12+ Best Winter K-Drama Filming Locations to Visit in Korea

Winter adds something special to Korea, especially when you’re following the footsteps of your favorite drama characters. The snow, the soft light, the misty mornings, and the warm glow of city nights create the exact atmosphere you see in so many iconic scenes. That is why winter K-Drama travel feels magical, and it’s the reason more fans are flying in every year.

Korean drama tourism has grown worldwide, and winter has become the season when many of these famous filming locations look their best.

In this guide, you get more than a basic list. You explore 12+ Best Winter K-Drama Filming Locations to Visit in Korea, from Seoul’s romantic rooftops to snow-covered forests, quiet beaches, palace grounds dusted with white, and filming spots that shaped classic dramas and movies.

You’ll see where scenes from Goblin, Winter Sonata, My Love From the Star, Legend of the Blue Sea, and more were filmed. You also get practical tips, scene recreation ideas, and winter advantages for each location.

If you want to relive a favorite moment or capture the perfect winter vibe for your next trip, this guide brings every important detail together.

If you are planning a winter trip to South Korea, these locations will take you straight into the world of your favorite K-Drama scenes.

Before you go, make sure your travel documents are sorted. The Korea e arrival card now lets travelers submit their arrival details online, which makes immigration smoother and faster.

According to Travel and Tour World, Korea has seen a strong rise in K-Drama travel itineraries over the last few years, with places like Nami Island, Petite France, and Bukchon Hanok Village leading the list. More than half of international viewers say they want to visit Korea to see these filming spots in real life.

Let’s step into the world of K-Dramas when Korea is at its most cinematic.

SEOUL’S MOST ICONIC K-DRAMA LOCATIONS (Urban Winter Magic)

1. N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

N Seoul Tower is one of the most recognizable K-Drama filming locations in Korea, appearing in classics like My Love From the Star and Boys Over Flowers. Winter transforms it into a romantic escape above the city, where the snowy skyline feels straight out of a drama scene.

The famous love lock tradition continues here, and the fences filled with colorful padlocks look even more charming with frost and soft winter light.

For the best winter view, plan your visit around sunset when the city lights begin to glow under the snow-dusted rooftops. Ride the Namsan Cable Car to the top, a route featured in many dramas, and enjoy a quieter climb in the early evening.

Fans love recreating the couple padlock moment, and winter gives it a fresh, cinematic touch. Whether you’re here for photos or nostalgia, this spot never disappoints.

2. Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village brings you into a traditional setting often shown in K-Dramas like Goblin, Personal Taste, and The Heirs. The narrow alleys lined with hanok houses look beautiful all year, but winter adds something extra. Snow on the curved rooftops creates a soft, peaceful scene that matches the emotional mood found in many winter episodes.

The best time to explore Bukchon in the colder months is early morning. The quiet streets, gentle winter light, and light snow create the perfect moment for photos or slow walks.

Many travelers rent hanbok to recreate scenes from their favorite dramas, and winter photos with hanbok look stunning against the white rooftops.

For warm breaks, stop by the small museums and craft centers tucked between the alleys. They offer traditional displays, tea rooms, and a cozy escape from the cold.

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Seoul’s most important filming locations, especially for historical dramas like The Moon Embracing the Sun and Kingdom.

Its vast courtyards and royal pavilions turn into breathtaking winter scenery when snow settles on the palace roofs. Frozen ponds, tall gates, and wide walkways covered in white give the entire area a regal winter atmosphere.

If you want photos that look like real drama scenes, winter is the ideal season. Many visitors wear hanbok to recreate classic palace walks, and wearing hanbok gives you free entry as well.

Time your trip around the changing of the guard ceremony at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. for extra cultural depth.

The combination of traditional architecture and snowy landscapes makes this palace one of the most photogenic winter K-Drama spots in Seoul.

4. Myeongdong + Street Food Scenes

Myeongdong is famous for its lively streets, and it’s been featured in films like KPop Demon Hunters. Winter turns the district into a glowing maze of neon signs, warm food stalls, and steaming snacks.

Fans often come here to try the same treats they see in dramas, from hotteok to cheesy corn dogs. It’s also a great winter shopping base, with beauty shops and fashion stores offering warmth between strolls. The bright energy of Myeongdong makes it perfect for night photos and playful city moments.

5. Han River Parks (Yeouido Hangang Park)

The Han River is a recurring setting in K-Dramas like Itaewon Class and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. Winter adds a calm and romantic touch to the riverside paths. City lights reflect on the cold water, and convenience stores nearby let you enjoy hot ramen while looking over the river.

Many visitors recreate drama picnic scenes with chimaek, but be sure to bundle up because nights can get chilly. Yeouido Hangang Park looks especially beautiful during winter evenings when the lights and cold air create a quiet, dreamy mood.

6. Hongdae & Gangnam

Hongdae and Gangnam offer two contrasting K-Drama experiences during winter. Hongdae appears in youth-centered dramas like Love Alarm, Coffee Prince, and Doom at Your Service.

The area stays lively even in cold weather thanks to street performers, indie shops, and cozy cafés filled with winter drinks. Nighttime here feels warm and energetic, perfect for fans who enjoy the youthful side of Korean dramas.

Gangnam takes you into the world of luxury and ambition seen in What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Cheongdam-dong Alice, and Extraordinary Attorney Woo.

Winter highlights its polished streets, bright storefronts, and elegant cafes where many drama scenes are filmed. Don’t miss the Starfield Library inside COEX Mall, featured in Record of Youth. Both districts offer different sides of Seoul’s winter charm.

ROMANTIC WINTER FILMING LOCATIONS (Outside Seoul)

7. Nami Island (Winter Sonata)

Nami Island is one of the most legendary winter K-Drama filming locations in Korea, and no list is complete without it. Fans instantly recognize Metasequoia Lane, the long road lined with tall trees where Winter Sonata filmed some of its most emotional scenes.

When snow settles on the branches, the entire path turns into a soft white tunnel, perfect for photos and slow winter walks. This is the spot where Joon-sang and Yoo-jin shared tender moments, rode bicycles together, and created scenes that shaped winter romance in Korean dramas.

In winter, the island feels quiet and cozy, with smoke rising from street food stalls and warm cafes tucked along the riverside. Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore, even if you stop every few minutes to capture the snowy scenery. Visitors love recreating the classic couple scenes from the drama, especially along Metasequoia Lane.

To avoid crowds, try arriving early in the morning when the island feels calm and the snow looks untouched. Nami Island is also a perfect day trip from Seoul, making it one of the easiest and most iconic places to relive your favorite winter K-Drama moments.

8. Jumunjin Beach / Yeongjin Breakwater (Goblin)

If you watched Goblin, you already know the famous breakwater scene where Eun-tak summons Kim Shin for the first time. That exact location sits at Jumunjin Beach in Gangneung, on the fourth breakwater from the left.

The strong winter wind, the crashing waves, and the gray-blue sea create the perfect emotional backdrop, especially during colder months. Winter makes the location feel even more dramatic, matching the tone of that memorable moment.

Fans love coming here to recreate the summoning scene, and local vendors nearby rent props like the iconic red scarf and buckwheat flowers to complete the shot. The combination of freezing air, crashing waves, and wide-open sea creates a winter K-Drama vibe that feels straight out of the show.

Just a bit further up the coast, you’ll find the BTS Bus Stop from the You Never Walk Alone album. Many travelers visit both spots in one trip, especially since winter adds a calm, photographic mood to the coastline.

For the best experience, try visiting near sunrise when the light casts a soft glow over the water. Whether you’re a casual fan or a devoted Goblin lover, Jumunjin Beach is unforgettable in winter.

9. Borinara Hagwon Farm (Goblin)

Borinara Hagwon Farm is another key filming site from Goblin, best known for the “first snowfall” confession scene that melted millions of hearts.

The actual buckwheat field blooms in late summer and early fall, but winter still transforms the area into a quiet, open landscape covered with frost and soft snow. The stillness of the farm during winter gives it a peaceful charm, making it a perfect location for slow walks and calm photos.

Winter visitors won’t see the famous white buckwheat flowers, but the snowy fields and wide pathways still feel cinematic. Many travelers recreate the emotional confession scene, using the long open spaces and wintry atmosphere for photos.

If you enjoy nature and quiet scenery, Borinara Hagwon Farm in winter offers a different mood from the drama but keeps the emotional spirit alive. Bring warm gloves, as the wind across the fields can be strong.

10. Petite France (My Love From the Star)

Petite France in Gapyeong is a small French-inspired village that played a key role in My Love From the Star, especially the famous kiss scene where Do Min-jun lights up the entire courtyard. In winter, the village becomes even more enchanting.

Fairy lights glow against pastel buildings, and the European-style streets take on a warm, storybook-like feeling.

Winter evenings are the best time to visit because the lights reflect beautifully on the pathways, creating a soft romantic glow that feels perfect for recreating your favorite moments. Petite France also hosts small performances, exhibitions, and themed photo spots that fit the drama’s mood.

Since this village is close to Nami Island, many travelers combine both locations in one winter day trip. Arriving around dusk gives you just enough time to explore, grab warm snacks, and enjoy the lights as the temperature drops. Winter brings out the charm that made this filming location so memorable.

11. Pocheon Art Valley (Legend of the Blue Sea)

Pocheon Art Valley is one of the most visually striking winter K-Drama filming locations in Korea. Fans remember the emotional lantern scene from Legend of the Blue Sea, where glowing lights fill the sky and the characters meet beside emerald-green waters.

The lake, Cheonjuho, sits in the middle of towering rock cliffs, and winter brings a soft mist that settles over the water. The colder the weather, the more dramatic the cliffs look, creating a deep, cinematic mood.

You can take a cable car from the base to the upper observation areas for a beautiful aerial view, especially when the lake is partially frozen. Winter enhances the colors here, making the cliffs appear sharper against the pale sky.

Be careful on certain walkways, as paths may get icy in January and February. This location is ideal for travelers who enjoy quiet nature scenes with a strong cinematic feel.

12. Mt. Balwangsan (Goblin + Winter Sonata)

Mt. Balwangsan is one of the most magical winter destinations in Korea and appears in two beloved dramas: Goblin and Winter Sonata. The snowy slopes, wide views, and peaceful mountaintop atmosphere make it feel like a real-life drama setting.

Fans recognize it as the place where Kim Shin gives Eun-tak a heartfelt back hug and where Winter Sonata’s characters share emotional moments overlooking snowy landscapes.

Reaching the summit is part of the experience. A long cable car ride from Yongpyong Ski Resort takes you to the peak, where the entire mountain stretches out in white. The ride alone feels like a cinematic scene, especially when the windows frost over and the valley fills with clouds.

Once at the top, visitors can walk along snow-covered trails, take photos at marked spots, or simply enjoy the quiet.

Winter makes Mt. Balwangsan feel like a true wonderland, and the combination of fresh snow, crisp air, and iconic scenes makes it a must-visit location.

For the best experience, go on a clear afternoon when the light turns golden. Starting your trip at Yongpyong Ski Resort also gives you access to cafes and warm resting areas before heading up.

WINTER MOVIE FILMING LOCATIONS WITH CINEMATIC FEEL

13. Wondae-ri Birch Forest (Kingdom 2)

Wondae-ri Birch Forest is one of Korea’s most surreal winter landscapes. Fans of Kingdom 2 saw it used in atmospheric scenes, where tall white birch trees rise from snow-covered ground, creating a stunning natural backdrop. In person, it feels even more dreamlike.

More than 690,000 birch trees line the hiking trails, and winter adds a quiet stillness that makes the forest look like a frozen painting.

The main Birch Forest Course begins a few kilometers into the trail, so expect a moderate hike. Winter paths can be slick, but the reward is a breathtaking, snowy forest that feels far removed from the city.

Visitors should also note that entry hours are strictly controlled in winter, usually between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you enjoy dramatic winter visuals or film-style landscapes, this forest delivers one of the most cinematic experiences in Korea.

14. Gwanghalluwon Garden (Historical Films)

Gwanghalluwon Garden in Namwon is a winter treasure for anyone who loves historical Korean films. It appeared in hits like Gwanghae, Sado, and Gwansang, all major productions known for elegant Joseon-era visuals. Winter transforms the garden into a peaceful snow-covered wonderland.

Pavilions, wooden bridges, and lotus ponds look even more scenic when snow rests on the rooftops and frozen lake edges.

The garden dates back to the early 1400s, and wandering through it in winter feels like stepping into a historical drama set. Popular spots include Ojakgyo Bridge, Gwanghallu Pavilion, and the centuries-old trees surrounding the water.

Winter mornings are especially beautiful because the area stays calm, and the snow remains undisturbed. If you’re looking for a serene location with strong cultural depth, this garden is one of the best winter destinations inspired by Korean cinema.

15. Goseong Wangok Village (Dongju)

Goseong Wangok Village offers a peaceful, countryside escape and is best known as a filming location for the film Dongju. The village preserves Korea’s past with its traditional houses, narrow lanes, and quiet farmland atmosphere.

Winter brings a special kind of calm here. Snow falls gently between the old rooftops, and the silence of the village gives it a warm, nostalgic feeling.

Fans of Korean history or traditional culture will appreciate the slow pace and beautiful scenery. Every direction offers a photogenic winter backdrop, making it a great place for photography, quiet walks, or moments of reflection.

While the village doesn’t have many activities for children, it’s ideal for visitors who enjoy peaceful landscapes away from busy tourist spots. If you want an authentic winter trip rooted in Korean tradition, Wangok Village is one of the most meaningful places to explore.

SAMPLE 2–3 DAY WINTER K-DRAMA ITINERARY

Day 1: Seoul Classics
Start your winter K-Drama adventure in Seoul with Bukchon Hanok Village in the morning, when the alleys are quiet and rooftops shine under soft snow. Walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace afterward to explore its frozen ponds and historic winter scenery. End the day at N Seoul Tower for sunset views over the glowing city.

Day 2: Day Trip Romance
Head to Nami Island to explore Metasequoia Lane and recreate Winter Sonata scenes. Then visit Petite France nearby for the magical evening lights. If time allows, finish your day at Pocheon Art Valley for winter cliff views and drama-worthy scenery.

Day 3: Coastal & Mountain Scenes
Make your way to Jumunjin Beach to relive the famous Goblin summoning moment. End your trip at Mt. Balwangsan, where snowy mountains, cable car rides, and iconic drama scenes complete your winter storytelling journey.

CONCLUSION

Winter brings out a special charm in Korea, making every corner feel like a scene from your favorite drama. Snow, soft light, and quiet landscapes transform these filming locations into romantic escapes that look even more magical in the colder months.

Visiting 12+ Best Winter K-Drama Filming Locations to Visit in Korea lets you step into real-life sets, recreate meaningful moments, and experience the country in its most cinematic season.

Whether you're drawn to snowy forests, palace rooftops, or iconic breakwaters, winter travel in Korea creates memories that feel straight out of a K-Drama.

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