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The Best K-Drama Filming Locations in Jeju

Jeju Island
Jeju Island | © dondollee / Shutterstock

Jeju Island’s volcanic shores are well loved in Korea for their sweeping ocean views and natural beauty. So it’s no surprise that the island frequently appears in K-dramas of all types, from romcoms (Jeju is the country’s ‘honeymoon capital’, after all!) to hard-hitting historical dramas. Here are some of the best K-drama filming locations you can visit on Jeju.

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Hallasan Park

Park
The volcanic peak of Hallasan Mountain is one of Jeju’s most instantly recognisable geographic features. Trails around the park range in length from 1.5 kilometres to over nine kilometres long, and hiking to the top of the crater is a popular activity for visitors to the island. Hallasan is the tallest mountain in South Korea, and its peak can be seen in the background of many K-dramas set on Jeju. It also appears as a location, most notably in My Lovely Sam Soon, when Kim Sun Ah scales the path in the pouring rain to show that she doesn’t want anything to do with love any more.

Seopjikoji Lighthouse

Building
Seopjikoji Lighthouse is set at the top of a hill, and has sweeping views out over the ocean. It’s also known as the ‘Wishing Lighthouse’, as locals believe it has the power to grant wishes. The elegant white building has been featured in a number of dramas, including All In and Boys Over Flowers, and Yeo Jin Goo and Kim Seolhyun shared their first kiss here in romantic drama Orange Marmalade.

Seopjikoji Hill

Park
When you visit Seopjikoji Lighthouse, don’t forget to take a photo or two on the hill. It’s a beautiful location in its own right, with rocky cliffs jutting out sharply into the blue sea, gently rising green fields, and rustic stone walls. Come summertime, the hill is covered in golden rape flowers. Jung Joo and Gun Woo had a romantic moment here at sunrise in the second episode of Warm and Cosy.

Jeju Folk Village

Building, Museum
Go back in time to the 1890s at Jeju Folk Village. Over 40 acres of land contain carefully researched reconstructions of various types of buildings, including fishing huts, shaman’s houses, agricultural buildings, and family homes. There are 117 buildings and facilities in the village, and a range of artefacts on display. Visitors can dress up in traditional hanboks, take part in workshops, and see events such as cultural performances. The village was used as a key location in the hit historical drama Dae Jang Geum (‘Jewel in the Palace’), as the place where Jang Geum learns medicine as a maid.

Teddy Bear Museum

Museum, Park

Jeju’s Teddy Bear Museum features historical moments, famous people and art masterpieces — all represented in teddy-bear form. Teddies range from over six foot tall (you can cuddle some in the museum’s outdoor garden) to just 4.55 millimetres high. It’s an entertaining way to spend an afternoon, and gives an insight into the toy’s history and Korean culture; look out for the hanbok-clad animatronic bears. Alfred, the teddy bear from Goong(‘Princess Hours’), is displayed here; the museum was used as a filming location for episode 12 of the drama.

The All In House

Building
Located just a few minutes’ walk from Seopjikoji Lighthouse is the All In House, built specially as a location for the drama mini-series All In. It’s waned in popularity as a tourist attraction (the drama aired in 2003), but you can still visit the interesting church building, recreate your own scenes from the drama, and take lots of photos along the dramatic coastline.

Bomnal Cafe (봄날)

Cafe, Northern European, Korean, $$
Bomnal Cafe has breathtaking views out over Jeju’s ocean and a bright, welcoming atmosphere. It was a key filming location in the 2015 drama Warm and Cosy, as the cafe where Lee Jung Joo and Baek Gun Woo worked and (spoiler alert!) fell in love. It’s popular in its own right, however — the café is beautifully decorated, making every corner a perfect photo-op, drinks are good, and there are two café corgis who make sure all the visitors are happy.

About the author

Originally from the UK, now based in Busan, South Korea. Loves experimental music, sour beer and Polaroids. Still never watched Friends.

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