4 Scenic Korean Campus Filming Spots from Top K-Dramas

Stepping through the main entrance of Yonsei University on a crisp October afternoon feels less like entering an active academic facility and more like walking into a frame from a beloved Korean drama. Ivy crawls up grand Gothic stone arches, golden ginkgo leaves line wide stone avenues, and students pass by carrying armfuls of textbooks. It is an environment that feels simultaneously historic, romantic, and deeply familiar to anyone who has spent hours watching youth and romance series.

Korean university campuses are regularly chosen by location directors for good reason. They offer a unique mix of European-style classical architecture, sleek modern design, and breathtaking seasonal landscaping. From late-spring cherry blossoms drifting over stone plazas to dramatic autumn colors framing ivy-draped facades, these grounds provide the perfect setting for university-aged romances, fantasy dramas, and nostalgic period pieces. If you are planning a trip to South Korea to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters, visiting these real-life campuses offers one of the most immersive travel experiences available in Seoul and Daegu.

Yonsei University (Sinchon, Seoul)

In Extraordinary You, the main character Dan-oh navigates the winding outdoor staircases and lush courtyards while attempting to change her comic book fate. Yonsei University also served as the primary backdrop for the nostalgia-drenched 1990s campus life seen in Reply 1994, as well as high-profile scenes in True Beauty and Romance is a Bonus Book.

Founded in 1885, Yonsei University is one of South Korea’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, forming part of the elite “SKY” group of universities. The Sinchon campus in western Seoul is famous for its centerpiece building, Underwood Hall, a Tudor Gothic stone structure covered in thick ivy that changes from vibrant emerald in summer to deep crimson in autumn. The surrounding gardens, historic bell tower, and shaded walkways give the campus a timeless, world-class aesthetic.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Sinchon Station and use Exit 2 or 3. Walk straight north along the main Sinchon-ro shopping street for roughly 10 minutes. You will cross a large intersection, and the main grand entrance gate of Yonsei University will be directly ahead. Continue up the central boulevard (Baekyang-ro) for about 5 minutes to reach Underwood Hall and the central courtyard.

Kyung Hee University (Seoul Campus, Dongdaemun-gu)

The breathtaking Peace Hall and grand stone steps at Kyung Hee University provided the sweeping, fairytale backdrop for crucial scenes in Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God), as well as setting the mood for college sports and romance in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo and Record of Youth.

Located in north-eastern Seoul, Kyung Hee University is globally celebrated for having one of the most stunning campus grounds in Asia. Built in Neo-Renaissance and Gothic styles, the campus features massive limestone buildings with Corinthian columns, detailed stonework, and expansive plazas. When spring arrives, hundreds of cherry trees burst into pink blossom across the amphitheater and plaza, turning the university into one of the city’s most beloved seasonal photo destinations.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 1 or the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Hoegi Station and exit through Exit 1. From there, you can take Dongdaemun Green Bus 01 directly from the exit stop, which drops you right inside the campus gate in about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk straight along Hoegi-ro for 15 minutes to reach the main campus entrance.

Ewha Womans University (Sinchon, Seoul)

The modern glass valley of Ewha Campus Complex (ECC) and the historic Welch-Ryang Auditorium appeared prominently in modern romance series like Love Alarm, Cheese in the Trap, and Record of Youth, representing the dynamic energy of contemporary Korean college life.

Established in 1886 as Korea’s first educational institute for women, Ewha offers a striking visual contrast between 19th-century red-brick Gothic architecture and groundbreaking contemporary design. Its signature feature is the ECC, designed by world-renowned French architect Dominique Perrault. The ECC is a massive subterranean multi-functional structure embedded directly into a sloping green hill, featuring two towering glass curtain walls that create a dramatic canyon through the center of campus.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Ewha Womans University Station and take Exit 2 or Exit 3. Walk straight down Ewhayeodae-gil for approximately 5 minutes. The street ends directly at the open pedestrian entry gate of the university, with the massive ECC valley visible immediately in front of you.

Keimyung University – Seongseo Campus (Daegu)

Keimyung University famously served as the fictional Shinhwa High School in the classic K-drama Boys Over Flowers. Its historic charm has also made it a frequent setting for period and youth dramas including Extraordinary You, Mr. Sunshine, and Love Rain.

Situated in the south-western city of Daegu, Keimyung University was constructed with heavy influence from classic Western collegiate architecture. Its Seongseo campus features red-brick academic halls clad in ivy, immaculate tree-lined boulevards, and the famous Adams Chapel perched atop a gentle slope. The combination of classic brick structures and expansive green foliage gives the entire site a fairy-tale quality that draws production crews from across the country.

How to get there

If traveling from Seoul, take the KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station to Dongdaegu Station (roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes). From Dongdaegu Station, transfer to Daegu Subway Line 1, change to Line 2 at Banwoldang Station, and disembark at Keimyung University Station (Exit 1 or 12). The main entrance to the Seongseo Campus is located right outside the exit.

Make a Day of It

Exploring these universities places you in the heart of some of Korea’s most exciting commercial and cultural districts. University neighborhoods in Korea are famous for budget-friendly dining, trendy fashion boutiques, and innovative dessert cafes tailored to student budgets.

When visiting Yonsei University or Ewha Womans University, you are situated right in the Sinchon and Edae shopping zones. Take time to explore the winding alleyways near Ewha for indie clothing shops and cosmetics sales. For lunch, try classic student comfort food like Dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) or visit local Kalguksu (hand-cut noodle) spots near Sinchon Station. If you prefer a quieter café vibe, walk 15 minutes west into Yeonnam-dong, a neighborhood famous for converted residential coffee shops and artisan bakeries.

After touring Kyung Hee University, make your way toward Hoegi Station’s famous Pajeon Alley. This small alleyway is packed with traditional restaurants specializing in seafood green onion pancakes (Haemul Pajeon) cooked crisp on flat grills, traditionally paired with cold rice wine (Makgeolli). It is an authentic local food experience that student generations have enjoyed for decades.

For visitors traveling to Keimyung University in Daegu, combine your campus tour with a visit to Seomun Market, one of Korea’s oldest traditional markets. Be sure to try local Daegu street delicacies such as Nabjak Mandu (crispy flat dumplings topped with green onions and chili soy sauce) and spicy stewed ribs (Dongin-dong Jjimgalbi).

Photo Tips

To capture photos that mirror the cinematic feel of your favorite drama scenes, timing and perspective are essential:

• Yonsei Underwood Hall: Position yourself near the central statue looking toward the main building. Frame your shot from a low angle to capture the full Gothic archways and ivy coverage. Early morning light (between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM) minimizes student crowd interference.
• Kyung Hee Peace Hall: Stand at the base of the massive outdoor marble staircases to shoot upward toward the cathedral-like spire. The grandeur of the European architecture is best captured with a wide-angle lens during golden hour before sunset.
• Ewha ECC Valley: Stand at the top edge of the central walkway looking down into the canyon, or stand at the very bottom center facing the outdoor stairs. Late afternoon sun casts long, dramatic shadows across the glass facade.
• Seasonal Lighting: Autumn (late October to mid-November) brings deep yellows and reds across all campuses, while early April brings peak cherry blossom frames.

FAQ

Are international tourists allowed to walk around Korean university campuses?

Yes, the outdoor grounds of major Korean universities are public spaces open to local residents and international visitors. However, because these are working educational institutions, visitors must remain quiet, refrain from disturbing ongoing classes, and avoid entering restricted residential dormitories or administrative buildings without permission.

When is the best season to visit K-drama campus locations?

Spring (early April) and Autumn (late October through mid-November) offer the most dramatic scenery. Spring brings massive cherry blossom blooms across Kyung Hee and Yonsei, while Autumn turns the foliage at Yonsei and Keimyung into brilliant reds, oranges, and deep yellows matching classic romantic scenes.

Can visitors go inside university classrooms or libraries?

No, indoor facilities such as student libraries, lecture halls, and dormitories require student or faculty digital key cards for entry. Visitors are asked to enjoy the public outdoor plazas, gardens, walking paths, and designated campus dining or shop areas accessible to the public.

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