Behind the Scenes: How Korean Drama Producers Scout Filming Locations
As I write this, I’m in the midst of touring Jeju and Seoul visiting many K-Drama filming locations. Realizing how complex and often times far apart from one another these locations are, I began to think about the process of pulling it all together. What about you? Do you find yourself curious about by the stunning locations in your favorite K-dramas? Whether it's a dreamy seaside town or an ultra-modern skyscraper, these locations are practically characters in the story themselves! But how do producers find such perfect places to film? Let’s dive into the world of K-drama location scouting — the glamorous, the gritty, and the totally unexpected.
1. It All Starts With the Script (a.k.a. the Treasure Map)
Before anyone starts packing their film gear, producers sit down with the script and highlight every scene that needs an *OMG-look-at-that* setting. Is the lead about to confess their love on a beach at sunset? Time to find the *perfect* beach. Is there a dramatic showdown in the rain? Grab your umbrellas and scout out some moody alleys. The script is like their treasure map, guiding them to magical locations.
Think of that sweeping ocean road in Goblin or the jaw-dropping beauty of Hotel Del Luna’s night scenes. Could those scenes have worked anywhere else? Nope. Location scouting is all about finding that perfect match between story and setting.
2. Location Scouts: The Real MVPs
Once the dream locations are outlined, enter the location scouts. These unsung heroes are like the coolest tour guides ever, but instead of showing off Korea’s tourist spots, they’re searching for hidden gems that scream “K-drama magic.” From cozy cafés tucked away in Seoul’s side streets to secluded islands that look like they’re straight out of a fantasy novel, these scouts have seen it all.
But don’t be fooled by the glamorous photos — scouting is work. Can they get a whole film crew there? What about parking? Permits? Weather? Imagine falling in love with a location only to find out it’s off-limits...or worse, haunted. 😱
3. Iconic Filming Hotspots
Some places are so perfect, producers keep coming back again...and again...and again. You might recognize locations like Namsan Tower or the cute, colorful Petite France village because they’ve starred in so many dramas. These spots are like the Taylor Swift of filming locations — always in demand and always stealing the show.
In fact, some locations now market themselves as K-drama filming goldmines! If you’ve ever wanted to live out your K-drama fantasies, you can visit these spots IRL with KDrama Tours and reenact your favorite scenes (maybe even with a fake confession or two, if you're feeling dramatic).
4. Balancing Realism with a Dash of Cinematic Magic
Not every scene needs a jaw-dropping background. Some stories thrive in more everyday places — like your neighborhood convenience store or a typical high school. But even "ordinary" settings are chosen with extreme care. K-drama producers want everything to look just right.
A seemingly boring street can be transformed into a heart-fluttering confession scene with the right lighting, angles, and vibes. And we love them for it.
5. Korean Landmarks Stealing the Spotlight
Sometimes, the real stars of the show are Korean landmarks that we get to see over and over again in our favorite dramas. For historical dramas, it’s all about those gorgeous palaces like Gyeongbokgung Palace which add so much grandeur and authenticity. Or in modern dramas, there’s nothing like a scene shot on top of the Lotte World Tower!
These places aren’t just beautiful — they ground the story in Korea’s rich culture, giving viewers (especially international fans) a sneak peek into the country’s history and architectural awesomeness. Plus, they make for perfect travel spots for K-drama pilgrimages, which, frankly is the idea behind our company KDrama Tours.
6. Finding Hidden Gems
K-drama producers aren’t afraid to go off the beaten path in search of unique locations. Whether it's a small fishing village, a quaint countryside town, or a mountain temple that looks like it’s straight out of a painting, these spots add authenticity and charm to the story.
Take Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha — who wouldn’t want to move to that adorable seaside village after watching it? Producers chose the lesser-known coastal town of Pohang, and now fans are flocking there like it’s the ultimate vacation destination.
7. When in Doubt, Build It
Sometimes, the perfect location doesn’t exist. But does that stop K-drama producers? Absolutely not. When necessary, they’ll just build the set they need. Like the massive hospital set for Hospital Playlist, where every inch was carefully designed to feel real and authentic (but also ready for a film crew to take over).
Sure, it might be expensive and time-consuming, but hey — when your show is as beloved as Hospital Playlist, it’s all worth it.
8. Fan Pilgrimages: When Locations Become Tourist Destinations
Speaking of travel destinations, K-drama fans are serious about visiting the real-life locations from their favorite shows. Whether it's snapping selfies at Bukchon Hanok Village or strolling through the streets of Itaewon like the stars of Itaewon Class, these locations turn into fan meccas. Producers know that fans will flock to these spots, and that adds a little extra pressure to find not just the perfect filming location, but the perfect tourist location, too!
K-dramas have turned entire towns into must-visit hotspots — and we’re always by your side in crafting the perfect K-Drama themed tour for you.
Wrapping It Up: A Labor of Love
Scouting K-drama filming locations isn’t just about finding pretty places — it’s about finding the right places that enhance the story, charm the audience, and (hopefully) become iconic in their own right. Next time you’re binging a K-drama, take a second to appreciate the work that went into finding that jaw-dropping view or cozy café. Because behind every breathtaking scene is a team of people who made it happen!
Now, who's ready to book their next K-drama location tour? 💫
