Korean dramas are best known for their fascinating mix of history, fantasy, romance, and thrill but the time-travel Korean dramas add their own fun with unique and mesmerizing twists. These shows take fans or viewers to different eras by mixing South Korea’s rich past with modern sites. Just think about being a part of these incredible worlds! In this blog post, we’ll mention some of the most famous locations in South Korea where these popular time travel dramas were filmed, showcasing where the past and present come together beautifully.
Gyeongbokgung Palace – Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
Gyeongbokgung Palace, situated in Seoul’s heart, is a majestic symbol of Korea’s royal history. It plays a significant role in the popular K Drama ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’, providing a spectacular background for many key scenes. As you explore its grand courtyards and serene gardens, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back to the Goryeo Dynasty, just like the drama’s heroine. For a complete historical experience, be sure to catch the changing of the guard ceremony.
I’m sure if you’ve watched this K-drama you do remember the scenes of this beautiful historical place. Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a historical-themed show where the girl travels back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392).
Best Time to Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November)
- The palace is beautiful during these seasons—cherry blossoms in spring and colorful autumn leaves create a picturesque setting. Mild weather makes it perfect for exploring the vast grounds.
Namsan Seoul Tower – Rooftop Prince (2012)
In Rooftop Prince, Namsan Tower showcased the emotional journey of the main characters and also it was a link between two different timelines, the crown prince from 300 years ago and a girl living in present. This tower is one of the popular attractions among locals and tourists. It is not just a scenic spot but has many things to offer to the people. You will find all the facilities, including restaurants, shopping malls, light gardens, grass terraces, etc. It’s a must-visit place in Korea for fans. Take the cable car and enjoy the breathtaking view from the top. Capture the moment with the perfect caption and make your visit even more memorable. Take the Cable car and enjoy the breathtaking view from the top. It is a must-visit place in Korea for fans.
Rooftop Prince is a romantic comedy show where the Joseon crown prince travels to the future after his wife’s mysterious death and explores modern Seoul.
This tower has also been featured in many other popular K-drams like Boys Over Flowers, My Love From Another Star, True Beauty, and many more
Best Time to Visit Namsan Tower
- Late Spring (May) and Autumn (October)
- Clear skies during these months provide the best views. The surrounding Namsan Park is also a highlight, with vibrant flowers in spring and rich autumn foliage.
Han River – Signal (2016)
Han River, featured in many K-dramas, is more than just a scenic spot. It might not be the central focus but viewers get to see it in various scenes, where it contributes to the atmosphere and enhances the visual appeal. It is one of the most beautiful attractions to see in Seoul. You can enjoy many activities near the Han River like taking a sunset cruise or strolling along its banks, etc.
Signal (2016) is a must-watch K-drama for thrill lovers showcasing a unique blend of time travel and criminal investigation. In this series, a cop living in 1989 connects with a cop living in 2015 through a mysterious walkie-talkie to solve crimes connected across both timelines.
Best Time to Visit Han River
- Summer Evenings (June to August) and Autumn (September to October)
- Summer evenings are ideal for picnics and bike rides, while autumn provides pleasant weather and stunning sunset views. The Han River is perfect for outdoor activities during these times.
Gwanghwamun Square – The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
Located at Sejongno, Gwanghwamun Square is a national landmark across Gyeongbokgung where the statue of King Sejong (The fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty who invented Hangeul) stands.
It is the recognizable place for every fan of the South Korean fantasy drama ‘The King: Eternal Monarch’. The main poster of this time-traveling television series featured this location and is also present in many other promotional teasers. It is one of the popular spots to visit in Seoul where you can view both the traditional Gyeongbokgung Palace and beautiful modern buildings.
It is a place where the lead characters meet for the first time in the series. The story includes the elements of romance, time-traveling, and mystery as Emperor Lee Gon from the Kingdom of Corea travels to the parallel world of the Republic of Korea’ through a magical portal.
Best Time to Visit
- The best times to visit Gwanghwamun Square are in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November).
- Spring features mild weather and blooming flowers, while fall offers cool temperatures and vibrant autumn colors. Both seasons are ideal for comfortably exploring the square and its surroundings.
Bukchon Hanok Village – Chicago Typewriter (2017)
Bukchon Hanok Village, where “Hanok” refers to a traditional house, is a residential neighborhood in the heart of Seoul. If you’re a K-drama fan, you’ve likely seen the streets of Hanok Village in many series, adding charm to the backdrop. You may recognize this location from the 2017 time-travel South Korean television drama Chicago Typewriter.
It is a must-visit spot for Korean drama lovers to experience in real life. The traditional houses offer a picturesque view and a contemporary vibe. Visit this popular alley in South Korea, where you can enjoy various activities like exploring housing cafes, brand stores, and boutique shops, etc.
Best Time to Visit Bukchon Hanok Village
- Autumn (September to November)
- The crisp weather is perfect for exploring the village, and the hanoks look stunning against the backdrop of autumn leaves.
Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway – Goblin/ Guardian: The Lonely & Great God (2016)
Deoksugung Stone Wall Road, located in Seoul is a popular and picturesque spot featured in Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) and various other K-dramas. This charming pathway, surrounded by lush greenery, adds beauty to the background. It is where the main leads of the television drama first encounter each other and has also appeared in many memorable scenes. Fans of the K-drama will remember this location. If you are a nature lover, it is a place you’ll enjoy.
The show revolves around a 939-year-old military general from the Goryeo dynasty who is cursed to be immortal with a sword stuck in his chest and a 19-year-old high school student. The storyline from past and present beautifully adds a layer of romance, fantasy, and supernatural challenges.
Best Time to Visit Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway
- Autumn and Spring
- The place looks beautiful in the autumn and spring. It’s a perfect time to take great photos of colorful fall leaves and lovely cherry blossoms.
Bongeunsa Temple – Faith/ The Great Doctor (2012)
Situated in Samseong-dong, Bongeunsa is a historic Buddhist temple in the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea. Anyone who has seen this epic K-drama will recognize this place, as the teleportation door opens and from where Choi Young travels to the future.
It is a must-visit place for those who want to explore traditional Korean culture. Locals and tourists come here to participate in sacred rituals. The temple gate is decorated with colorful lanterns hung by the devotees. Visiting Bongeunsa Temple is a delight. Capture the moment on your phone and find the perfect temple captions that complement your photos. You can pray, meditate, and enjoy other activities there. The temple is right across the street from COEX (Convention and Exhibition Center), where Choi Young met Eun Soo for the very first time.
The story revolves around the Goryeo dynasty warrior who travels to the future and brings a female doctor from the 21st century back in time to treat the Goryeo queen.
Best Time to Visit Bongeunsa Temple
- You can visit anytime, but it’s beautiful in spring.
- During spring the cherry blossoms are out and in fall when the leaves change color, providing a soothing landscape.
Korean time travel dramas are more than just captivating stories; they offer a window into Korea’s rich history and vibrant modernity. Visiting these must-see locations lets you step into the magic of these dramas and experience them firsthand. Whether you’re drawn to historical palaces, traditional villages, or modern urban landscapes, Korea’s diverse filming locations promise a unique and immersive travel experience.
So, the next time you plan a trip to Korea, why not add a touch of time travel to your itinerary? After all, in the world of K-dramas, the past is just a heartbeat away.
