“Korean Fans” are composed of people who love K-dramas, K-variety shows and K-Pop groups alike. Korea has invested so much on their entertainment industry that their tourism industry booms because fans would crave to visit their country.
From the eyes of a K-fan, it is likely that they stan more than one idol group or watch more than one K-drama or K-variety show.
Since they’ve been exposed to Korean culture through media only, the hype to visit the country increases all the more. They’d want to visit the shooting locations, eat at the restaurants their idols ate at, take a photo where their favorite actor visited and tour the places they see on social media.
But where do you begin exactly?
For K-pop Fans – A visit to your K-pop Group’s Agency Is A Must
There is not much to do in visiting your favorite K-pop group’s agency but some agencies have merchandising stores nearby. You can buy official merch here.
Here are some big entertainment conglomerates in Seoul you can visit:
Hybe Agency
Located in Yongsan, Seoul. Home of BTS, New Jeans, Le Sserafim, Enhypen and Tomorrow x Together and more.
In Hybe Agency, you’ll find a small nook where merchandise items can be bought for fans. This is usually open from Mondays to Saturdays.
YG Entertainment
Located in Hapjeong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Formed Bigbang, 2NE1, Blackpink and BabyMonster.
You’ll find all their artists’ merchandise in the basement of a cafe in front of YG’s entrance.
JYP Entertainment
Located in Gangdong-gu, Seoul. The producers of Twice, Itzy, Stray Kidz, and 2PM. JYP only has an online merch store. The best you can do is take a photo of the JYP’s building.
SM Entertainment
Located in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul. The home of Red Velvet, NCT, SHINee, Super Junior, Girl’s Generation, EXO and many more.
For K-Variety Show Fans – Bucket List Going To Local Korean TV Channel Buildings
KBS Channel
Producers of Music Bank, a music show hosting different idols who perform on a weekly basis. Their office building is located in Yeouigongwon-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu Seoul.
Most K-variety shows shoot segments in KBS’ front steps. Some of which are 2 Days 1 Night and Running Man.
On the side of KBS’ building, you’ll find radio stations where famous DJs and artists guests for Korea’s radio stations. If you’re lucky and know your idol’s schedule, you can watch their radio session live from the outside. There are designated chairs for fans.
You’ll find convenience stores around the place where artists sometimes eat their breakfast or lunch during their break.
In front of the KBS entrance stairs is Yeouido Hangang Park, a place housing a wide field, a jogging path and basketball courts. Sometimes, shows film here too.
SBS Channel
Heads up to the Running Man fans, this place is yours! Running Man has been airing since 2010 and has gone global. For photo ops, you can visit the channel that has made history, located in Yangcheon District, Seoul.
For K-drama Lovers – Filming Locations Are Mandatory
As tourists, who visit Korea, check out the country’s tourist spots, it feels different to actually be on the set of your favorite K-drama. Some locations are outside of Seoul and so you also get to visit Korea’s provinces.
Our Beloved Summer
This is a melodrama that revolves around a reunion of two former high school students, who were a couple back then and are now professionals, who agreed to film a documentary that went viral.
Choongang High School
Choi Woong’s House
Kook Yeon Soo’s House
Itaewon Class
This drama is about an ex-convict of 7 years, following his father’s path to open a bar-restaurant in Itaewon. With high hopes, he plans on turning the tables and competing against Jangga Group, a big food conglomerate.
Dan Bam
Dan Bam has officially became a public restaurant. To the k-drama fans, you can simply say that you’ll order the “Itaewon Class menu set” and the server would understand. This specific order is not found in their menu but is the menu set served in the drama series.
Jangga Food Group’s Restaurant
Vincenzo
This plot is about a mafia named Vincenzo who has a secret mission to retrieve the gold located below Geumga Plaza. Eventually, he ends up helping the business owners in the area against a big conglomerate, Babel Group.
Geumga Plaza
Dongdaemun Plaza
Hometown Chachacha
This K-drama is a good feel and light drama where the plot is around a jack-of-all trades province boy who found solitude in Gongjin. He meets a city girl dentist, who opens her small-town clinic in Gongjin, who is his exact opposite.
The main filming location is found in Pohang province, 3 hours away from Seoul by speed train. The place is positioned beside a beach and the vibe is very laid back. There are public transportations available but no subway trains in the area, but is it possible that public buses re-route without prior notice, which is a difference when exploring Seoul. It is highly recommended to hire a taxi for a day or two in order to save time exploring the filming locations. Since this drama was a hit, you can either tour these filming locations on your own (DIY) or book through Klook for a day-tour. The tour jumps off from Seoul, Busan and Pohang.
In watching the drama, it seems that all locations are geographically close but in actual, they are divided by North and South Pohang.
In North Pohang, you’ll find these filming locations:
Hong Du Sik’s House
Yoon Hye Jin’s House
Kim Gam Ri’s House
The houses list above are actual homes of residents who live in Pohang, a residential area. Although, their houses have signs which indicate that they are the actual filming sites, fans are not allowed inside their homes. Best to keep your voices low within the area and respect their privacy.
Yoon Hye Jin’s Dentist Clinic
During the drama, this location served as a dentist clinic. Today, this is a cafe where fans can feel the interior of the clinic while eating.
Red Lighthouse
You’ll find in South Pohang the different public sites in the drama like the the supermarket, Cafe, public market and the village hall.
Live Cafe and Pub
Fans will only get to see the façade of this cafe as the inside of the cafe was shot elsewhere.
Hong Du Sik’s Grandfather’s Boat
Hardware Store
Bora Supermarket
Lee Bong Ryun and In Gyo Jin’s Restaurant
Gongjin Market
Village Hall
These are just a few of the many things K-fans can do in Korea. Some will go as far as booking a tour to where their K-pop idols have lived, dined and rested. Fortunately, today, these are arranged online through travel apps and with travel agencies, as well. But these are more fun when arranged on your own.
No matter what the agenda is, when your heart calls you to explore, you will never lose in following it.
Thalia Travels 