IN PHOTOS: Plot These 20+ Filming Locations of 'The King: Eternal Monarch' For Your Next South Korean Sojourn!
Visit both parallel worlds through this guide to the show’s filming spots.
We left our hearts in the parallel universe of King Lee Gon and Lieutenant Jung Tae-eul! Hit Korean drama The King: Eternal Monarch definitely left a mark after its successful 16-episode run.
The romantic fantasy series, which stars Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun, sent our passion for all things Korean to a whole new level. It combined all the right ingredients for a tasteful, hard-to-miss show—an inventive plot, an interesting mix of characters, and an imaginative setting. It’s hard to visit South Korea and not conjure the scenes from The King in mind, whether you’re neighborhood-hopping the spots in the "Republic of Korea" around Seoul or basking in the cultural spots in the "Kingdom of Corea" in Busan and its nearby areas. Traveling there with these filming locations in mind is a whole itinerary on its own!
And who isn’t dreaming of going on a TKEM pilgrimage right now? While flying out of the country should wait because of the current pandemic, no one’s stopping us from planning way ahead of time. Make your daydreams a reality and bookmark the places where the show’s cameras rolled.
Let’s revisit the parallel worlds through this gallery, jam-packed with 20+ filming locations for your next South Korean vacation (or a virtual trip on your device, if you’re craving for one now). Maximus, the white horse, is waiting for you to hop on and enjoy the ride.
TKEM Filming Locations
TKEM Filming Locations
Gwanghwamun Square
Take in the view of King Sejong the Great at night, just like in Lee Gon and Jung Tae-eul’s first meeting in the drama. This popular tourist attraction in Seoul is easily accessible via public transport, and is a stone’s throw away from Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Photo Credit: The Swoon | @35_landscape
Gaon Culture Park
With skyscrapers that surround this area, Gaon Culture Park is perfect for a quick relaxing break from roaming the neighborhood of Sangam-dong. Grab a drink at Dalkomm Coffee to refresh your mind and body, which can be found right in the park.
Photo Credit: Korean Dramaland | @kku_kkuk123
Misari Regatta Park
Here, we see the King flex his athletic capabilities in a rowing competition, the same sport that led to the creation of this spacious outdoor complex. Visitors can enjoy other sports and recreational activities, too, such as basketball, soccer, cycling, or even a stroll around the area. Misari Regatta Park is also a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing, so we recommend a visit during spring.
Photo Credit: Stone Music Entertainment | @yonseirowing
Paradise City Hotel & Resort
This Incheon property played host to a wandering Lee Gon in the ‘Republic of Korea.’ This luxury accommodation boasts of extravagant suites, a casino, gourmet delicacies, and a lust-worthy display of art. You won’t run out of things to do here during your stay!
Photo Credit: Korean Dramaland | @pcitykore
Songdo Central Park
Try to win a lion stuffed toy if you can in one of the stalls in this park to recreate that date scene from the show. Or if stuffed animals aren’t your thing, you can still have a good time going on a camping trip or a food trip with the numerous cafes and restaurants that line the area. Better yet, try canoeing for a bit of action!
Photo Credit: Netflix Asia | visitkorea.or.kr
The Alley
We love this location for many reasons—and die-hard fans would feel the kilig just with a thought of this cafe! Drop by and order a cup of Brown Sugar Boba to satisfy your sweet tooth. Didn’t think a cafe stop would spike up the sugar in our hearts (literally and figuratively)!
Photo Credit: Stone | @thealley.kr
Korea Trade Center
Also known as Trade Tower, this building in the Gangnam district sits right next to the SMTOWN Coex Artium. After a quick photo op in front of KTC, K-pop fans can head straight to Coex right after for their fix of their favorite SM Entertainment artists!
Photo Credit: Korean Dramaland | @korea_nightview
BBQ Olive Chicken Cafe
Before we witnessed the cast of this show wolfing down plates of delicious Korean fried chicken, BBQ Olive Chicken Cafe was a famous dining spot thanks to 2016 drama ‘Goblin,’ where Kim Go-eul also starred in. Help yourself to a generous serving of chicken, and wash it all down with a cold glass of craft beer available in-store.
Photo Credit: VEM | @hock_yeou
Forest of Wisdom
We’ve seen this floor-to-ceiling library in several other K-dramas, and it’s no surprise that the show chose the Forest of Wisdom for an important scene in “The King” that wraps up the lead characters’ love story. Bookworms would be delighted to stay here all day and browse through selections of great reads.
Photo Credit: Korean Dramaland | visitkore.or.kr
Hallim Library in Suwon
Another library that made it to the show’s backdrop, the Hallim Library in Suwon is where Lee Gon and Jung Tae-eul read up on books that answer their individual queries—the former about the Republic of Korea’s history and the latter about parallel worlds. This is a public library, so feel free to drop by and indulge your inner nerd!
Photo Credit: VEM
Kyowon Training Institute
This education center features patches of greenery within a minimalist, industrial landscape. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful morning or afternoon walk.
Photo Credit: The Swoon | @kyowon_training_institute
Dadaepo Beach
On lazy afternoons, it’s best to bring your family or friends to this idyllic beach. Have a picnic of Korean snacks and watch the sunset as you listen to the calming waves from the ocean.
Photo Credit: Stone Music Entertainment | @best_kang_9535
Royal Portrait Museum
This museum can be found within Jeonju Hanok Village. Inside, one will be welcomed to the cultural assets of the Joseon royal family which were carefully preserved and enhanced.
Photo Credit: VEM | @jeonju.hanok
Gyesan Catholic Church
The gothic style church that made an appearance in “The King?” Yup, this is the place! Be floored by its Romanesque design, and say a prayer of thanks while you’re there, too.
Photo Credit: SBS
Taepyeong Salt Farm
It may look just like another farm field, but Taepyeong Salt Farm is actually a medical center that offers salt treatments to visitors wishing for a bit of invigoration. Book a service at the Salt Cave Healing Room, which is designed to resemble the experience of floating in the Dead Sea.
Photo Credit: SBS | visitkorea.or.kr
Woljeonggyo Bridge
Tourists flock to this destination for one thing—the Woljeonggyo Bridge is indeed a stunning sight to see! Find the best angle and compete with countless others who have taken a snap of this famous spot. Otherwise, just find a nice, comfortable place to settle in and drink in its majestic beauty.
Photo Credit: SBS | @sebasmasna
Ahopsan Forest
Find yourself in the gateway to the parallel worlds! Ahopsan Forest was recently opened to visitors, where you can enjoy the Instagrammable bamboo forest that’s been tended for centuries by its owners.
Photo Credit: SBS | visitbusan.net
Haeundae
The iconic battle scene from “The King” was filmed here in Haeundae district in Busan. Its vibrant atmosphere is perfect for people who love the nightlife. It’s also known for its vast beachscape, if you’re seeking for a view of the waters while in South Korea.
Photo Credit: Netflix Asia | visitkorea.or.kr
Busan Cinema Center
This beautiful theater building is the home of the annual Busan International Film Festival. But apart from this fact, Busan Cinema Center boasts of several activities that you can participate in everyday, such as musicals, classic films, and movie lectures. There's also free movie screenings on Wednesdays, while film enthusiasts can take part in film academy classes offered here.
Photo Credit: Korean Dramaland | visitbusan.net
Jungri Sports Park
For anyone who fancies a stopover at Daeu, don’t forget to drop by Jungri Sports Park and have your own time-stopping scene here! Do it a la “The King” and travel in autumn—watch the swirl of fall leaves around you as you take a stroll and relish the cool breeze and nice backdrop it has to offer.
Photo Credit: The Swoon
Gwangandaegyo Bridge
This architectural beauty is best viewed at night—with thousands of LED lights for a jaw-dropping light exhibition. Get your cameras ready!
Photo Credit: Netflix Asia | visitkorea.or.kr
Saseongam Hermitage
Challenge yourself for a bit of a hike on the way to Saseongam Hermitage. Take a closer look at its temples and halls, and get a bird’s eye view of the city below from its towering cliffs.
Photo Credit: Netflix
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