Hallyu heartthrob Lee Min Ho makes his major comeback to K-Drama land with the Netflix original series The King: Eternal Monarch, in which he stars as Lee Gon, a troubled heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Corea. And along with the actor’s return to the small screen, come stunning cinematography featuring some of South Korea’s most beautiful places, bringing more life to the fantasy-romance series, which also features Kim Go Eun (Goblin) as Jung Tae Eul and Woo Do Hwan (My Country) as Jo Eun Seob.
Ready to explore the filming locations of The King: Eternal Monarch with us? Let’s go!
Gwanghwamun Square
This is perhaps the most familiar place to the fans of the show, as it’s seen in most of the promotional posters and teasers. It’s also where Lee Gon meets Jung Tae Eul for the first time in the pilot episode of the series.
An unmissable spot in Seoul, Gwanghwamun Square is a national landmark across Gyeongbokgung where the statue of King Sejong the Great— the fourth and most respected king of the Joseon Dynasty who invented Hangeul, Korea’s writing system—stands right at its center. Not too far away, you will find the statue of Admiral Yi Sunshin, a naval commander known for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Japanese invasions of Korea.
Address:
1-68 Sejong-daero, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Woljeonggyo Bridge
A scene in which the Head Court Lady and Lee Gon’s bodyguard share a conversation took place on Woljeonggyo Bridge. Located in the historic city of Gyeongju, the bridge is especially popular at night, when it’s illuminated by colorful lights.
Address:
48 Gyo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Ahopsan Forest
Ahopsan Forest is a privately-owned forest in Busan that has been featured in famous period K-Dramas including Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, 100 Days My Prince, and Ruler: Master of the Mask. It is also open to tourists looking for an escape to nature. On The King: Eternal Monarch, it makes multiple appearances, mainly as the time-traveling gateway between the two worlds.
Address:
Midong-gil 37-1, Cheolma-myeon, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
Taepyeong Salt Farm
One of South Korea’s most popular salt farms, Taepyong Salt Farm is situated on Jeungdo Island, in Sinan—home to mudflats listed as Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO and the Ramsar Convention. This particular salt farm offers experiential activities so visitors can try their hand at making salt from seawater.
Address:
Daecho-ri, Jeungdo-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Jungri Sports Park
That pretty autumn scene in which time stops, giving Lee Gon the chance to admire Tae Eul was filmed at Jungri Sports Park in Daegu. It is frequented by locals for nice strolls and fresh air when exercising.
Address:
Near Waryong-ro 70-gil, Daegu, South Korea
Which filming location are you excited to visit on your next trip to South Korea? Make sure to book your experiences with KKday for awesome deals!
*Featured image from SBS/Netflix
