K-Drama in South Korea: The Ultimate Guide 

South Korea has become one of the world’s most recognizable filming destinations, thanks to the global popularity of K-dramas. From Seoul’s neon-lit streets to Gyeongju’s historic temples, many of these spots have appeared on screen in some of the most widely watched Korean series. This guide takes you behind the scenes of K-drama, showcasing the best K-dramas to watch before your trip. We also highlight iconic filming locations across South Korea, explain how to visit them, and share practical tips to help you experience them with ease.

What Is K-Drama?

K-drama refers to television dramas produced in South Korea. They are famous for their compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and visually cinematic style. These series cover a range of genres, including romance, comedy, thrillers, fantasy, and horror, offering something for everyone. Today, viewers can easily discover K-drama Netflix series or on other platforms like Viki, often dubbed or with subtitles. Numerous fans also keep up with K-drama news for the latest releases and trending shows in Korean entertainment.

K-dramas are especially unique because of their strong connection to real locations. Several scenes are filmed in actual neighborhoods, cafes, and landmarks across South Korea. This draws many travelers and fans alike to travel to the country and experience these places for themselves. By walking the same streets, visiting the same viewpoints, and stepping into these memorable settings, visitors can feel like they are inside their favorite K-dramas.

Best K-Dramas To Watch Before Visiting South Korea

If you’re traveling to Korea, watching one of the best K-drama series beforehand can make your getaway even more meaningful. This way, you’ll start to recognize places, emotions, and cultural details as you explore. 

Some must-watch titles include:

• Crash Landing on You - This romance, arguably the best K-drama on Netflix, set between Seoul and scenic countryside regions, follows a South Korean heiress who accidentally lands in North Korea. It became a global hit and introduced many viewers to leading K-drama actors Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin.
• Goblin - Famous for its beautiful city visuals and emotional storytelling, the Goblin K-drama blends modern Seoul with historical elements. Goblin also features some of the most iconic actors in recent years.
• Itaewon Class - Showcasing Seoul’s nightlife and youthful energy, this series follows a determined entrepreneur building his own restaurant empire in the trendy Itaewon district.
• Hotel Del Luna - A mysterious hotel for spirits takes center stage in this fantasy drama. Throughout the series, viewers can notice stunning architecture and a distinctive visual style.
• Descendants of the Sun - In this military romance filmed across Seoul and Gangwon Province, a soldier and a doctor fall in love while navigating disaster zones and overseas missions.

These dramas help bring South Korea’s landscapes and cities to life before you even step on the plane.

Top K-Drama Filming Spots in South Korea: How to Visit 

There are several K-drama filming locations in South Korea, particularly in Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island, and Gyeongju. From romantic viewpoints to ancient temples, each destination offers a different side of the K-drama world. Most sites are free to visit, mainly outdoor spaces such as streets and parks. However, some cultural attractions may require a small entry fee. Below, we’ve compiled some of the best K-drama filming spots throughout the country, along with how to experience them: 

Seoul Locations

• N Seoul Tower - Featured in productions like the True Beauty K-drama, this is one of Korea’s most enchanting vantage points overlooking the city skyline.
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) - Filmmakers often showcase this striking modern landmark in K-drama movies, for example, in the Good Boy K-drama. Its futuristic design and glowing architecture make it a popular backdrop for stylish city scenes. 
• Bukchon Hanok Village - Seen in the K-drama romance fantasy known as Goblin, this traditional village boasts peaceful alleyways, wooden hanok houses, and historic charm in the heart of Seoul.

Behind The Scenes Tip: Our Seoul day tours are the most convenient way to navigate the city, with expert local guides who show you Seoul’s most renowned treasures. Additionally, you can enjoy ample free time to discover nearby K-drama filming locations at your own pace. 

Busan Locations

• Haeundae Beach - As one of the best South Korea beaches, this long sandy shoreline is typically used in romance and travel dramas. The gorgeous sea views and distant city skyline provide a truly laid-back ambiance, especially during sunset.
• Gamcheon Culture Village - Gamcheon Culture Village, located on our informative map of Busan, is brimming with vibrant houses, murals, and maze-like streets. Various productions have been shot in the area to create scenes that feel playful and expressive.
• Oryukdo Skywalk - Extending over impressive coastal cliffs, this glass walkway delivers sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Emotional drama scenes frequently take place here, where the height and endless horizon add a strong cinematic effect.

How to Visit: Two of the most prominent stops on our Highlights of Busan Day Tour include Haeundae Beach and Gamcheon Culture Village. Along the way, you’ll also embrace Busan’s coastal atmosphere and savor fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market, with plenty of opportunities to take in scenery commonly associated with well-known K-dramas.

Jeju Island Locations

• Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) - Seongsan Ilchulbong, located on our informative map of Jeju Island, was formed by a volcanic eruption, rising above the ocean and boasting magnificent views. Its appearance in dramas such as All In highlights its wide natural landscapes, which are generally depicted in romantic and cinematic storytelling. 
• Seopjikoji - Stretching along Jeju’s eastern coastline, this scenic cape is home to spacious grass fields and striking rugged cliffs. K-dramas film at Seopjikoji for its seaside environment, where the dramatic panoramas enhance reflective scenes, seen in the When Life Gives You Tangerines K-drama.
• Gwangchigi Beach - Situated near Seongsan Ilchulbong, this coastal area features black volcanic sands and clear shallow waters. The beach plays a role in Welcome to Samdal-ri, offering a calm shoreline that showcases Jeju’s softer, more intimate side.

Insider Tip: It’s best to explore Jeju Island at a relaxed pace to completely embrace its natural wonders found across the island. Our Jeju Island West & South Day Tour makes it simple to see all its breathtaking gems in a single, remarkable day, without the stress of navigating between locations.

Gyeongju Locations

• Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond) - As one of Gyeongju’s most spectacular night views, this palace complex is associated with royal-era K-drama scenes. With a dreamlike atmosphere, this spot is perfect for historical dramas and emotional turning points. 
• Bulguksa Temple - Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain temple is known for its intricate architecture and peaceful natural surroundings. Historical K-dramas frequently draw on the temple to portray Korea’s spiritual traditions in meaningful, quiet scenes.
• Daereungwon Tomb Complex - This vast park of ancient royal burial mounds sits among rolling green hills in Gyeongju’s historic center, as you can see on our map of Gyeongju. Period dramas often use the open landscape to bring Korea’s intriguing royal Silla heritage to life.

Best Way to Visit: To easily admire all of Gyeongju’s treasures, particularly the Bulguksa Temple, join our Gyeongju Day Tour from Busan. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city’s Silla legacy on a fully-organized, enriching day trip.

K-Drama Themed Experiences in South Korea

Beyond visiting K-Drama filming locations, travelers can enjoy a range of immersive experiences inspired by the world of K-dramas.

Popular activities include:

• Walking through traditional hanok villages while wearing hanbok, recreating scenes from historical dramas
• Visiting cafes known for their stylish interiors and Korean coffee culture, especially in areas like Hongdae (Seoul), which reflect the aesthetic atmosphere seen in modern K-dramas
• Discovering romantic viewpoints like N Seoul Tower, a favorite backdrop in many love stories
• Strolling through neon-lit streets and lively districts that capture the energy of contemporary K-drama settings

These adventures allow visitors to feel connected to the cinematic world of K-drama while wandering through authentic Korean sites.

Travel Tips for K-Drama Fans

• Plan by Area Rather Than Individual Spots: K-drama filming areas are often grouped by neighborhood. Therefore, roaming one district at a time helps you save time and appreciate a more relaxed getaway.
• Be Flexible: Travel times between locations may be longer than expected. That’s why it’s best to avoid an overly packed itinerary and leave space to explore at a leisurely pace.
• Check Opening Hours in Advance: Cafes and attractions featured in K-dramas may have different or limited operating times. This is particularly true outside major tourist areas, so we suggest checking hours beforehand to avoid disappointment.
• Visit Early in the Day: Morning or weekday visits offer a quieter ambiance and a more laid-back way to see well-known K-drama filming spots.

Walk Through the World of K-Dramas

K-dramas transform South Korea’s streets, coastlines, and cultural landmarks into places that feel instantly familiar. For many travelers, these locations become a starting point for discovering the country in a more meaningful and personal way. To uncover other aspects of Korean culture, browse our Korea travel resources. Here, you’ll find must-see attractions, immersive K-pop experiences, K-beauty trends, and exciting ways to connect with the country during your trip. 

Ready to explore beyond the screen? Our Korean day tours allow you to seamlessly visit Korea’s most iconic treasures, including areas you may recognize from K-dramas. Knowledgeable local guides will add fascinating context and depth to each stop, while ensuring there’s built-in free time to wander on your own. If you’re eager to see even more of Korea without the complexity that comes with planning logistics, our Korea Package Tours are perfect. We arrange all your hotels, transfers, and thrilling guided tours, so instead of simply watching Korea on screen, you get to effortlessly move through it in real life.

Explore Korea's K-Drama Spots Today