Seoul is the beating heart of South Korea’s K-drama industry, producing countless shows that have captivated global audiences with their love stories, suspenseful plots, and beautifully shot scenes. If you’re a K-drama fan, you can immerse yourself in this vibrant culture by visiting the real-life locations featured in your favorite series and by taking part in behind-the-scenes studio tours. Here’s a guide to the best places in Seoul to experience K-dramas, with a special focus on studio tours and interactive experiences.
1. MBC World: An Immersive K-Drama Studio Experience
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Overview
Located at the heart of Seoul’s broadcasting industry, MBC World offers the ultimate K-drama studio experience for fans who want to go beyond watching their favorite shows and actually step into the sets themselves. This theme park-studio hybrid provides behind-the-scenes tours, interactive exhibits, and virtual experiences related to many of MBC’s most famous dramas.
What to Expect
MBC World covers an impressive range of activities, from visiting actual filming sets to experiencing virtual reality reenactments of iconic K-drama scenes. Visitors can explore the sets of popular shows like Dae Jang Geum, Coffee Prince, and W. There’s even a chance to stand next to holograms of beloved K-drama stars or take photos in recreated scenes.
The interactive nature of the park makes it an ideal spot for fans who want to get close to the world of K-dramas, participate in themed games, and try on costumes from their favorite period dramas.
Instagram Tip
Snap a photo in a recreated K-drama scene or next to holograms of famous stars. The studio also offers costumes you can wear, so dress up and capture your own drama moment!
Pro Tip
Check the schedules for live recordings or fan events, as MBC World sometimes offers chances to meet real stars or watch live tapings of variety shows.
2. KBS On: Where Broadcasting Magic Happens
Overview
At KBS On, the broadcasting arm of KBS (Korean Broadcasting System), fans can get an insider’s look at Korea’s longest-running dramas and variety shows. The facility offers a museum, hands-on exhibits, and interactive displays that let visitors feel like they’re part of a K-drama set.
What to Expect
KBS On provides access to iconic filming sets from shows such as Descendants of the Sun and Winter Sonata. Visitors can tour the actual studios where these dramas were shot and learn more about the behind-the-scenes processes of production.
One of the most exciting parts of the experience is the K-drama photo zone, where visitors can take pictures with backdrops and props from their favorite scenes. The interactive displays allow you to act out famous drama lines and scenes, and there’s even a chance to try your hand at the sound and camera operations.
Instagram Tip
Take a picture with the elaborate props from period dramas or snap a selfie in the studio’s elaborate photo zones. You can even record yourself acting out scenes in front of green screens, making it look like you’re part of a real show!
Pro Tip
Visit KBS On during weekdays to avoid the crowds and maximize your experience of the interactive exhibits. Try to time your visit with a KBS live broadcast recording for a more dynamic adventure.
3. SBS Prism Tower: Home of K-Drama Magic
Overview
SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong is the production center for some of South Korea’s most famous dramas, including My Love from the Star and The Heirs. Visitors can take guided tours that showcase not only the sets but also the broadcasting technology and behind-the-scenes magic that make these shows possible.
What to Expect
SBS Prism Tower offers a chance to tour both the broadcasting studios and the drama filming sets. You can see firsthand how your favorite K-dramas are made, including glimpses of the control rooms and editing suites. The tours offer exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at filming equipment, technology, and special effects used in dramas.
If you’re lucky, you may even get to witness a show being filmed or catch sight of an actor or actress on set. SBS Prism Tower also hosts exhibitions and fan events that coincide with currently airing dramas, making it a dynamic destination for die-hard fans.
Instagram Tip
Capture photos of the high-tech sets and studio equipment. If there’s a current exhibition, take photos with drama-themed props and displays for a memorable K-drama fan experience.
Pro Tip
Try to book a tour on a day when live shows or recording sessions are taking place for a more immersive experience. Also, look out for special K-drama-related events that Prism Tower often hosts for fans.
4. Dae Jang Geum Park: A K-Drama Fan’s Dream Set
Overview
Dae Jang Geum Park, located in Yongin just outside of Seoul, is Korea’s largest historical drama set. This expansive park is an open-air film set where many period K-dramas are shot, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the past. Named after the iconic drama Jewel in the Palace, this park provides fans with a comprehensive look at Korean historical dramas.
What to Expect
Walking through Dae Jang Geum Park feels like stepping directly into a historical drama. The park features full-scale replicas of palaces, villages, and noble estates, all meticulously designed to look like they’re straight out of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty.
Visitors can explore the grand palace sets, traditional marketplaces, and noble houses where scenes from The Moon Embracing the Sun, Scarlet Heart: Ryeo, and The Great Queen Seondeok were filmed. Many tours offer interactive experiences where visitors can try on costumes, take part in traditional activities, and learn about the art of historical drama filmmaking.
Instagram Tip
Dress up in a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and pose in front of the grand palace gates or inside the elaborately decorated rooms. The park’s intricate sets and stunning architecture create the perfect backdrop for a K-drama-themed photo shoot.
Pro Tip
Book your visit during a time when special events are happening, such as historical reenactments or drama-themed tours. If you’re a history buff as well as a K-drama fan, Dae Jang Geum Park offers an educational experience alongside the excitement of visiting a filming location.
5. K-Drama Studio Tours in Namyangju
Overview
Located on the outskirts of Seoul, Namyangju Studios is home to a variety of K-drama sets, from modern cityscapes to historical period pieces. The sprawling studio complex includes outdoor sets, props, and buildings used in both contemporary and period dramas, making it a must-visit destination for serious K-drama fans.
What to Expect
The Namyangju Studios complex offers guided tours that allow visitors to walk through life-size sets from popular dramas like My Love from the Star, City Hunter, and Faith. The complex also has a section dedicated to historical dramas, complete with grand palace sets, traditional homes, and period clothing displays.
The tours are educational as well as entertaining, with guides explaining the process of creating a drama, from pre-production to the final cut. The studio also offers interactive experiences where you can try on costumes or act out famous scenes.
Instagram Tip
The juxtaposition of modern and historical sets in Namyangju Studios offers endless photo opportunities. Pose with traditional props and backdrops for a historical-themed photo or go for a sleek, contemporary look in front of one of the modern cityscape sets.
Pro Tip
If you visit during filming season, there’s a chance you could witness live action on set. Tours are typically more flexible and personalized during the off-season, so consider your timing when booking.
6. Namsan Seoul Tower: Filming Location with a View
Overview
Although it’s not a studio, Namsan Seoul Tower is one of Seoul’s most iconic filming locations for K-dramas. Situated on Namsan Mountain, the tower provides stunning views of the city and has been featured in numerous romantic dramas, often during key emotional moments.
K-Dramas Filmed Here
Namsan Seoul Tower has been featured in dramas such as My Love from the Star and Boys Over Flowers. The tower’s “Locks of Love” area, where couples attach padlocks to symbolize their eternal love, is a frequently used backdrop in romantic scenes.
What to Do
After exploring the observation decks, visit the famous “Locks of Love” area and contribute your own lock, just like in your favorite dramas. You can also dine in the rotating restaurant and take in the panoramic views of Seoul from every angle.
Instagram Tip
For an iconic K-drama moment, take a photo by the Locks of Love, with the vibrant cityscape in the background. Visit at sunset or during twilight for the most dramatic lighting.
7. COEX Mall and Starfield Library: Modern Drama Magic
Overview
COEX Mall is a sleek and modern underground shopping complex located in Gangnam, Seoul. Its futuristic design and upscale atmosphere have made it a popular filming location for K-dramas, especially those set in the fashion or corporate world.
K-Dramas Filmed Here
COEX Mall and its famous Starfield Library have been featured in dramas like She Was Pretty and My Love from the Star. The library’s towering bookshelves and futuristic aesthetic have provided the backdrop for many memorable scenes.
What to Do
Explore the Starfield Library, with its Instagram-worthy aesthetic, or shop at one of the mall’s high-end stores. The entire complex is a blend of high fashion, cutting-edge technology, and art, making it a great place to experience modern Seoul.
Instagram Tip
Take photos in front of the Starfield Library’s massive bookshelves for a literary-inspired Instagram moment. The mall’s sleek architecture and contemporary art installations also make for great photo ops.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re visiting a real filming set or exploring iconic locations around the city, Seoul offers endless opportunities for K-drama fans to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite shows. From studio tours that reveal the magic behind the screen to popular filming locations with breathtaking backdrops, your K-drama adventure awaits.
