Our Beloved Summer Filming Locations: Your Guide to Ung & Yeon-su’s Seoul

Annyeong, Fellow K-Drama Lovers!

It’s your local K-drama fan here, ready to take you on another unforgettable journey through the streets of Korea, inspired by the shows we adore! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of one of the most comforting, heartwarming, and beautifully shot K-dramas of recent years: Our Beloved Summer (그 해 우리는). Starring the incredibly charming Choi Woo-shik as Choi Ung and the radiant Kim Da-mi as Kook Yeon-su, this drama wasn’t just a masterclass in slow-burn romance; it was also a visual feast, presenting Seoul and its surrounding areas in the most enchanting light.

Ung and Yeon-su’s story, told through flashbacks and present-day encounters, unfolds in settings that feel both deeply personal and universally appealing. From Ung’s dreamy rooftop studio with its iconic Namsan Tower views to their beloved donkatsu restaurant and the historic pathways they stroll, each location plays a vital role in their journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery. These aren’t just backdrops; they’re characters in themselves, brimming with the warmth and nostalgia that makes Our Beloved Summer so special. If you’re planning your K-drama-inspired trip to Korea, trust me, these Our Beloved Summer filming locations are a must-see!

Ssol-ssol-wang-donkatsu (솔솔왕돈까스)

This is it, the heart of their shared history! Ssol-ssol-wang-donkatsu is where Ung and Yeon-su first work together during their documentary days, a place filled with both awkwardness and budding affection. It’s also where many of their friends gather and where we see their day-to-day lives unfold.

In real life, Ssol-ssol-wang-donkatsu is a genuine, long-standing restaurant in the heart of Seoul, beloved for its traditional Korean-style pork cutlets. It has that authentic, old-school diner feel that makes it perfect for the drama’s nostalgic vibe. Visiting here means not just stepping into a drama scene, but also enjoying a delicious, hearty meal!

How to get there

Ssol-ssol-wang-donkatsu is located in the Ikseon-dong area of Jongno-gu, Seoul.

• Subway: Take Seoul Subway Line 1, 3, or 5 to Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (종로3가역). Use Exit 4 or 5 and walk for about 5-7 minutes towards Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. The restaurant is tucked away in one of the charming alleyways.

Daeoh Bookstore (대오서점)

Remember those quiet moments of reflection, the understated beauty that often characterized Ung and Yeon-su’s more introspective scenes? Daeoh Bookstore embodies that perfectly. It’s a place where they might have sought solace or simply existed in comfortable silence.

Daeoh Bookstore holds the title of Seoul’s oldest second-hand bookstore, a true historical gem. While it no longer operates as a traditional bookstore, it has been beautifully preserved as a cafe and cultural space, allowing visitors to soak in its unique, vintage atmosphere. The charming blue exterior and the cozy interior filled with old books and memorabilia make it incredibly picturesque.

How to get there

Daeoh Bookstore is nestled in the historic Seochon Village, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

• Subway: Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (경복궁역). Use Exit 2 and walk straight for about 10-15 minutes, following the signs towards Seochon Village. It’s a pleasant walk through a traditional neighborhood.

Namsan Park & Namsan Seoul Tower (남산공원 & 남산서울타워)

Namsan Park and its iconic Namsan Seoul Tower serve as a backdrop for numerous romantic and pivotal moments in Our Beloved Summer. It’s where Ung and Yeon-su walk, talk, share intimate moments, and where the city’s twinkling lights become a silent witness to their evolving relationship. It’s a quintessential K-drama location for a reason!

Namsan Park is one of Seoul’s largest and most beloved parks, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. The Namsan Tower itself is an observation and communication tower, famous for its ‘love locks’ and romantic ambiance. Whether you’re walking the trails, riding the cable car, or gazing out from the observation deck, you’ll feel the magic that has drawn countless K-drama couples here.

How to get there

Namsan Park is centrally located in Seoul, accessible from various points.

• Namsan Cable Car: Take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station (명동역), Exit 3. Walk about 10 minutes to the Namsan Cable Car platform.
• Namsan Circulation Bus: From Chungmuro Station (충무로역) Exit 2 (Line 3, 4) or Dongguk University Station (동대입구역) Exit 6 (Line 3), you can catch Namsan Circulation Bus No. 01.
• Walking: For the adventurous, you can hike up one of the many scenic trails to the tower.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성)

The majestic Suwon Hwaseong Fortress provides a breathtaking, sprawling backdrop for some of Ung and Yeon-su’s most significant conversations and walks. The vastness of the fortress walls mirrors the depth of their journey and the time they spent unraveling their complex emotions.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolutely magnificent example of Joseon Dynasty architecture and defensive structures. Built in the late 18th century, it’s a massive stone wall encircling the city of Suwon, featuring impressive gates, command posts, and pavilions. Walking along the fortress walls offers not only historical insight but also incredible views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

How to get there

Suwon is a city just south of Seoul, easily accessible by train.

• Train: From Seoul Station or Yongsan Station, take a KTX or Mugunghwa-ho train to Suwon Station (수원역). The journey is quick, around 30 minutes to an hour depending on the train.
• Subway: Take Seoul Subway Line 1 all the way to Suwon Station (수원역). This takes longer, approximately 1 hour.
• From Suwon Station: Once at Suwon Station, take a local bus (many routes go to Hwaseong Fortress, look for signs to Paldalmun Gate or Janganmun Gate) or a taxi for a short ride to the fortress area.

Ung’s Rooftop Studio Vibes: Finding Your Own Namsan View

Ah, Ung’s rooftop studio – his sanctuary, his workspace, and the setting for countless artistic endeavors and quiet moments of contemplation. The panoramic view of Namsan Tower from his rooftop is arguably one of the most iconic images from the drama, embodying Ung’s artistic spirit and the dreamy atmosphere of the show.

While Ung’s actual studio was likely a set or a private residence, the magical Namsan Tower views it offered are very much a reality in certain neighborhoods of Seoul! Many areas in Yongsan-gu, particularly around Hae Bang Chon (HBC) and Gyeongnidan-gil, are known for their charming, hilly streets that offer spectacular, unobstructed views of Namsan Tower and the city skyline. Exploring these neighborhoods, filled with unique cafes and local eateries, is the perfect way to capture that “Ung’s rooftop” aesthetic and feel.

How to get there

To experience similar Namsan Tower views and the cozy, artistic vibe:

• Hae Bang Chon (HBC): Take Seoul Subway Line 6 to Noksapyeong Station (녹사평역). Use Exit 2 and walk straight, then explore the side streets leading uphill. Many cafes along the main road and higher up in the residential areas offer fantastic views.
• Gyeongnidan-gil: Also accessible from Noksapyeong Station (녹사평역) Exit 2, this area is adjacent to HBC and similarly known for its unique shops, restaurants, and elevated views.
• Specific Cafes: Look for cafes in these areas with “rooftop” or “terrace” seating. A quick search for “Namsan Tower view cafe Hae Bang Chon” can yield great results closer to your travel date.
• Respect Private Property: Remember that many of these views come from residential areas. Please be mindful and respectful of local residents when exploring.

Make a Day of It

To make the most of your Our Beloved Summer filming location trip, here are some ideas for combining nearby attractions:

• Jongno & Seochon Charm (Ssol-ssol-wang-donkatsu & Daeoh Bookstore): After enjoying donkatsu and soaking in the history of Daeoh Bookstore, you’re perfectly positioned to explore Ikseon-dong Hanok Village (right by Ssol-ssol-wang-donkatsu) with its trendy cafes and shops, or delve deeper into Seochon Village‘s traditional alleys and art galleries. You can also easily walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace for a taste of royal history or browse the artisan crafts in Insadong.
• Namsan & Myeongdong Magic (Namsan Park): A trip to Namsan Tower pairs perfectly with a visit to Myeongdong, Seoul’s bustling shopping and street food district, located right at the foot of Namsan. You can spend the afternoon shopping and eating, then head up Namsan for sunset and sparkling night views.
• Suwon History & Culture (Suwon Hwaseong Fortress): Once in Suwon, don’t just stop at the fortress walls! Explore the beautiful Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, a temporary palace for the king during his visits. Afterwards, wander through the vibrant Nammun Market, one of Korea’s largest traditional markets, for local street food and souvenirs.
• Yongsan’s Hipster Vibe (Ung’s Rooftop Views): After finding your ideal Namsan view in Hae Bang Chon or Gyeongnidan-gil, take some time to explore the unique boutiques, international restaurants, and trendy bars of these vibrant neighborhoods. It’s a fantastic area for people-watching and experiencing Seoul’s modern, diverse culture. You’re also close to Itaewon for even more dining and nightlife options.

Photo Tips

Capturing the magic of Our Beloved Summer is all about finding the right angle and light!

• Ssol-ssol-wang-donkatsu: Try to get a shot of the distinctive blue sign outside, perhaps with some of the charming Ikseon-dong alleyways in the background. Inside, capture the cozy, retro booths, maybe even with a plate of donkatsu!
• Daeoh Bookstore: The blue exterior is iconic! Try an angled shot to capture both the facade and the surrounding traditional alley. Inside, focus on the shelves of old books, the vintage decor, and the sunlight streaming through the windows – morning light is best here.
• Namsan Park & Tower: For the love locks, aim for a tight shot showing the colorful locks with the city in the blurry background. From the observation deck, a wide-angle lens is great for panoramic city shots, especially at sunset or night. On the walking trails, look for angles that frame the tower among the trees.
• Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: The fortress walls themselves are incredibly photogenic. Try walking along the path and getting a shot of the curved walls stretching into the distance. The Seojangdae (West Command Post) offers fantastic views and makes for a dramatic backdrop. Sunset here is absolutely magical.
• Namsan Viewpoints (HBC/Gyeongnidan-gil): Find a cafe terrace with a good vantage point. Frame Namsan Tower with a coffee cup in the foreground for that perfect ‘casual aesthetic’ shot. Golden hour (just before sunset) will give you the most breathtaking city views.

FAQ

Is Choi Ung’s house a real place I can visit?

While the exterior and rooftop studio of Choi Ung’s house are incredibly memorable, the actual filming location for the house is generally understood to be a private residence or a specially created set. Therefore, it’s not a public tourist spot that you can visit. Instead, we recommend exploring neighborhoods like Hae Bang Chon (HBC) or Gyeongnidan-gil, which offer similar charming, hilly streets and stunning views of Namsan Tower, allowing you to capture that iconic Our Beloved Summer vibe safely and respectfully from public areas.

How much time should I allocate for visiting Suwon Hwaseong Fortress?

To fully appreciate Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, plan for at least a half-day trip, ideally a full day. Walking the entire fortress wall (approximately 5.7 km or 3.5 miles) can take 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace, not including time for photos or exploring the individual gates and pavilions. If you want to visit Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and Nammun Market as well, a full day will allow you to do so comfortably without rushing. It’s a fantastic day trip from Seoul!

Can I visit all these Our Beloved Summer filming locations in one day?

Realistically, no, it would be very challenging and rushed to visit all these locations in a single day. Ssol-ssol-wang-donkatsu and Daeoh Bookstore are relatively close in central Seoul, allowing for a combined morning or afternoon. Namsan Park is also central but requires its own dedicated time. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a separate day trip outside of Seoul. We highly recommend spreading your visits over several days to truly soak in the atmosphere of each spot and enjoy the surrounding neighborhoods without feeling hurried. Plan your itinerary wisely to group nearby locations together for the best experience!