by Marion & Mich KDL
If social distancing is still very much a part of your life, we feel you. This would mark the second month –or even a third for some– since much of the world went under lockdown.
In some way, watching dramas in the current context makes me (Mich) become more acutely aware of the physical spaces between characters, or even the lack of. Watching back on dramas that aired in pre-Covid times also gives me a tinge of envy, seeing as how people within had the freedom to meet with their friends as they pleased, and were able to fearlessly roam around with nary a care in the world.
Being able to step out of the house is considered a privilege now, and only when absolutely necessary. As for social distancing, it’s considered a very necessary measure to keep people –especially those most vulnerable– as safe as possible.
Whatever the case it is where you are, we hope that being immersed in your favorite K-Drama — whether currently airing or complete — will still bring you some comfort and solace during these challenging times. We’re always just a comment or an email away if you’d like to discuss them!
OUR HIGHLIGHTS
What a joy it is to be able to see cherry blossoms fill our screens again! To find out more about the meaning behind these flowers or to start planning next year’s trip (one can always hope, right?), take a look at our evergreen cherry blossoms in K-Dramas blogpost to learn more.
Though shortened by 2 weeks (sob), Marion and I still very much enjoyed A Piece of Your Mind and its calm and thoughtful winter-to-spring feels. If you’re experiencing withdrawals the way we are, hopefully our overview of the series will bring you some solace.
We’ve also put up our very first ‘Treasure Hunt’, in which we get you to join us in our search for locations that either we, or fellow readers, are searching for. Any idea where the two locations in this edition could be?
OUR FAVORITE STAPLES
Gaon Culture Park [가온문화공원] is back in full force and judging by Mystic Pop Up Bar‘s teaser, it is here to stay for a while.
A rare K-drama scene that features the driveway of the Forest of Wisdom [지혜의숲], instead of the signature wooden bookshelves in the library itself.
Among the number of familiar places featured in the first 2 episodes of When My Love Blooms, this is probably the first time the Charles H. Bar and Restaurant Kioku at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul [포시즌스호텔] were both featured in the same drama!
Finally, this is probably one of the better known 2000s-2010s mansions in K-Dramaland: Angolan Embassy Residence [주한앙골라대사관저]
KISS, KISS, KISS
A drunken kiss at one of this and past year’s staples: The 100 Factory [더백푸드트럭].
SPOTLIGHT ON AN AREA: MURAL VILLAGES
Instead of highlighting a particular area this time round, we’ve chosen to feature a special type of neighborhood: Mural Villages. If you are looking for another way to daydream and depart on a virtual cultural vacation, this new overview on mural villages in K-Dramaland is a must read for you. Discover how K-Drama tourism is a boon and bane for these neighborhoods.
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!
Good Casting (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Il Kwang Hitech HQ: SBS Prism Tower [SBS프리즘타워]
— A mission [E2 (full E1]: E-World [이월드]
— Breaking up [E4 (full E2]: i-Style Cafe [아이스타일]
When My Love Blooms (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— V2 Grand Hotel [E1]: Paradise City Hotel & Resort [파라다이스시티]
— Missing the last train [E1]: Hwabon Station [화본역]
— Being followed [E1]: Nakwon Arcade [낙원상가]
— Yonhui University [E1]: Yonsei University — Sinchon Campus [연세대학교 신촌캠퍼스]
— Released from prison [E1]: Seongdong Detention Center [구 성동구치소]
— Having a drink [E1]: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul [포시즌스호텔]
— Driving to the school [E1]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— Buying and waiting [E1/2]: Jaha Super [자하슈퍼]
— Returning to the city [E2]: Seoul Station [서울역]
— Feeling uncomfortable [E2]: Jahamun Tunnel [자하문터널]
— Meeting the chairman [E2]: Restaurant Kioku [포시즌스호텔 키오쿠]
Born Again (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— First encounters [E1 (full E1)]: History Book [역사책방], ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Old Future Bookstore [E1 (full E1)]: Bookstore BookNStory [한미 서점], ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Being incarcerated [E4 (full E2)]: Seongdong Detention Center [구 성동구치소]
— Walking through [E5 (full E3)]: Guryong Neighborhood Park [구룡근린공원]
The King: Eternal Monarch (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Main palace of the Kingdom of Corea: MBC Dae Jang Geum Park (MBC Dramia) [MBC 용인 대장금 파크/MBC드라미아], ♡ added by Lr
— Forest with time travel portal: Ahopsan Forest, Gijang [아홉산숲]
— Arriving in 1994 [E1 (full E1)]: Seoul Arts Center [예술의전당]
— Meeting the prime minister [E2 (full E1]: Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park [대명비발디파크]
The World of the Married (2020), ♡ submitted/added by Chelle, unless otherwise mentioned
— Yeo Da-kyeong’s house: Unyang LAFIANO [운양역 라피아노], ♡ submitted by wjdwpdl
— Restaurant Heewon [E1]: Sunwoongak Wedding [선운각웨딩]
— Picking up a b-day cake [E1]: Suyeon Sanbang Tea House [수연산방/壽硯山房]
— Min Hyun-seo’s pub [E1-2]: Muddy Murphy Irish Pub [머디머피스]
— Seeking marital advice [E5]: Helsinki [헬싱키]
— [E8]: Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park [대명비발디파크], ♡ added by Thom Musni
Meow, The Secret Boy (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL & Marion KDL
— Set up on a blind-date [E7 (full E4)]: Stairs to Namsan Tower [삼순이 계단]
— Enjoying an afternoon together [E7 (full E4)]: Eoulmadang Street [어울마당로]
— Looking for Hong-jo [E8 (full E4)]: Gaon Culture Park [가온문화공원]
A Piece of Your Mind (2020), ♡ submitted/added by Mich KDL, unless otherwise stated
— Ha-won’s house: Naeoe Juga [내외주가], ♡ submitted by Thom Musni
— Studio Moon (fictitious name), ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Street near Studio Moon: Pyeongchang12-gil [평창12길]
— Pedestrian bridge near Studio Moon: Pedestrian Bridge — Opp. Pyeongchang-dong Community Center [평창동주민센터앞보도육교]
— Street near Eunjoo’s Boarding House: Uicheon-ro 38ra-gil [우이천로38라길]
— Teenage years in Norway [E1]: Lahemaa National Park, Estonia [Lahemaa rahvuspark]
— Following curiously [E1]: Gyeonghuigung 3-gil [경희궁3길]
— Concert hall [E2]: Korea Catholic Cultural Center [가톨릭문화원]
— Taking the bus [E2]: Bus Stop Pyeongchang-dong Community Service Center [평창동주민센터 정류장]
— Flower shop [E2/4]: Slow Pharmacy [슬로우파마씨]
— Drowning sorrows [E4]: Jungbal Drinkery [정발휴게소]
— Meeting for a meal [E4]: Bangseonsaeng Useumbapsang [방선생웃음밥상]
— Walking past [E4]: Seum Art Space [세움아트스페이스], ♡ co-added by Thom Musni
— Taking the bus [E4]: Bus Stop Jeongdok Public Library [정독도서관 정류장], ♡ co-added by Thom Musni
— Passing by on the bus [E4]: Gwanghwamun Square [광화문광장]
— Meeting up [E5]: Samcheong-ro [삼청로]
— Conversing with AI Ji-soo [E5] Samcheong-ro 4-gil [삼청로4길]
— Looking around [E5]: Object — Seogyo Branch [오브젝트 서교점]
— A chance encounter at lunch [E6]: Miss Saigon — DMC Branch [미스사이공상암DMC점]
— Chang-seob’s office building [E6]: DDMC [동아디지털미디어센터]
— Recounting rejection [E6]: Nalara Kimbap [날아라김밥]
— Meeting and leaving [E6]: Gonbap [곤밥]
— Going back to the hometown [E7]: New Seongnam Terminal [성남종합버스터미널]
— Meeting halfway (Banbogi #1) [E7]: Wau Overpass [와우고가차도]
— Going cycling [E7/8]: Haengju Fortress Park [행주산성공원]
— Collecting thoughts [E9]: World Cup Park [월드컵공원] or Haneul Park [하늘공원]
— University in Boston [E9]: Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia [Tallinna Tehnikaülikool]
— Banbogi #2 [E10]: Gimpo Geumpa-ro [김포 금파로]
Find Me In Your Memory (2020), ♡ submitted/added by Mich & Marion KDL
— Meeting his first love [E2 (full E1)]: Dasan-ro 33-gil [다산로33길]
— Getting rid of a drunk person [E9 (full E5)]: Gaon Culture Park [가온문화공원]
— On an investigation hunt [E9 (full E5)]: Plain Note [뉴일무이]
— A drunken kiss [E11 (full ep 6)]: The 100 Factory [더백푸드트럭]
— Dinner with production staff [E11 (full ep 6)]: State Tower Namsan [스테이트 타워 남산]
— An awkward lunch [E11 (full ep 6)]: Kappo Roba — Cheongdam [갓포로바 청담점]
— Having dinner with mom [E12 (full ep 6)]: Faro Grand [파로그랜드]
— A rude shock [E12 (full ep 6)]: Shillakwon — Gimpo Branch [쉴낙원 김포장례식장]*
— Celebrating Jung-hoon’s return [E16 (full ep 8)]: L’Escape Hotel [레스케이프호텔]
— An evening walk [E16 (full ep 8)]: Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway [덕수궁 돌담길]
— Deep in thought [E17 (full ep 9)]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— A getaway car [E18 (full ep 9)]: Forest of Wisdom [지혜의숲] — Library
*Check out the listing for more information on other featured dramas.
Hospital Playlist (2020), ♡ added/submitted by Chelle
— Making memories [E3]: Su Noraebang — LUXURY Hongdae [수노래연습장 럭셔리 홍대점]
Hi Bye, Mama! (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— [E13]: Green Cloud Coffee Shop [그린클라우드커피]
— Spending time together [E14]: Namiseom Island/Nami Island [남이섬 종합휴양지]
Memorist (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Going to trial [E10]: Seoul Central District Court [서울중앙지방법원]
When the Weather is Fine (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL, unless otherwise stated
— Talking about the past [E11]: Siheung Gaetgol Ecological Park [시흥 갯골생태공원]
— Breaking up [E13]: Duksung Girls’ High School [덕성여자고등학교]
— Hyecheon Station [E13]: Yemi Station [예미역], ♡ submitted by rew4u4r
Tell Me What You Saw (2020) , ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Kang Seung-hwan’s home [E3]: Second Model Apartment [제2시범아파트]
— Miroland [E7]: Yongma Land [용마랜드]
— Taking photos and passing by [E8]: Yeon Gyeong [연경 차이나타운점]
Itaewon Class (2020), ♡ submitted/added by Thom Musni, unless otherwise stated
— Soo-a’s home [E2]: Plain Note [뉴일무이], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Being hurt [11]: Triple Street Shopping Mall [트리플스트리트]
— Stopping to take photos [16]: House No. 7 [하우스넘버 7]
Hot Stove League (2019-20), ♡ submitted/added by Marion KDL
— Buying clothes [E14 (full ep 7)]: Enter-6 — Anyang Station [엔터식스 안양역점]
— Meeting the ex-wife [E19 (full ep 10)]: Sosom Café [소솜]
The Fiery Priest (2019), ♡ submitted by Chelle
— Pentagon Bar: Pentagon [팬타곤]
— Restaurant ‘Seongwongak’: Chai-long [차이롱/財龍]
Hotel Del Luna (2019), ♡ added by Prima
— Kim Yoo-na’s house: Mansion Pyeongchang-dong No. 466-14
Leverage (2019)
— Atteo Trattoria [E2]: Di Matteo — Daehakno Branch [디마떼오 대학로점], ♡ submitted by deanekitty29
— [E3]: Incheon Global Campus (IGC) [인천글로벌캠퍼스], ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Dressing up wounds [E3]: Mapo Bridge [마포대교], ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Meeting an old friend [E4]: Samcheonggak [삼청각], ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Celebrating a wedding anniversary [E6]: Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도], ♡ added by Mich KDL
Search: WWW (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Getting a hair wash [E5]: Triple Street Shopping Mall [트리플스트리트]
Moments of Eighteen (2019)
— Ma Hwi-young’s house: Mansion Pyeongchang-dong No. 466-14, ♡ added by Prima
— [E14]: Slow Pharmacy [슬로우파마씨], ♡ added by Thom Musni
Her Private Life (2019)
— Si-an’s recording studio [E11-12]: 702 Recording Studio [702 레코딩스튜디오], ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Ryan Gold’s childhood home [E13-14]: Rooftop Apartment Itaewon-dong, ♡ added by sarahms
Romance Is A Bonus Book (2019), ♡ added by karrinap
— Losing a shoe [E1]: Incheon Global Campus (IGC) [인천글로벌캠퍼스]
Dae Jang Geum is Watching (2018-19), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— RG Motors office building [E24]: MBC Ilsan Dream Center [일산MBC드림센터]
Memories of the Alhambra (2018-19), ♡ added by Ram
— Emma’s Guitar Workshop: Eitservice [이아이티서비스]
Still 17 (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Dinner together [E32]: Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도]
Something in the Rain (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Work [E4]: Triple Street Shopping Mall [트리플스트리트]
Your Drive Me Crazy (2018), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Picking apricots [E2]: Naeoe Juga [내외주가]
Hide and Seek (2018), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Do Hyun-sook’s house: Hwajeon-dong Mural Village [화전동벽화마을]
The Beauty Inside (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Coming to watch a movie [E4]: COEX [코엑스]*
*Check out the listing for more information on other featured dramas.
Strongest Deliveryman (2017), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— On an MT [E12]: Maehyangri Peace History Hall [매향리평화역사관]
Temperature of Love (2017), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Meeting up [E29]: Cafe Four M — Anguk Station Branch [카페포엠 안국역점]
Voice (2017), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Ugak-ro 122-beongil [우각로122번길]
Goblin (2016-17), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— New Seongnam Terminal [성남종합버스터미널]
Cinderella and Four Knights (2016) ♡ added by Thom Musni
— Dongan Overpass [동안육교]
Reply 1988 (2015-16), ♡ added by Chelle
— Stopping for dinner [E4]: Hyehwa Kalguksu [혜화칼국수]
Mrs Cop (2015), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Ugak-ro 122-beongil [우각로122번길]
Bubblegum (2015), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Hoon and Hwan Oriental Clinic: Arumjigi Culture Keepers Foundation [재단법인 아름지기]
— Having a drink [E2]: A.Y Lounge Bar [에이와이 라운지]
— Getting treated [E3]: CKU [국제성모병원]
— Talking a walk [E3]: Duksung Girls’ High School [덕성여자고등학교]
— Crossing over [E4]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
My Princess (2011), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Chairman Park’s mansion [E2]: Angolan Embassy Residence [주한앙골라대사관저]
City Hunter (2011), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Yoon-sung’s mother’s restaurant: Delicious Snack Bar [마디쓰 분식] (fictional name)
The Greatest Love (2011), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— MBS Dream Center [E7, 9, 12]: MBC Ilsan Dream Center [일산MBC드림센터]
Secret Garden (2011), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Joo-won’s mother’s residence [E2]: Angolan Embassy Residence [주한앙골라대사관저]
Personal Taste (2010), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Getting married [E1]: The Cheong Dam [더청담]
— Convention hall [E1]: COEX [코엑스]*
— Childhood home [E2/6]: Angolan Embassy Residence [주한앙골라대사관저]
— A piggyback home [E3]: Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway [덕수궁 돌담길]
— Taking “family photos” [E6]: Ilsan Lake Park [일산호수공원]
*Check out the listing for more information on other featured dramas.
The Snow Queen (2006), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Yu-ri’s mansion: Angolan Embassy Residence [주한앙골라대사관저]
Which Star Are You From (2006), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A book signing [E7]: YP Bookstore — Jongno Branch [영풍문고 종로본점]
— Having lunch [E7]: Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도]
— A proposal [E16]: Seongsan Bridge [성산대교]
Winter Sonata (2002-03), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A proposal [E16]: Huam-dong Catholic Church [후암동성당]
UPDATES TO EXISTING LOCATIONS
— Laurel Tree Tailors Shop (new tenant; now known as Slow Pharmacy)
— Sunny Building [써니빌딩] (new name; now known as Miracle Building)
— A Place To Go [어플레이스투고] (closed down)
— Mr. Vertigo Books [미스터버티고책방] (moved as of July 2019; now located in Bella Citta [벨라시타])
NEWLY ADDED MOVIES/LOCATIONS
Tune In For Love (유열의 음악앨범) (2019)
— KBS Broadcasting Station [여의도KBS홀]
— Lucky Four [럭키사]
— Nakwon Arcade [낙원상가]
The Royal Tailor (상의원) (2014), ♡ added by Lr
— Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]
Secretly Greatly (은밀하게 위대하게) (2013), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Ugak-ro 122-beongil [우각로122번길]
Late Blossom (그대를 사랑합니다) (2011)
— Ugak-ro 122-beongil [우각로122번길]
The Housemaid (하녀) (2010), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Suyeon Sanbang Tea House [수연산방/壽硯山房]
NEWLY ADDED VARIETY SHOWS
2 Days 1 Night — Season 2 (2012) ep. 410
— Hwabon Station [화본역]
NEWLY ADDED MV TRAILER
—A.Y Lounge Bar [에이와이 라운지]
NEWLY ADDED TEASERS
Mystic Pop-up Bar (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
Teaser 1: Gaon Culture Park [가온문화공원]
