Ready to dress up and follow the trend at the hottest Korean drama locations of 2026? Let Living Nomads help you “sneak into” a series of stunning check-in spots that will leave you speechless!
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Hello everyone! If you’re a true K-drama fan, 2025 and early 2026 have surely kept you on the edge of your seat with a series of hit titles like Squid Game 2, Can This Love Be Translated, or the impressive transformation of Park Eun Bin in Hyper Knife. But watching movies on screen isn’t enough; the feeling of actually setting foot in the locations that appeared in the films makes the trip even more memorable.
In 2026, Korea is not just about cherry blossoms, shopping streets, or charming cafes, but also a check-in paradise for movie lovers with many new filming locations worth exploring. Join Living Nomads on a tour from Seoul to Busan, visiting locations once graced by the presence of K-pop idols and capturing some quintessential Korean drama-style photos!
Incheon International Airport – Terminal 1 (Squid Game 2)
First on the list is the “gateway” to every trip: Incheon Airport. But this time, we’re not just there to check in. If you’ve seen Squid Game 2, which took the world by storm in late 2024 and early 2025, you’ll surely recognize Terminal 1 as the place where Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) decided to turn back instead of boarding his flight to America.
KORAIL PASS – KTX Train Ticket
The departure area, with its modern dome architecture, giant glass panels, and abundant natural light, creates an incredibly cinematic setting. To get stunning, movie-like photos, choose wide-angle shots from above looking down at the check-in counters or stand right at the subway entrance in the airport.
Address: 271 Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon.
Tip: Take advantage of the time right after landing or before heading home to spend 30 minutes posing. Don’t forget to wear that legendary green tracksuit to get the pose right!
Seoul Land Amusement Park – Gwacheon (Squid Game 2)
Instead of the secret, hard-to-reach islands, Squid Game 2 brought the survival games closer to reality at Seoul Land. In the movie, this is where the two new characters, Kang No-eul and Park Gyeong-seok, work before they enter the game.
Seoul Land has a very unique retro vibe with its Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and colorful game booths. In 2026, the number of visitors here increased dramatically thanks to the effect of the drama. You can check in at the central square or the brightly lit cobblestone walkways under neon lights at night. The feeling, both fun and a little spooky like in the movie, will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Address: 181 Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do.
Ticket price: Approximately 46,000 – 52,000 KRW depending on the time.
Noksapyeong Station and Itaewon Pedestrian Bridge (Can This Love Be Translated?)
The romantic drama “Can This Love Be Translated?” starring Kim Seon Ho and Go Youn Jung chose Noksapyeong Station as the setting for its poetic encounters.
Noksapyeong Station is famous for its unique circular architecture and long, winding staircases. Just above the station is the legendary pedestrian bridge where you can get a panoramic view of Namsan Tower in the distance. In the drama, the character Joo Ho Jin (Kim Seon Ho) often walks through this area with a pensive expression. This is a perfect Korean drama filming location for those who love a slightly ‘deep’ style of photography.
Absolute Seoul Pub Crawl Experience in Hongdae and Itaewon
Address: 195 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Vibration: Romantic, gentle, and distinctly reminiscent of the Hong sisters’ drama.
Cheonggyecheon Stream (Can This Love Be Translated?)
Another location from the masterpiece starring actor Kim Seon Ho. Cheonggyecheon Stream is already very familiar, but through the lens of Can This Love Be Translated, it appears with a beauty that is both modern and healing.
The streams flowing through central Seoul with their stone steps and shimmering yellow lights at night are where the main couple stroll and ‘translate’ their thoughts to each other. In 2026, this stream will still be the number one dating spot for young people in Seoul. Choose the section of the stream near Cheonggye Square to capture the most realistic shots from the drama.
Address: Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Best time: After 7 PM when the streetlights are brightly lit.
Namsan Tower Seoul – Observation Deck (Can This Love Be Translated?)
Never out of style, Namsan Tower continues to appear on the list of the hottest Korean filming locations in 2026. In the drama, this is where important turning points in the love story of actress Cha Mu Hee (Go Youn Jung).
Instead of just checking in at the love lock area, buy a ticket to the observation deck to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul. The aerial shots of the sparkling city in the drama will truly leave you speechless. This is also an ideal place to confess your love if you’re with your significant other, just like the characters in the movies!
N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket
Observation deck ticket price: Approximately 21,000 KRW.
Note: It’s recommended to book tickets in advance through the app to avoid long queues.
Gwangjin-gu District – Seoul (Mantis)
If you love action noir films like Mantis – the Netflix spin-off of Kill Boksoon – then Gwangjin-gu is the place to visit. Starring Im Si Wan and Park Gyu Young, the film offers gritty, street-style visuals.
The narrow alleys, old apartment buildings, and traditional markets of Gwangjin-gu create a stark contrast to the glitz and glamour of Gangnam. This is where Han Wool (Im Si Wan) carries out his assassination missions. If you want some “bad boy/bad girl” style photos, try visiting the street food stalls here and enjoying the authentic Seoul atmosphere.
Address: Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (near Konkuk University).
Activities: Enjoying grilled food and taking street-style photos.
Jongno 3-ga Area and Tapgol Park (Squid Game 2)
Squid Game 2 not only features action but also explores the darker aspects of Korean society. Tapgol Park and the streets around Jongno 3-ga appear in the film with an old-fashioned, nostalgic feel.
This area is famous for its antique shops, cafes from the 90s, and elderly people playing chess. In the film, this is where the main character searches for clues about the “recruiter.” Checking in here, you’ll experience a very different Seoul, slow-paced and contemplative. Don’t forget to visit the traditional bakeries to try the authentic flavors.
Address: 99 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Tip: Walk through the small alleys to find old-fashioned neon signs for some artistic photo opportunities.
Konkuk University Hospital – Medical Area (Hyper Knife)
Fans of Park Eun Bin from “Lawyer Woo” definitely can’t miss Hyper Knife – a haunting medical thriller. The drama is primarily set in modern hospitals in Seoul, where a battle of wits between two genius surgeons takes place.
The area around Konkuk University Hospital, with its modern green glass architecture, clean and somewhat ‘cold’ atmosphere, has appeared in many neurosurgery scenes. Although you can’t enter the specialized areas for photos, the university campus and surrounding research buildings are enough for you to get photos with the perfect ‘genius doctor’ vibe.
Address: 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
Vibration: Modern, intellectual, slightly mysterious.
Seongsu-dong (All The Love You Wish For)
The reunion of Kim Woo Bin and Suzy in All The Love You Wish For brings a youthful, colorful atmosphere. Seongsu-dong, dubbed the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” is the perfect Korean filming location for this drama.
With old garment factories renovated into cafes, art galleries, and flagship stores of major brands, Seongsu-dong appears incredibly glamorous in the drama. You can find the scene where the character Gayoung (Suzy) strolls through colorful graffiti walls. This is definitely the hottest check-in spot for fashionistas in 2026.
Address: Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul.
Suggested cafes: Daelim Changgo or Dior Seongsu (extremely popular in the drama).
Korean filming locations: Bukchon Hanok Village (Portraits of Delusion)
Portraits of Delusion, starring Suzy and Kim Seon Ho, is set in 1935, making Bukchon Hanok Village an irreplaceable location. The ancient hanok houses with their black tiled roofs and red-gray brick walls create a nostalgic and mysterious atmosphere.
In the drama, the characters often appear in Gyeongseong-style (old period) clothing. Rent a hanbok or early 20th-century modern outfit to transform yourself into the characters from the drama. Walking along the slopes of Bukchon early in the morning before it gets too crowded will give you the most tranquil and artistic shots.
Address: Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Note: Please be quiet as this is a residential area.
Busan Port and Industrial Zones (Mantis)
To conclude your journey, leave Seoul and head south to Busan. Mantis has fully utilized the rugged beauty of Busan’s seaports as the backdrop for its bloody, action-packed battles.
The massive container yards, rusty iron ships, and salty sea air create an incredibly powerful setting in the film. You can visit the old port area or the beaches near the industrial zone to feel the contrast between the natural beauty and the harshness of the machinery. This is where you’ll see a very different Busan, not just seafood and crowded beaches.
Address: Busan Port area, Busan.
Experience: Take a cruise at sunset to see the true beauty of the port.
Before you go, don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes, a fully charged phone, and a spirit ready to explore every nook and cranny that’s reminiscent of Korean dramas. Who knows, this trip might bring you not only some beautiful photos, but also memorable moments like a scene from a movie of your own. If you’ve visited any of the locations on this list, please share them with us! Wishing you an inspiring trip following the footsteps of Korean dramas!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need permission to take photos at these filming locations?
Most outdoor locations like Seongsu Street, Cheonggyecheon Stream, or Bukchon Village are free and do not require permission. However, if you are taking photos at cafes or private areas, you should buy a drink to support the owner and ask the staff for permission beforehand.
2. How can I find the exact coordinates of the cafes featured in the film?
You can use map applications like Naver Map or Kakao Maps (very popular in Korea). Just search for the film’s name in Korean along with the keyword “filming location” (촬영지), and the results will show very detailed information.
3. What is the best time to visit the filming locations?
In 2026, spring (April) and autumn (October) are still the most beautiful times in Korea for filming. However, if you want to capture the true “vibe” of action films like Mantis or Squid Game 2, a cold winter with snowfall will provide a much more cinematic feel.
4. Are these locations far from the center of Seoul?
Most of the 11 locations I listed are located right in Seoul or nearby areas and are easily accessible by subway. Busan, for example, will take you about 2.5 hours by KTX train from Seoul.
Are you ready to visit these famous Korean filming locations?
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to
- Incheon International Airport (ICN) Limousine Bus Transfers for Seoul (Gangnam District)
- Klook Pass Seoul
- Seoul Yeouido Eland Han River Cruise
- Alpaca/ Nami/ RailBike/ Morning Calm/ LEGOLAND/ Painters/ Wild Show
- [SALE] Instant Ticket! Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5 Days to travel around the cities in Korea
- KAL Limousine Bus Ticket for Seoul
- [Limited Offer] AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket in Seoul
- Bukchon Oneday Hanbok Rental Experience (4/24 Hrs)
- Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul
- [Limited Offer] Incheon International Airport (ICN) Luggage Services (Between Airport and Hotel) by Safex
- Everland 1 Day Pass
- Lotte World Ticket in Seoul
- AREX Incheon Airport Express Train Ticket
- KORAIL PASS – KTX Train Ticket
- Discover Seoul Pass
- N Seoul Tower Ticket
- Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Ticket
- Coex Aquarium Admission Ticket in Seoul
- DMZ(Demilitarized Zone) Tour
- 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
- [Sale] Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling
- [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh
Are you finding more top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.
