by Marion & Mich KDL

Occasionally, at start of a drama episode, we are reminded that everything is fictional: from the people to the locations, even most situations — with the exception of some being inspired by real life events. One interesting thing to note is how the present pandemic situation hasn’t appeared to infiltrate this year’s dramas (aside from a slight hint of it spotted in Born Again). We’ve seen nary a sign of social distancing, hand sanitizing or the wearing of masks, and characters seem to be able to travel the world as they please.

(Addendum: Thanks to sarahms for pointing out a scene in It’s Okay Not To Be Okay in which “Moon Sang-tae told the hospital director not to steal his food, and to cover his mouth when he coughed ‘otherwise he might catch a virus’.” — Mich KDL)

Beyond the screen, however, tells quite a different story. While it was mostly dramas’ press conferences and events that were affected by the pandemic earlier in the year (with the exception of Hi Bye Mama), it seems like the wave has finally hit the production teams, with news of a week-long halt of ongoing productions in late August. Since dramas and movies resumed their shoots in May, there have been stringent health and safety rules on set, and masks are mandatory at all times (for the cast, they have to put them back on when filming is not taking place). That said, with actors taking on other roles and projects alongside their drama commitments, it would certainly be challenging to stay protected against the spread of the virus, as seen in the recent cases of Heo Dong-won, Kim Won-hae and Seo Sung-jong.

At KDL, we have definitely been amazed and impressed at how drama and movie production teams have been tiding over COVID so well these past few months, with some bravely heading overseas to film despite the current situation. We only hope they will continue to stay safe even as they work hard to bring us the various productions that keep us duly entertained on both the big and small screen.

OUR FAVORITE STAPLES

We’ve not seen much of Heyri Art Village this year. So it’s nice to finally have an Artinus Farmer’s Table sighting this month and, of course, seeing our favorite gallery again. And what a comeback it is too, with the café, the gallery space, the staircase and the outdoor terrace all being featured.

A number of locations have also made their comeback since their last sightings in 2018, namely Kyung Hee University (Seoul Campus) and Café Motte, both seen in Men Are Men; and this Jeonju house in Alice, which was formerly Jwa Yun-i’s in Jugglers.

FOOD FOR (DRAMA) THOUGHT

I (Marion) have always wondered how long it takes for the location of one drama to become one of the main locations of another drama. What’s the length of time needed for viewers to detach themselves from the memories of a place where their favorite characters once lived? Or, does that memory always remain, somehow? These are the questions that came to mind after seeing how The Master’s Sun‘s rooftop apartment made a reappearance in a drama — after seven years. Same could be said for Mich when she spotted the Jugglers’ Jeonju house in Alice (see above).

KISS, KISS, KISS

We will never tire of seeing GongSera together, especially at their (not-so) secret hideout ♥

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AREA: CHERRY BLOSSOM LOCATIONS BY NAOKO ABE

The cherry blossom season may be long over in the real world, but in K-Dramaland, there tends to be a slight turning point in the late summer. Incredulously, we occasionally get to see them still in bloom on our screens at some point (just before the autumn leaves show their colors again), though the flowers’ soft, fragile petals are a little more vinyl-hardy, for them to last through the ever-changing seasons.

If you are already dreaming about your next vacation to South Korea, we thought it would be nice to highlight some of the places for real cherry blossom viewing, as an added complement to our existing blogpost. Instead of choosing places based on the K-Dramas they feature in, we’re basing our list this time on Naoko Abe’s book ‘Cherry’ Ingram: The Englishman Who Saved Japan’s Blossoms. In an appendix (p. 316), she put together a list of the most popular places all over the world to be mesmerized by these beautiful trees, and it was nice to see that 4/5 that she lists for South Korea are also K-Drama filming locations (except Gyeongpodae Pavilion [강릉 경포대]). So be sure to add these to your list for next time!

— Kyung Hee University — Seoul Campus [경희대학교 서울캠퍼스]
— Yeojwacheon Stream [여좌천]
— Yeouido Park [여의도공원]
— Seokchon Lake [석촌호수]

NEWLY ADDED FILMING LOCATIONS

As always, thanks for following and supporting us on KDL, whether it’s through the daily updates, our special blog posts, or even through submitting a location/photographs! Every contribution helps to grow the largest collection of K-drama locations online — by K-drama fans, for K-drama fans 🙂 Till the next Saturday Summary — read on below to check out the newest location additions from the past month!

Do You Like Brahms? (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A concert [E1]: Seoul Arts Center [예술의전당]

When I Was The Most Beautiful (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Jinhwan A&C: Neowiz Building [네오위즈]
— Art class [E1]: Yangpyeong Dumulmeori Park [양평 두물머리]
— Not showing up [E2]: Bottega Lounge [보테가 라운지]

Alice (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Professor Jang Dong-sik’s home [E1]: Hapcheon Image Theme Park [합천영상테마파크]
— Park Jin-gyeom’s childhood home [E1]: House Nosong-dong, Jeonju
— Returning to South Korea [E1]: Royal Quest [로얄퀘스트]
— A time-stopping encounter [E1/2]: La Veniche March Avenue [라베니체 마치에비뉴]
— Discovering a murder [E2]: Boutique Monaco [부띠크모나코]

SF8 (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Watching a movie [E3 — Joan’s Galaxy]: Dongducheon Munhwa Cinema [동두천 문화극장]

Flower of Evil (2020), ♡ added by Chelle
— Do Hae-soo’s rooftop apartment: Rooftop House Sunhwa-dong
— Baek Hee-sung’s family home: Pyeongchang-dong Mansion No. 566-22
— Discovering the murder weapon [E2]: DMC Hanyang Apartment [DMC 한양아파트]
— Getting stabbed to death [E2]: Beijing Garden [북경원/北京園]
— Staging a murder scene + a reunion [E4/8]: Alps Ski Resort [얼푸스스키장 폐장]

Chip In (2020), added by raregem
— Memorial service [E5]: Yakhyeon Cathedral [중림동약현성당]

Men Are Men (2020), ♡ submitted/added by Mich KDL
— Gently rejecting a confession [E9]: Seogang 8-kyoung [서강8경]
— Being spied on [E9]: C156
— Sharing a kiss [E9/10]: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress [수원 화성]
— Being sheltered [E9]: Eungchil Bridge [응칠교]
— Visiting Hanguk University library [E10]: Kyung Hee University — Seoul Campus [경희대학교 서울캠퍼스]
— Speaking about past lives [E10]: Café Motte [카페모뜨]
— Seongsu-dong cafe [E12/14]: Café Zino [지노 파주]
— Released from prison [E14]: Seongdong Detention Center [구 성동구치소]
— A drink and a chat [E14]: Jungdeunjip [정든집]

Was It Love (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Noh Ae-jung’s House
— A rejection [E10]: Artinus Farmer’s Table [파머스테이블]
— A heart-to-heart talk [E11]: Gallery OOOJH [의외의조합]
— Pleading with mum [E12]: Gallery White Block [화이트블럭]
— Setting things right [E12]: Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon [경원재 앰배서더 인천]
— Thinking a different past #1 [E14]: Forest of Wisdom [지혜의숲] — Library
— Thinking a different past #2 [E14]: Ilsan Lake Park [일산호수공원]

Memorials (2020), ♡ submitted/added by Marion & Mich KDL
— Goo family apartment: Mansujugong Apartment Complex 3 [만수주공 3단지 아파트]
— Se-ra’s hideout: Sun Plaza [썬프라자]
— Visiting residents [E3/10]: Subongnam-ro 18beon-gil [수봉남로18번길]
— Deep in thought [E3]: Overpass Seogot-ro
— A drunken rant [E3/7]: Dowon Garo Park Bus Depot [도원가로공원 버스 정거장]
— Discussing Smart One City [E10]: Seoul City Club [서울시티클럽]*
— Having a childhood treat [E10]: Hyundae Super [현대슈퍼]
*Check out the listing for more information on other featured dramas.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020), ♡ added by sarahms
— Through the peonies [E2/3]: Okjeongho Lake Flower Field
— Driving at high speed [E9]: Seorak Beach [설악해변]
— Doing research [E13]: Uijeongbu Art Library [의정부미술도서관]

Backstreet Rookie (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— [E13 or 14]: Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]

My Unfamiliar Family (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Finding closure [E16]: Padori Beach [파도리해수욕장]

The World of The Married (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL & Chelle
— Dr Ma’s house [E5]: Motif No. 1 [모티프원]

The King: Eternal Monarch (2020), ♡ submitted/added by sarahms
— Having chimaek [E13]: Misa Lake Park [미사호수공원]
— Walking hand in hand [E16]: Sunshine Studio [선샤인스튜디오]

Mystic Pop-Up Bar (2020), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— Mother and son reunion [E10]: Pattern Ethiopia [패턴에티오피아]
— Praying [E11]: Yakcheonsa Temple on Simhaksan Mountain [약천사]
— Giving a jade ring [E11]: Tteul [뜰]

Strangers From Hell (2019), ♡ submitted by Chelle
— Spending the night [E8/9]: Hotel Vo Vo [호텔보보]

Hotel Del Luna (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Leaving Room 404 [E11]: Royal Quest [로얄퀘스트]

He Is Psychometric (2019), ♡ 🏆 submitted by Thom Musni
— A visit [E3]: Shindo 1 Apartment Complex [신도1차아파트]
This location was part of KDL’s Treasure Hunt #2.

Dear My Room (2018-19), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A date #1 [E12]: Café Valor [발로]
— A date #2 [E12]: Artinus Farmer’s Table [파머스테이블]

Let Me Introduce Her (2018), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Boutique Monaco [부띠크모나코]
— Hanwha Aqua Planet Ilsan [아쿠아플라넷 일산]

Hwayuki (2017-18), ♡ added by a KDL Guest
— Kang Dae-sung’s office: Royal Quest [로얄퀘스트]

Revolutionary Love (2017), ♡ added by raregem
— Aircraft Scene: Royal Quest [로얄퀘스트]

Criminal Minds (2017), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A picnic & a virus [E5]: Seoul Fortress Wall (Namsan/Mokmyeoksan section) [서울한양도성 서울성곽길 남산(목멱산)구간]

Moonlight Drawn By Clouds (2016), ♡ added by Marion & Mich KDL
— Various locations: Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Palace [화성행궁]*
*Check out the listing for more information on other featured dramas.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Part of the palace [E5/7]: Hyowon Park [효원공원]*
*Check out the listing for more information on other featured dramas.

She Was Pretty (2015), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Moving in [E16]: Motif No. 1 [모티프원]
— Crossing the road [E16]: Sangam World Cup Park [상암월드컵파크]

Gap-dong (2014), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Tae-oh’s workplace: Standing Coffee [스탠딩커피]
— To the rescue [E1]: NC Cube Canal Walk [NC큐브 커넬워크]
— Being released [E1]: Seodaemun Prison History Hall [서대문형무소역사관]
— A meeting [E4]: Korea House [한국의집 민속극장]
— Being brave [E6]: Everland [에버랜드]

Misaeng (2014), ♡ added by Chelle
— Getting rejected [E14]: Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway [덕수궁 돌담길]
— Peace on New Year’s morning [E14]: Wonhyo Bridge [원효대교]

Dalja’s Spring (2007), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Dal-ja’s apartment: Sangam World Cup Park [상암월드컵파크]
— Running into each other [E15-16]: Samseon Super [삼선슈퍼]
— A morning jog [E20]: Stairs to Namsan Tower — Sam-soon Stairs [삼순이 계단]
— Crossing over [E20]: Dongho Bridge [동호대교]

Lovers in Prague (2005), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Spending time [E16]: Naesosa [내소사/來蘇寺]

King and Queen (1998-2008), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

500 Years of the Joseon Dynasty (1983-1999), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

UPDATES TO EXISTING LOCATIONS

— No Rush [노러쉬] (now ‘Milieu Haus’ as of March 2020)

NEWLY ADDED WEBDRAMAS

Romance, Talking (로맨스, 토킹) (2020)
— Rooftop Cafe Haru [루프탑 카페하루]

The Way I Hate You (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Chelle
— Seojoong College cafeteria: NCsoft Headquarters [엔씨소프트 R&D센터]
— A cat on the way [E1]: Art Platz [아트플라츠] — Tingklu [팔찌만들기]
— A double-date [E1]: Lafesta [라페스타]

NEWLY ADDED MOVIES/LOCATIONS

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Sangam World Cup Park [상암월드컵파크]

Memories of the Sword (협녀: 칼의 기억) (2015),♡ added by Marion KDL
— Hyowon Park [효원공원]

The Sword With No Name (불꽃처럼 나비처럼) (2009), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Naesosa [내소사/來蘇寺]

Chunhyang (춘향뎐) (2000), ♡ added by Lr
— Changgyeonggung Palace [창경궁]

NEWLY ADDED VARIETY SHOWS

Park-Jang’s LOL (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Jang’s Drama Hero Date course [E8]: Royal Saddle Equestrian Society [로얄새들승마클럽]
— Jang’s Insiders Sentiment Date course (1) [E11]: ARC.N.BOOK — City Hall Store [아크앤북 시청점]
— Jang’s Insiders Sentiment Date course (2) [E11]: The Finest [더파이니스트]
— Park’s Luxurious Seoul Date course [E11]: Lotte World Tower & Mall [롯데월드타워&롯데월드몰]

Great Escape 3 (대탈출 3) (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— [E11-12]: Sunshine Studio [논산 선샤인랜드]

Workman (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— [E26 +65]: Jeju International Airport [제주국제공항]

NEWLY ADDED TEASERS

Private Lives (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Royal Quest [로얄퀘스트]
— Iksan Prison Set [익산교도소세트장]

NEWLY ADDED MVs

Chungha — Play (feat. Changmo) (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— BerAdel Equestrian Club [베르아델승마클럽]

Heize (헤이즈) — Your name (너의 이름은) (feat. ASH ISLAND) (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Sunshine Studio [논산 선샤인랜드]

Kim Yo-han — No More (Suit Dance Video) (2020), ♡ added by Chelle
— A.Y Lounge Bar [AY라운지/에이와이라운지]

NEWLY ADDED PHOTOSHOOTS

Ateez 5th Mini Album ‘Zero: Fever Part.1’ (2020), ♡ added by Chelle
— Alps Ski Resort [얼푸스스키장 폐장]