s family house: Garden Gallery [가든갤러리]

Faith (2012), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— In a time-slip portal [E24]: Daejosa Temple [대조사]

Queen In-hyun’s Man (2012) , ♡ added by Mich KDL
— A public dating reveal [E9]: Myeongdong Shopping Streets [명동쇼핑거리]

The Greatest Love (2011), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Winning in ratings [E1]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— Going for a check-up [E3]: Seoul Medical Center [서울의료원]

Baker King, Kim Tak Goo (2010), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Palbong Bakery: Cheongju Suamgol Mural Village [수암골 벽화마을]

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010)
— Waiting for the bus [E6]: KINTEX Exhibition Hall 1 Bus Stop [킨텍스제1전시장], ♡ submitted by deanekitty29
— Taking the bus #2 [E6]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교], ♡ added by Marion KDL

Glory Jane (2009), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Glory Noodle Shop/Full Moon Coffee: Cheongju Suamgol Mural Village [수암골 벽화마을]

Brilliant Legacy (2009), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— Jang Suk-ja’s mansion

Time Between Dog and Wolf (2007), ♡ submitted/added by Marion KDL (unless otherwise stated)
— Seo Ji-woo’s house
— Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— IPARK Mall [아이파크몰]
— Riding horses [E11]: LetsRun Park Seoul [렛츠런파크 서울], ♡ added by L.C. Lou
— Passing through [E16]: Kaminarimon Gate Senso-ji [浅草寺 雷門]

Beautiful Days (2001), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Once In A Blue Moon [원스인어블루문]*
*Check out the listing for other shows that were filmed here!

Green Hill Training Center [청려수련원], ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Descendants of the Sun (2016, episode 2)
— Padam Padam (2011-12)
— Spy Myeong-wol (2011)

NEWLY ADDED MOVIES

The Divine Fury (사자) (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Dongho Bridge [동호대교]

The Scarlet Letter (주홍글씨) (2004), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Once In A Blue Moon [원스인어블루문]

Ahopsan Forest, Gijang [아홉산숲]
— The Tiger: An Old Hunter’s Tale (대호) (2015), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Memories of the Sword (협녀: 칼의 기억) (2015), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Kundo: Age of the Rampant (군도: 민란의 시대) (2014), ♡ added by Channel

NEWLY ADDED MVs

B1A4 (2015) “Sweet Girl”, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Once In A Blue Moon [원스인어블루문]

Cypher (2014) ‘Play the Siren’, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Apgujeong Graffiti Tunnel [압구정나들목]

NEWLY ADDED PHOTOSHOOTS

BTS Billboard Cover Shoot (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Korea House [한국의집 민속극장]

< Photo © Marion KDL >

Welcome to a throw-back Saturday Summary!

Oldies (but goldies! nevertheless) and not so much current favorites were in the center of the past month here at KDL. If you follow us along regularly, you might know that I like to dig up older dramas from time to time and add their locations to our collection.

Thanks to Chelle, Edwin (Welcome!) and Thom we still had our good share of listings of contemporary dramas added to KDL during this past month. There is even more to come. So be sure to look out for new listings of Moment of Eighteen/Moments of 18/At Eighteen, Be Melodramatic/Melo Suits Me and Hotel Del Luna in the next weeks.
— Marion KDL

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

L.C. Lou shared a new flower meaning with us; the one of the Christmas Rose.

OUR FAVORITE STAPLES

Ha Ji-won, Yoo In-na, Kim Go-eun and now Won Jin-A rented out this apartment house …

Lee Bo-Young and before that Gong Hyo-jin lived in this rose-studded house. Quite some strong women glamour united in these two K-Dramaland apartment houses!

One of the staple university shines again in this year’s K-Dramaland. Previously, we had both campuses of Keimyung University under one listing. Now they are split up in the Daemyung Campus [계명대학교 대명캠퍼스] and Seongseo Campus [계명대학교 성서캠퍼스].

Finally, a first 2019 appearance –at least to our knowledge– of a staple café:

KISS, KISS, KISS

… and a much cuter situation at Moonee …

… and the following (quite heart-tearing) moment a little bit later in the show at Jun-woo’s house:

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AREA: BON-DONG

Bon-dong, or Bon-dong [본동/本洞], is one of Seoul’s residential neighborhoods. What makes this neighborhood quite curious is that in Seoul’s fast-paced gentrification and re-development modus, this neighborhood doesn’t seem to budge — at least if K-Dramaland is to be believed.

Bon-dong was already a decade ago a neighborhood in which Jan-di found an affordable rooftop apartment for herself and her brother with a great view on the Han River and its Railway Bridge [한강철교]; such a bargain that Jun-pyo moved in next door right away.

Still 2019 –with another small K-Dramaland momentum in 2016-17–, it is a neighborhood that is moved to for affordable rooftop apartments with unobstructed views on Hangang; as done in recent dramas Secret Boutique and Moment of Eighteen.

The neighborhood of Bon is located in the eastern part of the Dongjak District; neighboring Heukseok [Heukseok-dong/흑석동] in the east, Noryangjin [Noryangjin-dong/노량진동] in the west, Songdo [Sangdo-dong/상도동] in the south, and Olympic Boulevard and the Han River in the north.

Its orgins are traced back to a village in the Joseon times that went by the name ‘Won Village [원마을]’. Only in 1980 it was incorporated into the Dongjak District. Before that it was part of Yeongdeungpo-gu (from 1943 onward) and afterwards, in 1973, it was added to the Gwanak District.

NEWLY ADDED FILMING LOCATIONS

Till the next Saturday Summary — read on below to check out the newest location additions from the past month!

Upcoming Drama VIP (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Southcape Club House [사우스케이프오너스클럽]

Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL, unless otherwise stated
— Sunwoo Young-ae’s workplace: Seoul Central District Court [서울중앙지방법원]
— Brothers playing baseball [E1 (fulll E1]: Han River Park Jamwon District [한강공원잠원지구]
— Meeting point [E1-2 (full E1)]: Gudun Station [구둔역 (폐역)]
— [E4 (full E2)]: Passi 0914 [파시0914], ♡ added by Thom Musni

Graceful Family (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Getting frustrations out [E6]: Some Sevit/Sebitseom [세빛섬]

Hip Hop King (2019)
— [E5]: Oriole [오리올], ♡ added by Thom Musni

Love Affairs in the Afternoon (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Bidding farewell [E16]: The Forest Garden [숲속정원]

I Wanna Hear Your Song (2019)
— SY Art Center, ♡ submitted by Thom Musni
— On a date, buying shoes [E12, full E6]: Onemount [원마운트], ♡ added by Marion KDL

Love Alarm (2019), ♡ added by Edwin, unless otherwise stated
— An evening out among two friends [E3]: Seoul Fortress Wall (Namsan/Mokmyeoksan section) [서울한양도성 서울성곽길 남산(목멱산)구간]
— Passing by on a bike [E7]: House Seongmisan-ro 29gil, ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Screaming out loud [E7]: Gwangjin Bridge [광진교]
— A love confession [E7]: Gyeongbokgung Palace [경복궁]

Class of Lies (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Meeting a colleague [E1]: Oriole [오리올]

Abyss (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A date [E15]: Yeouido Hangang Park [한강 공원 여의도 지구]

Encounter (2018-19), ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Playing games [E3]: Sachonjin Beach [사천진해변]

Should We Kiss First (2018) ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Starting over [E33]: Seoul Grand Park [서울대공원]

Come and Hug Me (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A date [E20]: Seoul Grand Park [서울대공원]

Introverted Boss (2017), ♡ submitted by Irt23
— The Malaysia trip [E7-9]: Club Med Cherating Beach (Malaysia)

Bubblegum (2015), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Incheon Health High School [인천보건고등학교]

Secret (2013), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Moken Resort [모켄 리조트]

* Check out the listing for more new dramas and films added

Bridal Mask (2012), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Gyoha Central Park [교하중앙공원]

City Hunter (2011), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Bear Tree Park [베어트리파크] *
— Breaking up for real [E16]: Mapo Bridge [마포대교]

* Check out the listing for more new dramas and movies added

Boys Over Flowers (2009), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Doubting F4 [E18]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— A museum’s visit [E18]: SeMA — Seoul Museum of Art [서울시립미술관]
— Moving to a roof top [E18-19]: Apartment House at Noryangjin-ro 26-gil no. 2
— Sending off one’s brother [E19]: Seoul Station [서울역]

She Is Nineteen (2004), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— The crucial restaurant: Pinocolle [삐노꼴레]

Summer Scent (2003), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Sejong Center for the Performing Arts [세종문화회관]

Eyes of Dawn (1991-92), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Munhwa Masil [문화마실]

NEWLY ADDED MOVIES

Sympathy For Lady Vengeance (친절한 금자씨) (2005), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Second Model Apartment [제2시범아파트]

Art Museum by the Zoo (미술관 옆 동물원) (1998), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Seoul Grand Park [서울대공원]

NEWLY ADDED MVs

Big Bang (비스트), ♡ added by Marion KDL
‘Lies (거짓말)’ (2007)
— Second Model Apartment [제2시범아파트]

NEWLY ADDED VARIETY SHOWS

Second Model Apartment [제2시범아파트], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Great Escape 2 (2019), E 2-3
— Infinite Challenge, Episode 158, June 20 2009

E-Um The Place [이음더플레이스], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Seoul Mate, Season 3

by Marion KDL

At some places in Seoul, vinyl has never gone out of fashion. Seoul’s vinyl bars, also known as LP bars or pubs (LP펍), has celebrated vinyl music for at least two decades with a very simple concept: a basement bar combined with a serious vinyl collection.

Like any collectors, the bar owners might choose to concentrate a little bit more on one music type than another. But most bars come with quite a large variety of choices, mostly ranging from blues and (hard) rock, to old(er) K-pop and English pop. Music requests — rather fittingly to these places — are not done via an application, but on old-fashioned paper and pen.

Most of these LP bars, which are often closed on Sundays, are located in Hongdae‘s basements. This has certainly played a part in forging Hongdae’s reputation of being Seoul’s musical epicenter.

LP Bars/PUBS [LP펍] | Record Stores

LP BARS/PUBS [LP펍]

LP Music Bar Gopchangjeongol [곱창전골]

8 Wausan-ro 29-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu

The decor of Gopchangjeongol — a mix of tiffany-style ceiling lamps, vintage advertisements and music posters, along with retro loudspeakers and TV sets — makes it an ideal venue to sit down, hear and imagine what K-pop sounded like back in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Owner Jeong Wong-yong opened this bar in 1999 and settled on this location after moving around several times. Grammy-winning British pop star Sam Smith was so charmed by this LP bar that he made it a point to stop by on his Seoul visit in 2018. Being the most featured LP Bar in K-Dramaland to date, it is also perfect if you’re planning a ‘throwback’ K-drama tour of Hongdae, as it’s located just opposite The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince [커피프린스1호점].

Starry Night LP Bar [LP Bar 별밤]

B1, 39 Eoulmadang-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

What initially started as a hobby, has since became a profession for the owner who opened this Hongdae basement vinyl LP bar in 2001 to share the joy of listening to his 7000+ vinyl collection. With the tagline ‘Oldies but Goodies’, Starry Night LP Bar‘s music offerings range from vintage pop, rock and dance to modern rock and K-pop, to be enjoyed in a fully-wooden interior with LP covers and music posters neatly framed on its walls.

Tip: When visiting, note that this bar’s entrance is located on the corner of Eoulmadang-ro and Eoulmadang-ro 5-gil [어울마당로5길]. It is also not to be mistaken with a similarly-named bar near Seoul National University.

Wood Stock [우드스탁]

53 Dongmak-ro 7-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

This basement LP bar, which opened in 2004, caters to ‘all kind music’ (sic), as its tagline says. Strictly speaking, Wood Stock is more of a CD bar; vinyl (covers) is only used as part of its decor, amidst an eclectic mix of other objects like a disco ball, a guitar, comic figurines, African masks and bowling pins, along with a huge screen that showcases concerts.

Tip: Note that there are several LP bars that carry the same name; most notably however, this bar should not be confused with its same-name predecessor located in Sinchon.

650 LP Bar [650 LP바]

3F, 38 Dongmak-ro 9-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

In contrast to most underground LP bars, 650 is actually located above ground — and on the 6th floor at that! Maybe that is also why it is occasionally referred to as ‘650 Terrace Bar’, as it comes with a terrace. But don’t let its name fool you — this bar owns about 5,000 records.

Tip: As mentioned, the bar is actually on the 6th floor, and not on the 3rd as its signs seem to indicate. Tired from a day out around Seoul? There is an elevator at this venue, ready to take you up to the bar.

LP Bar Zeppelin [LP BAR 제플린]

B1, 1302-45 Seocho 4(sa)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Established in 1997, LP Bar Zeppelin is a “vinyl and music video playground”, as per how it defines itself. At the stairs that bring visitors to this basement bar, they are welcomed with the lines ‘Let’s make special memories about music’ or ‘Bring back memories’. This 70 square meter venue, looking more sleek and modern than its other retro, vintage-looking contemporaries, has over 20,000 LPs in its collection, presenting them in a rather organized manner. With such an extensive selection at their fingertips, the music played here is also very varied: pop, hard rock, blues, jazz, folk, and hip hop; extending even to punk, new wave, heavy metal, world music and film music.

Hakrim Dabang [학림다방]

119 Daehak-ro, Myeongnyun-4ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

This café is considered to be quite a bonus in this overview simply because it is a vinyl café and not a bar, and instead of music being the center of attraction, it is merely played in the background. That said, Hakrim Dabang is still a place that is “proud of ‘music'” and has a classic LP collection that visitors can listen to while sipping their coffee. In doing so, they continue to pay tribute to the legacy of hosting over six decades of artistic and political discussions by renown Korean writers, poets and artists.

RECORD STORES

Bang’s Records [방레코드]

No. 402, 4F, 64 Wausan-ro, Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Bang’s Records, which opened in 2014, is a record store that specializes in 60’s and 70’s rock, jazz, blues, soul/funk, world and classical music and –rather unusually– soundtrack/OST records. True to its tagline of ‘Life with Music’, it does not only have records available for sale, but also CDs and books.

Return to top

Have you spotted another LP bar in K-Dramaland or have tips for visiting one of the places mentioned above? Let us know in the comments!

We hope that reading through the various locations made you think of your favorite music, and maybe even inspired you to take the time to go through your own vinyl collection, put a gramophone or turntable needle on a record, and listen to the soundtrack of your life.

by Marion & Mich KDL

All too soon, it’s now Autumn — a pretty, yet pensive season. At KDL, we can’t get enough of the fall foliage, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of it on our screens as the weeks go by! What’s your favorite fall drama of the present, or of the past?

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

< Photo taken by © Mich KDL >

If you’ve been wondering where I (Mich) have been lately… well, I recently embarked on yet another ‘pilgrimage’ to South Korea! And boy, did I visit lots of filming locations — even some that are out of Seoul. Be sure to watch out for my blogposts on selected neighborhoods in the coming weeks 😉

Vinyl never seems to go out of style, especially in K-Dramaland. If you’re a record lover, Marion’s put together a list of LP bars and record stores to check out the next time you’re in Seoul.

Ever wondered how to say ‘I Love You‘, or express a ‘noble love‘… with flowers? L.C. Lou brings you the answers in the new additions in our flower meaning collection.

Plus, you can read on to find out more about the trumpet creeper and why it’s been the focus in Extraordinary You the past two weeks.

OUR FAVORITE STAPLES

This hotel seems to have been featured in quite a number of dramas as of late. While its outdoor wedding venue continues to be a highlight, it’s also good to finally see other parts of the hotel premises being showcased.

KISS, KISS, KISS

A sweet cheek kiss at Incheon National University — Songdo Campus [인천대학교 송도캠퍼스] …

… a similarly sweet reunion at The Botanical Garden BCJ [벽초지 문화 수목원]

… and another one at Keimyung University — Daemyung Campus [계명대학교 대명캠퍼스].

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AREA: SEOCHO-DONG

We’ve added a new neighborhood tag for Seocho [Seocho-dong/서초동/瑞草洞] and it is indeed well-deserved. Even if it might not be one of the neighborhoods that come to mind when thinking K-Dramaland, it is at its (legal) center with the Seoul Central District Court [서울중앙지방법원]. It also is the neighborhood of Seoul Arts Center [예술의전당] (with its Aqua Art Bridge [아쿠아아트 육교]) and Seoul Nat’l Univ. of Education (we’re adding its same-named subway station here as a K-Drama placeholder).

If you plan to dine out in K-Drama fashion when visiting this neighborhood, Italian cuisine will be the order of the day with restaurants like Aimo e Nadia [아이모나디아 서초점], Yoyoma’s Kitchen [요요마의키친] and Dito [디토].

This also shows how much this place has evolved since the Joseon times. Until the end of the Joseon Dynasty, Seocho-dong was a township called Dong [Dong-myeon/동면] with two villages, Seocho-ri [서초리] and Myeong-da-ri [명달리]. Under the Japanese rule, it was known only as Seocho-ri, which was eventually incorporated as the neighborhood Seocho-dong by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 1963. The name Seocho-dong was chosen because of the abundant ‘frosted grass’, i.e. rice, in this part of town that was apparently cultivated on the wide plains in this area at that time.

NEWLY ADDED FILMING LOCATIONS

As always, thanks for following and supporting us on KDL, whether it’s through the daily updates, our special blog posts, or even through submitting a location/photographs! Every contribution helps to grow the largest collection of K-drama locations online — by K-drama fans, for K-drama fans 🙂

Till the next Saturday Summary — read on below to check out the newest location additions from the past month!

VIP (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Mich KDL
— Speeding on a bike [E1 (full 1)]: Dongho Bridge [동호대교]
— Picking up ordered shoes [E1 (full 1)]: Gimpo Airport [김포국제공항]
— Renting clothes to look the part [E3 (full 2)]: 0914 — Adekuver
— Passing by [E3 (full 2)]: Gangnam Station [강남역]
— Booking a hotel room [E4 (full 2)]: Grand Hyatt Incheon [그랜드 하얏트 인천]
— A company dinner [E4 (full 2)]: Tokyo Sirloin Apgujeong [도쿄등심 압구정점]
— Following in a taxi [E4 (full 2)]: Walkerhill Hotel & Resort [워커힐 호텔 & 리조트]

Catch the Ghost (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Giving an interview [E1]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]

My Country (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— On a way to a meeting [E1]: Bangokji Pond [반곡지]
— Play-fighting [E1]: Obongsan Cliff [오봉산 마당바위]
— Flying kites [E2]: Gungnamji Pond [궁남지]
— Rescuing a kite [E2]: Mt. Seongheungsan Love Tree [성흥산 사랑나무]
— Military selection [E2]: Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

Vagabond (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A dinner to discuss affairs [E8]: Korea House [한국의집 민속극장]

Extraordinary You (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A b-day party [E9-11 (full E5-6)]: Walkerhill Hotel & Resort [워커힐 호텔 & 리조트]
— A school trip [E6-7 (full E3-4)]: The Ananti Cove / Annan Tea Cove [아난티 코브]
— Baek Kyung’s family mansion [E8 (full E4)]: The Rivendell Prestige Guesthouse
— A family dinner [E16 (full E8)]: State Tower Namsan [스테이트 타워 남산]
— Seuli High School’s rooftop [E17-18 (full E9)]: Gyeonggi English Village — Paju Camp [경기영어마을 파주캠프]

The Tale Of Nokdu (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The Palace: MBC Dae Jang Geum Park (MBC Dramia) [MBC 용인 대장금 파크/MBC드라미아]
— Getting advise [E11 (full E6)]: Gungnamji Pond [궁남지]

Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Seol-a’s workplace [E3 (full E2]: KBS Broadcasting Station [여의도KBS홀]
— Talking about marriage [E3 (full E2]: Oakwood Premier Hotel Incheon [오크우드프리미어 인천]
— University of Oxford [E8 (full E4)]: Kyung Hee University — Global Campus [경희대국제캠퍼스]
— Mistaking someone [E10 (full E5)]: Some Sevit/Sebitseom [세빛섬]
— The ‘Climbing Big Match’ [E10 (full E5)]: Banpo Hangang Park [반포한강공원]

Melting Me Softly (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL, unless otherwise stated
— Visiting [E3]: Yongin Park [용인공원]
— Asking for compensation [E4]: Asosan [아소산 본점]
— Changed Seoul [E4]: Lotte World Tower & Mall [롯데월드타워&롯데월드몰]
— The difference 20 yrs create [E4]: Artinus Farmer’s Table [파머스테이블]
— Politicians talk [E6]: Samcheonggak [삼청각]
— Heading to the police [E6]: DMC Cultural Park [DMC문화공원]
— Searching a filming location [E8]: Yangpyeong Dumulmeori Park, ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Having a ‘some’ [E8]: Eoulmadang Street [어울마당로]
— Getting ice-cream [E9]: The Forest Garden [숲속정원]
— Getting information [E10]: Yeouido Kumho Ricencia Tower [여의도 금호 리첸시아]

Strangers From Hell (2019), ♡ submitted by Chelle
— A client meeting [E4]: Nilli’s Coffee — Yongsan Branch [닐리스커피 용산점]

Secret Boutique (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Finding out a secret [E8 (full E4)]: Grand Hyatt Incheon [그랜드 하얏트 인천]
— Resisting the International City Project [E9-12 (full E5-6]: Wooilgak [우일각/羽日閣]
— Going on a trip #1 [E11 (full E6)]: Dojangpo Breakwater [도장포방파제]
— Going on a trip #1 [E11 (full E6)]: Jangsado Sea Park CAMELLIA [장사도해상공원 까멜리아]
— Asking advice [E12 (full E6)]: Standard Square [스탠다드 스퀘어]
— Being stood-up [E16 (full E8)]: Lazy Cuore [레이지쿠오레]
— A dinner with a confession [E16 (full E8)]: Siwoo’s Restaurant [시우식당]
— Venting frustrations [E16 (full E8)]: Ichon Hangang Park [이촌 한강공원]
— A threat [E18 (full E9)]: Luka 511 [루카511]

Graceful Family (2019), ♡ added by Thom Musni and Marion KDL
— Paying last respects [E16]: Yangpyeong Dumulmeori Park [양평 두물머리]
— Being released [E16]: Seodaemun Prison History Hall [서대문형무소역사관]

Be Melodramatic (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Chelle
— A heart-to-heart talk [E8]: Bronx Premium Craft Beer — East Yeouido Branch
— In thoughts [E9] Dongmak-ro 19-gil [독막로19길]
— A seafood lunch [E14]: Daebak Jogaegui [대박조개구이]
— Meeting up [E15+16]: Cafe Cattle & Bee [캐틀앤비 강남점]
— Running into an ex [E16]: Chungmu Arts Center [충무아트센터]

I Wanna Hear Your Song (2019), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— A talk [E18 (full E9)]: Goodiu Café [좋은이웃카페]

Love Alarm (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL, unless otherwise stated
— Working part-time [E1]: Guuso [구우소], ♡ submitted by Thom Musni
— Confirming one’s love [E3]: Olympic Park [올림픽공원]
— Running through [E5+E6]: Jegi-ro 9-gil [제기로9길]
— The Badge Club Lounge [E5+6]: Walkerhill Hotel & Resort [워커힐 호텔 & 리조트]
— A photo shooting [E6]: Café Valor [발로]
— On the way to meet Jo-jo [E6]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]

Hotel del Luna (2019), ♡ submitted by Thom Musni
— On the way to Hotel Del Luna [E1]: Nowon Station [노원역]
— Buying wedding gifts [E5]: Swarovski Boutique — Garosugil Branch
— Ghost sighting [E8]: Studio Lotus [스튜디오 로터스]

One Spring Night (2019) ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— An evening walk #1 [E19]: SeMA — Seoul Museum of Art [서울시립미술관]
— An evening walk #2 [E19]: Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway [덕수궁 돌담길]
— A drink [E20 (full E10)]: Terrace Bar 650 [650 LP바]

My First First Love (2019), ♡ submitted by Hello Hello
— A secret place [S1, E3+E6]: Seoul Huam Elementary School [서울후암초등학교]

Left-Handed Wife (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Rolling Pin — Pangyo Branch [롤링핀 판교점]

A Place in the Sun (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Rolling Pin — Pangyo Branch [롤링핀 판교점]

Mr. Sunshine (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The American Embassy: Wooilgak [우일각/羽日閣]

Go Back Couple (2017), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Being dumped [E2]: Cafe Rosso [로쏘]

Suspicious Partner (2017), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Thinking back to student days [E9]: Incheon National University — Songdo Campus [인천대학교 송도캠퍼스]

Ping Pong Ball (2017), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Working part-time [E2]: Starry Night LP Bar [LP펍 별밤]

Hyde Jekyll & Me (2015), ♡ added by Marion KDL, unless otherwise stated
— Koo family villa [E3]: Museum SAN [뮤지엄산],
— A little short of a confession [E12]: Ilsan Lake Park [일산호수공원]
— A final confession & kiss [E20]: The Botanical Garden BCJ [벽초지 문화 수목원], ♡ added by a KDL Guest

Inspiring Generation (2014), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Gisaeng house: Wooilgak [우일각/羽日閣]

The Heirs (2013), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A family outing [E16]: Gyeonggi English Village — Paju Camp [경기영어마을 파주캠프]
— Convincing shareholders [E16]: Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도]
— A birthday party [E19]: Walkerhill Hotel & Resort [워커힐 호텔 & 리조트]

The Greatest Love (2011), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— Dok Ko-jin’s mansion: Kim Chong Yung Art Museum [김종영미술관]

Boys Over Flowers (2009), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Yi-jeong’s pottery studio [E18+20]: ClayHouse [클레이하우스]

Beethoven Virus (2008), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch [대관령 하늘목장]

Drama City: The 108 Men I’ve Met (2006), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Yangpyeong Dumulmeori Park [양평 두물머리]

Autumn In My Heart (2000), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch [대관령 하늘목장]

NEWLY ADDED TEASERS

The Lies Within (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
Teaser ‘Lee Min-ki Character Promo (모두의 거짓말 이민기 캐릭터 프로모)
— The Botanical Garden BCJ [벽초지 문화 수목원]

Crash Landing on You (2019), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— Teaser 1: Münsterbrücke, Zürich

NEWLY ADDED MOVIES

Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch [대관령 하늘목장], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Welcome to Dongmakgol/Battle Ground 625 (웰컴 투 동막골) (2005)
— Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War (태극기 휘날리며) (2004)
— Windstruck (내 여자친구를 소개합니다) (2004)
— Lovers’ Concerto (연애소설) (2002)

NEWLY ADDED CFs

Maxim (맥심) CF 1 with Gong Yoo, 2019
— Museum SAN [뮤지엄산]

Biotherma (바이오더마) CF, 2019
— Cafe Rosso [로쏘]

adidas Terrex CF with Lee Soo-hyuk and APink’s Na-eun , 2019, ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Wolmi Theme Park [월미테마파크]

SUMMARY

THE BOYS OVER FLOWER SAGA

The source for the South Korean version of Boys Over Flowers is the Japanese manga of the same name (1992–2003) that entered into its second season in 2015. Prior to its Korean adaptation, the manga was already adapted for TV through the Taiwan’s Meteor Garden in 2001 and Meteor Garden II in 2002. These  were followed by the three-volume Japanese interpretation of Hana Yori Dango (2005), Hana Yori Dango Returns (2007) and Hana Nochi Hare (2018). China eventually jumped on this trend (though much later, in 2018) and brought Meteor Garden to its small screens.
— Marion KDL

WRITER & DIRECTOR

by Marion KDL

Scriptwriter Yoon Ji-ryeon/Yoon Ji-ryun (윤지련), born in 1972, started her rather short career in K-Drama production with Boys Over Flowers, of which she adapted the original Japanese manga version to a television format. Two years later, she adapted the Japanese drama Operation Proposal (プロポーズ大作戦) to the same-titled K-Drama (프러포즈 대작전 in Korean), which was broadcasted on TV Chosun in 2012. In 2014, she wrote her first drama, Angel Eyes (엔젤아이즈) (SBS, 2014) — which also starred Goo Hye-sun in the main role.

Jeon Ki-sang (전기상) (1960-2018) started his production career as an assistant director in 1991 at KBS with the drama Tingling Fingertips (저린 손 끝). He stayed with KBS for the next 14 years, until 2005. Other notable dramas included 2003’s Bodyguard (보디가드), followed by another 2000s K-Drama hit, Sassy Girl Chun-hyang (쾌걸 춘향) in 2005. That same year marked his move to rival broadcasting station SBS as a director for My Girl (마이 걸) (2005-06). This drama also marked a turning point in his career as he was known to have kicked off the ‘romantic comedy’ trend in K-Dramaland. This was followed by Witch Ma (마녀유희) (SBS, 2007) and Boys Over Flowers two years later, for which he earned the ‘Drama Directing Prize’ [드라마연출부문 대상] at the Seoul Cultural Arts Awards 2010 [2010년 서울문화예술대상].

After Boys Over Flowers, Yoon stuck with manga-based dramas and struck gold with To The Beautiful You (아름다운 그대에게) in 2012. His last attempt to produce a drama was Gangnam Style (강남스타일) (2013), also based on a webtoon, but this never made it to television screens.

In 2013, he was nominated as an adjunct professor at the Broadcasting, Film, Design and Arts Department (Broadcast Video major) of the Korea Art Conservatory [KAC — 한국예술원].

He died in a traffic accident in January 2018.

CAST

 
 
At the time of taking on her role in Boys Over Flowers, 25-year-old Goo Hye-sun (구혜선) had already acted in a couple of lead drama roles, like in Pure in Heart (2006), The King and I (SBS,2007) and Strongest Chil Woo (2008). For Boys Over Flowers, she won the ‘Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama’ and the ‘Netizen Award, Actress’ at the 2009 KBS Drama Awards, as well as the ‘Best Couple Award’, together with Lee Min-ho. For Lee Min-ho (이민호), Boys Over Flowers is typically considered as his breakthrough drama, as it was for Kim Bum (김범) (real name: Kim Sang-bum, 김상범) who also rose to prominence through it.

For its 10th anniversary, Insight Korea suggested a virtual re-cast of a 2019 edition of Boys Over Flowers, with Woo Do-hwan as the contemporary Goo Jun-pyo, Seo Kang-joon to take over the So Yi-jeong role, Cha Eun-woo as Yoon Ji-hoo and finally, Ji Soo as Song Woo-bin.
— Marion KDL

As with every drama, fans are bound to support their favourite couple — be it the main leads, second leads, or even those involving side characters. Naturally, many Boys Over Flowers viewers may have hung onto every bit of Jun-pyo and Jan-di’s tumultuous relationship, or be entertained by the Woo-bin/Jae-kyung coupling (‘Monkey’, anyone?). But as for me, I was much more into the gradual love-blossoming between ‘Casanova’ Yi-jeong and ‘Country Bumpkin’ Ga-eul. Both taught each other different things over the course of the drama: he helped her get over her cheating ex-boyfriend, and she showed him that he didn’t have to be like his womanising father. While us So-Eul fans didn’t quite get the ending we deserved (sigh), this dear couple continues to live on in the imaginations of many ‘SoEulmates’, through the greater community. Am certainly proud to call consider myself a SoEulmate, even after all these years!
— Mich KDL

FILMING LOCATIONS

The geographical landscape of Boys Over Flowers is clearly set as the supporting canvas to crystalize the class-divide that serves as its major narrative backdrop: Jan-di’s down-to-earth, lower middle-class background and the one-percenters of the F4. As such, all locations linked to Jan-di were firmly settled in residential neighborhoods of Goyang, and for a time, also in Seoul’s residential neighborhood Bon-dong. As for the F4 elite, they get to jet across the country (and beyond — see below), and are spoilt for choice with the most luxurious locations at their fingertips.

This rationale aside, Boys Over Flowers also comes with some stretches in terms of location, particularly with its primary setting of Shinhwa High School.

In real life, the campus of this elite school stretches all over South Korea, being filmed at Paju, Yangpyeong and Daegu. The school buildings are a mix and match of those at Daemyung Campus [계명대학교 대명캠퍼스] and Seongseo Campus [계명대학교 성서캠퍼스] of Keimyung University and ChangeUp Campus — Yangpyeong Camp [체인지업캠퍼스 양평캠프]. In contrast, the canteen of the school — located at Artinus Farmer’s Table [파머스테이블] — as well as the F4’s meeting room — at the now closed-down Neverland Bookstore [네버랜드책방]– are both in Heyri Art Village, with the school garden being The Botanical Garden BCJ [벽초지 문화 수목원], all which are located in Paju.
— Marion KDL

 
Nothing says “I’ve got money to spend” like a jet-setting lifestyle, and our F4 is certainly no stranger to heading overseas at a drop of a hat. In Boys Over Flowers, Jan-di, Ga-eul — and by proxy, us viewers — were taken to the beautiful island of New Caledonia, and the historical (and somewhat flashy) city of Macau. While both countries are clearly on opposite ends of the global spectrum, it was a refreshing break away from the cold, dreariness of wintery Seoul (for the actors too, we bet!). And thanks to the popularity of the show, these places became highly sought-after travel destinations among Koreans!
— Mich KDL

Last update: 08/11/2019

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Talking about the Boys Over Flowers actors and how their careers evolved after the drama would be — in some cases– rather subjective; instead, we’ve chosen to focus on our main topic here at KDL: the locations.
— by Marion KDL

Boys Over Flowers seems to be in two distinct camps when it comes to its K-Dramaland location legacy.

On one hand, Boys Over Flowers is deeply inscribed in the 2000s landscape of K-Dramas, having a considerable overlap with the locations in 2001’s Beautiful Days, such as the Grand Hyatt Seoul [그랜드하얏트 서울], Banpo Bridge [반포대교], Namsan Tower/N Seoul Tower [N서울타워] and Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항].

It also caters to other K-Dramaland staples of its time, and especially those of the mid-2000s like Ssangdaepo Restaurant [쌍대포 본점], Cheongnamdae Presidential Villa [청남대], the Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도] or Stairs to Namsan Tower — Sam-soon Stairs [삼순이 계단] and even one of K-Dramaland’s oldest staples, Keimyung University [계명대학교].

But at the same time, Boys Over Flowers has done much more. It actually introduced quite a lot of contemporary staples to K-Dramaland. Examples include the Damyang Reina Country Club [담양레이나CC] (opened in 2008), which has since served quite a lot of K-Dramaland characters as its mansion; Phoenix Jeju Island Resort [휘닉스제주 섭지코지], which opened in the same year and has appeared in a number of dramas since then; and even Artinus Farmer’s Table [파머스테이블] (opened in 2006), which continues to be one of K-Dramaland’s most favorite restaurants in 2019.

There are also places like the main branch of Shinsegae Department Store [신세계백화점 본점], which, since its Boys Over Flowers appearance and its 2007 renovation, has been a regular department store for K-Drama characters to visit; and Eoulmadang Street [어울마당로], which became one of the most popular streets in K-Dramaland to visit, listen to music and to hang out with friends and loved ones. The Botanical Garden BCJ [벽초지 문화 수목원] also became very popular among K-Dramaland characters in the post-Boys Over Flowers years, and the epic forced-overnight scene certainly also helped Namsan Cable Car [남산 케이블카] become a regular mode of transport for K-Dramaland’s residents.

Seoul’s satellite city Goyang [고양시] and its neighborhoods of Neunggo [능곡동], Daehwa [대화동] Janghang [장항동] and Jeongbalsan [정발산동] are clearly at the center of Boys Over Flowers’ architectural landscape as Jan-di’s town. Looking back on this past decade, Goyang could have made a household name for itself as a coherent city landscape in K-Dramaland, next to Seoul and Incheon or even Busan building on Boys Over Flowers‘ fame — but it didn’t.

In recent years, however, Goyang has not only introduced us to various K-Dramaland staples, but also started to carve out a niche for itself as a K-Dramaland’s café lover’s hot spot. And the cherry on the cake? Jan-di’s parents’ laundry shop is also a café now.

Seoul’s neighborhoood of Bon [Bon-dong/본동], on the other hand, was only briefly introduced as a residential neighborhood with affordable rooftop apartments in episode 18-19 of Boys Over Flowers. This neighborhood made its K-Dramaland re-appearance and consolidated its 2009 representation with end-of-2010s K-Dramas like 2017’s Revolutionary Love, 2018’s Let Me Introduce Her and most recently, 2019’s Moments of Eighteen.

K-DRAMA REFERENCES

Legend Of The Blue Sea clearly plays off on Boys Over Flowers on a meta level, especially on two occasions. First, when Lee Min-ho returns to Shinwha Group’s department store, this time with his lover Sim Chung (Gianna Jun); and second (even more meta than the first), when he also waits for Sim Chung in the falling snow — as he did for Jan-di– at Namsan Tower/N Seoul Tower.
— Marion KDL

MEDIA REFERENCES

Ji-hoo invites Jun-pyo over in episode 7 to watch the North American action-film The Musketeer (2001) by Peter Hyams, based on Alexandre Dumas’s classic novel The Three Musketeers. When Ji-hoo comments to his best friend that they have already seen it over 10 times together. Jun-pyo, knowing that Ji-hoo would clearly stay his rival in love, corrects him by saying it was 11 times and leaves the cinema. This could be a reason Ji-hoo watches the movie on his own in episode 11?
 

Ride Away (달려라 자전거), starring Lim Ha-jung (Han Hyo-joo) and Kim Soo-wook (Lee Young-hoon) as star-crossed lovers, is the film that Jun-pyo chose to watch with Jan-di in front of his house in a private open air cinema session, in episode 10. The kissing scene prompts the two to lean in… but are soon interrupted.
 

Koo Jun-pyo and Ha Jae-kyeong watch the movie Scandal Makers (과속스캔들) at the cinema in episode 17.
 

In episode 20, Jun-pyo tries to get closer to Jan-di again, this time proposing to watch horror movie Death Bell (고死: 피의 중간고사), which was Boys Over Flowers actor Kim Bum’s most recent film at the time. No surprises that they are interrupted, yet again.
 

CULTURAL REFERENCES: MAKING KIMCHI & EATING RAMYUN

Ohhaeyoung (on Dramabeans) and I are probably not alone when it comes to the “memorable food moments” associated with Boys Over Flowers, as s/he puts it. To quite a lot of people, this drama was certainly a– ahem, THE gateway to kimchi-making and ramyun-eating (from the lid, of course!).

Long before kimchi  [김치] –a fermented spicy side dish mostly made with cabbage– became an internationally known culinary item and a global ‘superfood’, K-Drama families made it, ate it and brought it over from their mother’s house to their own fridges, and to the (international) screens of their watchers. Boys Over Flowers not only narratively cemented the family bonds of Jan-di’s family versus Jun-pyo’s empty family home by showing them making kimchi in full view of an astonished Jun-pyo (who probably thought — could families also be like this?!), but it also introduced K-Drama watchers to kimchi itself, motivating them to drive for hours to be able to taste it for themselves.

Another Boys Over Flowers food highlight (and probably the most unhealthy accompaniment to kimchi), ramyun [라면], also clearly underlines the class divide in the series, as Radioplayon points out. But Junpyo’s ramyun obsession probably made more people wonder (instead of dissecting it as a meta narrative) if ramyun really tastes better when eaten home-cooked and from the lid … or even uncooked.
— Marion KDL

KDL CREDITS

Text and photos by Mich KDL

In last year’s final KDL Roundup, I shared how Seongmisan-ro 29-gil was my favorite location overall in 2018. This rather non-descript street in Yeonnam-dong first caught my attention in You Drive Me Crazy!, when the cherry blossoms were still in full bloom. It continued to pop-up in dramas in the summer (The Third Charm) and even in autumn (Mama Fairy and the Woodcutter, My First First Love). While it was fascinating to see this street through its seasons, albeit through my screen, I wondered what it would be like to see it for myself.

Well, I’m happy to share that I’ve managed to check this place off my to-visit list! And if you’re also planning to visit this street on a future trip, here are the K-Dramaland locations to look out for.

Yi-hyun & Kim Geum’s House

5 Seongmisan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu

This place should look familiar to those who watched Mama Fairy! Yes, this was Professor Jung Yi-hyun’s walk-up apartment, which he shared with his student, Kim Geum (among other people who came to stay over through the series!). It was certainly great to see it for myself!

The modern exterior of this building may seem like quite a rarity amongst other K-dramaland houses, but it somehow fits in just nicely with the others along this street. Though it’s not known if this is actually someone’s house in reality, I found out that the space on the first floor (next to the stairs) is actually a studio/office belonging to design company cloudandco.

House on Seongmisan-ro 29-gil

10 Seongmisan-ro 29-gil

Fans of Temperature of Love, you’d remember this as the exterior of Hyun-soo’s house. The signature red decor is still at the staircase, so you won’t miss it! Just remember to be respectful as a real family lives here (someone came out to clean the porch while I was there!).

Eunhaeng Children’s Park [은행어린이공원]

17-3 Seongmisan-ro 29-gil

Just about a minute or so down from Hyun-soo’s house is a park that was seen in The Third Charm, when Joon-young met Se-eun to tell her the truth of where he’d been the night before. It definitely had a different charm of its own in the day, with energetic children playing around the premises, their parents watching them from a distance under the pavilion.

Banh Mi Phuong [반미프엉]

20 Seongmisan-ro 29-gil

This is not an official drama location, but this lavishly decorated bright yellow building in the middle of the street was too striking to not take notice of! Previously known as Frodo & Co — where the food truck in The Third Charm was located in front of — the building has since transformed into Vietnamese restaurant Banh Mi Phuong, which opened this past May. This is also an indication that you’re now in the middle of the street; so let’s keep going!

forfork

23 Seongmisan-ro 29-gil

This building may not be appear to be familiar at first sight, but would it ring a bell if I said that this was Kang Mu-yeon’s house in Descendants of the Sun? (I see I’ve got your attention now 😉) Previously the showroom of furniture shop bplusm, it is now a cafe called forfork.

Seongmisan-ro 29-gil (You Drive Me Crazy! scene)

32 Seongmisan-ro 29-gil

Further down towards the end of the street is the section where a tipsy Eun-seong gets her shoe stuck in You Drive Me Crazy!, and just in front of it, the street that leads to Rae-wan’s house. It would certainly be nice to see that section during the cherry blossom season, like when the drama was filmed!

Seongmisan-ro 29-gil (My First First Love scene)

33 Seongmisan-ro 29-gil

Just a hop, skip and jump across is the street that leads to Tae-oh’s house in My First First Love; also where he had unceremoniously snubbed Song-yi and rode past her on his scooter. Be sure to check out Super Moon, the cafe and book gallery located on the same side.

Bonus: TABIYA Guesthouse [타비야 게스트하우스]

29-8 Seongmisan-ro 29-gil

And how could I have come all the way here, without checking out THE house in the center of My First First Love? The street was rather packed that day with lots of parked cars, so it wasn’t as empty as the show makes it out to be. It was certainly nice to see it for myself — though pity I didn’t spot Tae-oh’s scooter in the midst of it!

Getting here

The best way to get to Seongmisan-ro 29-gil is via Exit 3 of Hongik University Station [홍대입구역], which will be a 10-11 minute walk to Yi-hyun & Kim Geum’s house. (Note that the photo above is of Exit 7!)

It might take a little longer if you end up exploring the various streets and alleyways, or stop at a cafe along the way — totally understandable! Be sure to check the exact walking route on your Korean map app to help you get to your destination.

And there’s more to see!

If you’re planning to visit other locations in the Yeonnam-dong area, why not make a day out of it? You can also check out these K-Dramaland places:

From Hongdae Station, Exit 3, en-route to Seongmisan-ro 29-gil

Le Torte [레 또르떼]
(8 min. walk from station)
Junghangwoo Cake — Yeonnam Branch [정항우케익 서울연남점]
(8 min. walk from previous location)
Tae-hee’s former apartment
(2 min. walk from previous location)
Art Platz [아트플라츠] — Tingklu [팔찌만들기]
(short distance from previous location)
ZooZooPet [쥬쥬펫]
(opposite previous location)
7-Eleven — Mapo Yeonnam Store [세븐일레븐 마포연남점]
(2 min. walk from previous location; 1 min. walk to Yi-hyun & Kim Geum’s house)
Guest House Pajamaparty [게스트하우스 파자마파티]
(2 min. walk from Banh Mi Phuong)
The April [디에이프릴]
(1 min. walk from previous location; 1 min. back to Banh Mi Phuong)

From Gajwa Station, Exit 1

Studio Lotus [스튜디오 로터스]
(9 min. walk from station)
Seongmisan-ro 23-gil [성미산로23길]
(3 min. walk from previous location)
Thanks, Oat [땡스오트]
(short distance from previous location)
Ji Seo-joon’s House
(just behind previous location)
7-Eleven — Yeonnam Forest Branch [세븐일레븐 연남숲길점]
(4 min. walk from previous location)

I hope you have just as much fun exploring the area as I did! Let me know your favorite location on this street, in the comments 🙂

by Marion & Mich KDL

We slowly say good-bye to autumn as the first snow enters K-Dramaland.

“There is an interesting saying about the day of the first snowfall,” explains Kim Seol-ah in her radio show ‘Kim Seol-ah’s Dawn Stroll’ in episode 33 of Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life and continues by saying: “‘Your clothes change from light to thick later in the month’. What do you think it means? I bet you are wondering what it means. It means the temperature drops enough for you to wear thick clothes around this time of the year.” A user then sends in another saying about the first snowfall: “Get a loan if you must in order to have the cold from the first snow.” But Kim Seol-ah leaves this thought as a cliff hanger. Let us see if the upcoming episodes will give us an explanation. In any case, we are looking forward to one of the more sweet and heartwarming K-Drama tropes — having lovers promise to meet up on the first day of snowfall.

Let us also welcome the first K-drama snow with the soothing sounds of the song The First Snow [첫눈] by solo singer Zitten [짙은], as Seol-ah did in her show: https://youtu.be/YqwXci_SPWE

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

Boys Over Flowers (BOF) was certainly a gateway drama to the world of K-Dramaland for quite a lot of people (not only us), so we decided that it definitely needed a 10th Anniversary Overview.

It is quite a curiosity that we seem to be the only ones commemorating the first decade of the F4’s existence — we’ve not seen any meta references in this year’s dramas too. This is also understandable as the real life misdeeds and misbehaviors by some of the main actors and actresses that took place this year have overshadowed the characters in the drama itself.

At KDL, we’ve focused on the locations and the drama’s fictional world, of course; read up on how in the span of the last 10 years, BOF can be considered as a game changer in the K-Dramalandscape.
— Marion KDL

We also have two flower meaning additions! Read up on the Lily of the Valley — the flower meaning with the longest presence in K-Dramaland thus far (from 2006 to 2019)– and a very new addition: the light pink rose.

I know this isn’t drama-related, but I suppose I would consider this a (somewhat unfortunate) highlight of my past month. Fans of the K-pop group Monsta X have been going through a hard time because of the departure of member Wonho, and over a month later, are still fighting for and supporting his return.

As a fellow fan that misses seeing the original 7 members together, I decided to rewatch some of their variety shows — and to my pleasant surprise, I spotted some locations that we already have on KDL! If you’re a Monbebe like myself, you can take a look at our current Monsta X related locations here, or scroll to the bottom of this post for the newest ones. We are #StillHereForMX7, and that will not change ♥ — Mich KDL

OUR FAVORITE STAPLES

Hotel Wiz [위즈호텔] is quite an interesting staple. Not really easily recognizable, never talked about and still … it has been in K-Dramaland’s existence since 2006.

What a surprise it is to finally see this long-time staple before the year ends! This time, we got to see more of what its name suggests — the Gallery.

Here’s another location staple we’ve not seen since last year’s Are You Human? — this time, featured as a location for a jewellery showcase and auction.

KISS, KISS, KISS

With this couple, even a tight hug after a breakup (and what scenery?!) transmits more feelings than other couple’s kisses.

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AREA: SEONGMISAN-RO-29-GIL & IHWA

Go on an autumn walk with Mich KDL and discover this lovely street in Seoul’s neighborhood Yeonnam. One thing is guaranteed: it will make you want to immediately book your long awaited trip to South Korea!

We’ve also added a combined listing for Ihwa Mural Village [이화벽화마을] so that you’ll have all locations in one spot.

NEWLY ADDED FILMING LOCATIONS

As always, thanks for following and supporting us on KDL, whether it’s through the daily updates, our special blog posts, or even through submitting a location/photographs! Every contribution helps to grow the largest collection of K-drama locations online — by K-drama fans, for K-drama fans 🙂

Till the next Saturday Summary — read on below to check out the newest location additions from the past month!

Love With Flaws (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Lee’s family home: Buam7 [부암동 7번지]
— Seo-joon’s talent agency: JCC Creative Center [JCC크리에이티브센터]
— A break-up [E1]: Posco Tower Songdo [포스코타워송도]
— A drink after a break-up [E1]: A.Y Lounge Bar [에이와이 라운지]
— Reflections on money [E1]: Yeouido Park [여의도공원]
— Arriving in South Korea [E1]: Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]
— Catching up [E1]: Faro Grand [파로그랜드]

Never Twice (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— Nakwon Inn: Yedamheon Hanok [예담헌]
— Guseong Hotel #1: Grand Hyatt Incheon [그랜드 하얏트 인천]
— Guseong Hotel #2: Grand Hilton Seoul [그랜드힐튼 서울]
— Meeting up [E3]: Milky Way Café [몽마르뜨언덕위 은하수다방]
— Looking forward [E4]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]

Unasked Family (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Mich KDL
— School bus pick-up: Jaha Super [자하슈퍼]

VIP (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Mich KDL
— Deep in thought (1) [E2 (full 1)]: Banpo Bridge [반포대교]
— After a company dinner [E4 (full E2)]: Cheongdam Cinecity Building [씨네시티빌딩]
— Driving across in silence [E6 (full 3)]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— Talking things out [E6 (full 3)]: Cheonggyecheon Stream [청계천]
— Meeting mom [E7 (full 4)]: Peace Piece [피스피스]
— Driving alone [E9 (full 5)]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— Taking a rest [E11 (full 6)]: FATUM [파툼]
— Meeting up [E13 (full 7)]: Gallery White Block [화이트블럭]
— Sending off Tifone’s chairman [E13 (full 7)]: Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]
— Meeting the VP’s mistress [E13 (full 7)]: Bar Omusa [오무사] 
— Tifone showcase and auction location exterior [E15-16 (full 8)]: Southcape Club House [사우스케이프오너스클럽]
— Private auction room [E15-16 (full 8)]: Conrad Hotel Seoul [콘래드호텔]

Catch the Ghost (2019), ♡ added by deanekitty29
— Wangsoori Station: Wangsimni Station [왕십리역]

Extraordinary You (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— ‘Seuli High School’ and Hanok Visit [E1,7,17]: Keimyung University — Seongseo Campus
— Death anniversary [E22]: Yongin Park [용인공원]
— Memories of Joseon Times [E22 (full E11)]: Okjeongho Gujeolcho Theme Park [옥정호 구절초테마공원]

The Tale Of Nokdu (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— A picnic [E13 (full E7)]: Gosanjeong Pavilion [고산정/ 孤山亭]

Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL & Chelle
— Giving out leaflets [E6]: Myungsung Church [명성교회]
— Getting advice from a lawyer [E9]: Green Cloud Coffee Shop [그린클라우드커피]
— Saying farewell [E16]: Seongmisan-ro 29-gil [성미산로29길]

Melting Me Softly (2019), ♡ added by Thom Musni, unless otherwise stated
— TOB broadcasting company: DDMC [동아디지털미디어센터], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Shooting ‘Go Go 99’ [E11]: Pocheon Art Valley [포천아트밸리]
— Meeting up [E14]: Cooing Brunch [쿠잉 or 쿠잉브런치], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Being attacked [E15]: First Garden, Paju [퍼스트가든]
— Canada [E16]: Gyeonggi English Village — Paju Camp [경기영어마을 파주캠프]

Strangers From Hell (2019), ♡ submitted by Chelle
— Eden Goshiwon: One Heart Church [한마음교회]
— Having dinner [E1]: Maehwayang [매화양]
— Buying flowers [E5]: Daehak-ro 11-gil [대학로11길]

Secret Boutique (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— Breaking down [E20 (full E10)]: Banpo Bridge
— Getting threatened [E20 (full E10)]: Asosan [아소산 본점]
— A trap [E20 (full E10)]: Grey Scale Coffee [그레이스케일커피]
— Yuncheon Market [E23-24 (full E12)]: Gyodong Daeryong Market [대룡시장]

Hotel del Luna (2019), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— A birthday spent at Hangang [E1]: Ichon Hangang Park [이촌 한강공원]

Love Alarm (2019), ♡ submitted by Thom Musni
— Meeting after 4 years [E6]: Ewha Womans University [이화여자대학교]

Moments of Eighteen (2019), ♡ submitted by Thom Musni and Marion KDL
— The morning after a break-up [E10]: Dogok Station [도곡역]
— A school trip [E10]: Phoenix Pyeongchang [휘닉스 평창]

Quiz From God: Reboot/God’s Quiz 5 (2018-19), ♡ submitted by Mich KDL
— Having a chat [E9]: Sinpo-ro 27beon-gil [신포로27번길]

My Mister (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A phone call [E6]: Woonsan Korean Restaurant

Mr. Sunshine (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A place to contemplate [E2, E10]: Gosanjeong Pavilion [고산정/ 孤山亭]

Bad Thief, Good Thief (2017), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— COMF Tree Restaurant [컴프트리]

Please Find Her (2017), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Going jogging (1) [E1]: Yeouido Hangang Park [한강 공원 여의도 지구]
— Going jogging (2) [E1]: 63 Square [63스퀘어]
— Going jogging (3) [E1]: Hangang Railway Bridge [한강철교]
— Going jogging (4) [E1]: Itaewon Subway Station [이태원역]
— Halloween street/Buying ice-cream [E5/8]: Daehyun Cultural Park [대현문화공원]

She Was Pretty (2015), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Doing an interview [E11]: Yeouido Park [여의도공원]

The Legendary Witch (2014-15), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A vacation [E30]: Jeju International Airport [제주국제공항]

Plus Nine Boys (2014), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A date course [E3]: Nongoldam-gil Street [동해 논골담길]

The Heirs (2013), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Moving to the sea [E16-18]: Nongoldam-gil Street [동해 논골담길]

A Gentleman’s Dignity (2012), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A date [E18]: Yeouido Park [여의도공원]
— Defending Yi-soo [E16]: Pattern Ethiopia [패턴에티오피아]

Boys Over Flowers (2009), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A date [E22-23]: Seoul Grand Park [서울대공원]
— The Yoon Foundation [E23]: Songdo ConvensiA Convention Center [송도컨벤시아]
— A scheme [E4]: Hotel Wiz [위즈호텔] *
* check out the listing for more dramas filmed here

The Snow Queen (2006-07), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Gwahak (Science) High School #1 [E1]: Keimyung University Daemyung Campus
— Gwahak (Science) High School #2 [E1]: Seoul City Astronomical Observatory [서울시립천문대]
— The math olympiad [E1]: Sun Moon University [선문대학교 아산캠퍼스]
— A truck of doom [E1]: Hangang Bridge [한강대교]
— Rejecting an advice [E2]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant [쌍대포 본점]
— Going to see sea lions [E3]: 63 Square [63스퀘어]
— Sobering up [E3]: Banpo Hangang Park [반포한강공원]
— A fashion show [E4]: Grand Hyatt Seoul [그랜드하얏트 서울]
— In the bus with a pretty view [E5]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— A short date [E6]: Yeouido Park [여의도공원]
— Meeting one’s mother and a break up [E7, E9]: Cafe Blüte [까페 블뤼테]

Ruler Of Your Own World (2002), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Pickpocketing [E1]: Gwangheungchang Station [광흥창역]

NEWLY ADDED TEASERS

Psychopath Diary (2019), ♡ submitted by Mich KDL
— Teaser 2: Jaha Super [자하슈퍼]

NEWLY ADDED MOVIES

Declaration of Idiot/Declaration of Fools (바보선언) (1985)
— Ewha Womans University [이화여자대학교]

Love Forecast (오늘의 연애) (2015)
— NC Cube Canal Walk [NC큐브 커넬워크]
— The Galleria Luxury Hall West [갤러리아백화점 WEST점]
— YTN Building [YTN 뉴스퀘어]
— Gwanghwamun Square [광화문광장]

Ode to the Goose (거위를 노래하다) (2018)
— Yoon Dong-Ju Literature Museum [윤동주문학관]
— Duksung Girls’ High School [덕성여자고등학교]

The Princess and the Matchmaker (궁합/Goonghap) (2018)
— Okjeongho Gujeolcho Theme Park [옥정호 구절초테마공원]

NEWLY ADDED MVs/STORY FILMS

CIX [씨아이엑스]: ‘Hello, Strange Place’ Story Film (03. Self Slaughter) (2019)
— Banpo Bridge [반포대교]

CIX [씨아이엑스]: ‘Hello, Strange Place’ Story Film (04. Abrupt Absence) (2019)
— Bookfriends Café [북프렌즈카페]
KDL note: The CIX videos contain mature themes of suicide and violence.
Please watch only at your own discretion.

MONSTA X [몬스타엑스] (2018): ‘Jealousy’
— A.Y Lounge Bar [에이와이 라운지]

NU’EST (뉴이스트) (2015): ‘Look (A Starlight Night)’ — 5th Mini Album CANVAS
— Mapo Bridge [마포대교]

NEWLY ADDED VARIETY SHOWS

The Return of Superman (2013–present), ♡ added by Chelle
— Song triplets neighborhood: Songdo Central Park [송도센트럴공원]
— Learning to ski: Yongpyong Resort [용평리조트]

Monsta X-Ray Season 2 (2017), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Working at a cafe [E1]: Cafe Humming Bella [허밍 벨라]
— Working at an aquarium [E2-3]: Hanwha Aqua Planet Ilsan [아쿠아플라넷 일산]
— Playing games to win money [E4]: Incheon Open Port Museum [인천개항박물관]
— Attending a ‘VIP premiere’ [E6]: JTBC Building [제이티비씨]

Monsta X’s Right Now (2016), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Racing up the Ruins [E6]: The Ruins of St. Paul’s [大三巴牌坊/성바울성당]

The Human Condition Season 1 (2012), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Living without electricity [E10-13]: ZooZooPet [쥬쥬펫]

NEWLY ADDED K-POP LOCATIONS

— BTS Pop Up store ‘House of BTS [하우스 오브 BTS]’: Cafe Alver [알베르]

by Mich & Marion KDL

And in the blink of an eye, we’re once again approaching yet another year’s end. What a year 2019 has been in K-Dramaland indeed! As always, it’s been such a thrill to discover new places and revisit familiar locations in the dramas we’ve watched over the past few months.

Naturally, there were location constants across this year’s drama spectrum, such as Incheon International Airport, Seogang Bridge, Seoul Central District Court and our evergreen
Ssangdaepo Restaurant. We also welcomed back some of those featured in our 2017 list, such as Green Cloud Coffee Shop, Chungah Park Columbarium, Asosan, A.Y Lounge Bar, as well as Yeouido Hangang Park.

So, which locations made our 2019 most-seen list? Read on to find out!

Note: Numbers in brackets at the end of each header denotes the number of dramas the location has appeared in this year!

Edging out Banpo Bridge this year is the signature blue semi-circle arches of this Ichon-dong bridge, seen in driving (or riding) scenes in dramas like Graceful Family, Doctor Prisoner, and My First First Love. The pathway along Dongjak Bridge was also well-visited by characters from Search: WWW, Investigation Couple 2 and Her Private Life, who came to contemplate life, love — and for some, even death.

Step aside, Jangheung Prison — there’s a new detention center on the block this year. The appearance of Seongdong Detention Center took us by surprise as its entrance looks similar to that of Jangheung’s, and it took us a while to figure out that they’re not the same place! It’s quickly risen up the ranks of being K-Dramaland’s 2019 penitentiary of choice, as seen in dramas like Touch Your Heart, Item and Class of Lies.

It’s interesting that the National Assembly Building has only just made its way to our list, but it shouldn’t come as any surprise. This is particularly so with politically-themed dramas such as Designated Survivor: 60 Days, Chief of Staff and My Fellow Citizens! gracing our screens this year, and the characters from these dramas either working for, or aspiring to work for South Korea’s national legislative assembly.

This street in the heart of Hongdae continues to be at the center of the lively youth culture that the area is known for, with its frequent busking performances seen in 2019 K-dramas like When The Devil Calls Your Name and Spring Turns To Spring. Eoulmadang Street is also a great place to take a stroll when you need some ‘me time’, like in One Spring Night.

Two years after Lotte World Tower & Mall officially opened its doors to the public, it’s also climbed its way to our Most Seen Locations list! This architectural wonder — seen towering over the siblings in in Melting Me Softly — was not the only feature of this extensive (and certainly expensive) retail and residential complex that was featured in K-Dramaland this year. For example, we also had a glimpse of Avenue L Department Store in Hotel Del Luna, and Signel Residences in Abyss.

A new addition to our list, but not a new location in K-dramaland; it’s about time we got to see (some) more of Some Sevit/Sebitseom on our screens! Whether it’s going on a fake date in Perfume, being mistakenly dragged to a climbing competition in Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life, or just good ol’ hanging out as in Hip Hop King, this cultural building continues to shine in Banpo Hangang Park, both day and night.

Out of the five times this rooftop house was featured in dramas this year, it was the actual residence (and workplace, at least of her mother) of only one character in K-Dramaland: Kim Hye-ja in The Light In Your Eyes. In other dramas like Romance is a Bonus Book, The Secret Life of My Secretary and Moments in Eighteen, it was either the location for a fleeting visit, or merely part of a walking or driving route.

The State Room of this prestigious office building in the heart of Myeong-dong was frequently featured this year as the location for (often, awkward and uncomfortable) meet-ups of K-Dramaland’s rich and powerful, as seen in Extraordinary You, or an office space a la Secret Boutique.

Believe it or not — this is the first time that a theme park has made it to our Most Seen Locations list (we’re surprised too)!  Lotte World is no stranger to the folks of K-Dramaland though, having been steadily featured in dramas over the last 20 (!!) years or so. This year, Korea’s first indoor theme park was featured in shows like Love Alarm, Absolute Boyfriend and A-Teen 2.

Have any others to add to the ‘Most Seen’ list? Share your findings and favourites with us in the comments!

Watch out for the other upcoming KDL Roundups we have for 2019 🙂

By Marion and Mich KDL

2019 was certainly interesting for us at KDL, not just in terms of locations, but also neighborhoods. Looking back on 2018’s list, it’s fascinating to see how K-Dramaland’s locale choices continue to evolve with every passing year and let us discover new parts of Seoul via our screen.

And even if a neighborhood continues to remain a popular choice, it’s also great to see new places emerge amidst the usual suspects — not that we’re complaining, of course.

It is also the right balance between enough familiarity with certain neighborhoods (knowing/recognizing this street, that place and this place and that one) and new introductions (of neighborhoods but also discovering a new side street here and a new café or restaurant there), which keeps us coming back to K-Dramaland every year.

Without further ado, let’s jump straight into our Neighborhoods of the Year!

2019’s List

— Yeouido-dong (2018: #5)
— Bukchon Hanok Village & Samcheong-dong (2017: #4)
— Songdo International Business District (2018: #3)
— Yeonnam-dong (2017: #1)
— Munbal-dong (new!)
— Huam-dong (new!)
— Hapjeong-dong (new!)
— Nonhyeon-dong (new!)

Yeouido-dong [여의도동] [20]

Topping our Neighborhoods list this year (quite interestingly too) is Yeouido, known for being Seoul’s financial and political district, most notably because of the National Assembly Building. K-Dramaland’s most prolific hotel, can also be found in this district.

But Yeouido is not just all concrete jungle, though. There are parks in the heart of the district, along the riverside — and even a yacht marina! Its no wonder it’s been a K-dramaland hotspot this year. And to think that its name means ‘useless’; it really is anything but. — Mich KDL

Bukchon Hanok Village [북촌한옥마을] [9]
& Samcheong-dong [삼청동] [15]

Samcheong-dong and the neighboring Bukchon Hanok Village were probably the areas most true to themselves this year, by continuously furnishing our screens with tiny boutique and craft shop-filled alleyways to dwell at, cafés and –what they do best–hanoks. It is mainly thanks to Touch Your Heart, Hotel Del Luna, My First First Love, The Secret Life of My Secretary and the end-of-year Never Twice, that these areas graced our screens again. Apart from the usual suspects, 2019 came with two café additions, a new gallery, flower shop and two new K-Dramaland places to stay at — and, of course, new streets and alleyways (Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Samcheong-ro 5-gil and Palpan-gil) to discover. It’s still a mystery to me, though, as to why K-Drama characters never come this part of Seoul to shop in its tiny (designer) boutiques, galleries or craft shops? — Marion KDL

Songdo International Business District (IBD) [16]

It’s definitely no surprise that Songdo IBD would make it to our Neighborhoods list once again, though had it only just been the regular locations featured this year’s dramas, it probably wouldn’t warrant a mention in this year’s roundup! But more than just its futuristic architecture, we’ve seen a few new sides of this business district featured in various dramas, from restaurants and universities, to hotels and parks. The International Business District subway station, in particular, became a most meaningful location for fans of Search: WWW’s SeolHyun couple — myself included. — Mich KDL

Yeonnam-dong [연남동] [15]

There seems to be a constant year-to-year ping-pong between Hongdae and its neighborhood-neighbor Yeonnam. This is especially for two parallel streets in Yeonnam (Seongmisan-ro 23-gil and Seongmisan-ro 29-gil) which somewhat defined K-Dramaland for us this year — so much so that Mich KDL made her way to one of these streets on a recent visit. We continued to see how inviting Yeonnam is as a neighborhood for people to dwell, and how it has plenty to offer in terms of nice restaurants (see Verde, Sushi Yadori), cafés (see Le Torte and Thanks, Oat), creative places (both outdoor and indoor) and not to forget green spaces. That said, let’s see if we will be talking about Hongdae here next year. — Marion KDL

Munbal-dong [문발동] [8]

The addition of Munbal-dong to this year’s list would definitely be attributed to book publishing-themed drama Romance is a Bonus Book, which was mostly set in Paju Book City, located in this neighborhood. It was certainly fun for us to discover what else this specialty book area has to offer beyond the anchor Forest of Wisdom library, such as the cafes and even publishing house pathways! We’re not sure how much more of this neighborhood we’ll be discovering next year, but one thing’s for sure: we’re already looking forward to it. — Mich KDL

Huam-dong [후암동] [9]

Possibly most well-known as the area where Dobong Walnut Bakery is located in 2017’s Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, this neighborhood quickly became the 2019 K-Dramaland hub for rooftop restaurants and cafés. It also comes with one of the highest densities of K-Drama staircases and the loveliest elementary school of the K-Dramalandscape to date. We may have missed out on the 1990s-2000s appearances of this part of Seoul, but we’re sure we’ll be seeing to see more of this neighborhood at the verge of gentrification, in the years to come. — Marion KDL

Hapjeong-dong [합정동] [8]

It’s actually a wonder that Hapjeong had yet to make it to our Neighborhoods list all this time! A faithful staple in K-Dramaland thanks to Milky Way Cafe, the whole stretch of Tojeong-ro cafes and stores — including A Place To Go, Broister, La Retro — were given some screen time this year in Love Alarm. Need other food recommendations for the area? Dramas like My First First Love and Mother of Mine introduced us to places like Anjuya and Tarr Tarr, which you can check out on your next visit to the area. — Mich KDL

Nonhyeon-dong [논현동] [8]

A final new addition to our most seen K-Drama neighborhoods is Nonhyeon, one of Gangnam’s posher parts. It carved its own niche in 2019’s K-Dramalandscape particularly as a restaurant hotspot with an eclectic mix of higher-end restaurants and rather down to earth, wallet-friendly alternatives. It seems like Nonhyeon made it to this year’s list because of Y Spazio, one of 2019’s go-to restaurants, along with new restaurants and café additions like JP Chef Diary (for romantic dinners), Gyeongseon Jeonjib and Sookseongui Myeongga (for K-Dramaland everyday-style dinner outings) and Ediya Coffee Lab (for a romantic afternoon) pushing this neighborhood up the ranks.

Additionally, this neighborhood appeared this year as one of K-Dramaland’s wedding hall hubs with The Grace Kelly of Partyum House Gangnam and Villa de Bailey (even though it appeared as the exterior of an office space). — Marion KDL

Hope you enjoyed reading up on our Neighborhoods of the Year! Which neighborhoods do you think will make it to next year’s list, or which new ones will emerge as K-Drama hotspots in 2020? Let us know in the comments!

Next week — we’ll be bringing you our 2020 K-Dramaland predictions, for the first time! Till then 😉

by Marion and Mich KDL

This past October, the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) published a list of the ‘Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in (South) Korea for 2019-2020’, as determined by the country’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Based on their list, we decided to pen down our very own predictions for the 2020 K-Dramalandscape as our third 2019 KDL Round-Up.

Viewing the list brought to mind this thought: how many of these locations would actually be included in K-Dramaland this coming new year? What new location trends will we see more of, and what current trends will fade away?

Some of the announced locations have been already quite present on our screens in recent months (like Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Gungnamji Pond and Yangpyeong Dumulmeori, to name a few) and we are sure that they are here to stay… but we also already have some ideas about others places we might see more in the next months too.

At a closer look, we’d also noticed something interesting about the selected 100 places. One might think that the South Korean government would only pick national treasures, parks or UNESCO locations, or other public locations as museums or landmarks. But the Top 100 list also consists of quite a number of privately run locations, such as gardens, department stores, amusement parks and resorts. Some might have garnered high importance in South Korea (and K-Dramaland alike) — such as Lotte World — but it is still worth mentioning that South Korea chooses them to be nationally important.

With that, take a look at our K-Dramaland predictions for next year!

Songdo IBD has made KDL’s annual Neighborhood List for a third year in a row, and we’re not at all surprised. Over the years, Incheon has been a constant choice for drama, movie and even music video (MV) shoots, with claims that it’s become a ‘movie heartland to rival Busan’. From 27 movies and dramas being filmed there in 2008, this number was already surpassed in the first quarter of 2019 alone, according to the Incheon Film Commission. Its unique location offerings, visual similarities to neighboring city Seoul, and futuristic architecture continues to make it an ideal choice for scouts. Safe to say, Incheon will be gracing our screens for a long time to come. — Mich KDL

If you’re a regular and/or long-time K-Drama viewer, then Seoul’s Ikseon-dong and Incheon China Town should be no stranger to you, particularly when 2018 brought them up on the K-Dramaland map. I definitely look forward to seeing more of the near-hipster and gentrified Ikseon and colorful China Town on my screen. — Marion KDL

Baekhyeon-dong and Bojeong-dong Cafe Streets may have been popular location choices for cafes in recent years, but one other place we’d love to see pop up in a drama or two next year is Gangneung Coffee Street [강릉커피거리] — because why not choose a cafe in Korea’s ‘city of coffee’? We’ve seen how beautiful Gangneung is as a location over the years, especially those that overlook the sea, so we think it’s just a matter of time for their Coffee Street to finally shine as a destination. Location scouts, you heard it from us first! — Mich KDL

It is true that we haven’t seen this honeymoon destination for a while in K-Dramaland — at least not extensively. The last most extensive Jeju ‘screen trip’ we took here at KDL was through 2016’s On the Way to the Airport, and we would be more than happy to see some of its locations again (who else is curious about what became of this house?!), and seeing some palm trees on our screens. The new (media) attention on Jeju Island will also certainly benefit major companies such as The Shore Hotel Jeju, which has just undergone both a management and name change. We also wonder if this place will ever be back on the K-Dramaland radar. — Marion KDL

There is an impressive number of caves in the Top 100 list, with Gwangmyeong Cave being amongst the featured four. This is far more than the ‘cave moments’ we’ve seen this past K-Drama decade; such as 2009’s Boys Over Flowers, a Portugal one in 2018’s The Third Charm, even one in the recently concluded The Nokdu Tale. While this might seem to be a little at odds with the K-Dramalandscape so far, our hunch for 2020 is that we might see some more caves written into the K-Dramas to come. — Marion KDL

Some key 2000s locations like Cheongnamdae Presidential Villa and Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park will make a comeback in 2020 if we can judge according the Top 100 list. I am especially curious if Namiseom Island/Nami Island and Oedo Botania will be able to shake off their long-standing partnership with Winter Sonata (2002-03)? How memorable must the scenes be so that these places’ resonance of Winter Sonata will fade into the background? — Marion KDL

For curious sageuk (historical dramas) viewers wanting to know where their filming locations are, film sets had always been the safest bet … until now. 2020 might prove to be a game changer, especially if the royal grounds and palaces featured in the Top 100 list would also find their way to our screens. An alternative bet would be for more time-travel or time-transcending dramas, à la Goong, Goblin and Extraordinary You, which have already set milestones as to how palaces in the Joseon times can be integrated into a modern, contemporary story. — Marion KDL

Quite a number of UNESCO world heritage sites appear in the Top 100 list. Some of these cultural and historical-laden places have already appeared on our screens from 2018,  but we are happy to learn about more of them, so as to better delve deeper into South Korea’s history. Though, we must admit: writing up their descriptions is a somewhat tedious task! This is because there are often multiple dates linked to these sites, and the stories told about them seem to diverge in most cases — something we look less forward to. — Marion KDL

We somehow have a feeling that North-South Korea relations could once again become a key narrative trope in next year’s screen stories, if end-of-year drama Crash Landing on You is anything to go by, and how two DMZ related-locations –Paju DMZ and Goseong DMZ Museum– are up in the Top 100. One of our questions here, of course, is where they will film the North Korea location stand-ins; especially since the one film set to do so, KOFIC Namyangju Studios, closed down this year? — Marion KDL

We look forward to seeing which of our 2020 K-Dramalandscape predictions will come true! Do you have any predictions of your own? Let us know in the comments!

By Marion KDL & Mich KDL

So, here we are at the final roundup for 2019. This is usually where we’d share our fave scenes and sites (like in 2017 and 2018), but after sharing our predictions for the new year ahead, we thought it would be apt for us to also reflect — at a personal level — on the K-Drama year that will soon be passing us by. Because what a year it was indeed!

Without further ado, presenting our reflections on K-Dramaland 2019:

This year for me was also about the web-dramas — A-Teen 2, In Seoul, Miss Independent Jieun 2 — which I turned to for a quicker fix when I wanted something shorter and more snappy. They were a joy to follow in many ways, but what saddened me was hearing about the recent passing of Cha In-ha, who starred in Miss Independent Jieun 2 and the currently-airing Love With Flaws. In a year marred with various scandals and tragedies alike within the Korean entertainment industry, it’s heartbreaking to see such a bright light dimmed even before its glow could spread far and wide. May he rest in peace.

What will 2020 bring for K-Dramaland? Our predictions aside, your guess is really as good as mine. I hope great stories will continue to be told, through strong storylines and even stronger acting. But on a personal front, I’m SUPER excited to welcome back Go Kyung-pyo (Reply 1988, Jealousy Incarnate, Chicago Typewriter) as he’s finally discharged from the army! Hurrah! Bring on the new year already 🙂

For me, 2019 was a K-Drama year of contrasts.

For one, there was its dark side. The very dark side. Over the years, I have followed reports about actors and actresses fainting during filming, unpaid staff and missing labor unions in the K-Drama production circuit. But this year –the year of #metoo– an unprecedented number of accounts of sexual abuse, drug-raping, suicides, mental distress and heavy drug abuse were reported on a regular basis — culminating in the Burning Sun Scandal, but staying a depressing constant thereafter. K-Entertainment thus had its own Weinstein moment and it became clear that these were, and are not single incidents, but an institutionalized part of the production side of our so-cherished K-Dramaland.

Mich and I started to wonder if, and how we should address this on KDL. Were there any counter-measures to be taken, especially concerning the actors in question that we also showcase here on KDL? And which ones? Meta questions came up: How much should we associate a text with its author, or a character with its actor?

We were also rather surprised how little this was discussed at all among K-Drama fans and how everyone concentrated on the fluff and the good stuff. Because at the end of the day, we play an indirect part in celebrating and reifying even such underlying aspects, by passively feeding off its products instead of actively speaking up against them.

Some dramas have addressed these current issues too. In 2018, Something in the Rain already depicted –from a woman’s perspective– what sexual harassment means, feels like, and how it works (with a rather negative conclusion, though, telling us viewers that it will persist and not cease as a social and cultural phenomenon). This year, The Fiery Priest ran in parallel with the uncovering of the real-life scandals, and it was sometimes scary to acknowledge how much the reel was reflecting the real. On the other hand, it felt good that somebody was cleaning up the mess — at least in our fictive K-Dramaland.

But for me, the fictional treatment of sexual harassment, abuse and rape is one big question mark that I will be carrying over to 2020. This is as other dramas have also incorporated drugged rape as a narrative trope — for example, the currently-airing Love With Flaws. Even if it was meant as a critique, the short scene left an unpleasant impression on me. This is definitely not something I want to see K-Dramas normalizing as an act, albeit an act one should not commit in reel or real life.

But there were also very good things that happened in K-Dramaland and K-Entertainment this year; things that made me smile, and things that made me like some dramas to pieces.

Search: WWW, in particular, took Mich and me by storm (as she had already mentioned). This drama is clearly a landmark for me in terms of portrayals of women in K-Dramas. Screen writer Kwon Eun-sol –a disciple of Kim Eun-sook who mostly brought patriarchal gender portrayals to our screens — made a very clean cut from her mentor’s work through this drama.

I had wondered for a long time (and still do) if women really need to be childless and family-less (or have a dysfunctional family) to be able to have a successful professional life (in the footsteps of Simone de Beauvoir and Virginia Woolf, so to speak). But Search:WWW — though not perfect — is a still fantastic start to something very new and a wonderful celebration of strong-minded and self-aligned women.

Another 2019 drama that was a highlight for me in terms of gender portrayals is The Tale of Nokdu (not only for this, of course). I was very impressed by Jang Dong-yoon’s portrayal of Lady Kim (as, let’s be honest, Hyun Bin just didn’t nail it in Secret Garden). Reading this interview with him about his acting, translated by Mimi from The Talking Cupboard, made me appreciate Jang Dong-yoon even more when he said: “I didn’t want to do the exaggerated or unnatural acting. There’s also the matter of meeting the social value, so when I received the direction to ‘walk like a lady’, I got to express my opinion: ‘there is no such thing as a ladylike stride’.”

Another character that was very refreshing to me was Yeon Geun (played by Ko Gun-han) in the same drama. What I especially liked about him is how his love and desire transcended a bodily outer. His (sexual) attractions to Lady Kim didn’t budge when he found out that he was not a woman, but the young man Yeon Soo.

And all of this was set within a beautiful storyline, against equally beautiful scenery.

Even though this year’s Hip Hop King will probably not leave any mark on K-Drama history, I also appreciated how it fostered a shift in representing people of color in K-Dramaland so far. For example, Han Hyun-min just played a normal teenager and his color of skin didn’t matter.

We may also remember that actor Kim Jung-hyun pulled out of Time last year, when he knew it was time for some self-care. This, at the risk of a major drop in his career, which had just started to take off (and made me drop that drama in the end). Kudos to him, though — and kudos to the recruiting team of this year’s Crash Landing on You for taking him onboard to allow him a (major) comeback project.

It was also a pleasure to discover the 2019 work of female PD Lee Kwang-young: The Secret Life of My Secretary. Aside from it being a very nice watch, it was simply great, for one, to know that a woman was behind this work; something that is still quite rare in K-Dramas’ production, reigned by a clear gender division between PDs (usually men) and screenwriters (usually women).

It is these writers, actors and PDs that made 2019 a special K-Drama year for me and make me look forward to what 2020 brings to our screens.

THANK YOU!

As always: thank you for following our round-up series for 2019, and your support for KDL — it always means so much to us. Here’s to seeing more great K-dramas in 2020! Till then, wishing you and your loved ones joy and warmth this festive season, and good health and much happiness in the new year 🙂

Love, Marion & Mich KDL ♥

by Marion & Mich KDL

Hello 2020, Goodbye 2019!

We’re happy to share that we covered 53 dramas in 2019, which brings our current total on KDL to more than 400 dramas. WOW!

Heartfelt thanks to everyone for stopping by and reading our listings, leaving a comment, sending in photos, submitting a location, correcting typos and other mistakes. It is you that helps and inspires us to keep KDL going.

OUR HIGHLIGHTS – 2019 in KDL Review

In 2019, we covered 10 Drama Overviews:
— Her Private Life (2019)
— Romance Is A Bonus Book (2019)
— Search: WWW (2019)
— Touch Your Heart (2019)
— Encounter/Boyfriend (2018-19)
— Memories of the Alhambra (2018-19)
— A-Teen (2018)
— Mama Fairy and the Woodcutter (2018)
— Something in the Rain (2018)
— Boys Over Flowers (2009) — A 10th Anniversary Overview

We also looked in depth into a number of topics related to selected dramas, such as:
— The Books in ‘Romance Is A Bonus Book’ — Part 1
— The Books in ‘Romance Is A Bonus Book’ — Part 2
— The Uniquely Fascinating World of Search: WWW

And if you, like us, like listicles (list articles), here are some of ours from last year:
— Summer’s here! Check out these K-Drama rooftop cafes and restaurants in Seoul
— This Summer, Look Out for these 15 Seoul Lookouts!
— Rediscover the Joys of Reading at these K-Dramaland Bookstores
— Falling For Vinyl’s Charm in Seoul: K-Drama LP Bars and Record Stores

OUR FAVORITE STAPLES

We have already shared our 2020 K-Dramalandscape predictions, the most seen 2019 neighborhoods and locations, and our thoughts about 2019’s K-Dramaland.

So here are the locations and neighborhoods we’d simply love to see on our screens again this year … just because!

MARION KDL

This is a bias of mine. This bridge at night has simply a soothing effect and I appreciated how Search:WWW showed it from a different angle this year.

I also took a liking to Seoul’s neighborhood Huam and Paju’s neighborhood Munbal this year and missed Heyri Art Village quite a bit during the past 12 months (especially the K-Dramaland café!).

I’m not sure how many of the amazing locations in Search: WWW we’ll get to see in this year’s dramas, but its unique world is one that I’ll always hold close to my K-Drama heart. This is particularly so for the locations key to the gradual build-up of Scarlett and Ji-hwan’s relationship. First as fan and actor, next as ‘manager’ and talent, then somewhat friends (and secret crushes), and the ambiguous in-betweens.

These places are made even more special for me because I got to visit them personally on my most recent trip, and had heartwarming personal experiences at this U:DALLY outlet in Seoul and Cafe Fleurs in Jeonju. Please visit them if you’re ever going to either city!

CHELLE

I pick La Centra [라센트라], featured on the 2018-2019 K-drama SKY Castle, as my favorite 2019 filming location. Here we witnessed the everyday lives of four wealthy families — from the deepest dark secrets to surprising twists and turns and comeuppances unfolded before our eyes. I think I should save up to book a condo and live like the SKY Castle residents at least for a day. ㅋㅋㅋ

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AREA: DOOMED SAN DIEGO?

San Diego, of course, is not a K-Drama hot spot. But it is now a second time on our screens with Hot Stove League — after having been featured in the 2013 The Heirs. I am quite puzzled with the location choice that is done for this city’s Gaslamp Quarter. Because a second time around, a closed-down location has become a filming site. The Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15, presented in 2013, closed down three years later. Even more astonishing, the restaurant Blue Point Coastal Cuisine seen in Hot Stove League has already closed down past November — before it was even showcased to audiences. I wonder what the reason is? Does it foreshadow already the close-down of the Gaslamp’s center piece, the Horton Plaza? — Marion KDL

NEWLY ADDED FILMING LOCATIONS

As always, thanks for following and supporting us on KDL, whether it’s through the daily updates, our special blog posts, or even through submitting a location/photographs! Every contribution helps to grow the largest collection of K-drama locations online — by K-drama fans, for K-drama fans 🙂

Till the next Saturday Summary — read on below to check out the newest location additions from the past month!

Queen: Love and War (2019-20), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— Hanyang: Mungyeong Saenae Open Film Set [문경새재촬영장 (오픈세트장)]
— A date [E1]: Gwanghallu-won Garden [광한루원]

Crash Landing on You (2019-20), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL (unless otherwise stated)
— Chairman Yoon’s mansion: Damyang Reina Country Club [담양레이나CC]
— Walking on the shore [Opening sequence]: Schorren, Iseltwald, ♡ submitted by a KDL Guest
— Going out for dinner [E1]: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse [울프강 스테이크하우스]
— Praying [E2]: The Shrine of Mirinae [미리내 성지]
— 1st b-day [E2]: Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon [경원재 앰배서더 인천]
— Vacation [E2]: Little Scheidegg [Kleine Scheidegg], ♡ submitted by a KDL Guest
— Seung-jung’s house in North Korea [E3]: Buam7 [부암동 7번지]
— Remembering Switzerland [E3]: Landing Stage Iseltwald, ♡ submitted by a KDL Guest
— Saving Yoon Se-ri [E4]: Panorama Bridge Sigriswil, ♡ submitted by a KDL Guest

Hot Stove League (2019-20), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— Drinking away frustrations [E1]: Seogang Ggobdaegi [서강껍데기]
— Inviting the general manager [E2 (full E1)]: A.Y Lounge Bar [에이와이 라운지]
— A drink [full E2]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant [쌍대포 본점]
— Work dinner in the States [full E2]: Denny’s — Honolulu Kapahulu Avenue Branch

9.9 Billion Woman/Woman of 9.9 Billion (2019-20), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— A villa weekend stay [E1-3 (full E1-2]: The Rivendell Prestige Guesthouse [게스트하우스 리븐델]
— Bound to a cross [E2 (full E1]: Anseong Farmland [안성팜랜드]

Chocolate (2019-20), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— The new year 2013 [E1]: Bosingak Pavillon [보신각터]
— A police station in Greece [E2]: Gyeonggi English Village — Paju Camp [경기영어마을 파주캠프]
— Working in Greece [E2]: Byzantino Cafe, Monemvasia, Greece

Love With Flaws (2019-20), ♡ submitted/added by Marion KDL (unless otherwise stated)
— A workplace: Choong Ang High School [중앙고등학교]
— A drinking place: Shinsegae Supermarket [신세계슈퍼마켓], ♡ submitted by wjdwpdl
— Prettier Than Flowers [E1]: J.Two Flower [제이투]
— Crossing a bridge [E3 (full E2]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— Not a wallet boy [E3 (full E2]: D-Cube City [디큐브시티]
— Crossing a bridge no.2 [E3 (full E2]: Cheonggyecheon Stream [청계천]
— Delivering food no. 1 [E3 (full E2]: Gyeongui Line Forest Park [경의선숲길공원 / 경의선공원]
— Food delivery with consequences [E3 (full E2]: Lotte World [롯데월드]
— Hangook University [E5 (full E3)]: Konkuk University [건국대학교]
— A forgotten rendezvous [E5 (full E3)]: Oakwood Premier Hotel Incheon [오크우드프리미어 인천]
— A love confession [E14 (full E7)]: State Tower Namsan [스테이트 타워 남산]
— A morning jog and a love confession [E14-15 (full E7-8)]: Banpo Bridge [반포대교]
— An unpleasant dinner [E16 (full E8)]: Matsugaze Japanese Restaurant [마쯔가제]
— On a date [(full E10)]: Seoullo 7017 Skygarden [서울로7017]
— On a date #2 [(full E10)]: Mulnamoo Photo Studio [물나무사진관]
— Being a chauffeur [(full E10)]: Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon [경원재 앰배서더 인천]
— Meeting up with aunt [(full E10)]: DEBUNK [디벙크]

Psychopath Diary (2019-20), ♡ added/submitted by Mich KDL
— Daehan Securities: Concordian Building [콘코디언 빌딩]
— Mr Yook’s Meat Republic: Gangnam Hanwoo Meat Restaurant — Yangjae Branch
— Cafe ‘Boring Day’: Brunch Café from [프롬]
— Victim to a ‘sob story [E1]: Seongbuk-dong Gupo Guksu [성북동구포국수]

VIP (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Mich KDL
— Yu-ri/Hyun-ah’s apartment: Rooftop Apartment Itaewon-dong
— Studying [E9 (full E5)]: Hanyang University — Seoul Campus [한양대학교 서울캠퍼스]
— On the big screen [E18 (full E9]: Seoul Station [서울역]
— Confrontations about infidelity suspicions [E22 (full E11)]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant
— Meeting the matchmaker [E28 (full E14)]: Art Gallery Café [아트갤러리카페]
— Visiting mom [E28 (full E14)]: Chungah Park Columbarium [청아공원기독교전용관]
— Taking a phone call [E29 (full E15)]: A.Y Lounge Bar [에이와이 라운지]
— Picking up photos [E32 (full E16)]: Lighthouse Tintype Studio [등대사진관]

Leverage (2019), ♡ added/submitted by deanekitty29
— Y Investment: JCC Creative Center [JCC크리에이티브센터]
— Being in hospital [E1]: National Traffic Accident Rehabilitation Hospital [국립교통재활병원]
— Released from prison [E3]: Seongdong Detention Center [구 성동구치소]
— Conning Min Young-min [E4]: Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park [대명비발디파크]
— Conning Chairman Baek [E7]: Artinus Farmer’s Table [파머스테이블]
— Scheming #1 [E10]: Asosan [아소산 본점]
— Scheming #2 [E11]: Woonsan Korean Restaurant — Yeouido Branch [운산(雲山)여의도점]
— Scheming #3 [E15]: La Vie D’or Resort & Country Club [라비돌리조트컨트리클럽]
— Departing to Thailand [E15]: Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]

Catch the Ghost (2019), ♡ added by deanekitty29
— The hideout: Sinseol-dong Station Ghost Platform, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Celebrating a b-day [E13]: Wonhyo Bridge [원효대교]

Be Melodramatic (2019), ♡ added by Chelle
— Sejong Village Food Street [세종마을 음식문하거리]

The Tale Of Nokdu (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— Planning a conspiracy [E4-5 (full E2-3]: Suseollu Pavilion [수선루/睡仙樓]
— A picnic [E25 (full E13]: Yeongju Museom Village [영주 무섬마을]

Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL & Chelle
— Two meetings in a row [E22 (full E11]: Me Gusta Gallery & Cafe [미구스타]
— A heart-to-heart talk [E39 (full E20]: Yeouido Park [여의도공원]
— A first date [E40 (full E20)]: Yeouido Hangang Park [한강 공원 여의도 지구]
— One thing a day [E45 (full E23)]: Yeouido Saetgang Pedestrian Bridge [샛강다리]
— A misunderstanding [E44-45 (full E22-23)]: Asosan [아소산 본점]
— A tea invitation [E45 (full E23)]: Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도]
— A minor confrontation [E45 (full E23)]: Wonhyo Bridge [원효대교]
— [E45 (full E23)]: Seoul Arts Center [예술의전당]

Melting Me Softly (2019), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— A team dinner [E7]: Ilsan Sodong [소리가있는동네]

My Country (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— Crossing a bridge [E3]: Yeongju Museom Village [영주 무섬마을]

Kingdom (2019), ♡ added by Lr
— The Uigeumbu: Gyeongbokgung Palace [경복궁]
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

100 Day My Prince (2018), ♡ added by a KDL Guest
— Yeon Hong-shim’s village: Yeongju Museom Village [영주 무섬마을]

My Mister (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The question of being reborn [E6]: Yeouido Saetgang Pedestrian Bridge [샛강다리]

Black Knight (2017-18), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— An after work date [E8]: Guesswho LP Bar [게스후]

The King in Love/The King Loves (2017), ♡ added by Lr
— Palace of Goryeo: Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-17), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— An accident [E5]: Namsan Public Library [남산도서관]
— Conning CEO Jang Jin-ok [E3]: D-Cube City [디큐브시티]

Drinking Solo (2016), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The school cafeteria: D-Cube City [디큐브시티]

Jang Young-sil (2016), ♡ added by Lr
— Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

Liar Game (2014), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Mistaking somebody for dad [E1]: Le Pul [르풀]
— Part of a game (unknowingly) #1 [E1]: Ichon-ro 29-gil [이촌로29길]
— Part of a game (unknowingly) #2 [E1]: Naksan Park [낙산공원]

Shark (2013), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— An empty locker [E3]: Gudun Station [구둔역 (폐역)]
— After-wedding party #1 [E3]: Conrad Hotel Seoul [콘래드호텔]
— After-wedding party #2 [E3]: The Raum [더라움]
— Getting rid of an object [E3]: Hangang Bridge [한강대교]
— Having a drink [E4]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant [쌍대포 본점]
— Important information [E13]: World Cup Park [월드컵공원]
— Crossing over [E17]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]

That Winter, The Wind Blows (2013), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Coming to the rescue [E2]: D-Cube City [디큐브시티]

Love Rain (2012), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Outdoor photo shoot [E10]: Gyeonggi English Village — Paju Camp [경기영어마을 파주캠프]
— Checking in [E10]: Walkerhill Hotel & Resort [워커힐 호텔 & 리조트]
— Meeting up [E10]: SeMA — Seoul Museum of Art [서울시립미술관]

Jeon Woo-chi (2012), ♡ added by Lr
— Country of Yuldo (율도국): Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

Rooftop Prince (2012), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]
— Gwanghallu-won Garden [광한루원]

Love Rain (2012), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— An overnight trip [E2-3]: Yeongju Museom Village [영주 무섬마을]

Bad Guy (2010), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Haeshin Building: Posco Center [포스코센터]

Secret Garden (2010), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Paying respects [E2]: Chungah Park Columbarium [청아공원기독교전용관]

Boys Over Flowers (2009), ♡ submitted/added by Marion KDL
— Couple Wedding Photography Contest [E21]: Seonyudo Park [선유도공원]
— A near-marriage [E21-22]: The Shore Hotel Jeju [더쇼어호텔제주]

Hometown of Legends (2008), ♡ added by Lr
— Being spared [E4]: Gwanghallu-won Garden [광한루원]

Iljimae/Il Ji-Mae: The Phantom Thief (2008), ♡ added by Lr
— Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

The Snow Queen (2006-07), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Studying: Kangnam University [강남대학교]
— Looking for a book [E1]: Pyeonghwa Market [평화시장]
— Walking home #1 [E13]: Gangnam Station [강남역]
— Walking home #2 [E13]: Seoul Metropolitan Library [서울도서관]

Green Rose (2005), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Inner dialogue [E17]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]

Jewel in the Palace (2003-04), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

All In (2003), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Sea World Hotel: The Shore Hotel Jeju [더쇼어호텔제주]

Jang Hee-bin (2002-03), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

First Love (1996-97), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A date [E27]: Yangpyeong Dumulmeori Park [양평 두물머리]

NEWLY ADDED MOVIES

Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2012), ♡ added by Lr
— Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

A Frozen Flower (2008), ♡ added by Lr
— Palace of Goryeo: Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

Masquerade/ Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King (광해 왕이 된 남자) (2012), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

The Throne/Sado (사도) (2015), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

NEWLY ADDED VARIETY SHOW

2 Days & 1 Night, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Yeongju Museom Village [영주 무섬마을]

Running Man, no. 370, Episode 438 on February 10, 2019, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Cafe Alver [알베르]

NEWLY ADDED CF SHOOTS

Hyundai Card Mini M [현대카드 미니M] (2003): Co-Work ‘First Love [첫사랑편]’ CF, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Kangnam University [강남대학교]

NEWLY ADDED MVS and KPOP PROMO SHOOTS

LEEWOO (이우) (2019) , ♡ added by Marion KDL
MV ‘One day when it snows, the day we parted (‘눈 내리는 어느 날, 우리 이별하던 날’)’
— Me Gusta Gallery & Cafe [미구스타]

SF9 1st Album ‘Good Guy’ (Golden Rated) (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Café Zino [지노 파주]