by Marion & Mich KDL

Hello 2020, Goodbye 2019!

We’re happy to share that we covered 53 dramas in 2019, which brings our current total on KDL to more than 400 dramas. WOW!

Heartfelt thanks to everyone for stopping by and reading our listings, leaving a comment, sending in photos, submitting a location, correcting typos and other mistakes. It is you that helps and inspires us to keep KDL going.

OUR HIGHLIGHTS – 2019 in KDL Review

In 2019, we covered 10 Drama Overviews:
— Her Private Life (2019)
— Romance Is A Bonus Book (2019)
— Search: WWW (2019)
— Touch Your Heart (2019)
— Encounter/Boyfriend (2018-19)
— Memories of the Alhambra (2018-19)
— A-Teen (2018)
— Mama Fairy and the Woodcutter (2018)
— Something in the Rain (2018)
— Boys Over Flowers (2009) — A 10th Anniversary Overview

We also looked in depth into a number of topics related to selected dramas, such as:
— The Books in ‘Romance Is A Bonus Book’ — Part 1
— The Books in ‘Romance Is A Bonus Book’ — Part 2
— The Uniquely Fascinating World of Search: WWW

And if you, like us, like listicles (list articles), here are some of ours from last year:
— Summer’s here! Check out these K-Drama rooftop cafes and restaurants in Seoul
— This Summer, Look Out for these 15 Seoul Lookouts!
— Rediscover the Joys of Reading at these K-Dramaland Bookstores
— Falling For Vinyl’s Charm in Seoul: K-Drama LP Bars and Record Stores

OUR FAVORITE STAPLES

We have already shared our 2020 K-Dramalandscape predictions, the most seen 2019 neighborhoods and locations, and our thoughts about 2019’s K-Dramaland.

So here are the locations and neighborhoods we’d simply love to see on our screens again this year … just because!

MARION KDL

This is a bias of mine. This bridge at night has simply a soothing effect and I appreciated how Search:WWW showed it from a different angle this year.

I also took a liking to Seoul’s neighborhood Huam and Paju’s neighborhood Munbal this year and missed Heyri Art Village quite a bit during the past 12 months (especially the K-Dramaland café!).

I’m not sure how many of the amazing locations in Search: WWW we’ll get to see in this year’s dramas, but its unique world is one that I’ll always hold close to my K-Drama heart. This is particularly so for the locations key to the gradual build-up of Scarlett and Ji-hwan’s relationship. First as fan and actor, next as ‘manager’ and talent, then somewhat friends (and secret crushes), and the ambiguous in-betweens.

These places are made even more special for me because I got to visit them personally on my most recent trip, and had heartwarming personal experiences at this U:DALLY outlet in Seoul and Cafe Fleurs in Jeonju. Please visit them if you’re ever going to either city!

CHELLE

I pick La Centra [라센트라], featured on the 2018-2019 K-drama SKY Castle, as my favorite 2019 filming location. Here we witnessed the everyday lives of four wealthy families — from the deepest dark secrets to surprising twists and turns and comeuppances unfolded before our eyes. I think I should save up to book a condo and live like the SKY Castle residents at least for a day. ㅋㅋㅋ

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AREA: DOOMED SAN DIEGO?

San Diego, of course, is not a K-Drama hot spot. But it is now a second time on our screens with Hot Stove League — after having been featured in the 2013 The Heirs. I am quite puzzled with the location choice that is done for this city’s Gaslamp Quarter. Because a second time around, a closed-down location has become a filming site. The Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15, presented in 2013, closed down three years later. Even more astonishing, the restaurant Blue Point Coastal Cuisine seen in Hot Stove League has already closed down past November — before it was even showcased to audiences. I wonder what the reason is? Does it foreshadow already the close-down of the Gaslamp’s center piece, the Horton Plaza? — Marion KDL

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!

Queen: Love and War (2019-20), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— Hanyang: Mungyeong Saejae Open Film Set [문경새재촬영장 (오픈세트장)]
— A date [E1]: Gwanghallu-won Garden [광한루원]

Crash Landing on You (2019-20), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL (unless otherwise stated)
— Chairman Yoon’s mansion: Damyang Reina Country Club [담양레이나CC]
— Walking on the shore [Opening sequence]: Schorren, Iseltwald, ♡ submitted by a KDL Guest
— Going out for dinner [E1]: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse [울프강 스테이크하우스]
— Praying [E2]: The Shrine of Mirinae [미리내 성지]
— 1st b-day [E2]: Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon [경원재 앰배서더 인천]
— Vacation [E2]: Little Scheidegg [Kleine Scheidegg], ♡ submitted by a KDL Guest
— Seung-jung’s house in North Korea [E3]: Buam7 [부암동 7번지]
— Remembering Switzerland [E3]: Landing Stage Iseltwald, ♡ submitted by a KDL Guest
— Saving Yoon Se-ri [E4]: Panorama Bridge Sigriswil, ♡ submitted by a KDL Guest

Hot Stove League (2019-20), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— Drinking away frustrations [E1]: Seogang Ggobdaegi [서강껍데기]
— Inviting the general manager [E2 (full E1)]: A.Y Lounge Bar [에이와이 라운지]
— A drink [full E2]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant [쌍대포 본점]
— Work dinner in the States [full E2]: Denny’s — Honolulu Kapahulu Avenue Branch

9.9 Billion Woman/Woman of 9.9 Billion (2019-20), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— A villa weekend stay [E1-3 (full E1-2]: The Rivendell Prestige Guesthouse [게스트하우스 리븐델]
— Bound to a cross [E2 (full E1]: Anseong Farmland [안성팜랜드]

Chocolate (2019-20), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— The new year 2013 [E1]: Bosingak Pavillon [보신각터]
— A police station in Greece [E2]: Gyeonggi English Village — Paju Camp [경기영어마을 파주캠프]
— Working in Greece [E2]: Byzantino Cafe, Monemvasia, Greece

Love With Flaws (2019-20), ♡ submitted/added by Marion KDL (unless otherwise stated)
— A workplace: Choong Ang High School [중앙고등학교]
— A drinking place: Shinsegae Supermarket [신세계슈퍼마켓], ♡ submitted by wjdwpdl
— Prettier Than Flowers [E1]: J.Two Flower [제이투]
— Crossing a bridge [E3 (full E2]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— Not a wallet boy [E3 (full E2]: D-Cube City [디큐브시티]
— Crossing a bridge no.2 [E3 (full E2]: Cheonggyecheon Stream [청계천]
— Delivering food no. 1 [E3 (full E2]: Gyeongui Line Forest Park [경의선숲길공원 / 경의선공원]
— Food delivery with consequences [E3 (full E2]: Lotte World [롯데월드]
— Hangook University [E5 (full E3)]: Konkuk University [건국대학교]
— A forgotten rendezvous [E5 (full E3)]: Oakwood Premier Hotel Incheon [오크우드프리미어 인천]
— A love confession [E14 (full E7)]: State Tower Namsan [스테이트 타워 남산]
— A morning jog and a love confession [E14-15 (full E7-8)]: Banpo Bridge [반포대교]
— An unpleasant dinner [E16 (full E8)]: Matsugaze Japanese Restaurant [마쯔가제]
— On a date [(full E10)]: Seoullo 7017 Skygarden [서울로7017]
— On a date #2 [(full E10)]: Mulnamoo Photo Studio [물나무사진관]
— Being a chauffeur [(full E10)]: Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon [경원재 앰배서더 인천]
— Meeting up with aunt [(full E10)]: DEBUNK [디벙크]

Psychopath Diary (2019-20), ♡ added/submitted by Mich KDL
— Daehan Securities: Concordian Building [콘코디언 빌딩]
— Mr Yook’s Meat Republic: Gangnam Hanwoo Meat Restaurant — Yangjae Branch
— Cafe ‘Boring Day’: Brunch Café from [프롬]
— Victim to a ‘sob story [E1]: Seongbuk-dong Gupo Guksu [성북동구포국수]

VIP (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Mich KDL
— Yu-ri/Hyun-ah’s apartment: Rooftop Apartment Itaewon-dong
— Studying [E9 (full E5)]: Hanyang University — Seoul Campus [한양대학교 서울캠퍼스]
— On the big screen [E18 (full E9]: Seoul Station [서울역]
— Confrontations about infidelity suspicions [E22 (full E11)]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant
— Meeting the matchmaker [E28 (full E14)]: Art Gallery Café [아트갤러리카페]
— Visiting mom [E28 (full E14)]: Chungah Park Columbarium [청아공원기독교전용관]
— Taking a phone call [E29 (full E15)]: A.Y Lounge Bar [에이와이 라운지]
— Picking up photos [E32 (full E16)]: Lighthouse Tintype Studio [등대사진관]

Leverage (2019), ♡ added/submitted by deanekitty29
— Y Investment: JCC Creative Center [JCC크리에이티브센터]
— Being in hospital [E1]: National Traffic Accident Rehabilitation Hospital [국립교통재활병원]
— Released from prison [E3]: Seongdong Detention Center [구 성동구치소]
— Conning Min Young-min [E4]: Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park [대명비발디파크]
— Conning Chairman Baek [E7]: Artinus Farmer’s Table [파머스테이블]
— Scheming #1 [E10]: Asosan [아소산 본점]
— Scheming #2 [E11]: Woonsan Korean Restaurant — Yeouido Branch [운산(雲山)여의도점]
— Scheming #3 [E15]: La Vie D’or Resort & Country Club [라비돌리조트컨트리클럽]
— Departing to Thailand [E15]: Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]

Catch the Ghost (2019), ♡ added by deanekitty29
— The hideout: Sinseol-dong Station Ghost Platform, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Celebrating a b-day [E13]: Wonhyo Bridge [원효대교]

Be Melodramatic (2019), ♡ added by Chelle
— Sejong Village Food Street [세종마을 음식문하거리]

The Tale Of Nokdu (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— Planning a conspiracy [E4-5 (full E2-3]: Suseollu Pavilion [수선루/睡仙樓]
— A picnic [E25 (full E13]: Yeongju Museom Village [영주 무섬마을]

Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL & Chelle
— Two meetings in a row [E22 (full E11]: Me Gusta Gallery & Cafe [미구스타]
— A heart-to-heart talk [E39 (full E20]: Yeouido Park [여의도공원]
— A first date [E40 (full E20)]: Yeouido Hangang Park [한강 공원 여의도 지구]
— One thing a day [E45 (full E23)]: Yeouido Saetgang Pedestrian Bridge [샛강다리]
— A misunderstanding [E44-45 (full E22-23)]: Asosan [아소산 본점]
— A tea invitation [E45 (full E23)]: Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도]
— A minor confrontation [E45 (full E23)]: Wonhyo Bridge [원효대교]
— [E45 (full E23)]: Seoul Arts Center [예술의전당]

Melting Me Softly (2019), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— A team dinner [E7]: Ilsan Sodong [소리가있는동네]

My Country (2019), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— Crossing a bridge [E3]: Yeongju Museom Village [영주 무섬마을]

Kingdom (2019), ♡ added by Lr
— The Uigeumbu: Gyeongbokgung Palace [경복궁]
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

100 Day My Prince (2018), ♡ added by a KDL Guest
— Yeon Hong-shim’s village: Yeongju Museom Village [영주 무섬마을]

My Mister (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The question of being reborn [E6]: Yeouido Saetgang Pedestrian Bridge [샛강다리]

Black Knight (2017-18), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— An after work date [E8]: Guesswho LP Bar [게스후]

The King in Love/The King Loves (2017), ♡ added by Lr
— Palace of Goryeo: Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-17), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— An accident [E5]: Namsan Public Library [남산도서관]
— Conning CEO Jang Jin-ok [E3]: D-Cube City [디큐브시티]

Drinking Solo (2016), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The school cafeteria: D-Cube City [디큐브시티]

Jang Young-sil (2016), ♡ added by Lr
— Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

Liar Game (2014), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Mistaking somebody for dad [E1]: Le Pul [르풀]
— Part of a game (unknowingly) #1 [E1]: Ichon-ro 29-gil [이촌로29길]
— Part of a game (unknowingly) #2 [E1]: Naksan Park [낙산공원]

Shark (2013), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— An empty locker [E3]: Gudun Station [구둔역 (폐역)]
— After-wedding party #1 [E3]: Conrad Hotel Seoul [콘래드호텔]
— After-wedding party #2 [E3]: The Raum [더라움]
— Getting rid of an object [E3]: Hangang Bridge [한강대교]
— Having a drink [E4]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant [쌍대포 본점]
— Important information [E13]: World Cup Park [월드컵공원]
— Crossing over [E17]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]

That Winter, The Wind Blows (2013), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Coming to the rescue [E2]: D-Cube City [디큐브시티]

Love Rain (2012), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Outdoor photo shoot [E10]: Gyeonggi English Village — Paju Camp [경기영어마을 파주캠프]
— Checking in [E10]: Walkerhill Hotel & Resort [워커힐 호텔 & 리조트]
— Meeting up [E10]: SeMA — Seoul Museum of Art [서울시립미술관]

Jeon Woo-chi (2012), ♡ added by Lr
— Country of Yuldo (율도국): Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

Rooftop Prince (2012), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]
— Gwanghallu-won Garden [광한루원]

Love Rain (2012), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— An overnight trip [E2-3]: Yeongju Museom Village [영주 무섬마을]

Bad Guy (2010), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Haeshin Building: Posco Center [포스코센터]

Secret Garden (2010), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Paying respects [E2]: Chungah Park Columbarium [청아공원기독교전용관]

Boys Over Flowers (2009), ♡ submitted/added by Marion KDL
— Couple Wedding Photography Contest [E21]: Seonyudo Park [선유도공원]
— A near-marriage [E21-22]: The Shore Hotel Jeju [더쇼어호텔제주]

Hometown of Legends (2008), ♡ added by Lr
— Being spared [E4]: Gwanghallu-won Garden [광한루원]

Iljimae/Il Ji-Mae: The Phantom Thief (2008), ♡ added by Lr
— Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

The Snow Queen (2006-07), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Studying: Kangnam University [강남대학교]
— Looking for a book [E1]: Pyeonghwa Market [평화시장]
— Walking home #1 [E13]: Gangnam Station [강남역]
— Walking home #2 [E13]: Seoul Metropolitan Library [서울도서관]

Green Rose (2005), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Inner dialogue [E17]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]

Jewel in the Palace (2003-04), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

All In (2003), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Sea World Hotel: The Shore Hotel Jeju [더쇼어호텔제주]

Jang Hee-bin (2002-03), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

First Love (1996-97), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A date [E27]: Yangpyeong Dumulmeori Park [양평 두물머리]

NEWLY ADDED MOVIES

Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2012), ♡ added by Lr
— Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

A Frozen Flower (2008), ♡ added by Lr
— Palace of Goryeo: Naju Image Theme Park [나주영상테마파크]

Masquerade/ Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King (광해 왕이 된 남자) (2012), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

The Throne/Sado (사도) (2015), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]

NEWLY ADDED VARIETY SHOW

2 Days & 1 Night, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Yeongju Museom Village [영주 무섬마을]

Running Man, no. 370, Episode 438 on February 10, 2019, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Cafe Alver [알베르]

NEWLY ADDED CF SHOOTS

Hyundai Card Mini M [현대카드 미니M] (2003): Co-Work ‘First Love [첫사랑편]’ CF, ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Kangnam University [강남대학교]

NEWLY ADDED MVS and KPOP PROMO SHOOTS

LEEWOO (이우) (2019) , ♡ added by Marion KDL
MV ‘One day when it snows, the day we parted (‘눈 내리는 어느 날, 우리 이별하던 날’)’
— Me Gusta Gallery & Cafe [미구스타]

SF9 1st Album ‘Good Guy’ (Golden Rated) (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Café Zino [지노 파주]