Weightlifting Fairy Filming Locations Around Seoul

Late autumn breeze, a steaming bowl of fried chicken, and two awkward college athletes trying hard not to admit they like each other. When Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo aired, it brought a refreshing, cozy warmth to Korean television that fans still hold close to their hearts. The coming-of-age story of weightlifter Kim Bok-joo and swimmer Jung Joon-hyung feels like a soft warm blanket, capturing the awkward excitement of first love against the backdrop of college life in Seoul.

What makes visiting these filming spots so special is how grounded they feel. Unlike drama locations that feature lavish high-rise penthouses or hyper-modern corporate headquarters, Bok-joo's world is filled with nostalgic hilltop neighborhoods, quiet brick alleyways, expansive riversides, and golden grass fields. Visiting these spots gives you a genuine glimpse into everyday Seoul life while letting you step directly into your favorite scenes.

Bok Chicken (Jageun Maeul in Seongbuk-dong)

In the drama, Bok Chicken is the vibrant heart of the story. It is the cozy neighborhood eatery owned by Bok-joo's devoted father, where the weightlifting team gathers to feast, celebrate victories, and work through their heartbreaks. Countless iconic moments happen here, from late-night comfort sessions over fried chicken to clumsy romantic encounters right outside the front door.

In real life, this charming venue is a local Korean restaurant named Jageun Maeul, which translates to "Small Village." Nestled in the peaceful, historic hillside neighborhood of Seongbuk-dong in northern Seoul, the building retains its recognizable exterior with red brick accents and traditional neighborhood character. Rather than serving draft beer and fried chicken, Jageun Maeul actually serves comforting home-style Korean dishes like kimchi stew, grilled pork, and savory pancakes to local residents and university students. Because Seongbuk-dong is a quiet residential area, visiting here offers a serene break from Seoul's busier downtown districts.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Hansung University Station and leave via Exit 6. From the bus stop just outside the exit, board local green neighborhood bus Seongbuk 02 or Seongbuk 03. Ride the bus for roughly ten minutes up the winding Seongbuk-dong hills and get off near the Seongbuk-dong Catholic Church or the Seongbuk-gu Art Space stop. The restaurant sits along a peaceful street nearby. Please remember that this is a residential neighborhood, so keep noise levels respectful when taking photos outside.

Haneul Park (Sky Park in Sangam-dong)

Haneul Park serves as the atmospheric backdrop for some of the show's most tender personal scenes. Bok-joo and Joon-hyung take walks here among tall silver grass fields, enjoying open views of the sky and sharing honest conversations away from the intense pressure of their athletic training programs.

Situated on a high hill in Sangam-dong, Haneul Park was once a city landfill that Seoul transformed into a world-class ecological park. Today, it is famous for its vast fields of silver grass (eulalia) that glow golden in the late afternoon sun, as well as sweeping views across the Han River and Seoul skyline. The giant metal observation deck shaped like an owl's nest and the towering wind turbines scattered across the meadow give the entire location a cinematic, dreamlike quality. It is especially breathtaking during autumn when the annual silver grass festival takes place.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 6 to World Cup Stadium Station and leave through Exit 1. Walk through the sports complex grounds and cross the main street toward World Cup Park for about 15 minutes. Once you reach the base of Haneul Park, you can either climb the famous 291 zigzagging wooden stairs for exercise and views or buy a round-trip ticket for the electric "Maeng꽁i" shuttle tram that transports visitors straight to the hilltop entrance.

Naksan Park and Ihwa Mural Village

Naksan Park and the surrounding Ihwa-dong hills are featured throughout the drama during night strolls, heart-to-heart discussions, and moments when characters process their personal struggles. The scenic vistas over the glowing city lights underline the show's emotional depth.

Naksan Park sits along the ancient Seoul City Wall, offering panoramic elevated views of central Seoul. Below the park lies Ihwa Mural Village, a historic neighborhood where steep staircases and narrow alleys are decorated with creative public art murals, flower motifs, and cozy cafe balconies. Walking along the historic stone walls at dusk feels magical, as the streetlights illuminate the ancient masonry against the modern metropolis below.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Hyehwa Station and head out through Exit 2. Walk past Marronnier Park and follow the signs pointing uphill toward Ihwa Mural Village and Naksan Park. The walk involves moderate uphill stairs, taking about 15 to 20 minutes from the subway station. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and be mindful of local residents as Ihwa-dong is a working-class residential zone.

Yeouido Hangang Park

The Han River serves as an emotional backdrop in *Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo*, representing escape and relaxation. Bok-joo and Joon-hyung meet along the water, sit on the grassy riverbanks, and process their individual pressures while looking out across the water.

Yeouido Hangang Park is one of Seoul's premier public parks along the southern bank of the Han River. It is famous for its wide lawns, bicycle rental trails, convenience store instant ramen stations, and water fountains. Locals gather here at sunset to set up picnic mats, enjoy delivered Korean fried chicken, and watch the city lights reflect across the water.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 5 to Yeouinaru Station and exit via Exit 2 or 3. You will emerge directly into Yeouido Hangang Park. The riverfront promenade is immediately accessible from the subway stairs.

Make a Day of It

To turn your weightlifting fairy filming locations hunt into an unforgettable full-day itinerary, you can easily pair these spots with nearby local attractions and classic Korean food experiences.

Start your morning in northern Seoul by taking bus Seongbuk 02 up to the Jageun Maeul building in Seongbuk-dong. After snapping your photos outside the building, explore Seongbuk-dong's thriving cultural scene. Visit a traditional Hanok tea house like Subuyeon or stop by the nearby Kansong Art Museum if open. From Seongbuk-dong, take a short taxi ride or neighborhood bus down to the vibrant Daehangno theater district near Hyehwa Station. Enjoy a bowl of hand-cut knife noodles (kalguksu) or savory dumplings before heading up the walking path to Ihwa Mural Village and Naksan Park for sunset.

Alternatively, dedicate an afternoon to western Seoul. Head to World Cup Stadium Station around late afternoon to explore Haneul Park. Aim to arrive about an hour before golden hour to catch the sunlight filtering through the tall silver grass. Afterwards, ride line 6 one stop over to Hongdae (Hongik University Station). Hongdae is packed with energy, street performers, and endless food options. To stay true to Bok-joo's ultimate food philosophy—the famous "LVM" routine (Lamb, Very good food, Meat/Dessert)—sit down for a feast at a local Korean fried chicken restaurant like Kyochon or BB.Q Chicken, followed by sweet Korean bingsu (shaved ice) for dessert.

Photo Tips for Bok Joo Fans

Capturing great photos at these spots requires paying attention to timing and angles:

• Bok Chicken Exterior: Stand directly across the narrow street facing the restaurant entrance to mirror the camera framing used in the show. Late afternoon light softens the red brick facade. Use a portrait lens setting to keep the background defined while maintaining focus on yourself.
• Haneul Park Silver Grass: Visit during golden hour (roughly 60 to 90 minutes before sunset). Position yourself on the raised wooden boardwalks with the sun behind your subject so the silver grass tops backlight softly into a golden halo, matching the drama's autumn romantic aesthetic.
• Naksan Wall Night Views: Wait until civil twilight when the sky turns deep navy blue and the warm artificial lights along the Seoul City Wall turn on. Frame your photo showing both the curve of the ancient stone wall and the distant city lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the real Bok Chicken restaurant still open to visitors?

The building structure used for Bok Chicken exists in Seongbuk-dong as a restaurant called Jageun Maeul. However, it operates as a traditional home-style Korean restaurant serving dishes like stew and pork rather than a fried chicken joint. You can photograph the exterior and pop in for a meal, but keep in mind that business hours and operations may vary.

Where was the Haneul Sports University campus filmed?

While the drama is set in Seoul, the campus scenes for Haneul Sports University were primarily filmed at Inha University, located in Incheon (just west of Seoul). The wide tree-lined paths, athletic facilities, and campus ponds belong to Inha University, which can be reached via the Suin-Bundang Subway Line at Inha University Station.

Can you eat fried chicken at the real filming location?

No, the real location (Jageun Maeul) serves traditional home-cooked Korean meals such as kimchi stew, pajeon (savory pancake), and spicy pork stir-fry rather than fried chicken. If you crave real fried chicken after visiting, head to the bustling Daehangno or Hongdae areas nearby, where dozens of popular Korean fried chicken chains operate late into the night.

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