K-Drama filming locations in Seoul 2026 ultimate guide

Seoul is not just a bustling metropolis; it is a living, breathing film set. For millions of international fans, walking through the streets of South Korea's capital feels like stepping into a familiar dream. As we enter 2026, the allure of K-Drama tourism has evolved from niche hobby to a primary travel motivation. Whether you are hunting for the emotional landmarks from recent mega-hits like Queen of Tears and Lovely Runner, or revisiting the timeless streets of Goblin and Itaewon Class, Seoul offers a tangible connection to the stories that captured the world's heart.

Navigating these locations requires more than just a map; it requires strategic planning. Seoul covers over 605 square kilometers, and moving between Gangnam's glittery skyscrapers and Bukchon's traditional alleyways can take time. This guide provides a curated, data-driven approach to exploring the best K-Drama filming locations in Seoul for 2026, ensuring your pilgrimage is as efficient as it is magical.

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The Modern Icons: Locations from 2024-2025 Hits

The landscape of K-Drama changes rapidly. While classics remain, the surge of popularity surrounding dramas released in late 2024 and 2025 has put new locations on the map. The most significant of these is the dominance of retail luxury and riverside romance.

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The Hyundai Seoul: The "Queens" Department Store

Fans of the massive 2024 hit Queen of Tears will instantly recognize the interiors of The Hyundai Seoul. Located in Yeouido, this architectural marvel served as the primary filming location for the Queens Department Store, where the male lead, Baek Hyun-woo, worked. Opened in 2021, it remains Seoul's largest department store, spanning a staggering 89,100 square meters.

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The "Sounds Forest" on the 5th floor, a massive indoor garden with natural light pouring through a glass ceiling, is the prime photo spot. It mimics the open, airy office environment seen in the series.

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Lotte World Tower: The Luxury Backdrop

Standing at 555 meters, the Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in Korea and the fifth tallest in the world. It has featured in countless dramas including King the Land and Business Proposal as the headquarters for powerful chaebol families. The Seoul Sky observatory on floors 117-123 offers a panoramic view that costs approximately ₩29,000 for adults.

Timeless Romance: The Classic Locations

Some locations transcend specific shows. They are the go-to spots for directors looking to convey romance, heartbreak, or historical gravity.

Namsan Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower)

No K-Drama list is complete without Namsan Tower. From Boys Over Flowers to True Beauty and My Love from the Star, this is where couples lock their love (literally, with padlocks) or miss each other by mere seconds. The tower sits atop Namsan Mountain, rising 236 meters above the peak, providing a total elevation of 480 meters above sea level.

Reaching the tower is an adventure in itself. You cannot take a taxi or private car to the summit due to environmental regulations established in 2005. You must take the Namsan Cable Car or a dedicated circulation bus (01A or 01B).

Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway

Known as the breakup spot due to an urban legend, this 900-meter scenic road became internationally famous thanks to Goblin: The Lonely and Great God. This is where the Goblin (Gong Yoo) meets the Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook) for the very first time.

The walkway follows the perimeter of Deoksugung Palace. Unlike other palaces, the stone wall here features a unique mix of traditional Korean architecture and early 20th-century western influences. The walkway is open 24 hours, but the best lighting for photography is during the "golden hour" (approx. 17:30 in spring/autumn).

Historical Drama (Sageuk) Immersion

Seoul's palaces are the real-world sets for The Red Sleeve, Kingdom, and Under the Queen's Umbrella.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, this is the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. The Geunjeongjeon Hall is the massive structure seen in almost every royal court assembly scene. The Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, a two-story hexagonal pavilion built on a small island in a lake, is often the setting for secret royal meetings or romantic strolls.

The palace is massive, covering 410,000 square meters. Walking from the main gate (Gwanghwamun) to the rear garden takes about 20 minutes without stopping.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Located between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, this residential area features hundreds of traditional houses called hanok. It was the primary filming location for Personal Taste and serves as the backdrop for historical flashbacks in modern dramas like Goblin.

It is crucial to remember that this is a real residential neighborhood. The "quiet hours" policy is strictly enforced, and tourists are asked to keep noise levels down, particularly before 10:00 AM and after 5:00 PM.

University Campuses: Youth and Nostalgia

University campuses in Seoul are architecturally stunning and serve as the setting for youth dramas like Cheer Up, Reply 1994, and True Beauty.

Yonsei University (Sinchon Campus)

The Underwood Hall at Yonsei University is covered in ivy that changes color with the seasons—lush green in summer and fiery red in autumn. This Victorian-style building looks like it belongs in a Harry Potter movie but is a staple in K-Dramas representing elite education or historical settings.

It is located about 1.5 kilometers from Sinchon Station (Line 2). The walk from the station through the "Sinchon rotary" is vibrant, filled with busking performances and student cafes where an Americano averages ₩4,500.

Ewha Womans University

Famous for its "ECC" (Ewha Campus Complex), a massive glass and steel valley carved into the hillside. This futuristic location has appeared in dramas emphasizing modern architecture and high fashion. It is located just two subway stops away from Yonsei, making it easy to visit both in one afternoon (approx. 20 minutes travel time).

The K-Food Experience: Drama Dining

Eating is 50% of K-Dramas. From convenient store ramyeon to charcoal BBQ, the food scenes are iconic.

BBQ Olive Chicken (Various Locations)

Thanks to Crash Landing on You and Goblin, this fried chicken franchise is a pilgrimage site. The specific branch filmed in Goblin (Gangnam location) has relocated, but the Jongno branch retains the same vibe. A set of their signature "Golden Olive Chicken" costs roughly ₩22,000 and easily feeds two people.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Cafes

Ikseon-dong is a maze of narrow alleys filled with hanoks converted into trendy cafes. This area captures the "modern-retro" aesthetic seen in Mr. Sunshine (though that was filmed on a set, the vibe here matches).

• Cheongsudang: Famous for its lantern-lit entrance and soufflé cakes (approx. ₩18,000). The entrance is one of the most Instagrammed spots in Seoul.

Strategic Planning: The 2026 Drama Itinerary

To maximize your time, you should group locations by district. Seoul traffic can be unforgiving, with cross-town taxi rides taking over an hour during rush hour (08:00-09:30 and 18:00-19:30).

North of the River (Gangbuk)

This is where history lives. Focus on Jongno-gu and Mapo-gu.

• Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace (wearing Hanbok).
• Lunch: Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) near Tosokchon, a legendary spot frequented by politicians and filmed in documentaries (approx. ₩20,000 per bowl).
• Afternoon: Bukchon Hanok Village and calm walk at Deoksugung Stone Wall.
• Evening: Namsan Tower for sunset.

South of the River (Gangnam)

This is for modern luxury and K-Pop vibes.

• Morning: Starfield COEX Mall (Starfield Library). While busy, the towering bookshelves are iconic (seen in Record of Youth).
• Lunch: Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong for trendy pasta or fusion food.
• Afternoon: Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake.
• Evening: Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (April-October). This is the setting for countless romantic confessions. The show runs for 20 minutes every 30 minutes starting at 19:30.

Accommodation Strategy for Drama Hunters

Where you stay dictates how many locations you can visit.

Practical Travel Tips for 2026

Transportation Costs

As of 2026, the base fare for the Seoul Subway is projected to be around ₩1,500 using a T-Money card. Taxis start at ₩4,800 for the first 1.6km.

• Climate Card: Seoul introduced the Climate Card, offering unlimited transit use. If you plan to visit 4+ locations a day, purchase a 3-day tourist pass for approximately ₩15,000 (prices subject to change).

Internet & Connectivity

You need data to find these obscure alleys. Free WiFi is available on all subways, but walking directions require a connection.

• eSIM: The most convenient option. 5 days of unlimited data costs around $15-20 USD.
• Naver Map: Do not use Google Maps for walking directions in Korea; it does not support turn-by-turn navigation due to local laws. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap. Both have English interfaces.

Conclusion

Visiting K-Drama filming locations in Seoul is more than just sightseeing; it is about inhabiting the emotional landscapes of the stories we love. In 2026, the city remains as welcoming as ever to fans, blending 600 years of history with futuristic cityscapes. Whether you are recreating the "slow-motion walk" under the cherry blossoms of Yeouido or sharing a silent moment at the Namsan locks, Seoul offers a backdrop where you can be the main character of your own story.

Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes—Seoul is hilly—and keep your camera charged. The scene is set; all that is missing is you.