See You in My 19th Life Filming Locations to Visit in Korea

Standing beneath the colossal 900-year-old ginkgo tree in Cheongju on a chilly autumn afternoon, you can almost hear the soft rustle of golden leaves falling like memories across centuries. See You in My 19th Life captured hearts around the globe with Ban Ji-eum’s relentless journey to reunite with Moon Seo-ha, blending fantasy reincarnation with grounded emotional warmth. What makes this webtoon-based drama so visually enchanting is its backdrop: a mix of historic Korean landmarks, modern urban spaces, and serene coastal views that mirror Ji-eum’s multi-lifetime journey.

If you are planning a trip to South Korea to walk in the footsteps of Ji-eum and Seo-ha, you will be happy to know that many of the show’s signature locations are real, publicly accessible spots. From quiet hanok neighborhoods to shimmering urban aquariums, exploring these see you in my 19th life locations offers a unique lens through which to experience Korea beyond the standard tourist trail.

1. Cheongju Jungang Park (The Historic Ginkgo Tree)

In one of the most visually stunning sequences in the drama, Ban Ji-eum and Moon Seo-ha share quiet, meaningful interactions near a massive, glowing ginkgo tree. The tree serves as a symbol of endurance, memory, and the passage of time—perfectly fitting Ji-eum’s ancient soul.

In reality, this breathtaking scene was filmed at Cheongju Jungang Park (청주 중앙공원) in Chungcheongbuk-do. The central feature of this park is the Amnesty Tree (Ap-bok-su), an extraordinary ginkgo tree estimated to be over 900 years old. Local legends say the tree earned its name during the Goryeo Dynasty when political prisoners were spared after praying beside it. In autumn, the canopy turns an unbelievable shade of brilliant gold, covering the stone paths in a thick carpet of leaves.

How to get there

Take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Nambu or Gangnam) to Cheongju Intercity Bus Terminal (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). From the terminal, board local Bus 50-2, 105, or 831 and get off at the Seeseong-dong or Jungang Park stop. The park is a short 3-minute walk from the bus stop.

2. Coex Aquarium (The Ocean Tunnel Stroll)

During the early episodes, Ban Ji-eum watches Moon Seo-ha from outside the deep blue marine exhibits, setting up their subtle emotional connection through glass walls and swimming sea creatures. The deep blue lighting gives the scene a melancholic, fairytale-like atmospheric vibe.

This striking sequence was shot inside Coex Aquarium, located within the expansive Starfield COEX Mall in Gangnam, Seoul. As one of South Korea’s largest aquatic centers, it features over 40,000 ocean creatures across themed zones. The specific shot takes place inside the Deep Blue Ocean Tunnel and the giant main tank exhibit, where visitors can walk surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 9 to Bongeunsa Station and head out of Exit 7, which connects directly to the basement level of Starfield COEX Mall. Alternatively, take Line 2 to Samseong Station (Exits 5 or 6) and follow the indoor concourse signs to the aquarium.

3. Sanseong-dong Hanok Neighborhood in Gongju (Ae-gyeong’s Snack Shop)

When Ban Ji-eum seeks out Kim Ae-gyeong—the modern incarnation of her niece from her 17th life—she finds refuge at Ae-gyeong’s warm, traditional snack shop. This location becomes the emotional anchor for Ji-eum, serving as a sanctuary where she can drop her guard and share meals cooked with familiar love.

The exterior and surrounding traditional alleyways were filmed around the historic Sanseong-dong and Hanok Village area in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do. Gongju was once the ancient capital of the Baekje Kingdom, and its streetscapes retain an authentic, unhurried traditional charm. The specific building used for Ae-gyeong’s restaurant was modified for filming; while the interior set was built on a soundstage, the exterior wooden gates and surrounding stone walls remain fully intact in Gongju’s traditional district near the Geumgang River.

Note: Because parts of this neighborhood are active residential and commercial spaces, visitors should be mindful of noise levels and respect the privacy of local residents.

How to get there

Take the KTX high-speed train from Yongsan Station in Seoul to Osong Station, then transfer to a local train or bus heading to Gongju. Alternatively, take a direct express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Gongju Bus Terminal (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). From Gongju Terminal, local Bus 100 or 125 will take you directly to the Sanseong Market and Gongsanseong Fortress area.

2>4. Gwanggyo Lake Park (The Romantic Night Reflections)

As Ji-eum and Seo-ha begin to navigate their complex feelings, several serene evening walks feature illuminated boardwalks and shimmering water reflections. These scenes showcase the quiet, lingering tension between the past lives Ji-eum remembers and the present life Seo-ha is trying to endure.

These night strolls were filmed at Gwanggyo Lake Park (광교호수공원) in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Built around two large natural reservoirs (Woncheon Lake and Sindae Lake), this park is renowned among locals for having some of the finest urban night scenery in the capital region. The circular wooden boardwalks feature soft LED lighting that reflects across the lake water against the backdrop of modern residential towers.

How to get there

Board the Shinbundang Subway Line (Red Line) heading south and get off at Gwanggyo Central Station (Exit 4). From Exit 4, you can take a quick 5-minute ride on local Bus 19 or Bus 20 to the Gwanggyo Lake Park stop, or enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk straight down the boulevard.

Make a Day of It

If you are traveling outside Seoul to visit these filming locations, you can turn your pilgrimage into rich cultural day trips:

• In Cheongju: After taking photos at Jungang Park, walk 10 minutes to Suamgol Mural Village. This hillside neighborhood is famous for colorful wall art, historic drama filming sites, and rooftop cafes offering sweeping views over Cheongju city. Try local Cheongju-style grilled pork belly at the nearby Seomun Market.
• In Gongju: Combine your visit to Ae-gyeong’s neighborhood with a stroll through Gongsanseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the river. Don’t leave Gongju without trying gukbap (beef rice soup) or local chestnut pastries, as Gongju is famous throughout Korea for its sweet chestnuts.
• In Suwon: Start your afternoon at the famous Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, explore the hip cafes along Haengnidan-gil, and head to Gwanggyo Lake Park right before sunset so you can catch both golden hour and the night lights.

Photo Tips

To capture photos that match the painterly visual direction of the show, keep these exact setups in mind:

• Cheongju Ginkgo Tree: Plan your trip specifically for late October to early November. Shoot from a low angle standing about 15 paces back from the trunk to capture the full golden canopy framing your subject in the center. Late afternoon light (around 4:30 PM) adds a warm glow.
• Coex Aquarium Tunnel: Visit on a weekday morning right at opening time (10:00 AM) to avoid crowd reflections on the acrylic walls. Turn off your camera flash, use a fast aperture lens, and position yourself looking up through the glass tunnel while marine life passes overhead.
• Gwanggyo Lake Park Boardwalk: Visit during blue hour—roughly 20 to 30 minutes after sunset—when the sky turns dark navy and the lake lighting illuminates the wooden walkway. Set your camera on a small tripod for clear night shots.

FAQ

When is the best time of year to visit these filming spots?

Autumn (late October through mid-November) is undeniably the best season to visit. The bright yellow ginkgo foliage at Cheongju Jungang Park peaks during this window, and the autumn breeze in Gongju and Suwon offers ideal walking weather.

Are these locations free to visit?

Cheongju Jungang Park, Gongju Hanok neighborhood alleys, and Gwanggyo Lake Park are completely free public spaces open 24/7. Coex Aquarium requires a paid entrance ticket, which you can purchase at the venue or book online in advance for a discount.

How long should I plan for a trip outside Seoul?

Cheongju and Gongju are best enjoyed as individual full-day trips from Seoul. Suwon’s Gwanggyo Lake Park is easily reachable within 45 minutes from central Seoul via the Shinbundang Line, making it an easy half-day or evening trip.

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