Past Lives Movie Seoul Locations: Walk In-Yun’s Footsteps

Discovering the Nostalgic Seoul of Past Lives

Walking through the narrow alleys of Bukchon on a quiet weekday afternoon, you can almost hear the soft rustle of autumn leaves and the faint chime of wind bells hanging from traditional hanok eaves. It is precisely this quiet, poetic side of the city that shines through in Celine Song’s acclaimed film, Past Lives. While many international productions paint Seoul with glowing neon neon boards and sleek skyscrapers, this movie captures the tender, grounded reality of everyday life in South Korea’s capital.

For fans who were moved by the concept of In-Yun—the idea that fate brings souls together across multiple lifetimes—visiting these past lives movie seoul locations offers a chance to step into the characters’ inner worlds. Rather than flashy tourist hubs, these spots showcase tree-lined walkways, residential hillside staircases, and historic public parks where time seems to slow down. Here is a thoughtful guide to the real-life places where Hae Sung and Na Young’s childhood memories unfolded.

1. The Samcheong-dong Alley Staircase

In one of the most memorable scenes from their childhood, young Na Young and Hae Sung walk home together after school before reaching a distinct fork in the road. Na Young ascends a steep set of stone stairs leading to her artistic house, while Hae Sung continues straight along the lower flat path, symbolizing their diverging destinies.

This scene was filmed in the historic neighborhood spanning Samcheong-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village. The area is renowned for its preservation of classic Korean architecture alongside modern art galleries and small cafes. The exact staircase is a real residential alleyway tucked away behind the main street, surrounded by traditional stone retaining walls and quiet residential doorways.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station and leave via Exit 1. Walk north toward Samcheong-ro, heading uphill along the main road lined with craft shops. The surrounding residential side alleys require a bit of wandering on foot. Because this is an active residential neighborhood, visitors should maintain low noise levels and refrain from taking photos directly into private homes.

2. Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower

During his adult life in Korea, Hae Sung takes a break from his engineering career and spends time exploring classic Seoul landmarks with his university friends. One of their memorable outings features sweeping views of the urban landscape from the terraced paths of Namsan Park, framed by the silhouette of N Seoul Tower.

Namsan Park is a historic mountain park situated right in the center of the city. Elevated high above the surrounding skyscrapers, it has served as a landmark for centuries, originating as a key military signaling station during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it stands as one of the most romantic and accessible nature spots in Seoul, offering pine forests, historical stone walls, and panoramic vistas of the metropolis below.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station and exit at Exit 3. From there, you can walk approximately fifteen minutes uphill to the Namsan Cable Car boarding station. Alternatively, you can hop on the yellow Namsan Loop Bus (Bus No. 01) from various central subway stops, which takes you directly to the top near the tower base.

3. Cheonggyecheon Stream

Throughout the film’s Korean sequences, Hae Sung is seen reflecting on his life while walking along the peaceful waterside trails of Cheonggyecheon Stream. The ambient sound of flowing water provides a quiet counterpoint to the busy downtown traffic humming directly above.

Cheonggyecheon is an 11-kilometer-long urban restoration project that runs through the heart of central Seoul. Covered by concrete highways for decades during Korea’s rapid industrialization, it was restored in the mid-2000s into a sunken natural haven. Today, locals and visitors alike use the lower walkways for morning walks, quiet lunch breaks, and romantic evening strolls right beside stepping stones and seasonal fish.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station and use Exit 5. Cheonggye Plaza, where the stream begins, is located just a few steps away. You can also access various entry points along the stream from Line 1 (Jonggak Station) or Line 2 (Euljiro 1-ga Station).

4. Euljiro Alleyways and Outdoor Pubs

Later in the film, Hae Sung shares casual late-night drinks with his close male friends. They sit outside on simple plastic chairs in a narrow, bustling alleyway, sipping draft beer and soju alongside grilled side dishes under warm string lights.

This scene captures the authentic atmosphere of Euljiro, affectionately nicknamed Hipjiro by younger Seoulites. Historically an industrial neighborhood filled with printing shops, hardware stores, and metal foundries, Euljiro transforms at night into a vibrant dining hub. Historic spots like Nogari Alley feature dozens of outdoor pubs where office workers unwind after long hours.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 or Line 3 to Euljiro 3-ga Station. Leave through Exit 3 or Exit 4 and step immediately into the small side streets. The neighborhood is best explored on foot after sunset, when the commercial printing shops close down and the local drinking spots open up.

Make a Day of It

To fully immerse yourself in the film’s serene atmosphere, you can easily combine these past lives movie seoul locations into a single, beautifully paced one-day itinerary across central Seoul.

• Morning: Start your morning early at Anguk Station. Take a quiet morning walk through Samcheong-dong and Bukchon before the afternoon crowds arrive. Grab a traditional breakfast of warm Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang) or a fresh pastry from a converted hanok bakery in the neighborhood.
• Afternoon: Walk south toward Jongno and descend into the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Enjoy a peaceful hour walking along the water toward Gwanghwamun Plaza. From there, take a short bus ride or pleasant hike up to Namsan Park to catch panoramic afternoon views of the skyline.
• Evening: As sunset approaches, take the cable car down from Namsan and head straight to Euljiro. Find an open table in one of the lively side alleys to experience local Korean pub culture, ordering traditional dried fish (nogari) or Korean fried chicken accompanied by refreshing beverages.

Plan Your Visit

Here is a reference summary for visiting the key locations featured in the movie. Please verify hours and access before visiting.

Area / Transit Line	Time Needed	Rough Budget
Samcheong-dong (Anguk Line 3)	1.5 – 2 hours	Free (Food/Cafes optional)
Cheonggyecheon (Gwanghwamun Line 5)	1 hour	Free
Namsan Park (Myeongdong Line 4)	1.5 – 2 hours	Free – ~15,000 KRW (Cable car optional)
Euljiro (Euljiro 3-ga Line 2/3)	1.5 – 2 hours	10,000 – 30,000 KRW (Food & Drinks)

Photo Tips

Capturing the cinematic, nostalgic visual style of the film requires paying attention to lighting and location atmosphere rather than flashy poses.

• Samcheong-dong Stairs: Visit during late afternoon golden hour. Position your camera at a low angle near the base of the split path to frame the ascending stone stairs and traditional tile walls in soft, warm sunlight. Always remain respectful of local residents and avoid blocking narrow pathways.
• Namsan Park Lookout: Head to the wooden observation decks near the top of the mountain just before sunset. Frame your shot looking out across the vast city basin to capture the exact mix of nature and urban landscape shown in the movie.
• Euljiro Alleys: Visit around 8:00 PM when the nighttime crowd is in full swing. Use a prime lens with a wider aperture to capture the warm glow of hanging street lights and low-lit alleyway reflections without using a flash.

Past Lives Fan Checklist

• Suggested Photo Route: Morning at Samcheong-dong Alley Staircase → Midday walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream → Golden hour at Namsan Park Lookout → Night photos in Euljiro Alleyways.
• Residential Etiquette: Maintain low noise in Bukchon/Samcheong-dong alleys, respect quiet hours, and avoid taking photos directly into private residences.
• Footwear Tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes suitable for steep stone stairs, hill walkways, and urban cobblestone trails.

FAQ

How long do I need to visit all Past Lives filming locations in Seoul?

Because all major locations featured in the film are located within central Seoul, you can easily visit every primary spot within a single full day. Allocate roughly four to six hours if you prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of time for walking and coffee breaks.

Are the residential locations in Bukchon and Samcheong-dong open to tourists?

The public staircases and alleyways are accessible to pedestrians, but they sit directly within residential zones. Visitors should be mindful of designated quiet hours, avoid littering, and refrain from filming private house entrances or looking into windows.

Key Takeaways

• Experience Authentic Seoul: Visiting these filming sites captures the quiet, grounded atmosphere featured in Celine Song’s Past Lives.
• Seamless Central Route: All featured locations (Samcheong-dong, Cheonggyecheon, Namsan Park, and Euljiro) are situated in central Seoul and easily connected in one day.
• Mindful Exploration: Enjoy historic residential alleys responsibly by observing noise limits and respecting local residents.

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