by Marion & Mich KDL
Has there ever been a drama you’d decided not to follow for whatever reason –unattractive storyline, not your preferred genre, unfamiliar cast members etc– but one random, curious watch sends you so quickly down a spiral before you even realize it? That, ladies and gents, is how I (Mich) went back to watching Memorials.
“The feel of the drama just doesn’t vibe with me,” I told Marion after she’d asked if I continued watching — and it’s true! It didn’t. But what can I say? I’m a sucker for cutesy couples like GongSera (yes, I even have a couple name for them!), and their chemistry was what drew me back in — from episode 10, no less.
That’s probably what’s fascinating about watching dramas, be it Korean or that of other countries: though one may not vibe with you instantly, there are always be others that will. And if you give that one a chance, it just might surprise you with something that seals the deal. Would love to hear your experience with such a drama if you have one — share it with us in the comments!
OUR HIGHLIGHTS
One of my (Mich) highlights this past month was seeing how locations from past shows are given new leases of life. Imagine my surprise when I realized that the space seen as the metal craftwork shop in Flower of Evil is the same one as the cafe in the 2018 dating/matchmaking show Cafe Amor (선다방)! And, ’twas a pity that I had missed out on seeing this place for myself on my last trip, as I had not gone down that part of Palpan-gil. Sigh. So close, yet so far. Nevertheless, it’s still pretty cool to see on-screen, though it now exists for a slightly… eerie purpose.
OUR FAVORITE STAPLES
Good to see Seongmisan-ro 23-gil back on our screens again…
…Plumbline too…
… and to discover Osan High School and Noksapyeong (Yongsan-gu Office) Station as the real original K-Dramaland staples.
Osan High School is probably best known to most as the school in the 2017 drama The Liar and His Lover. So it came to quite a surprise to find out that this more than 100-year old school was already the main location of the 2003 drama Sang Doo! Let’s Go to School.
The overpass leading to Noksapyeong (Yongsan-gu Office) Station got quite some hype this year through Itaewon Class. It’s a pity, though, that the drama didn’t pay homage to this station in showing off its beautiful interior; the way it is known and holds its own as one of the most important subway stations in K-Dramaland since 2003 at least.
FLOWER MEANINGS
It’s nice to see that Backstreet Rookie‘s Saet-byul loves flowers enough to know their meanings — and to be honest, that’s mostly why we’re still watching it! Thanks to her, we’ve uncovered new ones like China Pink, Ivy, Wild Rose, Pink Rose, Hibiscus, Aconitum/Wolf’s Bane… check out our ongoing blogpost for more.
SPOTLIGHT: LOCAL GROCERY STORES
As much as South Koreans seem to like their big chain supermarkets and convenience store franchises, there’s something about the local neighborhood grocery stores –also called ‘super’ (슈퍼/수퍼) or ‘mart’ (마트)– that keeps them going back. Maybe it’s the convenience of having it just down the street, if one’s house is too far from the main thoroughfare; it could also be that the fruits and vegetables here don’t cost as much as those at the chains; or, maybe it’s the feeling of having that sweet, sometimes sassy halmeoni fussing about like a real grandmother would.
Aside from getting daily necessities, these shops could also serve as an oasis for some, a place of solace or refuge for others. In K-Dramaland, characters often gather outside to catch their breath, grab a drink, or sit for a chat. Children like hanging around the neighborhood marts too; if they’re lucky, there would be little video game consoles for them to play with.
Interestingly, not much is written about these mom-and-pop stores, but there are those who are preserving this part of everyday life for posterity. It’s lovely to read about how artist Lee Me-kyeoung/Lee Mekyeoung (이미경) has been sketching these quaint shops in all shapes and sizes for over 20 years as part of her ongoing series A small store (구멍가게) (view more at her website). There was also heartening news that Seoul city was looking to revive disappearing local stores, though with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, things may not seem too promising. But, with the sentimental value of these establishments, and the jeong (정/情 — affection) Koreans have for them, hopefully there will still be more than a handful that continue to serve a new generation of customers in years to come. — Mich KDL (P.S: Be sure to #supportlocal wherever you are!)
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 🙂
We’ll also be taking a 2-week break for the summer from mid to end-August, but feel free to continue sending in your locations and leaving comments during this time!
Till the next Saturday Summary — read on below to check out the newest location additions from the past month!
Flower of Evil (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL & Chelle
— Baek Hee-sung’s metal craft workshop “샛별이 머무는 공방”
— Enroute to birthday celebration [E1]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— Birthday dinner [E1]: State Tower Namsan [스테이트 타워 남산]
— Eunha Super [E2]: Jaha Super [자하슈퍼]
— Conversing from above [E2]: Cheonggyecheon Stream [청계천]
Men Are Men (2020), ♡ submitted/added by Mich KDL, unless otherwise mentioned
— Hyun-joo’s apartment: Apartment Building Yeonnam-dong
— Sunwoo Pharm Corporation building: The Nexen UniverCity [더넥센유니버시티]
— Sunwoo Pharm Corporation meeting room: State Tower Namsan [스테이트 타워 남산]
— A proposal [E1]: Hotel in 9 [호텔 인나인]
— Getting ‘married’ [E1]: Luka 511 [루카511]
— Rushing across [E1]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
— Catching Do-gyeom [E1]: Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]
— Heading home [E2]: Thanks, Oat [땡스오트]
— Meeting with best friends [E2]: 37.5 Brunch & Dining — Goyang Samsong Branch [37.5 고양삼송점]
— On a blind date [E2]: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul [포시즌스호텔]
— Alma mater [E2]: Yonsei University — Sinchon Campus [연세대학교 신촌캠퍼스]
— Sneaking a kiss [E4]: Seongmisan-ro 23-gil [성미산로23길]
— Jaedam Hospital [E4/7/8]: Royal Quest [로얄퀘스트], 🏆 submitted by Thom Musni
This location was part of KDL’s Treasure Hunt #2.
— Mother-daughter meal [E4]: Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도]
— Restaurant Italian Table [E4]: Ggambo Bunsik [깜보분식]
— Ride back home [E4]: Dongjak Bridge [동작대교]
— Membership training [E5]: NH Nonghyup Life Insurance Byeonsan Training Center [NH농협생명변산수련원]
— In search of a hidden key [E5]: Ulgi Lighthouse [울기등대]
— Sejong Medical Center [E7]: Halla University [한라대학교]
— Meeting ‘You Gyo Girl’ [E8]: Café Paper Tree [카페 종이와 나무]
— Jaedam Hospital exterior [E8]: Plumbline [플럼라인]
Was It Love (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Meet-up place #1: Bar Davinci [바 다빈치]
— Lost in thought [E2]: Gaon Culture Park [가온문화공원]
— Angry [E2]: Banpo Bridge [반포대교]
— An argument [E3]: Chicken Feet Yechan [닭발예찬]
— Lost in thoughts [E3]: Chunghyeon Super [충현슈퍼]
— Learning sth. important [E3]: Milky Way Café [몽마르뜨언덕위 은하수다방]
— A opportunity [E5]: Times Square Mall [타임스퀘어]
— Getting the 2nd main lead onboard [E6]: Seoul Dragon City [서울드래곤시티]
— Meeting with friends [E6]: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse [울프강 스테이크하우스]
— Meeting up [E6]: colline [콜린]
— Buying clothes [E7]: La Retro [라레트로]
— Emotional pressure [E7]: Matsugaze Japanese Restaurant [마쯔가제]
Memorials (2020), ♡ submitted/added by Marion & Mich KDL
— Koo Se-ra’s Office [구세라 사무소]
— Mawon-gu Office: Incheon Metropolitan City Hall [인천광역시청]
— Being regulars: Mulgogi [물고기]
— Job rants [E1]: IK Light House [일광전구 라이트하우스]
— Campaigning [E2]: Territory [테리토리]
— Campaigning #2 [E2]: Songhyeon Neighborhood Park [송현근린공원]
— Sharing a twin ice-lolly [E2]: Ildeung Super [일등슈퍼]
— Campaigning [E3]: Incheon Culture & Arts Center [인천종합문화예술회관]
— Waiting for the bus [E4]: Incheon Art Platform [인천아트플랫폼]
— Finding Gong-myeong [E5]: Gyeonghuigung 3-gil [경희궁3길]
— Substitute driver [E8]: Oakwood Premier Hotel Incheon [오크우드프리미어 인천]
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
— OK Psychiatric Hospital: Secret Blue Bakery Cafe [시크릿블루베이커리카페], ♡ submitted by deanekitty29, sarahms, Jen
— Moon Gang-tae’s House, ♡ submitted by sarahms
— The Curse Castle: Cafe Sanida [사니다카페], ♡ submitted by deanekitty29
— Asking for an autograph [E1]: IK Light House [일광전구 라이트하우스], ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Riding home [E1]: Hangang Bridge [한강대교], ♡ added by sarahms
— [E9]: Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge [소금산출렁다리], ♡ submitted by deanekitty29
— [E11]: Incheon Art Platform [인천아트플랫폼], ♡ added by Thom Musni
— [E11]: Wolmido Culture Street [월미문화의거리], ♡ added by Thom Musni
Backstreet Rookie (2020), ♡ added by Marion & Mich KDL
— Saving a kitten [E1]: Bus Stop Kyungshin Middle & High School [경신중고입구 정류장]
— A not-so romantic date [E1]: Conrad Hotel Seoul [콘래드호텔]
— Watching a musical [E8]: Blue Square [블루스퀘어]
— Breaking up [E9/10]: Ilmi Budaejjigae Steak [일미부대찌개스테이크]
— A chance encounter [E10]: Kao Kao Pub [카우카우펍]
— A shock encounter [E11]: Mugyo-ro [무교로]
My Unfamiliar Family (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL & Chelle
— Talking about family [E10]: Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong [이비스 스타일 앰배서더 명동]
— Uncomfortable meeting [E10]: Selecto Coffee — Namyangju Hopyeong Branch [셀렉토커피 남양주호평점]
— A “youngster” date [E11]: Coffee Hanyakbang — Hyehwa Branch [커피한약방 혜화점]
— A heart-to-heart talk [E12]: World Cup Park [월드컵공원]
— Final goodbyes [E12]: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul [포시즌스호텔]
— Photo shoot [E12]: Guryong Neighborhood Park [구룡근린공원]
— On a date [E12]: Staircase Sowol-ro [소월로 계단]
— 1 last thing on the bucket list [E13]: Hyesimjeong [혜심정]
— A gentle wrist-grab [E14]: Daehak-ro 11-gil [대학로11길]
— A seminar [E15]: Forest of Wisdom [지혜의숲] — Library
Oh My Baby (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— On a date [E16]: Ilsan Lake Park [일산호수공원]
Good Casting (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— NIS Safe House [E6]: Royal Quest [로얄퀘스트]*
*Check out the listing for more information on other featured dramas.
Once Again (2020), ♡ submitted by Mich KDL
— Making up [E64 (full episode 32)]: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress [수원 화성]
The King: Eternal Monarch (2020), ♡ submitted/added by sarahms, unless otherwise stated
— Hiding out [E2]: Saseongam Hermitage [사성암]*
— Meeting with followers [E3]: Taepyung Salt Farm [태평염전]
— New Year’s Moonlit Walk With The King [E9-10]: Haeundae Square [구남로해운대문화광장]
— Waiting for Tae-eul [E13]: Woljeong Bridge/Woljeonggyo [월정교/月精橋], ♡ submitted/added by Riseu
*Check out the listing for more information on other featured dramas.
Hospital Playlist (2020), ♡ submitted by Chelle
— Asking for advice [E7]: Tohyang [토향]
Hyena (2020), ♡ submitted by sarahms
— Sai Japanese Restaurant [E2]: Tokyo Saikabo [도쿄사이카보]
A Piece of Your Mind (2020)
— Eun-joo’s Boarding House [은주하숙] (fictional), ♡ submitted by Thom Musni
— Meeting here [E5/10]: Muldwinda [물뛴다], ♡ submitted by Mich KDL
Kingdom 2 (2020), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— Wondae-ri White Birch Forest [원대리 자작나무숲]
Itaewon Class (2020), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Morning jog [E1]: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress [수원 화성]
Hot Stove League (2019-20), ♡ added by Chelle
— Meeting with Dreams players [E8]: Bar Davinci [바 다빈치]
When The Camellia Blooms (2019), ♡ submitted by sarahms
— Dongbaek’s House
Psychopath Diary (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Meeting for drinks [E10-12]: Bar Davinci [바 다빈치]
— [E16]: Bookpark [북파크]
Catch The Ghost (2019), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— News of a 4th victim [E12]: Ilmin Museum of Art [일민미술관]
Angel’s Last Mission: Love (2019), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Bar Davinci [바 다빈치]
The Light In Your Eyes (2019), ♡ submitted/ added by Chelle
— Midnight Restaurant [한밤 포차: Dalja’s House [달자네집]
— Laid to rest [E9]: Chungah Park Columbarium [청아공원기독교전용관]
Encounter (2018-19), ♡ added by Thom Musni
— A date [E14]: YP Books — Jongno Branch [영풍문고 종로본점]
The Last Empress (2018-19), ♡ added by deanekitty29
— Teacher Byun’s village [E5-6]: Jejang Village [제장마을]
Misty (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Incheon Metropolitan City Hall [인천광역시청]
Something In The Rain (2018), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— Taking a walk [E6]: Wondae-ri White Birch Forest [원대리 자작나무숲]
The King in Love (2017), ♡ added by Lr
— Gwanghallu-won Garden [광한루원]
Lucky Romance (2016), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— [E12] Suwon Hwaseong Fortress [수원 화성]
Yong-Pal (2015), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— On a date [E9]: Wondae-ri White Birch Forest [원대리 자작나무숲]
When A Man Loves (2013), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Two Lovers Point, Guam [Puntan Dos Amåntes/사랑의 절벽]
Hooray For Love (2011-12), ♡ submitted/added by Mich KDL
— Arriving in Guam [E2]: A.B. Won Pat International Airport
— Pacific Hotel [E2/3]: Pacific Islands Club Guam
— Getting a divorce [E2/3]: Seoul Central District Court [서울중앙지방법원]
— Sightseeing [E2]: Two Lovers Point, Guam [Puntan Dos Amåntes/사랑의 절벽]
— Returning from Guam [E3]: Incheon International Airport (ICN) [인천국제공항]
Boys Over Flowers (2009), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— TV announcement [E12]: Ilmin Museum of Art [일민미술관]
Dalja’s Spring (2007), ♡ added/submitted by Marion KDL
— HANDA Home Shopping HQ: PAX Tower [팍스타워]
— Dalja’s mother’s restaurant: Dalja’s House [달자네집], ♡ submitted by Chelle
— Being dumped [E1] & Fashion Show [E3]: Lotte Hotel World [롯데호텔 월드]
— Running #1 [E2]: Myeongdong Shopping Streets [명동쇼핑거리]
— Running #2 [E2]: The Volga [볼가] (closed)
— Insulted by a drunk man [E3]: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (DDP) Station [동대문역사문화공원(DDP)역]
— Another missed chance [E8]: Kensington Hotel Yoido [켄싱턴호텔 여의도]
— Out for lunch [E17]: Ssangdaepo Restaurant [쌍대포 본점]
— Crossing over [E22]: Seogang Bridge [서강대교]
Fashion 70s (2007), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A halt [E1]: Juncheon Seopdali Bridge [주천강 섶다리]
— Hapcheon Image Theme Park [합천영상테마파크]
Alone In Love (2006), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— E-land Cruise [이랜드크루즈]
Mr. Good-Bye (2006), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— A workplace: Imperial Palace Hotel [임페리얼 팰리스 호텔]
My Girl (2005-06), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— SBS Broadcasting Center [SBS방송센터]
My Name is Kim Sam-Soon (2005), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Seoul World Cup Stadium [상암월드컵경기장]
— Swiss Grand Hotel Seoul [스위스 그랜드 호텔]
Sang Doo! Let’s Go to School (2003), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Taesan High School: Osan High School [오산고등학교]
— Transiting [E1]: Noksapyeong (Yongsan-gu Office) Station [녹사평(용산구청)역]
All In (2003), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— The covent [E3]: Phoenix Jeju Island Resort [휘닉스제주 섭지코지]
— The prison [E3]: Seodaemun Prison History Hall [서대문형무소역사관]
Springtime (1999), ♡ submitted/added by Marion KDL
— Chae Hee’s workplace [E1/2]: Gallery Hyundai [갤러리현대]
— Being drunk [E1]: Sejong Center for the Performing Arts [세종문화회관]
— Heartbroken [E2]: Hangang Bridge [한강대교]
— Walking past [E3]: Giordano — Gangnam Branch [지오다노 강남점]
UPDATES TO EXISTING LOCATIONS
— House Dongincheon-dong (new tenant in location — Cafe Timely)
— Incheon Munhak Stadium [인천문학경기장] (listing name changed from Incheon Munhak Stadium Artificial Climbing Wall)
— Jeungsan Stationery [증산문구] (closed, now a real estate office)
— Liberty Night and Day [리버티나잇앤데이] (closed, building on sale)
— Pub Layback [레이백] (now café 37.5 Brunch & Dining-Goyang Samsong Branch [37.5 고양삼송점])
— Royal Monastery of Santes Creus [El Monestir de Santes Creus] (name adapted to official version)
— The Volga [볼가] (closed; no new tenant in place)
NEWLY ADDED MOVIES/LOCATIONS
The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (마녀) (2018), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Royal Quest [로얄퀘스트]
Inside Men (내부자들) (2015), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Ilmin Museum of Art [일민미술관]
Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War (2004), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Hapcheon Image Theme Park [합천영상테마파크]
Hakuji no Hito (道 〜白磁の人〜/백자의 사랑: 조선의 흙이 되다) (1999), ♡ added by Marion KDL
— Hapcheon Image Theme Park [합천영상테마파크]
— Seodaemun Prison History Hall [서대문형무소역사관]
NEWLY ADDED VARIETY SHOWS
My Neighbor Charles (2020), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— [E243]: Seoul Land [서울랜드]
Workman (2020), ♡ submitted by Mich KDL
— [E61]: Eoulmadang Street [어울마당로]
Wassup Man (2019), ♡ submitted by Mich KDL
— Interview with Dark Phoenix cast: Conrad Hotel Seoul [콘래드호텔]
Battle Trip (2019), ♡ added by Riseu
— Woljeong Bridge/Woljeonggyo [월정교/月精橋]
Taste Of Love (2019), ♡ submitted by Marion KDL
— Wondae-ri White Birch Forest [원대리 자작나무숲]
Cafe Amor (2018), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— Shop Palpan-gil
Infinite Challenge (2018), ♡ added by deanekitty29
— [E555]: Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge [소금산출렁다리]
Better Late Than Never (USA, 2016, episode 103), ♡ added by Mich KDL
— SMTOWN Coex Artium [SMTOWN 코엑스아티움]
— Suwon Hwaseong Fortress [수원 화성]
NEWLY ADDED TEASERS
Do You Like Brahms? (2020), ♡ addeed by Marion KDL
— 1st Teaser: Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway [덕수궁 돌담길]
18 Again (2020), ♡ addeed by Marion KDL
— 1st Teaser: Faro Grand [파로그랜드]
NEWLY ADDED CFs
— ‘DGB Life’ CF feat. Lee Seo-jin (2020): Royal Quest [로얄퀘스트] ♡ added by Chelle
— ‘Nescafe Crema Moment’ CF feat. Seo Kang-jun (2016): The Jangmee [더 장미], ♡ added by Chelle
NEWLY ADDED PHOTOSHOOTS
IU — Cover Photo of A Flower Bookmark (꽃갈피) (2014), ♡ added by Chelle
— Rank and File Bookstore [대오 서점]
Vogue Korea (2020, July 23), ♡ added by Lr
— Park Bo-gum’s Good Influence (‘박보검의 선한 영향력’): Changdeokgung Palace [창덕궁]
