Have you seen the historical romance K-Drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo?
Today we're looking at the locations from this drama, one of the top picks among our staff and a favorite for many K-drama watchers.
Pocheon Art Valley
포천 아트밸리
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
In the very first episode we see a forlorn looking Go Ha-jin (portrayed by IU) drinking soju out of the bottle, when a man (who appears again later) strikes up a conversation with her.
A child then disappears into the water and Ko Ha-jin jumps in to rescue them and due to an eclipse is magically transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty.
This gorgeous emerald lake flanked by tall granite walls that was once a quarry was the setting for this intro scene.
It is a popular tourist location, attracting over 400,000 every year who come to experience the beauty and healing of nature.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
It is considered in the top 100 places to see in Korea and on weekends is full of families and couples.
This location was also featured in our blog for best places to take "life shots" which you can read here
You can see the exact place Go Ha-jin sat curled up at the beginning of the show.
There is also the Astronomical Science Museum, a fun an educational experience for people of all ages.
Pocheon Art Valley
포천 아트밸리
Address: 경기도 포천시 신북면 아트밸리로 234
234 Art Valley-ro, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Hours:
9:00-19:00
Last admission: 18:00
Closed: First Mondays
Admission
Adults: 5,000 won
Youth: 3,000 won
Children: 1,500 won
Wolhwawon Garden
월화원
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Wolhwawon Garden is a park in Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do that was created in 2005 and has been used in multiple dramas because if its historical look.
Many people come here to walk and take photos.
It was winter when I visited, so the garden was not maintained the way it would be in the warmer months.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
I walked around and was able to enjoy revisiting each scene in my mind.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
The garden appeared in many scenes.
It's not large, but is a very popular place to rest and relax amidst all the modern buildings and city life.
Even though it was still lovely as is, it would be best to visit in the spring or summer when the plants are more lively.
Wolhwawon Garden
월화원
Address: 경기도 수원시 팔달구 동수원로 399
399 Dongsuwon-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Hours: 9:00-22:00
Seongyojang House Gangneung
강릉 선교장
Originally the home of a the Yangban, Joseon aristocrats, Seongyojang is the largest private residence in Korea and considered a national cultural asset.
In the show it appeared in a scene of beautiful shimmering snow.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
It appeared in memorable scenes and is impressive in person.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo
There was also an exhibition hall of antique relics.
There are many interesting things to see when you visit as Gangneung is said to be the prettiest destination in Korea.
Seongyojang
선교장
Address: 강원 강릉시 운정길 63
63 Unjang-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon
Hours:
Summer: 9:00-18:00
Winter: 9:00-17:00
Closed: First Mondays
Admission
Adults: 5,000 won
Youth: 3,000 won
Children: 2,000 won
Ondal Tourist Attraction in Danyang
단양 온달관광지
This location is often used as a set for historical dramas and films such as Hwarang and The Legend.
Originally this place was created based on the story of Ondal, a famous Goguryeo general, and there were several different sites with different themes.
So how was it used in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo?
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
It appears some CGI was used to alter the background, but aside from that, everything is as you see in the drama!
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet heart Ryeo
The site is so large, if you were to walk around without stopping, it would probably take an hour.
Ondal Tourist Attraction
온달관광지
Address: 충청북 단양군 영춘면 온달로 23
23 Ondal-ro, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Admission
Adults: 5,000 won
Youth: 3,500 won
Children: 2,500 won
Baekje Cultural Land
백제문화단지
Baekje Cultural Land is located in Buyeo which was once the capital of Baekje before the unification of the kingdoms.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
You can see the five story pagoda on the right (used as a real temple), but in the show it was erased using CGI and a similar tower was placed in a different location.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
All buildings in this expansive area have been restored so that you can enjoy their beauty as they would have been.
It is also open at later from April to November Friday-Sunday so you can see the buildings lit up at night!
Source: 백제문화단지 HP
The Lotte Hotel and outlet mall are nearby, so it is a convenient and popular place for tourists to visit.
Baekje Cultural Land
백제문화단지
Address: 충청남 부여군 규암면 백제문로 455
455 Baekje Mun-ro, Gyuam-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Hours:
Summer: 9:00-18:00
Winter: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Mondays
Admission
Adults: 6,000 won
Youth: 4,500 won
Children: 3,000 won
Seodongyo Theme Park
서동요테마파크
Located about 30 minutes by car from Baekje Cultural Land, Seodongyo Theme Park is a village that was built for historical dramas.
This set was originally used for the Baekje historical drama The Ballad of Seodong released in 2005.
The set is very large and showcases the architecture of different dynasties and classes.
The commoners' village is often seen in historical dramas.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
If you're a fan of historical dramas, you've probably seen this set more than once and would really love seeing it in person!
Shows such as Grand Prince, Queen For Seven Days, and Love In The Moonlight were shot here.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
This area was more brightly colored than the commoners' village and was instantly recognizable from the show.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
We had a lot of fun exploring here and snapping photos.
It's difficult to reach without a car, but if you have to chance to visit, we definitely recommend it!
Seodongyo Theme Park
서동요 테마파크
Address: 충남 부여군 충화면 충신로 616
616 Chunsin-ro, Chunghwa-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungchungnam-do
Hours:
Summer: 9:00-18:00
Winter: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Mondays
Admission
Adults: 2,000 won
Youth: 1,500 won
Children: 1,000 won
Miryang Wiyang Pond
밀양 위양지
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
It looks a little different since the drama was shot in the spring and we visited in winter, but it was still beautiful.
Partly because of the drama this location has become well known and is visited by many people.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Because of its popularity, a modern Hanok cafe was opened so that when you visit you can relax with a beverage while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
We also talked about this place more in depth in our life shot blog along with Pocheon Art Valley, so be sure to check it out.
Miryang Wiyang Pond
밀양 위양지
Address: 경상남도 밀양시 부북면 위양로 273-36
273-36 Wiyang-ro, Bubuk-myeon, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Gwanghallu Pavilion
광한루
A tourist attraction where locals also come to relax, Gwanghallu Pavilion is a park and a museum in one.
It is the famous setting for Chunhyangjeon (춘향전), one of the most well known Korean folk tales.
This bridge is the main area of this park featured in the drama.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
The bridge crosses over a beautiful lake, stocked with large carp.
You can purchase fish food and feed them, which many enjoy doing when they visit.
It is not too big, you can walk around the park in about 30 minutes, but it is a very nice place to relax and enjoy nature as well as traditional Korean architecture and culture.
Gwanghallu Pavilion
광한루
Address: 전북 남원시 요천로 1447
1447 Yocheon-ro, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do
Hours: 8:00-20:00
Admission
Adults: 3,000 won
Youth: 2,000 won
Children: 1,500 won
Naju Image Theme Park
나주영상테마파크
This has been used as a filming set for many dramas such as Goblin and The Legend, but rose to fame after it was featured in the 2006 series Jumong.
It was also featured in the film Along With The Gods.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Source: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
After passing through the more common looking section we come to a grand gate and palace which should look familiar.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
You can also go up to the top of the palace or to the wall and find the place where the general made his first appearance.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
This is another place that requires driving on country roads together to, but it was worth it in my opinion to see this amazing set!
Naju Image Theme Park
나주영상테마파크
Address: 전남 나주시 공산면 덕음로 450
450 Deokeum-ro, Gongsan-myeon, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do
Hours:
Summer: 9:00 - 18:00
Winter: 9:00 - 17:00
Closed: Mondays
Admission:
Adults: 2,000
Youth: 1,000
Children: Free
Manyeonsa Temple
만연사
Finally, I'd like to introduce you to Manyeonsa Temple, a location seen frequently in Moon Lovers and the place that made the biggest impression for me.
It has been left almost exactly as it was during filming and made us feel as if we were really there in the drama.
Source: SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
If you're curious about what the stacked stones mean, you can read about it here
Source: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
This is a tea room that does not appear in the drama, but it was too pretty not to stop and snap a photo.
Manyeonsa Temple
만연사
Address: 전라남도 화순군 화순읍 진각로 367
367 Jingak-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do
Those were 10 filming locations from Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.
What did you think? What captured your attention most?
This was one of the most popular dramas when we took a survey, so I hope you enjoyed learning more about these locations and that you have a chance to visit yourself some day!
