Queen of Tears Filming Locations 2026: Ultimate Seoul & Germany Guide
Visit the ₩100 million wedding venue and The Hyundai Seoul. This 2026 guide covers 17+ locations from Seoul to Germany with travel tips and cost breakdowns.
So you binged all 16 episodes, cried your eyes out over Hae-in and Hyun-woo, and now you want to walk in their footsteps? You are not alone. Queen of Tears became a global phenomenon not just for its acting, but for its breathtaking visuals. I’ve tracked down every major filming spot from Seoul to Germany—including the actual "Queens Department Store" and that dreamy wedding venue—so you can relive the romance (without the terminal illness scare, hopefully).
Whether you are looking to replicate the high-end chaebol lifestyle or the rustic warmth of Yongdu-ri, this guide covers the exact coordinates, costs, and 2026 status of every location. If you are planning a broader drama tour, you might also want to check our K-Drama filming locations in Seoul 2026 ultimate guide for more inspiration.
Key Takeaways
- 1The 'Queens Department Store' is actually The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido, but the rooftop garden scenes were filmed separately at Irwol Botanic Garden in Suwon.
- 2The wedding venue is Aston House at Grand Walkerhill Seoul, costing over ₩100 million ($75,000) to rent, though you can visit the hotel grounds for free.
- 3Google Maps does not work well for walking directions; you must download Naver Map or KakaoMap to find the 'Yongdu-ri' locations in Mungyeong.
- 4The 'Yongdu-ri Supermarket' was a temporary set and has been demolished, but the surrounding rail bike and eco-park locations are open.
📋 Quick Facts
The Real "Queens Department Store"
The short answer is that Queen of Tears is a masterclass in location scouting, blending the hyper-modern luxury of Seoul with the rustic charm of the Korean countryside. If you're asking, "Where is the Queens Department Store?", the interior is The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido.
Opened in 2021, this is the trendiest, most futuristic mall in Korea right now, representing Hae-in’s ambition. You can go there right now, walk the same floors, and marvel at the white, curved architecture.
- Location: 108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- Transit: Yeouido Station (Line 5 & 9), Exit 3 or 4 (connected via underground walkway).
However, there is a major twist: the rooftop garden scenes where they hunted for the raccoon "Young-suk" were not filmed at the mall. They were shot at Irwol Botanic Garden in Suwon, about an hour south of Seoul. To get the full experience, you need to visit the mall for the "vibes" and the garden for the "romance."
The Wedding of the Century
The stunning outdoor wedding from Episode 1 wasn't a set—it’s the Aston House at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul. This is the same spot where real-life power couple Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin got married.
Renting it costs upwards of ₩100 million (approx. $75,000) for a ceremony. While you can't just walk onto the lawn if there is a private event (which is common on weekends), you can visit the hotel grounds and grab a coffee nearby to soak in the chaebol atmosphere for about $10. It is located in Gwangjin-gu, offering sweeping views of the Han River.
Yongdu-ri and the Countryside
For the "home" side of the drama, the production team chose Mungyeong, a city in North Gyeongsang Province. This represented the warmth and simplicity of Hyun-woo's family.
The Demolished Supermarket
A critical warning for travelers: The "Yongdu-ri Supermarket" was a massive open set built specifically for the show. Sadly, as is common with many K-drama sets built on rented land, the supermarket set was demolished shortly after filming wrapped in 2024. If you drive 3 hours expecting to see it, you will find an empty lot.
What Remains in Mungyeong
However, the trip is still worth it for the Gurang-ri Station (Rail Bike). This is where the couple had their date. It is scenic, quiet, and feels miles away from the stress of Seoul. You can also visit Mungyeong Eco World, where the family often hung out.
- Transit: Intercity bus from East Seoul Bus Terminal to Mungyeong (2.5 hours), then taxi to Gurang-ri Station.
The German Connection: Berlin vs. Frankfurt
If you are a "Romantic Soul" based in Europe or planning a Euro-trip, the Germany route is iconic. However, the show edits locations together deceptively.
- Sanssouci Palace (Potsdam): This is where Hyun-woo finds Hae-in on the stairs. It is a short train ride from Berlin.
- Eiserner Steg (Frankfurt): The famous "Love Lock Bridge" is actually in Frankfurt, not Berlin. In the show, they make it look like these spots are neighbors, but in reality, they are a 4-hour train ride apart. Plan your German leg carefully!
Filming Begins
Production starts in Seoul and Germany (Berlin/Potsdam) for the series.
Drama Premiere
Queen of Tears airs in March, instantly spiking interest in The Hyundai Seoul.
Set Demolition
The 'Yongdu-ri Supermarket' set in Mungyeong is demolished shortly after filming wraps.
Tourism Boom
Mungyeong City sees a surge in visitors to the Eco World and Rail Bike locations.
German Pilgrimages
Fans begin mapping out the specific 'Honeymoon Route' in Berlin and Frankfurt.
Latest Status
Most locations remain open; The Hyundai Seoul remains a top tourist hotspot.
| Feature | Seoul City Tour | Provincial Tour | Germany Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low (₩5,000–₩10,000) | Medium (₩30,000–₩80,000) | High (€500+ flights) |
| Time Required | 1–2 Days | 1 Full Day per city | 5–7 Days |
| Accessibility | Very Easy (Subway) | Medium (Train + Taxi) | Medium (Intl Travel) |
| Vibe | Modern Luxury | Rustic, Nature | Romantic, Historic |
| Key Spots | Hyundai Seoul, Batting Cage | Rail Bike, Irwol Garden | Sanssouci Palace |
| 2026 Status | Open & Busy | Supermarket set gone | Open year-round |
Pros and Cons of the Pilgrimage
Pros
- ✓Accessibility: You can hit the major luxury spots (The Hyundai Seoul, Stone Art Museum) and the romantic garden spots (Irwol Botanic Garden) using just the subway.
- ✓Instagram Gold: The Hyundai Seoul is an architectural marvel, and the Stone Art Museum offers arguably the best panoramic views of Seoul.
- ✓Food Options: Unlike rural locations, the Seoul spots are surrounded by world-class dining, including the famous food court at The Hyundai.
Cons
- ✗The 'Fake' Geography: You can't walk from the Department Store to the Rooftop Garden because they are in two different cities (Seoul and Suwon).
- ✗Crowds: The Hyundai Seoul is legitimately one of the busiest places in Korea. Weekends are a battle for personal space.
- ✗Missing Sets: The Yongdu-ri supermarket is gone. Do not go to Mungyeong expecting to see Hyun-woo's house.
Step-by-Step Weekend Itinerary
This guide assumes you want to mix the "Chaebol" luxury with the "Country Boy" charm in a single weekend.
📖 The 'Queen of Tears' Seoul Weekend Itinerary
Step 1: The 'Queens' Morning
Start at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido. Head to the upper floors to see the curved white architecture Hae-in walked through. Grab lunch at the basement food court.
Step 2: The 'Queens' Mansion
Take a taxi to the Korean Stone Art Museum in Seongbuk-dong. This served as the exterior for the family mansion. It offers a killer view of the city.
Step 3: The Proposal Spot
Head to Aqua Planet Ilsan (northwest of Seoul). This is where Hyun-woo proposed. It is about an hour from central Seoul.
Step 4: The Rooftop Garden
On Day 2, take the subway to Suwon to visit Irwol Botanic Garden. This is the glasshouse where they hunted for the raccoon.
Most people rush to The Hyundai Seoul and stop there. But if you really want the Queen of Tears feeling, go to the Mirim Bunsik near Seoul National University. It's the tteokbokki place where Hyun-woo drank with his friend. It’s a real, old-school local spot that hasn't been gentrified yet. It feels exactly like the drama—cozy, cheap, and authentic.
Insider Tip: Mirim Bunsik
As our expert mentioned, Mirim Bunsik is a must-visit. It is located at 553 Hoam-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul. It is not a set; it is a real restaurant popular with students. It’s the perfect spot to observe Korean drinking etiquette 2026 in a casual setting. Try the "Jjol-bokki" (Chewy noodles + Tteokbokki).
The Pear Blossom Field
The location from Episode 1 where Hae-in arrives by helicopter is the Dunpo Sinwang Farm in Asan. Note that the pear blossoms only bloom for a very short window in mid-April. If you visit in July or October, it will just be a green orchard.
No Korean Phone/ARC? Here's What To Do
If you are a tourist without an Alien Registration Card (ARC) or Korean phone number, you face two big hurdles: Reservations and Navigation.
- Navigation: Google Maps does not give walking directions in Korea. You must download Naver Map or KakaoMap. They have English interfaces. Set them up before you leave the airport WiFi.
- Payments: You cannot use Apple Pay in many places. Get a WOWPASS or NAMANE card at the airport. These are prepaid debit cards that work on public transport and in stores.
- Taxis: Download Uber (it works in Korea and calls local taxis) or Kakao T. For Kakao T, without a Korean card, select "Pay to Driver" and pay with cash or your physical credit card. Understanding unwritten Social Rules in South Korea can also help navigate these interactions smoothly.
FAQ
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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Conclusion
Your mission for your first 24 hours in Korea is simple: Land at Incheon, grab your WOWPASS, and head straight to The Hyundai Seoul. It’s the easiest win. Walk the floor, buy a nice outfit, and eat at the food court. Then, as the sun sets, take a taxi up to Seongbuk-dong to see the outside of the Stone Art Museum.
Standing in these spots makes the drama feel real all over again. If you enjoyed this pilgrimage, you might also want to explore the Lovely Runner Filming Locations 2026 for your next adventure. Happy travels!
Sources
- Creatrip - List of 17 filming locations including Mungyeong and Suwon
- Visit Berlin - Detailed list of Berlin locations like Spree River and Cathedral
- Tatler Asia - Info on Aston House and Stone Art Museum
- K-en News - Confirmation of Yongdu-ri set demolition and Asan pear blossom field
- TripZilla - Details on Aqua Planet Ilsan and Germany spots
About the Author
Korea Experience Team
Written by the Korea Experience editorial team - experts in Korean medical tourism, travel, and culture with years of research and firsthand experience.
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