Have you ever watched a Netflix K-drama and found yourself completely mesmerized by the scenery? Whether it’s the rugged, blue coastlines of a peaceful fishing village, or romantic, narrow stone-wall alleys surrounded by lush green tangerine fields, Korea's diverse landscapes serve as the perfect canvas for emotional storytelling.
For many global fans, watching these beautiful locations on screen sparks a deep desire to pack their bags and experience them in real life. Fortunately, many of these iconic backdrops are actual, public places in South Korea that you can easily visit. In this guide, we will take you on a virtual journey to 3 breathtaking K-drama filming locations and provide practical, step-by-step travel tips on how to get there like a seasoned local.
1. Jeju Island: The Emotional Haven of "Welcome to Samdal-ri" (웰컴투 삼달리)
If you fell in love with the healing story of childhood sweethearts reuniting in Welcome to Samdal-ri, you were likely captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Jeju Island. The drama showcases the island's raw, natural charm, moving away from typical tourist spots to highlight quiet, local neighborhoods.
Key Spot to Visit: Mangjangpo and the Coastal Alleys
The quiet fishing port where Sam-dal and Yong-pil spend their time is filmed around the southeastern coast of Jeju, particularly around Mangjangpo Port (망장포구) and the surrounding villages in Seongsan. Here, you can walk along the traditional black volcanic stone walls (Batdam) and spot the famous Jeju tangerine orchards.
How to Get There (Practical Travel Tip)
- From Jeju International Airport: Since Jeju Island does not have a train system, your best options are rental cars or public buses.
- By Bus: Take Express Bus No. 101 or 121 from the airport, transfer to local feeder buses heading toward Seongsan-eup, and get off near the eastern coastal villages. (We highly recommend downloading the KakaoMap or Naver Map app, as Google Maps does not provide accurate walking directions in Korea).
2. Pohang: The Warm Coastal Charm of "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (갯마을 차차차)
The fictional village of "Gongjin" in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha became a global symbol of warmth, community, and comfort. The real-life filming took place in Pohang, a major industrial and coastal city located on the eastern coast of mainland South Korea.
Key Spot to Visit: Sabang Memorial Park & Cheongha Market
Two spots are absolute must-visits for any "Chachacha" fan:
- Sabang Memorial Park (사방기념공원): Climb up the steep wooden stairs to the top of Mugeunbong Hill to find "Chief Hong’s Boat" resting peacefully on the grassy peak. The panoramic view of the East Sea from this spot is absolutely magnificent.
- Cheongha Market (청하시장): Walk through the actual local market where Bora's supermarket, the hardware store, and the nostalgic coffee shop "Day and Night" (mid-cafe) are located. The production team left some of the signs intact, making it perfect for photos!
How to Get There (Practical Travel Tip)
- From Seoul: Take the high-speed KTX train from Seoul Station to Pohang Station (takes about 2.5 hours).
- From Pohang Station to Filming Sites: Cheongha Market is about a 25-minute taxi ride from the station. To reach Sabang Memorial Park, you can take local bus No. 5000 or catch a taxi for a scenic coastal ride.
3. Hanok Villages: Time Travel in "Destined with You" and "Mr. Queen"
Many K-dramas blend modern-day Seoul with ancient Joseon dynasty history. In the fantasy-romance Destined with You, the historical shrine of the cursed book and various romantic flashbacks are filmed in traditional Korean wooden houses, known as Hanok.
Key Spot to Visit: Bukchon Hanok Village & Namsangol Hanok Village
While some scenes are shot in distant provincial studios, you can easily experience the exact same historical, romantic atmosphere right in the heart of Seoul.
- Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을): A real, historic residential neighborhood dating back 600 years. The narrow uphill alleys lined with beautifully preserved wooden homes offer iconic photo spots with modern Seoul skyscrapers in the far background.
- Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을): A quieter alternative located near Myeongdong. It features restored traditional houses, a peaceful pond, and free cultural activities where you can learn more about ancient lifestyle.
How to Get There (Practical Travel Tip)
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station, take Exit 2, and walk straight north for about 10 minutes.
- Respect the Locals: Because Bukchon is a real residential area, please keep your voice down, avoid throwing trash, and follow the designated visiting hours (usually 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
4. Quick Summary: K-Drama Filming Locations Cheat Sheet
Plan your itinerary easily with this quick-reference travel guide:
| K-Drama Title | Filming Location | Best Spot for Photos | How to Travel (From Seoul) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to Samdal-ri | Jeju Island (Seongsan Area) | Mangjangpo Port & stone-wall alleys | Domestic Flight to Jeju Airport + local rental car/bus |
| Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | Pohang City (East Coast) | Mugeunbong Hill (Chief Hong's Boat) | KTX Train from Seoul Station (2.5 hours) + taxi |
| Destined with You / Mr. Queen | Seoul (Traditional Hanok Villages) | Bukchon Hanok Village uphill alleys | Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 2) |
Conclusion: Bring Your Favorite Stories to Life
Traveling is always exciting, but visiting places where your favorite stories unfolded adds a layer of magic that is hard to describe. Standing on the windy hill in Pohang or walking through the quiet stone alleys of Jeju connects you to the local lifestyle on a deeply emotional level.
So, the next time you draft your South Korea travel itinerary, make sure to add at least one of these stunning K-drama locations. Step out of the screen, breathe in the fresh sea breeze, and create your very own romantic K-drama moment!
Which K-Drama Destination is on Your Bucket List?
Are you dreaming of Jeju’s peaceful beaches or Pohang’s warm local markets? Let us know in the comments below!
Read Also:
- [Oppa, Unni, and Sunbae: Decoding Korean Honorifics and Relationship Dynamics in Netflix K-Dramas]
- [K-Drama Food Guide: 5 Real Korean Dining Habits and Etiquette Rules You See on Screen]
