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Hallyu (Korean) wave refers to the increasing global popularity of South Korea’s cultural economy, especially in neighboring Southeast Asian countries. From fashion and food to music and TV dramas, Korean culture has gained worldwide momentum and invaded numerous countries from across the globe.
In particular, K-dramas — with their diverse story plots, amazing cinematography, and great talents — have become one of the top driving forces of the Hallyu wave. Hence, visiting popular filming locations is the dream of all K-drama lovers when visiting South Korea.
If you’re vacationing in this marvelous country or even just looking for must-see tourist spots in Southeast Asia, check out our picks below:
1. Namsan Tower: Where Promises Are Made
The Namsan Tower, also called N Seoul Tower, is one of the most iconic buildings since the earliest K-dramas that fueled the Korean wave. It’s a part of Seoul’s skyline, serving as an observation and communication medium for media outlets like SBS, KBS, and MBC.
This tower is a popular filming site for romantic K-dramas. As the highest point in Seoul, it offers a 360-degree view of the city. From within the tower grounds, there’s a specific area where promises are made in most drama scenes. The Love Lock Bridge is where most iconic drama couples share tales of their love, locking padlocks and throwing away keys to symbolize eternal devotion. Today, you’ll find thousands of locks on the railing, and it has become an attractive destination for couples.
2. Lotte World: Best K-Drama Fun Date Location
Lotte World is one of the most featured theme parks in K-drama. Filled with thrilling rides, a shopping mall, and an ice rink, most K-drama couples at the flirting stage had their first date here.
Relive the romantic moments of Shin Ha-ri and Kang Tae-mu from Business Proposal as you ride the bumper car and merry-go-round. You can also try an ice skating date like Im Ju-kyung and Han Seo-jun from True Beauty.
3. Gyeongbokgung Palace Ground: Top Pick For Historical Dramas
Historical K-drama lovers wouldn’t miss Gyeongbokgung Palace Ground when traveling to South Korea. This beautiful location shows life in Joseon-era Korea, allowing visitors to experience royal life, complete with traditional hanbok that you can rent nearby.
As the biggest and most beautiful historical site, Gyeongbokgung Palace was a backdrop for top K-dramas like Goblin, Kingdom, My Sassy Girl, and Queen In-Hyun’s Man.
4. Bukchon Hanok Village: Popular Backdrop for K-Drama Scenes
Bukchon Hanok Village is a place rich in Korean tradition and culture. It offers the perfect setting for regular rom-com and slice-of-life scenes. The area is dotted with quaint guesthouses, cozy cafes, and chic boutiques and stores featuring traditional Korean house architecture called hanok.
Visit the Prince Comic Rental Shop, where Im Ju-kyung fights Lee Soo-ho over a manhwa book. Meet your destiny while staying out of the rain at a hanok, like how Baek Hee-sung meets Cha Jin-won in Flower of Evil. Run along the streets and encounter the female ghost who cornered Goo Chan-sung from Hotel del Luna.
5. Han River: Where Broken Hearts and Tired Souls Go
Hangang or Han River is the longest, largest river in South Korea. This wide body of water is often featured as a backdrop of numerous K-dramas. In particular, it has become a popular background highlighting the pains and struggles of some characters. Whether broken-hearted or tired of their life, these characters walk by the Han River or on the Hangang Bridge, showing painful, even tragic scenes.
That said, the Han River is also used to symbolize healing hearts and romantic encounters in K-drama plots. Its surrounding spots include popular filming sites like Yeouido Hangang Park and E-Land Cruise for intimate and cute date scenes. Think of Lee Young-joon’s blockbuster cruise date with Kim Mi-so from What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.
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