Alchemy of Souls Filming Locations You Can Visit in Korea

Standing on the flat granite boulders of Hamyang while morning mist rolls down the riverbed, it takes less than ten seconds to feel like you have stepped directly into Daeho. The fictional nation in Alchemy of Souls felt entirely detached from modern reality, built on ancient mage houses, hidden mountain retreats, and sprawling traditional training grounds. While Daeho itself exists only in the brilliant minds of the Hong Sisters, the physical locations that brought this fantasy realm to life are scattered across the Korean peninsula.

International fans often assume the show relied almost entirely on CGI studio sets. While complex magic spells were added in post-production, the dramatic cliffs, secluded pavilions, and historic stone fortresses are very real. Traveling to these sites reveals how carefully the production team selected Korea’s natural monuments to create the show’s distinctive atmosphere. Here are the most memorable, publicly accessible alchemy of souls filming locations you can include on your trip to South Korea.

Plan Your Visit

Location & Region	Rough Time Needed	Rough Budget Range
Nongwoljeong Pavilion Hamyang, South Gyeongsang	2–3 hours	Free entry (Bus/Taxi fare)
Neungpadae Rocks Goseong, Gangwon-do	1–2 hours	Free entry (Bus fare)
Saseongam Hermitage Gurye, Jeollanam-do	2–3 hours	Low shuttle & entry fee
Mungyeong Saejae Set Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang	3–5 hours	Small admission fee

Note: Please verify operating hours, shuttle schedules, and site access before visiting as regional transport details are subject to change.

Nongwoljeong Pavilion in Hamyang

This scenic streamside sanctuary appears in key outdoor moments where Jang Uk and Mu-deok step away from the political tension of Songrim. The smooth rock plateau and rushing river provide the backdrop for quiet discussions about energy, soul shifting, and their evolving master-disciple bond.

In reality, Nongwoljeong is a historic wooden pavilion tucked away in Hamyang County, South Gyeongsang Province. Its name translates to ‘pining for the moon,’ which fits the poetic mood of the drama. The pavilion sits on a massive expanse of flat granite rock carved out over centuries by the crystal-clear waters of the Namgang River tributary. Local Koreans have gathered here for generations to write poetry and appreciate nature, making it a peaceful stop far away from standard tourist crowds.

How to get there

Take an intercity bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) to Hamyang Bus Terminal (approx. 3 hours). From Hamyang Bus Terminal, take a local rural bus heading toward Anui or Nongwoljeong, or take a short 15-minute taxi ride directly to the Nongwoljeong Auto Camping Ground entrance. Walk along the river wooden boardwalk for about five minutes to reach the pavilion.

Neungpadae Rocks in Goseong

Remember the raw, wind-swept coastal rock formations where young mages train beside crashing ocean waves? Neungpadae serves as the rugged backdrop for high-stakes outdoor encounters along the eastern border of the fictional realm.

Situated along the Gangwon-do coastline in Goseong County, Neungpadae is a geological wonder designated as part of the National Geopark system. The site is famous for its intricate ‘tafoni’ structure—honeycomb-like weathered holes pockmarking massive granite rock faces right at the edge of the East Sea. A wooden pedestrian boardwalk winds through the formations, allowing visitors to walk right between the sharp rock pillars while listening to the sea swell below.

How to get there

Take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal (approx. 2.5 hours). From Sokcho, catch city bus number 1 or 1-1 heading north into Goseong County and disembark at the Ayajin Beach or Baekdo Port stop. From the bus stop, walk roughly 10 minutes toward the coast to reach the Neungpadae Geopark boardwalk.

Saseongam Hermitage in Gurye

Perched high on a rocky peak, this dramatic cliffside temple represents the remote, hidden sanctuaries where mages go to practice secret arts and meditate in solitude away from the capital city.

Saseongam Hermitage is located near the summit of Mount Osan in Gurye County, Jeollanam-do. Built during the Three Kingdoms period, its small wooden halls are literally pinned against sheer cliff faces using towering wooden stilts. The view from the temple courtyard looks down over the sweeping Seomjin River and the wide agricultural plains below. It is considered one of the most visually stunning mountain temples in all of South Korea, blending natural rock faces with traditional Buddhist architecture.

How to get there

Take the KTX train from Yongsan Station in Seoul to Gurye-gu Station (approx. 2.5 hours). From the station, take a short taxi to the Mount Osan Shuttle Bus Ticket Office. Because the road up Mount Osan is extremely steep and narrow, private vehicles are restricted; you must take the official local shuttle bus or village taxi up to the Saseongam summit parking area, followed by a short steep walk up the stone stairs.

Mungyeong Saejae Open Set

This expansive historic set provided the foundation for Daeho’s busy city streets, marketplace alleys, and the grand gates leading into Songrim and the royal palace grounds. You will immediately recognize the traditional wooden archways, stone walls, and tiled rooflines seen throughout both Season 1 and Season 2.

Located inside Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park in North Gyeongsang Province, this is one of Korea’s premier historical filming facilities. Surrounded by lush pine-covered mountains and historic mountain passes, the set was built to resemble Joseon-era palaces and commoner villages. Because it is surrounded by natural wilderness rather than modern buildings, film crews frequently use it for fantasy and historical dramas like Kingdom and The King’s Affection.

How to get there

Take an intercity bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Mungyeong Bus Terminal (approx. 2 hours). From Mungyeong Terminal, take local bus number 100 or 200 directly to the main Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park entrance stop. Walk past the main park visitor center for about 15 minutes along the paved path to reach the Open Set entrance gates.

Make a Day of It

Exploring these locations takes you through distinct regions of Korea, each with its own incredible food culture and natural attractions. Here is how to build full day itineraries around your visits:

• Hamyang & Gurye Region: If you travel south to Hamyang and Gurye, pair your filming location visits with regional dining. Hamyang is famous for its savory black pork barbecue (Hamyang Heukdwaeji) and lotus leaf rice sets. In Gurye, stop by a local restaurant near the base of Mount Osan for Sanchae Bibimbap, a dish featuring fresh wild mountain herbs harvested directly from nearby Jirisan National Park.
• Goseong & Sokcho Coast: Combine your visit to Neungpadae Rocks with a coastal day trip through Sokcho. After taking photos at the rocks, head south to Sokcho Jungang Market to feast on famous sweet-and-spicy stuffed fried chicken (Dakgangjeong) and fresh squid sundae. Walk along Ayajin Beach nearby for quiet ocean views and charming independent cafes.
• Mungyeong Mountain Valley: At Mungyeong Saejae, plan to spend at least half a day. After walking through the open set, hike along the gentle dirt trails of the historic Saejae mountain pass. Before leaving town, try Mungyeong’s famous grilled pork belly cooked over oak charcoal with local schisandra berry (Omija) marinade, and sip a cup of chilled omija tea.

Photo Tips

Capturing the fantasy feeling of Daeho requires paying attention to angles and lighting:

• Nongwoljeong Pavilion: Stand on the lower edge of the wide granite rock face and shoot upward toward the pavilion with a wide-angle lens. This frames the wooden structure against the sky while including the rushing river in the foreground. Morning visits offer a gentle mist rising from the stream that mimics the show’s ethereal mood.
• Neungpadae Rocks: Crouch low on the wooden boardwalk and shoot through the weathered natural windows in the porous rock. Position your travel companion inside the frame with the blue sea behind them to replicate a dramatic coastal stance. Late afternoon light brings out warm golden tones in the granite.
• Saseongam Hermitage: Walk past the main hall up to the upper glass shrine (Yurisamneung) and look back down. A vertical wide shot captures the dramatic wooden pillars clinging to the cliffside with the winding Seomjin River stretched out below.

Fan Checklist & Etiquette

• Recommended Shot Order: Morning mist on the granite riverbed at Nongwoljeong → framing the East Sea through Neungpadae’s porous rock windows → dramatic cliffside views from Saseongam → wandering the Joseon-era streets at Mungyeong Saejae.
• Respect Active Sacred Grounds: Saseongam is an active Buddhist hermitage. Keep voices low, avoid flash photography near worshippers, and dress respectfully.
• Protect Geological Sites: Stay on designated wooden walkways at Neungpadae Geopark to protect fragile rock structures from erosion.
• Leave No Trace: Take all trash with you and allow other travelers equal space at popular vantage points.

Key Takeaways

• Real-World Fantasy: Daeho’s magical landscapes in Alchemy of Souls were filmed across genuine natural monuments, ancient cliffside temples, and open sets across South Korea.
• Rich Regional Discovery: Journeying beyond Seoul to Gangwon, Gyeongsang, and Jeolla provinces rewards travelers with distinct landscapes, regional delicacies, and rich history.
• Plan Connections In Advance: Reaching rural locations often involves regional express buses or KTX trains plus local shuttles, so confirm transit times before setting off.

FAQ

Is Daeho a real place in South Korea?

Daeho is a fictional nation created for Alchemy of Souls, but its breathtaking scenes were filmed at real natural landmarks, mountain hermitages, and historic open sets across South Korea.

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