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]
