Your Ultimate Guide to Lovely Runner Filming Locations in Korea!

Annyeonghaseyo, K-drama lovers! Your resident K-drama fan and local guide from KDrama Trip here, absolutely buzzing to talk about one of the most heartwarming and visually stunning dramas of the year: Lovely Runner! If you, like me, fell head over heels for Ryu Sun-jae and Im Sol’s bittersweet time-traveling romance, then you’re probably dreaming of walking in their footsteps. Well, you’re in luck! Korea is packed with the beautiful spots where our beloved couple laughed, cried, and fell in love, and I’m here to spill all the details on how you can visit them.

From iconic cherry blossom lanes to charming university campuses and serene ancient sites, Lovely Runner did an incredible job showcasing the diverse beauty of Korea. These locations aren’t just pretty backdrops; they’re integral to the story, often reflecting Sol’s yearning to change the past or Sun-jae’s unwavering devotion. They’re also fantastic places to experience the true essence of Korea, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler. So grab your K-drama playlist, because we’re going on an adventure to relive those unforgettable moments!

Yeouido Cherry Blossom Street (여의서로)

Remember that breathtaking scene where Sol and Sun-jae share a magical moment amidst a flurry of cherry blossoms? That iconic, dreamy sequence was filmed right here. This street is where many crucial scenes between the two characters unfold, from Sol’s frantic attempts to save Sun-jae to their more tender, romantic encounters, often involving a bicycle ride or a heart-to-heart talk with the Hangang River in the background. It truly captured the youthful romance and bittersweet longing of their story.

In real life, Yeouiseo-ro, often referred to as Yeouido Cherry Blossom Street, runs behind the National Assembly Building. It’s renowned as one of Seoul’s top spots for cherry blossom viewing every spring. Even outside of blossom season, it’s a beautiful area for a leisurely walk or a bike ride along the Han River, offering stunning views and a refreshing escape from the city bustle. The area is part of the larger Yeouido Hangang Park, a massive green space beloved by locals for recreation.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach Yeouiseo-ro is by subway:

• Take Seoul Subway Line 9 to National Assembly Station (국회의사당역), Exit 1 or 6. From there, it’s just a short walk (5-10 minutes) to the main cherry blossom street.
• Alternatively, you can take Line 5 to Yeouinaru Station (여의나루역), Exit 1 or 2, which puts you right into Yeouido Hangang Park. From there, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the Han River towards the National Assembly Building area to find Yeouiseo-ro. This walk is longer but very pleasant.

Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion (방화수류정) at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

The picturesque pavilion overlooking a serene pond, often seen as a backdrop for some of the most beautiful and poignant moments between our leads, especially during their younger days and reflective scenes, is none other than Banghwasuryujeong. This specific spot, with its calm waters and traditional architecture, perfectly encapsulated the tranquil beauty and timeless quality of their love story, creating some truly unforgettable frames.

This stunning pavilion is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, located in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, just south of Seoul. Banghwasuryujeong is considered one of the most beautiful spots within the fortress, offering breathtaking views of Yongyeon Pond. It was originally built as a command post during the Joseon Dynasty, but today it serves as a beloved spot for visitors to relax, take photos, and enjoy the historical ambiance. The fortress itself is a magnificent example of Joseon-era military architecture, and walking its walls provides a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s past.

How to get there

Getting to Suwon is straightforward, and from there, reaching the fortress is easy:

• Take Seoul Subway Line 1 (dark blue line) to Suwon Station (수원역). The journey takes about an hour from central Seoul.
• From Suwon Station, exit the station and look for the bus stops. Many buses go to Hwaseong Fortress. Take bus number 11, 13, 36, or 39 to Paldalmun (팔달문) or Janganmun (장안문) stops, which are main gates of the fortress.
• Once at the fortress, you can follow signs or use a map to walk to Banghwasuryujeong. It’s located near the northeast section of the fortress walls, above Yongyeon Pond. The walk around the fortress walls is highly recommended to fully appreciate the site. Allow ample time for exploring!

Yonsei University (연세대학교)

Many of the college campus scenes in Lovely Runner, depicting Sol and Sun-jae’s youthful days and interactions, were filmed at the prestigious Yonsei University. The beautiful, classic stone buildings and spacious grounds provided a perfect backdrop for their academic pursuits and budding romance. Whether it was hurried walks between classes or thoughtful conversations on a quiet bench, the campus atmosphere added an authentic touch to their student life.

Yonsei University is one of Korea’s oldest and most esteemed universities, known for its stunning architecture, particularly the Gothic-style main buildings that give it a distinctly European feel. It’s not just a place of learning but also a popular spot for visitors to stroll through its picturesque campus, especially during spring with its blooming flowers or autumn with its vibrant foliage. The campus is quite sprawling and offers a peaceful, scenic environment perfect for a leisurely walk. It’s often used in K-dramas for its iconic look.

How to get there

Yonsei University is conveniently located in the Sinchon area of Seoul:

• Take Seoul Subway Line 2 (green line) to Sinchon Station (신촌역), Exit 2 or 3.
• From the exit, walk straight for about 10-15 minutes along Yonsei-ro (연세로) which leads directly to the main gate of Yonsei University. You’ll pass many shops and restaurants on the way.
• Alternatively, many buses stop right in front of the university’s main gate. Check local bus routes from your starting point for convenience.

Gyeongui Line Forest Park (경의선 숲길)

For more casual, everyday scenes, including walks, candid conversations, and perhaps a moment of reflection, Gyeongui Line Forest Park often made an appearance. This urban park, with its blend of nature and city life, offered a comfortable and relatable setting for Sol and Sun-jae to just *be* themselves, away from the grander, more dramatic backdrops. It perfectly captured the essence of their ordinary, yet extraordinary, connection.

The Gyeongui Line Forest Park is a unique urban green space built on the site of an abandoned railway track. It stretches several kilometers through popular neighborhoods like Yeonnam-dong and Hongdae, transforming a former industrial area into a vibrant linear park. It’s a fantastic spot for locals and tourists alike to stroll, bike, or relax on grassy areas. The park is lined with trendy cafes, unique shops, and restaurants, making it a lively and charming area to explore. Each section of the park has its own distinct vibe, but the Yeonnam-dong section (often called ‘Yeontral Park’) is particularly popular.

How to get there

The park is easily accessible via several subway stations, depending on which section you wish to explore:

• For the popular Yeonnam-dong section (near Hongdae): Take Seoul Subway Line 2, Airport Railroad, or Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Hongik University Station (홍대입구역), Exit 3. As you exit, you’ll immediately find yourself at the beginning of the Yeonnam-dong stretch of the park.
• For other sections: The park also passes through Gongdeok and Gajwa areas, accessible via their respective subway stations on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line.

Make a Day of It

Visiting these Lovely Runner locations can easily fill your day with unforgettable experiences. Here’s how to make the most of your K-drama pilgrimage!

Nearby Eats

• Yeouido: Home to many office workers, Yeouido has a plethora of restaurants. Look for upscale Korean dining, delicious seafood, or casual eateries in the IFC Mall or The Hyundai Seoul department store. For a truly local experience, grab some fried chicken and beer (chimaek) to enjoy by the Han River.
• Suwon: Don’t leave Suwon without trying Suwon Galbi (수원갈비), a famous local specialty known for its tender, flavorful grilled ribs. There are many famous galbi restaurants around the fortress. Also, try Jidong Market for traditional street food and a bustling atmosphere.
• Sinchon/Hongdae (near Yonsei University & Gyeongui Line Forest Park): These vibrant student areas are a food paradise! You’ll find everything from trendy cafes and bakeries to authentic Korean street food, BBQ restaurants, fusion cuisine, and international dishes. Explore the alleys for hidden gems.

What Else to See/Do

• Yeouido: Beyond the cherry blossoms, explore Yeouido Hangang Park with a bike rental, visit the 63 Building for panoramic city views, or shop at IFC Mall and The Hyundai Seoul. You might even catch a free concert or event by the river.
• Suwon: Dedicate ample time to explore the entire Hwaseong Fortress. You can walk the full circuit (about 5.7 km), visit Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (the temporary palace), or ride the Hwaseong Trolley for a fun way to see the fortress. The fortress comes alive at night when it’s beautifully lit.
• Sinchon/Hongdae: Catch a busking performance, explore unique fashion boutiques, visit the Trick Eye Museum, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife. The Hongdae Free Market on weekends (spring to autumn) showcases local artists’ crafts.

Photo Tips

To capture those perfect Lovely Runner-inspired shots, here are some tips:

• Yeouido Cherry Blossom Street: For the most iconic shots, try to get a wide-angle shot with the canopy of blossoms above and the Hangang River in the background. If you’re recreating the bicycle scene, rent a bike and pose with it! Best time is early morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak blossom season (late March to early April).
• Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion: The best angle is from across Yongyeon Pond, capturing the pavilion’s reflection in the water with the fortress walls. Early morning or late afternoon/sunset offers beautiful soft lighting. For a more dramatic shot, visit during the evening when the pavilion is illuminated.
• Yonsei University: Focus on the main Underwood Hall building for its classic architecture. Walk through the main courtyard, or find a quiet bench. Best time for photos is during autumn when the leaves change color, or late spring when the campus is lush green. Weekday mornings can be less crowded. Remember, it’s a university, so be mindful of students.
• Gyeongui Line Forest Park: Look for the sections with the old railway tracks or lush greenery. The Yeonnam-dong section offers charming cafes and unique street art. Capture candid shots of yourself strolling, enjoying a coffee, or sitting on one of the park benches. Late afternoon for golden hour lighting is ideal, and it’s less crowded than midday.

FAQ

Is it difficult to visit these locations using public transportation?

Not at all! Korea’s public transportation system, especially in Seoul and its surrounding areas like Suwon, is incredibly efficient, extensive, and foreigner-friendly. All the locations mentioned are easily accessible by subway or bus. Just make sure to have a T-Money card (a rechargeable transit card) for seamless travel, and use navigation apps like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps for real-time directions.

Are these locations free to visit?

Generally, yes! Yeouido Cherry Blossom Street, Yonsei University campus, and Gyeongui Line Forest Park are all open public spaces and free to enter. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress usually has a small admission fee to enter the main fortress grounds and specific attractions like Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, but exploring the general area around Banghwasuryujeong and walking parts of the walls may be free or have minimal costs. Always check their official websites for the most current information before your visit.

Can I visit all these locations in one day?

While technically possible to see snippets of each, it would be a very rushed and tiring day. I recommend grouping locations that are geographically closer. For example, Yonsei University and Gyeongui Line Forest Park are in nearby districts and can be easily combined. Yeouido could be a half-day trip. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is best enjoyed as a full-day excursion due to its size and travel time from Seoul. Plan your itinerary to truly savor each spot and avoid feeling exhausted.