When I booked for my recent trip to South Korea, I had no plans but to see any early signs of Spring (my favorite season). 🌸 It's my third time in this country, so I've slowly covered most of Seoul's tourist spots and must-see places, and even went to Jeju Island last Autumn.
The night before my flight, I decided to list down a personal K-Drama Bucket List, places that I can visit or K-Drama-ish things to experience (like drink in a soju tent or try a Korean bath house). From a short list of 3-5 places, I became a bit ambitious and realized how cool it is to be able to go to at least one shooting location for every K-Drama I've watched since I started late last year! My list grew to 10+, so I printed some of the scenes with my new Instax SP2 Printer for easier reference when I go around solo in Seoul!
At the airport, while waiting for my early flight, I decided to have a sit-down breakfast in a cafe near my boarding gate. I opened my list, and researched on addresses or the nearest subway line for each K-Drama location.
After finding out which ones are in Seoul, which ones are too far, and which ones are commutable, I arranged my list by line number.
So here's my biglaang #kdramatour itinerary written at the back of my AirAsia booking receipt! 😀
Take Note!
Although some instructions online are accurate, there are also some items that caused me to get off wrong train stations or walk in wrong directions! Please don't save the photo above, haha, will just blog the right ones from my experience!
For easier navigation, download the Seoul Metro app (yellow icon). This will help you navigate the easiest route from station to station, and even indicate your estimate travel time. I also used FLYTPACK for stable internet connection while traveling in South Korea (Php 300 / day), and Google Maps for pinpointing exact locations.
After around 4 hours, I knew I was already in Seoul when...
Look in my eyes. Can you see my heartbeat? Swirling everywhere I go...
Summoned with a cup of coffee, hehe:
Nam Joo Hyuk #1 oppa! 💘
Day 1
1) Goblin's House
I arrived in Korea at around past 12 noon, and from experience, I thought that this was already late and I won't be able to do so much for my Day 1. Most establishments in Korea close early, and another problem encountered last Autumn was the early sunsets, it was hard and scary to go around alone when it's already dark!
Travel time to where I'll be staying was almost 3 hours via subway, but right after dropping my luggage, I immediately ran off to start my tour!
I stayed near Seoul National University of Education Station Line 3, so I looked for a place in my bucket list that's in the same line number. Turns out, the lone location in Line number 3 is the Goblin's House!
Saw a sign regarding visitor restrictions sine the Goblin's House is inside a university!
Saw an Ahjussi by this gate and asked him for directions, and if there are fees to get in. He went out of the booth, and walked me inside:
When left alone, I walked a bit to my left and immediately saw the Goblin's House!
Sumilip pa ako sa door, but the place was empty and parang may on-going construction.
Lingered a while thinking of what to do next. Saw a student pass by, so I asked for my first destination photo, I look awkward but yey! I realized then why I printed Instax photos of my favorite scenes for this trip--It's just so hard to take pictures of yourself when traveling solo! 😂
Entrance Fee: Free
How To Get There: Anguk Subway Station Line 3, Exit 4. Walk straight from exit till you reach Duksung Women's University.
2) Shopping for K-Drama / K-Pop Merch
Since my second K-Drama destination is also in Myeongdong, I decided to pass by the Myeongdong Station Underground Shopping Center to look for some K-Drama merchandise!
Passed by an Angel-In-Us cafe, featured in Oh My Venus:
Also saw a pojangmacha, or a Korean soju tent and restaurant! Saw lots of dramatic K-Drama scenes held in these tents, so part sya ng bucket list ko. Had no chance to dine though, but hopefully on my next trip!
Sneaked some photos from K-Drama / K-Pop booths in Myeongdong Station Underground Shopping Center. Most of them are the most random of things like nail cutter, eye sleep masks, playing cards, and even towels with your oppas' faces! Haha.
Missed the chance to buy a Kim Bok Joo red bow clip because nag titipid pako non (first day problems!), huhu!
Entrance Fee: Free
How To Get There: Myeongdong Station
3) Heo Joon Jae's House
Also in Myeongdong is Papa Lee Min Ho's house from Legend of the Blue Sea, which is actually a gallery!
So much walks and wrong turns just to get here! My clue from my research is that it is near the entrance of Namsan Tower's cable cars. I followed the tower from Myeongdong, and since wala naman sa Google Maps ang "Heo Joon Jae's House" (lol), I typed in "Namsan Cable Car".
It's on the right side, look for the Sogong-Ro street sign:
Finally!
This view deck is right in front of the house, if you go straight, you'll see Namsan Tower's cable car:
Self-timer hits + Hinawakan ko na talaga yung door knob coz Lee Min Ho, hehehe!
Entrance Fee: Free
How To Get There: Get off Myeongdong Station. Look for the cable car of Namsan Tower (I used Google Maps). Heo Joon Jae's house is just before climbing the stairs to the cable cars.
Address: 29 Sogong-ro 4-Gil
4) Bok Chicken
It was already around 6pm and surprisingly still sunny, so I decided to push for another K-Drama site! No time to waste! Haha! In time for dinner, I chose to navigate Weightlifting Kim Bok Joo's Bok Chicken.
Saw these hot bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries with sweet red bean filling) just outside Gireum Station, and near the bus stops to Kookmin University. I was cold and hungry, so I bought one for just Php 44! 😀
It's easy to spot the bus to Kookmin University, also made sure to set my Google Maps so I won't miss my stop.
I love love the Goblin and Heo Joon Jae's houses, but I was even TEN TIMES KILIG when I saw Bok Joo's! 😭 Sweg! Chubs! Ahjussi! Lahat na! All Weightlifting feels came rushing back!
The restaurant owner (Mister Legit Ahjussi) saw me outside, and invited me in. The tables were filled with plates of kimchi and other side dishes, as if there's weightlifting team party that night that I was about to crash. I asked the legit ahjussi for the menu but he kept on saying no no. I'm not sure if they're closed for the day, or di lang kami nagkaintidihan, huhu!
Anyway, he showed me the signed restaurant sign on their wall plus the one which was used in the koreanovela:
A mirror selfie inside the restaurant, halatang halata kilig ko!
Stayed a bit more outside, took self-timer photos, before saying goodbye. Next time will make sure to insist for food, haha!
Entrance Fee: Free
How To Get There: Get off Gireum Station Subway Line 4, Exit 3. Take a bus (171, 1112, 1213, 7211) to Kookmin University. Just cross the street from the university and go down the stairs. You'll see Bok Chicken is on the left side.
5) Back in Myeongdong
I had another K-Drama dinner place attempt that day (Heaven Cafe from 49 Days), but it involved riding a taxi from the subway station and at that time, walang tumitigil sakin! After 30 minutes of walking back and forth, I hopped back in the train, and decided to just have dinner in my favorite Myeongdong--Korean street food style!
In between bites of the yummiest strawberry mochi (thinking of it now), twisty potatoes with garlic powder, and gyeranppang egg bread, I entertained myself by spotting how many Korean stars I recognize now compared to my last two trips to Seoul!
My favorite Pyo Na Ri of Jealousy Incarnate:
This store doesn't sell any Goblin related merch (ladies clothes only), but they had people entering non-stop because of this huge TV outside showing scenes from Goblin!
My 2nd Lead Syndrome, Baek In Ho from Cheese in the Trap and his clear eyes, huhuhu:
DO MIN JOOOON!!!! Modelling for a Korean clothing brand:
The Crown Prince and the Eunuch, and their halos magkatabing buildings for beauty brand endorsements:
Another Pyo Na Ri for Clio, and in far right is the Goblin for The Body Shop:
Entrance Fee: Free
How To Get There: Myeongdong Station
Ended the day with aching feet but feeling extra accomplished!
What's included in your K-Drama Tour Bucket List? Tweet me @anagon!
#KDramaTour Part 2 post up next, thank you so much for the love! 💛
Read more on my Korea travels:
Special thanks to:
Philippine AirAsia
FLYTPACK for my stable internet connection while in South Korea
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47 Comments
Can you make a post about the breakdown of your expenses? :)
ReplyDeleteHello! :) I have past Korea trip budget posts na, 2 posts on that - just google "anagonzales.com Korea Budget" thank you!! :)
DeleteThis is ultimate goals!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! :)
DeleteHi Ana! How much yung clip no Kim Bok Joo? I want pero mas bet ko yung strawberry clip! Haha! Thanks
ReplyDeleteHi Ms. Ana :) Im also going to SK this spring and I plan to visit the Goblin's house for photos. Confused po ako sa visitor restriction sign. Strict po ba ang uni sa pagfollow ng rule? Di po ba kayo binawalan pumasok ng campus nung nagtanong kayo?
Delete@erika Around Php 350 the Bok Joo clip :)
Delete@Anonymous I have no idea, so sorry! Was lucky that when I asked the guard at the entrance, he even went out of his booth to show my way inside the campus. But may nag message din sakin a friend who tried few days later, and binawalan sha pumasok. :(
Delete... Feel ko swertehan din sha. :)
Deleteomg ate super goals talaga huhu yan na ilalagay ko sa itinerary ko. Part 2 please :D
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for enjoying!! :) Working on Part 2 now! :)
DeleteI'm so inggit �� I wanna go to Korea and use your blog as my guide. �� Thankiee
ReplyDeletePS. can't wait for the part 2. ��
Thank you! Tag me if you go to these places and post a photo on Instagram (@anagon) will love to see them too! <3
DeleteOMG!! This is like one of the things that I need to do in SK this upcoming July...Gosh! Thank you for such an informative post..I can't wait!! Thanks
ReplyDeleteWow Korea in July, fun fun! Enjoy your trip!
DeleteDefinitely bookmarking this and your other Korea blogs for our Seoul trip soon!!! Thank you, Ana!!
ReplyDelete-follower since years ago 💖
Awww thank you! <3 Enjoy planning your trip to Korea!!!
Deletesobrang ganda ng blogs mo..naeexcite na rin tuloy ako
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating!! <3
Deleteang ganda ng blog mo.. super excited na kong gumora dyan..
ReplyDeleteSalamat!!! <3 Go for it!
DeleteAlthough I'm not a K-Drama fan, I enjoyed this blog post filled with passion. So galing!
ReplyDelete– Camile Aldriene
www.camilealdriene.com
Thank you so much Camile!!! <3 For the love of Kdramas!
DeleteGomawo!.. will use your blog on our korea trip this May. fighting!!!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your planning! And pls do tag me on Instagram @anagon if you get to go to these places on your Korea trip!
DeleteGomawo! i will consider this blog on my next Seoul trip. Fighting!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :) Love your Blog Name <3
DeleteOmigoood my fangirl heart. I’ve been boorkmarking your Korea posts to read later because I’ve been busy lately, and now bookmarking them for when I go back to Korea! Dun palang sa “Look in my eyes. Can you see my heartbeat? Swirling everywhere I go…” , can’t hide my mamamatay sa kilig smile na. The drama memories. I’ve visited some Kdrama places too, but Goblin, WFKBJ, and the other I-cried-I-died-omo-my-heart dramas weren’t showing yet when I’ve gone to Korea. So saving these for when I’m lucky enough to go back. I know, kinain na ko ng systema. But, we can’t always control our hearts, right?
ReplyDeletexo, Lou | Caffeine Rush
AGREE! And diba, nakakamiss ang Jealousy Incarnate! One of my fave OST yun! <3
Deletenatawa ko dito: "So much walks and wrong turns just to get here! My clue from my research is that it is near the entrance of Namsan Tower's cable cars. I followed the tower from Myeongdong, and since wala naman sa Google Maps ang "Heo Joon Jae's House" (lol), I typed in "Namsan Cable Car"."
ReplyDeleteThey should really consider putting the Kdrama locations in Google maps. Haha. I'm also going to SoKor in a few weeks so doing my research now. =)
Hahaha! Kung app developer lang ako gagawan ko kayo nyan, K-Maps hahaha! <3
Deletewahh kainggit
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! :)
DeleteWahhh...You're so lucky! Kainggit po! Sana makapunta din po ako soon! Tsaka ang ganda po ng blog nyo, nakaka-inspire. Pano nyo po ineedit yung mga picture ang ganda po kasi 😍
ReplyDeleteThank you! :) I just used VSCO C-Series for these photos! :)
DeleteWahhh...You're so lucky! Kainggit po! Sana makapunta din po ako soon! Tsaka ang ganda po ng blog nyo, nakaka-inspire. Pano nyo po ineedit yung mga picture ang ganda po kasi 😍
ReplyDeleteHello! :) Thank you so much! I just used VSCO C8 for these photos :) And of course, a good camera (I use Fuji XA2) and play with different angles / shots to achieve what you want :)
DeleteHi, I just want to ask what is the address of Bok Chicken or ung real name ng restaurant? I want to search it on the map haha. And, thank you so much for sharing your trip! #travelgoals ko to for my next Korea trip :)
ReplyDeleteHello! :) Thank you! Since I don't know the address, I Google Maps KOOKMIN UNIVERSITY coz it's just in front of Bok Chicken. :) Good luck on your search! :)
DeleteHi, Thank you for your blog! I love Kdrama too and I'm planning to go to Heo Joon Jae's house. =) Is it far from Myeongdong station? I tried google mapping it, it looks far...LOL! Did you pass by Pacific Hotel in Myeongdong Exit 3? Is it okay to take pictures there? I'm travelling solo kasi. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes I passed by pacific Hotel to get here! and yes photos are ok din, but dyan lang sa labas :)
Deletemedyo malayo padin ata sha from station, everything naman ata in korea is "walking distance" but actually malayo padin pala pag ikaw na nag lalakad hehe!
Where did you buy the goblin doll??! 😊😊😊
ReplyDeletetry miniso in lotte world mall :)
DeleteAna do they still let tourists in the university to see goblin's house? I've read somewhere that they don't allow visitors anymore. Is there a way to get there without going inside the university?
ReplyDeleteonga e iba iba ang sinabi about this, sorry I have no idea talaga. swertihan I guess, I went in the university to get to the house though!
DeleteHi! Nice blog! Im going to korea this autumn and i want to include as much as those kdrama locations in my itinerary. 😀
ReplyDeleteI would like to ask if the Goblin's house is far from Myeongdong area? Thanks
Hello! :) Not so near! You have to take the train pa from Myeongdong to Goblin's! :)
DeleteYour turn! Always excited to read your comments! :)