If you, like the rest of the world, have been swept up by the K-Wave, there’s no better way to explore South Korea than visiting the locations of your most-loved shows, or following in the footsteps of your favourite idols. From places where you can recreate BTS’s iconic album covers to K-drama date spots worth swooning over, check out this fan’s guide to South Korea…

Hello, South Korea

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Korea’s capital city doesn’t lack when it comes to K-culture – it’s hard to walk through Gangnam without recalling PSY’s iconic song, for starters. On screen, one of the city’s most-used locations is also one of its largest: the N Seoul Tower. Looming over the city atop Nam Mountain, this observation tower has borne witness to endless dates in K-dramas such as True Beauty, Legend of the Blue Sea and A Korean Odyssey. To reenact the first date between Goo Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di in Boys Over Flowers, take a ride on the cable car up to the tower, then enjoy the incredible views over Seoul from the viewing deck.

Scene stealers lurk underground, too. While much of Netflix’s biggest hit to date, Squid Game, was filmed using sets built in Daejeon, one of the most important scenes takes place in Seoul. The drama begins at Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Station, when Gi-hun meets a mysterious man on a subway platform and is recruited into the death games. Need some light relief after that? Pop on some Blackpink tunes and head to the Kyung Hee University, where a Neo-Classical amphitheatre served as a stage for the girl group’s As If It’s Your Last music video.

Though technically part of the Seoul Capital Region, this port town has both its own distinct character and claims to Hallyu fame. If you’re flying into Seoul, this is where your plane will land, but rather than getting a train straight into the capital, bed down at Paradise City. This hotel complex is home to Wonderbox, the amusement park that starred as the ghost-inhabited Hotel Del Luna in the TV show of the same name. Fear not: in reality, Wonderbox is a whimsical place of carousels, ferris wheels, and excited humans. Incheon’s more famous theme park, Wolmi, has also graced the screen many times; most famously, it’s where Yoo Si-jin and Seo Dae-young try to win stuffed toys in the first episode of Descendants Of The Sun. Try your own luck before hitting the rides.

Northeast of Seoul, this half-moon shaped island shot to fame in the early 2000s as a filming location for Winter Sonata, the K-drama that many cite as launching the Hallyu phenomenon. Two decades after the show aired, fans still can’t resist perching on the bench where the lovers shared their first kiss, or seeking out the statue that immortalizes the pair on Metasequoia Lane. But Nami’s charm stretches beyond its K-drama fame, with picturesque pathways like Ginkgo Tree Lane that paint the island golden in the fall.

Volcanic shores, sweeping beach resorts, semi-tropical climates: it’s little wonder Korea’s largest island is a favourite holiday destination, let alone the perfect setting for the screen. The south coast spot has many claims to K-drama fame: it was in its seaside chapel that Goo Jun Pyo nearly marries the wrong woman in Boys Over Flowers, and through Maze Land – the world’s longest stone maze – where the romantic leads try to escape in Legend of the Blue Sea.

Sandy shores aside, Jeju is primarily a residential place with its own culture and dialect. Immerse yourself in Jeju’s daily customs with a visit to Goseong 5 Day Market, a traditional market that opens every five days, and where most of the characters of Our Blues hawk seafood and fresh vegetables. Another spot that preserves the island’s customs is Jeju Folk Village, a rural settlement of restored 1890s houses, and the backdrop for the historical drama Jewel in the Palace. Follow in the footsteps of the young cook Jang-Geum, who becomes the king’s first female physician in the Joseon era, on a walk through this serene place.

This city on the east coast is synonymous with many things: impeccable sunrises from Jeongdongjin Beach, a centuries-old shamanist Dano Festival, and the world’s biggest boy band. Back in 2017, Jumunjin Beach was graced with a new (not-in-use) bus stop that was the backdrop for BTS’ You Never Walk Alone album cover. It’s since been removed, but a replica was erected for the ARMY fandom, who come in their droves for their own photoshoots.

Also vying for the top spot of most photographed attraction in Gangneung is Jumunjin Breakwater, home to a rocky pier that features in the K-drama Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. It’s here that Ji Eun Tak – donning a red scarf and holding flowers – accidentally summons a goblin, and fans can’t resist reenacting the iconic scene with their own scarves and flowers. Taken all your pictures? Relax on one of the city’s many beaches with a side of fresh seafood.

You’re going to want to board a train to Korea’s second-largest city – but, unlike in Train to Busan, it’s not zombies that you’ll encounter here. Rather, the lush Hocheon Village awaits, a place where tigers roamed in the Joseon dynasty and the characters of Fight For My Way call home. It’s in the Hansung Apartment buildings (named Namil Villa in the K-drama) that the characters live; the Beyond Garage gym where Ko Dong-man trains; and Namil Bar where the four friends enjoy beer and tteokbokki. Follow their lead to the set of the rooftop bar at night, when the hillside homes are lit with warm orange street lamps – but remember this is a private residence so be respectful when visiting!

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