There are various reasons why we travel. One reason is when you happen to see a place in a movie, you say to yourself, “I want to visit that place in person.”
Seoul is such a popular filming location that you can easily come across filming sites all over the city. Recently, Seoul has been emerging as a popular filming location appearing in Hollywood blockbuster movies. Aren’t you curious about what Seoul, a city that appeared in Avengers 2 and the Bourne Legacy series, is really like? Try visiting famous places featured in the Academy Award-winning movie Parasite, and taking photos there. The feeling you get in person in those places would be different from how you felt seeing them in the movies. Traveling to movie locations will certainly be a different experience.
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Mapodaegyo Bridge
Famous movie filming location
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Korea appearing in the global-hit Hollywood blockbuster sequel, Avengers: Age of Ultron created a lot of buzz. Korean fans were thrilled to see the great action scene of Captain America filmed on Mapodaegyo Bridge. Mapodaegyo Bridge is also famous for its nightscape. In some way, the bridge is not fancy but rather plain, however, it is one of the best places showing the Korean image with soft lights and the waves of the Hangang River.
For that reason, it is also the shooting location of many Korean dramas and movies. “Bridge of Life” on Mapodaegyo Bridge is the most visited spot. There are short sentimental phrases displayed along the bridge. Ponder about the things that happened during the day, take photos and mail them on social media while strolling across Mapodaegyo Bridge.
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Hangang Park
Place loved by locals
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Colossal, a movie starring famous actress Anne Hathaway, is an independent movie set in Seoul. It is one of very few foreign movies that successfully depicted Seoul. In particular, the depiction of Hangang Park is impressive. Hangang Park where you can enjoy both the beauty of nature and the splendid view of the metropolis is popular among people of all ages. It is also an ideal location for casual walks, and a site for enjoying the Hangang River cruise.
When in Hangang Park, you must not miss out on the experience of ordering delivery food. Anywhere in the park, you can conveniently order delicious food using a mobile app. To recommend one among many parks along the Hangang River, it would be Yeouido Park. It puts on different colors and charms with each passing season. Have fun at Hangang Park, taking pictures as if being in a movie.
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Gangnam Station
One of Seoul's most famous locations
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If you watched Bourne Legacy, a 2012 movie starring Jeremy Renner, you must have been surprised to find a familiar sight. That's because Gangnam Station appeared in the movie. The movie crew commented that their experience of shooting in Seoul had been very enjoyable. They also expected Seoul to become a major filming location for Hollywood blockbusters.
Gangnam Station is where you can feel the characteristic vitality and energy of Seoul. With a floating population of around one million per day, Gangnam Station is a renowned tourist spot both in name and reality. Being a hot place with shopping malls, movie theaters, and restaurants popular among young people, you will lose track of time enjoying the energetic atmosphere. Treat yourself to a luxurious dinner and enjoy shopping at Gangnam Station. Don't forget to take photos in front of the famous Psy statue.
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Garak Market
Always included on a list of friendly Korean places
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It is said that movie director Alexander Payne searched the world over to bring the movie Downsizing to life. He explained the background of the Korean location, revealing that he wanted to movie the scene of the downsizing announcement being broadcast on the news in a place where ordinary people, not actors, actually appear. One of the places chosen for the scene is Garak Market in Seoul. The reason being is that Garak Market depicts a strong sense of Korean style among many other Korean places.
The market is also a favorite place among foreign tourists to Korea. It is said that an extensive fish market where fresh seafood delivered straight from the sea are on display by type of seafood is rare to find in the world. Have a pleasant experience of seeing and selecting fresh seafood and eating them on the spot.
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Wonhyodaegyo Bridge
One of Korea's iconic bridges
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Did you know that the hideout of the monster in Bong Joon-ho's movie, The Host, and the place to which the main character's daughter was kidnapped is Wonhyodaegyo Bridge? There are several bridges on the Hangang River. Among them, Wonhyodaegyo Bridge was chosen as the filming location because the sewer under the bridge fits the concept of the movie well, and the appearance of Wonhyodaegyo Bridge, unlike that of other bridges, is dynamic and builds tension. As a hideout for the monster, it certainly gives off a rather eerie feeling.
To fully enjoy the atmosphere of this movie, how about crossing the bridge from the northern end to the south, and looking under the bridge where rows of columns are installed? If you have watched the movie, The Host, you will be able to feel that you are actually in the movie. While you are at Wonhyodaegyo Bridge, try visiting the nearby 63 Square.
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Seoul Station
Seoul Station, Korea’s Lucerne Station
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Seoul Station is a prequel animation to the zombie movie Train to Busan released in 2016. Like the title suggests, Seoul Station is the main stage for the movie. The movie dramatized zombies appearing in Seoul Station. It will be fun to visit Seoul Station after watching the animation and find out how it is portrayed realistically in the movie. There is more to see than that. It would be a huge misjudgement if you think you can go to Seoul Station solely to catch a train. You can enjoy shopping at Lotte Outlet directly connected to Seoul Station and look around the hidden tourist attractions nearby.
You will also find Culture Station Seoul 284 restoring the old Seoul Station, Seoullo 7017, and more around the Seoul Station area. It would be fun to go out on a walk starting from Seoul Station to Sungnyemun Gate and Namdaemun Market, passing through Namdaemun Church, Square Garden, Seoul Fortress Wall, and Baekbeom Plaza. Imagine being the main character in a movie while looking around the filming locations.
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KTX
The fastest train in Korea
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South Korea's first zombie blockbuster, Train to Busan, is set in a KTX train bound for Busan where a mysterious virus infection occurs. This movie is recognized as a well-made zombie movie, receiving favorable reviews not only in Korea but also abroad. How about enjoying a trip on a KTX train to Busan, recalling scenes from Train to Busan?
In the movie, the KTX train looks terrifying. In reality, however, KTX trains offer a very comfortable environment. KTX, a high-speed railroad that connects all parts of Korea, provides free Wi-Fi access and also restaurant automobiles. Ride the train to relive the scenes from the movie, and enjoy making memories in the popular tourist cities of Seoul and Busan.
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Changdeokgung Palace
One of Korea's four major palaces
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Kingdom, one of the most talked-about shows on Netflix, is a historical epic and zombie series. After watching it, many foreigners asked about the filming locations. A number of palaces appear in the series. Among them, Changdeokgung Palace is the best.
Many people were curious about the pond where the dead bodies bitten by zombies were buried. This pond is located at Gwallamjeong Pavilion. Gwallamjeong Pavilion is the only fan-shaped pavilion in Korea. Also, the scene where the regency was proclaimed took place is Injeongjeon Hall of Changdeokgung Palace. Changdeokgung Palace has many attractions that remind you of the scenes from the series. So, how about taking a leisurely stroll around and visiting the locations? Changdeokgung Huwon, the Secret Garden, is renowned for its beauty. Be sure to stop by for a visit. Note that reservations are required as admissions are limited.
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Dwaejissal Grocery store
One of the best photo spots in Korea
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Ever since the movie Parasite won four awards including Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards, everything related to this movie has become a topic of discussion and attracted attention. Among others, Dwaejissal Grocery store is the filming location drawing the most attention. Early in the movie, this is the location where Choi Woo-shik is seen drinking with Park Seo-jun, leading many people to stop by for a drink to recreate the scene. Dwaejissal Grocery store has become the must-visit place for movie fans. It has become a trend for movie fans of all ages including foreigners to visit this place, take photos and mail them on social media.
Signs are posted nearby allowing visitors easy access to Dwaejissal Grocery store. Make sure to stop at the photo zone and take some memorable photos. For added fun, try riding around on a Seoul Public Bike, called Ttareungi, imagining the main characters in the movie.
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Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center
Place to enjoy retro atmosphere
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A place you would seemingly pass by without much thought seems different once you find it appearing in a movie. Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center, which appears in Bong Joon-ho's Okja is one of such places. This is where Okja and Mija caused a commotion after their escape, and met with ALF, Animal Liberation Front, for the first time. In reality, this is an old shopping mall for antiques, old furniture, commemorative coins, and used cameras and vinyls.
Lined with stores selling old-fashioned products, this is the place to be if you want to feel a retro atmosphere. It is also a good place to take leisurely strolls because of the small floating population. Take a look around the shopping mall, picturing in your mind the lovable Okja running across it. You will find yourself being a part of the movie.
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