5 Unique K-Drama And K-Pop Locations To Visit In Seoul

Ever dreamed of going to Seoul, South Korea? Its rich culture, amazing food, and stunning views attract a huge amount of tourists each year, many of whom are massive K-drama and K-pop fans. For those of you who are more interested in getting a taste of Korean culture, here are five unique locations to visit when in Seoul!

Sangam Cultural Square

Sangam Cultural Square is a public square that is located in the Sangnam area in Seoul. It is surrounded by the Korean Film Archive and MBC Headquarters. Additionally, the square has been featured in many Korean dramas, including “Pinocchio,” “She Was Pretty,” and “Mr. Back.”

In episode 11 of “Kill Me, Heal Me,” Cha Do Hyun (Ji Sung) and Oh Ri Jin (Hwang Jung Eum) meet at this very location where Ri Jin ends up reflecting on her experiences.

Catch the first episode of “Kill Me, Heal Me” below:

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SMTOWN Coex Artium

The SMTOWN Coex Artium is a must-visit for any fan of K-pop! Located in the Gangnam area in Seoul, visitors can buy merchandise and CDs, take pictures with lifesize cutouts of their favorite SM Entertainment artists, and stop by their cafe for an artist-themed snack. Many SM idols have visited too, leaving their signatures in the cafeteria!

lifesize cutouts of SHINee!

Red Velvet apple juice and Super Junior ice cream!

Artist cupcakes! Can you spot your favorite group?

There is even a theatre where visitors can watch musical performances as well as a photo booth where you can take a photo with your favorite singers! The SMTOWN Coex Artium was also featured in the M&D “I Wish” music video, featuring Super Junior’s Kim Heechul, TRAX’s Jungmo, and GFRIEND’s Yerin!

Check out a tour of the SM Entertainment’s SUM Cafe here! [viki]https://www.viki.com/videos/1116375v-joankeem-sm-entertainments-restaurant-cafe-k-pop-store-episode-52?utm_source=soompi&utm_medium=culture-and-society&utm_campaign=5-unique-k-drama-k-pop-locations-visit-seoul&utm_content_id=1021917wpp[/viki]

Bonjuk shop – Donam-dong branch

This unique location is the iconic porridge shop where Jan Di (Ku Hye Sun) and Ga Eul (Kim So Eun) worked in the drama “Boys Over Flowers”! If you have seen the drama, you’ll know how often the porridge shop was featured. The shop continues to be open to the public and features photographs from the drama.

Catch the first episode of “Boys Over Flowers” below:

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Myeongdong and Myeongdong station

Myeongdong is one of the best locations to visit for shopping, especially for K-pop merchandise and makeup! Inside the Myeongdong subway station there are many outlets which sell CDs, posters, light sticks, and other memorabilia.

SHINee CDs for sale, some of which come with free posters!

Additionally, there are many billboards on display in Seoul that celebrate idols’ birthdays!

Here’s a billboard that’s celebrating EXO member Baekhyun’s 26th birthday!

If you exit the subway station you will also find many Korean makeup stores which display images and cutouts of idols who are currently promoting with them!

For example, EXO for Nature Republic:

So handsome~

SHINee for The Saem

Sometimes stores make limited edition items featuring idols, like this face wash with a picture of SHINee’s Taemin!

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Not only is Gyeongbokgung Palace the largest palace in Korea, it also has stunning views and a rich history which makes it a must-visit when in Seoul.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is so beautiful, that it is a great filming location. Many dramas including “The Legend of the Blue Sea,” “Queen In Hyun’s Man,” “Chicago Typewriter,” and “Goblin” were filmed here.

Catch the first episode of “Chicago Typewriter” below:

Watch Now

Additionally, in “We Got Married” season four, BTOB’s Yook Sungjae and Red Velvet’s Joy visited the palace on a cute date!

Be sure to also check out where UP10TION visited during their recent virtual date with fans on “UP10TION, Please!”

Where would you go if you could visit Seoul? Or where have you been in Seoul that you loved? Let us know in the comments!

daisyamy is a psychology graduate from the UK who loves SHINee, Red Velvet, k-beauty, and travelling! You can follow her on Instagram or Twitter to see what she’s up to!