The BlackBook Location Guide for K-Drama Fans
One Iced Americano, please.
South Korea has played a major influence in our lives (and coffee orders) with the proliferation of K-Dramas and K-Pop. Most recently, it is also slowly taking over our “My List” and “Top Picks” sections on Netflix.
Grab your iced americano and ready yourself as we revisit some familiar locations from recent titles.
#1 Grandpa Factory Café, Seoul (Vincenzo, 2021 – Netflix)
Here at Grandpa Factory Café, Vincenzo (Song Joong-ki) ordered a double espresso, whilst Cha-young (Jeon Yeo-been) got an iced americano, much to the disdain of Italian lawyer, Vincenzo.
Situated in Seongsu-dong, the café was once an abandoned factory, which explains the generous space and high ceilings here. Complementing the aesthetic rustic interior is the natural light that streams in, making it perfect for beautiful Instagram-worthy shots.
Source: Korea Tourism Organisation
You can also recreate the iconic scene from the mafia-themed drama, Vincenzo, with your very own iced americano. Or in Vincenzo’s words…. (you’ll have to find it out yourself)
Source: Netflix
#2 Forest of Wisdom, Paju City, Gyeonggi-do (The King: Eternal Monarch, 2020 & Romance Is A Bonus Book, 2019 – Netflix)
Calling all book lovers! This wildly popular location is featured in one too many Korean dramas.
Source: SBS
The towering walls of books make it easy for you to immerse in a tale or two, such as exploring the possibility of a parallel universe like Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun) or picturing yourself as an aspiring creative writer working in a book publishing firm à la Dan-I (Lee Na-young) and Eun-ho (Lee Jong-suk) in Romance Is A Bonus Book.
Unlike other libraries, the books here are meant to be read in the building and cannot be removed. Armed with some books and coffee, we trust that you’ll be here for hours.
Bonus tip: We also hear there is a Lotte Premium Paju Outlet nearby for a bit of our favourite exercise - shopping! A chance for you to stretch not just your legs, but your dollar too.
#3 Oakwood Premier INCHEON Hotel, Incheon (Business Proposal, 2022 – Netflix)
This luxurious five-star hotel was featured in romantic comedy, Business Proposal, where Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop) and Ha-ri (Kim Sejeong) spent a romantic night in this suite. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, it guarantees stunning views of the city skyline as you tuck away in first-class comfort.
Want to up the ante? Enjoy unlimited wine from the wide range at Panoramic 65 Bar & Dining starting from 62,000 won. Located on the 65th floor, you can soak in the amazing evening views while sipping on some bubbly.
Source: Oakwood Premier Hotel
Business travellers will also find the hotel perfect with its amenities and location – Songdo Convensia, Korea’s leading convention centre, is conveniently located nearby.
#3 Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul (Vincenzo, 2021 – Netflix)
This futuristic museum sets the backdrop for Vincenzo and Cha-young’s long-awaited reunion in the finale of Vincenzo.
Source: koreandramaland.com
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) was designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The expansive museum hosts various cultural events like art exhibitions, fashion shows and is listed under the Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots of Korea by the Korea Tourism Organisation.
Source: Korea Tourism Organisation
You don’t have to be a design major to appreciate the beauty of this iconic masterpiece. Make sure you drop by early if you wish to visit the museum proper as they close at 8pm.
#6 Starfield Library, Seoul (Record of Youth, 2020 – Netflix)
Hye-jun (Park Bo-gum) frequents this library, especially when he is feeling down. It’s not hard to see why the Starfield Library, located in the COEX Mall and home to a wide selection of books, is not just a feast for the eyes but also a balm for the soul seeking some peace and quiet without disconnecting completely from the here and now.
Source: Netflix
Good news for coffee lovers – the popular Japanese coffee group %Arabica sets foot in South Korea with its first store at Starfield COEX Mall. Make a pit stop here and let the fresh aroma of coffee rouse your senses. Now, if only Park Bo-gum will have a cuppa with me.
#7 Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon City, Gyeonggi-do (Twenty-Five Twenty-One, 2022 & Itaewon Class, 2020 – Netflix)
Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history; it was constructed during the reign of Joseon King Jeongjo as an act of the King’s filial piety towards his father. It is the only walled fortress remaining in South Korea and conservation efforts were undertaken to ensure that it still retains its original appearance.
Source: Korea Tourism Organisation
When not chasing after buses or getting to fictional bus stops like Yoo-rim (Kim Ji-yeon, Twenty-Five Twenty-One) and Soo-a (Kwon Na-ra, Itaewon Class), you can enjoy a morning hike along the loop trail like Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-jun, Itaewon Class) and admire the views from this historical landmark.
Source: Korea Tourism Organisation
This feature article is written in support of our Hong Leong X BlackBook Travels offer. Hong Leong Cardholders can enjoy up to 30% off hotels worldwide for bookings made by 31 January 2023. Travel must be completed by 30 April 2023. Click here to learn more.
Oft seen lurking around social media for the next big thing, Sam romanticises the idea of the adventurous solo traveller – but really, she finds travelling best enjoyed with company.