Here’s Your 4-Day ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’ Itinerary
Visit South Korea and relive your favorite 'IOTNBO' moments through its memorable filming locations!
As we bid goodbye to Moon Gang-tae and Ko Mun-yeong fairytale in It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, the TV drama will surely stay with us long after. And while we keep cozy at home, awaiting the day when we’ll be able to fly to Korea to relive the moments from this brilliant hit drama, plotting its filming locations is a great way to spend at-home moments as we travel vicariously through the characters we've come to love.
Moon Gang-tae and Ko Mun-yeong of It's Okay To Not Be OkayTo get you ready for that day, though, we’ve already made the itinerary for you! No more researching for long hours to organize your IOTNBO pilgrimage—we’ve pre-arranged a schedule that you can easily follow, with all locations covered in just four days! Insert some stopovers at Subway sandwich stores, Angel-In-Us cafes, and convenience stores along the way, as this involves a few hours of hopping on four-wheels. But every stop is definitely worth it!
In the gallery below, we’ll take you from the bustling metropolitan of Incheon and Seoul to further south in the peaceful countryside of Gangwon. Make your own Mang-tae to accompany you to the trip and hop on an (imaginary) camping car, now!
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Day 1: IK Light House
Kick off your ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’ sojourn with a quick stop in the nearest film location from Incheon International Airport. Remember the dining spot where Ko Mun-yeong was eating steak when a mother and her daughter, who are fans of the fairytale author, asked for a photo? It’s actually a cafe and showroom of light bulb company Ilkwang Lightings, built for customers to have an actual experience of their products. Enjoy a quiet morning sipping a Cold Brew Latte or a healthy cup of Ginger Latte, paired with their wide array of desserts on display. We suggest you get a Red Bean Bingsu to cool off or their unique cheesecake offering, the Lotus Cheesecake!
Photo Credit: @ik_lighthouse
Photo Credit: @ik_lighthouse
Photo Credit: @ik_lighthouse
Day 1: Hangang Bridge
Cap off the day with a spectacular view of Han River at another iconic K-drama location—the Hangang Bridge. In IOTNBO, Jo Jae-su and Moon Gang-tae passed through this bridge on their way home, only for the former’s motorcycle to break down in the middle of the ride. Hop on a bus, drive along the bridge, or go on foot when you’re there. No matter which mode you choose, it's going to be an amazing sight.
Photo Credit: koreadreamland
Photo Credit: koreadreamland
Day 2: Pizza Alvolo
Did you ever imagine wolfing down the whole pizza with different flavors from Jo Jae-su’s restaurant? Then have it for today’s brunch! Pizza Alvolo is a pizza franchise that you can easily find around Seoul. And yes, they actually serve the eight-flavor pizza there—just tell the servers that you want the Palja Pizza and enjoy it, fresh off the oven!
Photo Credit: @alvolo1688
Day 2: Forest of Wisdom
Before you go on a road trip down to Gangwon province, spend the afternoon in the city browsing through books and imagining yourself walking to Ko Mun-yeong’s book launch at Forest of Wisdom. Known for its floor-to-ceiling shelves, not only will bookworms be thrilled to go through aisles containing several Korean literature, it’s also a perfectly Instagrammable spot to satisfy your snap-happy self!
Photo Credit: @sejongpost
Day 3: Wonju Sogeumsan Mountain
Suspension Bridge Hop on a car and drive two hours down south from Seoul to arrive at Gangwon province, where most of the events in 'It’s Okay To Not Be Okay' takes place. First stop: The tourist destination where Moon Gang-tae had his first-ever trip—with his beloved girl, no less! Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge is the longest and largest pedestrian bridge in South Korea, which offers the spectacular mountainside view of the area. There’s a short hike up before you get to see the bridge, and the entrance fee is inclusive of coupons that you can use to purchase food and drinks.
Photo Credit: kpopmap
Photo Credit: klook
Photo Credit: @soohyun_k216
Day 3: Cafe Sanida
After a day trip at Wonju Sogeumsan Mountain Suspension Bridge, relax the night away at the place where the cursed castle lies. In less than half an hour of driving will lead you to the mountainside cafe called Cafe Sanida. Make sure to arrive before dusk falls as this place is perfect for viewing the sunset. Apart from great dining selections, the flora and fauna will keep you at ease, and with cozy hammocks for lounging, weekend outdoor performances, enjoy your favorite drink as you bask in the gorgeous scenery.
Photo Credit: @sanidacafe
Photo Credit: @sanidacafe
Photo Credit: @sanidacafe
Day 4: Juncheon Seopdali Bridge
For the last day of your IOTNBO pilgrimage, you’ll get to enjoy a scenic ride through the highways of Gangwon just like your favorite characters from the series. Drive to the dreamy place where Moon Gang-tae and Ko Mun-yeong began their love story as kids. Juncheon Seopdali Bridge is a pit stop for tourists for a lazy walk or a romantic photo session. It’s open from early winter until summer.
Photo Credit: koreadreamland
Photo Credit: koreadreamland
Day 4: Secret Blue Bakery Cafe
A two and a half hour roadtrip leads you to OK Psychiatric Hospital’s setting—Secret Blue Bakery Cafe. Sitting on a hillside that’s sandwiched between the majestic views of Ayajin Beach and Seoraksan Mountain, the picturesque location is a serene and relaxing place to spend your day.
Photo Credit: @secretblue_ayajin_
Photo Credit: @secretblue_ayajin_
Day 4: Geojin Beach
End your trip on a high note and heed your body’s calling for the beach! Moon Gang-tae’s residence in 'IOTNBO' is a private house located in the village of Geojin; however, you may still enjoy the overlooking view from his rooftop by heading to the nearby Geojin Beach, where he and Ko Mun-yeong drove to when they tried to make his dream of having a road trip come true.
Photo Credit: koreadreamland
Photo Credit: @soohyun_k216
Photo Credit: @soohyun_k216
