K-Drama locations tour guide from Itaewon class to squid game 2026

South Korea’s cultural influence has only deepened since the Hallyu wave first crashed onto global shores. By 2026, the landscape of K-Drama tourism has evolved from a niche hobby into a primary travel motivation for over 45% of international visitors to Seoul. Whether you are retracing the steps of Park Sae-ro-yi from the 2020 classic Itaewon Class or hunting for the dystopian backdrops of Squid Game Season 2, Seoul serves as a living, breathing soundstage.

A successful K-Drama tour requires more than just enthusiasm; it demands precision planning. Seoul is a sprawling metropolis covering 605 square kilometers, and filming locations are often tucked away in residential alleys or located in satellite cities like Suwon and Incheon. This guide provides the logistical roadmap, cost analysis, and local insights needed to navigate the drama map efficiently.

The Enduring Legacy: Itaewon Class Locations

Even six years after its release, Itaewon Class remains the quintessential Seoul drama because it perfectly captures the geography of the city's most diverse district. The show's themes of struggle and success are physically mapped onto the uphill climbs of Namsan Mountain and the bustling streets of Itaewon.

The Namsan Park Fortress Wall

This location, where the protagonists often walked while overlooking Seoul Tower, offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. The specific spot is near Baekbeom Square Park.

Logistics: It is a steep 20-minute walk from Hoehyeon Station (Line 4), Exit 4. Alternatively, the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus No. 01 costs 1,400 KRW (approx. $1.10) and drops you nearby.

The Original Danbam (Undukjib)

While the interior scenes were filmed on a set, the exterior of the first "Danbam" pub is a real location. In 2026, this building still stands in the Huam-dong neighborhood, roughly 350 meters from the main Itaewon strip. While tenants change, the recognizable brick facade remains a pilgrimage site.

The Global Phenomenon: Squid Game (Seasons 1 & 2)

With the explosive success of Squid Game Season 2 in late 2024 and the subsequent content in 2025, locations associated with the series have seen a 300% increase in foot traffic. Unlike rom-coms, Squid Game utilizes gritty, everyday locations that showcase the raw side of Korean urban life.

Ssangmun-dong: The Hometown

Gi-hun’s neighborhood, Ssangmun-dong in Dobong-gu, captures the nostalgia of old Seoul. It is located in the northern part of the city, approximately 50 minutes from Gangnam by subway.

Baek Woon Market: This traditional market is where Sang-woo’s mother operated her fish shop. Prices here are significantly lower than in tourist districts; you can buy a hearty portion of tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) for just 3,000 KRW ($2.20).

Citizen's Forest Station (Yangjae)

Featured heavily in the recruitment scenes where the "Ddakhji" game is played, the modern glass architecture of the Shinbundang Line stations provides the cold, sterile aesthetic seen in the show. From Gangnam Station, it is only a 4-minute ride (one stop) costing 1,400 KRW.

The Romantic Wave: Queen of Tears & Lovely Runner

The 2024-2025 era of K-Dramas brought us massive hits like Queen of Tears and Lovely Runner. These shows often utilize high-end department stores and picturesque satellite cities.

The Hyundai Seoul (Queen of Tears)

Scenes depicting the Queens Department Store were filmed at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido. As of 2026, this remains the largest department store in Seoul, covering 89,100 square meters.

Why Visit: aside from the drama connection, the "Sounds Forest" on the 5th floor is an indoor botanical garden perfect for escaping the city heat. Coffee prices here average 6,500 KRW ($4.80), which is slightly higher than the city average.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (Lovely Runner)

Lovely Runner utilized the timeless backdrop of Suwon to depict different timelines. The Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located 30 kilometers south of Seoul.

Travel Data: The Mugunghwa train from Seoul Station to Suwon takes 30 minutes and costs 2,700 KRW ($2.00). The KTX is faster (20 minutes) but costs 8,400 KRW ($6.20).

The Fortress Walk: The perimeter is 5.7 kilometers long. Walking the entire circuit takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Historical Drama Locations: The Joseon Era Experience

No K-Drama tour is complete without stepping back into the Joseon Dynasty. While Kingdom and The Red Sleeve are older, 2026 hits continue to use these primary palaces.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The main royal palace is the setting for countless sageuk (historical dramas). By 2026, the restoration of the connection to the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) allows for a seamless walking tour of both historic and modern power centers.

Planning Your Logistics: DIY vs. Guided Tours

In 2026, technology makes DIY travel easier, but guided tours offer exclusive access.

Navigation Apps

Google Maps works better in Korea now than in previous years, but Naver Map and KakaoMap remain superior for walking directions and transit times.

• Naver Map: Best for English search results.
• KakaoMap: Best for finding restaurant reviews alongside locations.

Budget Breakdown

An average day of "drama hunting" (visiting 3 locations, eating 2 meals, and cafe stops) costs approximately 65,000 KRW ($48 USD) per person if using public transport.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Popular Locations

While visiting these sites is exciting, the reality of production sets vs. real life can sometimes differ.

Recommended Itinerary for 2026

To maximize your efficiency, cluster your visits by district.

Frequently Asked Questions

By blending the nostalgia of Itaewon Class with the modern grit of Squid Game, a tour of Seoul's drama locations offers a unique lens into the city's soul. Whether you are spending 1,400 KRW on a subway ride or 100,000 KRW on a luxury dining experience, the city offers a scene for every traveler. Pack your walking shoes, charge your camera, and get ready to step into the screen.