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The Korean Wave, locally known as ‘Hallyu’, is taking the world by storm. From mind-blowing K-dramas like ‘Guardian’ and ‘Business Proposal’, to songs by K-pop artists like BTS and Blackpink, South Korean entertainment has captured the hearts and minds of all.
The wave has got everyone all excited to visit places in Seoul like Itaewon and the Bukchon Hanok Village, where the scenes of many K-dramas have been filmed. This is why people from across the globe have now started seeking beyond K-Pop and K-Dramas – they want South Korea to be on their itineraries.
Seoul – The Heart of South Korea’s lively K-Culture
Seoul is a place no Hallyu fan would want to miss out on. It’s where you will find many places that you must have already seen in K-Dramas like ‘Boys Over Flowers’, ‘Crash Landing on You’, and ‘Squid Game’. These hotspots include Gangnam Street, Seoul Tower, Bukchon Hanok Village, National Museum of Korea, and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
You can visit the Gangnam District, which is home to companies like SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and BH Entertainment. These are the places where several K-Drama fans gather to spot famous celebrities like Lee Jong Suk, Hyun Bin, Ji Chang-wook, and others. While you’re there, you can also head to K-Star Road, which is famous for its Gangnamdols – human-sized statues that symbolise various K-Pop groups like SHINee, Super Junior, and Girls’ Generation.
For those who can’t get enough of the Hallyu vibe, COEX Mall is a great spot. You can enjoy visiting the Megabox in the mall to watch the latest K-movies. If you’re a BTS fan, remember to visit some of the top filming spots, including Maengbang Beach, Dongjak Bridge, and more.
Hongdae is a lively district in Seoul where you can enjoy live performances by local artists and admire the graffiti or murals. Travellers who seek a more laid-back experience can head to themed cafes like 943 King’s Cross and Cartoon Plus Cafe. While exploring Hongdae, you’ll also get a chance to see indie artists performing dance covers of popular K-Pop songs like Forever Young and Red Velvet.
Popular K-Culture Hotspots Beyond Seoul
While Seoul packs in many must-sees, the Hallyu journey continues beyond the capital.
1. Jeju Island
We can’t deny how we all fell in love with Jeju Island the moment we saw its natural beauty in the show ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’. Waterfalls like Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang, beaches like Hyeopjae Hamdeok, and Jungmun – there’s no reason to not fall in love with it. The beautiful coastal roads will remind you of so many scenes that you must have loved watching in shows like ‘Crash Landing on You’ and ‘Warm and Cozy’.
2. Busan
South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan, is popular among tourists who are looking for a combination of scenic views and modern city life. Visit the Haeundae Beach, which has been shown in several K-dramas and is perfect for travellers who want to relax near the ocean.
You can also explore the colourful hillside houses of Gamcheon Culture Village, which have been the filming locations of movies like ‘A Little Princess’ and ‘Fight for My Way’. Just like Seoul, Busan also has a film legacy — it’s the place where the hit movie Train to Busan was filmed.
3. Incheon
Incheon, located west of Seoul, is another filming hotspot that you can visit on your South Korea Tour. The urban park at Songdo Central Park is often featured in shows like ‘Goblin’ and ‘Descendants of the Sun’. With water taxis and wide green spaces, it’s one of the best places to visit in South Korea.
4. Daejeon
Travellers who prefer a quieter experience can head to Daejeon, where they can explore places like Daejeon University, Daecheongho Lake, and the Gwansa village area. These places have recently come into the spotlight for being the filming locations for shows like ‘Doona!’ and ‘Sweet Home’.
Where Fandom Meets Tradition: Explore Korea the Hallyu Way
If you’re heading to South Korea to follow your love for K-pop and K-dramas, don’t miss the chance to dive deeper into the culture behind the screen. Here are some of the most unique experiences that every Hallyu fan should add to their itinerary:
Attend a live K-Pop Concert:
- South Korea will be hosting a variety of events and festivals for K-pop fans in 2025. Here is a list of some of the top concerts that you should consider while planning your trip to South Korea:
- The 2025 Busan ONEAISA Festival, scheduled for 11th-15th June will showcase a star-studded lineup including NCT WISH, WayV, and more.
- Catch Kang Daniel, Young Tak, and many more artists at the 34th Seoul Music Awards, which will be hosted in Incheon on 21st June.
Learn about South Korea’s Culture & Traditions:
- If you’re someone who is into historical Korean dramas, you can rent a hanbok (traditional Korean outfit) and enjoy a walk across the Gyeongbokgung Palace or the Bukchon Hanok Village. Many period dramas like ‘Love in the Moonlight’ and ‘Mr. Sunshine’ have been filmed in such places, and wearing a hanbok will make your experience even better.
- You can also take part in Korean cooking classes to learn how to make dishes like kimchi and tteokbokki – favourites in many K-dramas.
The Final Take:
South Korea combines pop culture with fantastic real experiences, making it the perfect destination for Hallyu fans. From the busy streets of Seoul to the natural beauty of Jeju and the coastal charm of Busan, every location offers a chance to connect with the shows and artists you love. From exploring the top filming spots to learning about the culture, a dream trip awaits you in South Korea.
So pack your bags, gather your fan spirit, and get ready to live your ultimate K-world dream!