Sometimes while watching TV, you suddenly wonder about the filming locations. In Gyeonggi Province, there are hidden spots that hold the emotions of dramas. These filming locations not only enhance the drama on screen but also allow travelers to relive the drama’s emotions. With the arrival of spring, how about taking a trip there with family, friends, or loved ones? Here are six recommended spots introduced by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization.
■ A Space for Peace and Reconciliation: ‘Paju Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri’
Paju Imjingak is a place that holds the tragedy of the Korean War intact. However, with the establishment of the ‘Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri’ park here, it has transformed into a place of peace and reconciliation. Around the large grassy hill that can accommodate about 20,000 people, various artworks by different artists are installed. Among them, the thousands of spinning pinwheels and the giant wooden statue made of bamboo are particularly impressive.
The 2024 drama ‘To My Harry’ is a happy romance starring Shin Hye-sun (as Eun-ho) and Lee Jin-wook (as Hyun-oh). In the drama, ‘Eun-ho’ is a character with two personalities, ‘Eun-ho’ and ‘Hye-ri,’ and ‘Hyun-oh’ is a popular announcer with a secret. Paju Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri appears as the background for Eun-ho and Hyun-oh’s first date, reminiscing about their school days. In the drama, the park is named ‘Haneul Nuri Hill’ instead of Pyeonghwa Nuri.
The exotic scenery of the vast lawn is very popular as a dating spot for real couples. Additionally, the area near the barbed wire fence is a security tourism zone. Attractions include Mangbaedan, the Freedom Bridge, Dokgae Bridge, and the steam locomotive at the Gyeongui Line Jangdan Station.
Address: 164 Imjingak-ro, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Phone: 031-953-4744
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Website: https://tour.paju.go.kr/user/tour/main/index.do
■ Appreciating the Works of Korea’s Representative Sculptor Min Bok-jin at ‘Yangju City Min Bok-jin Art Museum’
Min Bok-jin (1927?2016) was born in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province. While studying at Hongik University’s Department of Fine Arts, he gained early recognition by winning an award at the 2nd National Art Exhibition of Korea. Min Bok-jin’s works focus on themes such as ‘mother and child,’ ‘family,’ and ‘love,’ and he is also famous as the sculptor of the statues of independence activists Kim Gu and Min Young-hwi. The museum exhibits not only Min Bok-jin’s major works but also sculptures by various artists depending on the exhibition.
The Yangju City Min Bok-jin Art Museum appeared in the drama ‘Please Take Care of This Life.’ This drama, adapted from a popular webtoon, features Ban Ji-eum, a woman who remembers her past lives, and Moon Seo-ha, whom she loves. The museum appears when Ban Ji-eum and another main character, Yoon Cho-won, visit together. Both the exhibition hall and Min Bok-jin’s work ‘Joy of Family’ are shown in close-up.
Address: 192 Gwonyul-ro, Jangheung-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Phone: 031-8082-4255
Hours: 10:00?18:00 (Closed on Mondays, January 1, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok)
Admission: Adults 5,000 KRW, Youth and Military Personnel 1,000 KRW, Children 1,000 KRW
Website: www.yangju.go.kr/minbokjin/index.do
■ A Cultural Space for Reading and Exhibitions: ‘Uijeongbu Art Library’
The Uijeongbu Art Library, a specialized library in the field of art, stands out from the outside. Viewed from the outdoor parking lot side, it looks like a flat square building, but from the entrance side, its elegant curves are prominent. Inside, the open central space and unique furniture arrangement captivate visitors’ attention. It sometimes feels more like visiting a book caf? than a library. The first floor also has an exhibition hall where various artworks can be appreciated. The building won the Excellence Award at the 2020 Korean Architecture Culture Awards.
The drama ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,’ starring Kim Soo-hyun (as Moon Kang-tae, a psychiatric ward nurse) and Seo Yea-ji (as Ko Moon-young, a children’s book author), shows the two meeting by chance, healing each other’s wounds, and developing love. The library appears in episode 13. Key characters Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, and Oh Jung-se are seen discussing picture books in the library’s front area. Filming took place throughout the library.
Address: 248 Millak-ro, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do
Phone: 031-828-8870
Hours: Tue?Fri 10:00?21:00, Sat?Sun 10:00?18:00 (Closed on Mondays and public holidays)
Admission: Free
Website: www.uilib.go.kr/art
■ A Space Where City and Nature Harmonize: ‘Hwaseong Dongtan Lake Park’
Dongtan Lake Park is a tranquil lake park where time seems to stand still. The calm lake reflects the sky perfectly. It is a place where residents stroll and couples enjoy dates without end. The circular sculpture in the middle of the lake is the Luna Fountain. From May to October, a weekly night music fountain show called the ‘Luna Show’ with splendid lighting is held.
The 2024 popular drama ‘Run, Seon-jae, Run’ features a couple who share love across past and present. Byun Woo-seok stars as Seon-jae, and Kim Hye-yoon as Im Sol. Dongtan Lake Park appears in the final episode, highlighting the moment when Seon-jae, regaining memories of Im Sol, meets her. The beautiful night view of Dongtan Lake Park shines even brighter in this scene.
Address: 69 Dongtan Sunhwan-daero, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do (Underground Parking Lot)
Phone: 1577-4200 (Hwaseong City Culture and Tourism)
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Website: https://tour.hscity.go.kr/NEW/1tour/nature20.jsp
■ Where Nature and Art Become One: ‘Anyang Art Park’
Anyang Art Park is a park where you can enjoy artworks in nature. About 60 modern art pieces are exhibited around the southern foothills of Samsung Mountain and the Samsung Stream originating from Gwanak Mountain. All exhibited works are by world-renowned artists. Among them, ‘Anyang Peak’ and ‘House Made of Lines on a Tree’ are must-see pieces.
‘Anyang Peak’ is a work that also serves as an observatory. Climbing the slightly crooked spiral path leads to views of the foothills of Samsung Mountain and the entire Anyang Art Park. ‘House Made of Lines on a Tree’ is located at the far end of the park. The tube-shaped footbridge connecting the curvilinear outdoor performance hall is also famous as a ‘photo spot.’ Although the footbridge was damaged by heavy snow in November 2024, repairs are planned for 2025. Walking through the forest and along the valley, visitors can naturally enjoy art in Anyang Art Park. It is like a giant art museum embraced by nature.
Anyang Art Park was a filming location for the drama ‘You Are My Spring.’ The scene where the main characters Young-do (played by Kim Dong-wook) and Da-jeong (played by Seo Hyun-jin) enjoy an evening date was filmed at ‘Anyang Peak.’ Viewers who remember Young-do dancing the mambo of Leslie Cheung in front of Da-jeong will find visiting ‘Anyang Peak’ especially rewarding.
Address: 180 Yesulgongwon-ro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
Phone: 031-687-0548 (Anyang Cultural Foundation)
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Website: www.apap.or.kr
■ A Waterside Park Ideal for Walking and Relaxation: ‘Pyeongtaek Baramsae Village Sopung Garden’
Pyeongtaek Baramsae Village Sopung Garden is a waterside park featuring various walking trails and ponds. Four small islands, each themed differently as Jijibae-bae Garden, Garden of Light, Rainbow Garden, and Garden of Harmony, are connected by decks. Walking along the paths connecting the islands is the best way to enjoy the park’s beauty. Although the name suggests a picnic spot, ‘Sopung’ does not mean a picnic but rather laughter (笑) and wind (風). Sopung Garden is perfect for family trips, offering a peaceful moment away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The dramas ‘Soul Mechanic’ and ‘Hello? It’s Me!’ were filmed at Sopung Garden. ‘Soul Mechanic,’ starring Shin Ha-kyun (as Lee Shi-joon) and Jung So-min (as Han Woo-joo), tells the story of psychiatrists. Scenes of the two enjoying a casual date in the park were filmed here. The romantic comedy ‘Hello? It’s Me!’ features the four main cast members Choi Kang-hee, Kim Young-kwang, Lee Re, and Eum Moon-seok going on a picnic with packed lunch boxes at this location.
Address: 43-61 Saeak-gil, Godeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
Phone: 031-668-4815
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Website: www.pyeongtaek.go.kr/camp
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