4 Beautiful Kdrama University Filming Locations in Korea

Strolling under the red ivy-covered arches of Underwood Hall on a crisp October afternoon feels like stepping straight onto a television set, mostly because you are. Korean university campuses have long served as the visual backbone for some of the most beloved youth dramas, romance series, and period pieces in Korean television history. From sprawling gothic stone structures that double as elite boarding schools to subterranean glass-and-steel architectural marvels, these real-life academic grounds offer international fans an immersive look into the settings where their favorite screen moments unfolded.

What makes these campuses so captivating to viewers worldwide is how seamlessly they blend historic European-inspired architecture with dense, colorful natural foliage. Whether framing the quiet heartbreak of a coming-of-age story or the grand entrance of a wealthy heir, these locations provide a uniquely cinematic atmosphere. Visiting them in person allows travelers to trace the steps of iconic characters while experiencing everyday Korean campus life up close.

Yonsei University (Sinchon Campus, Seoul)

In Extraordinary You, the historical ivy-clad stone corridors of Yonsei University served as the grand backdrop for the fictional Seomi High School, while in Reply 1994, the leafy pathways framed the daily routines of country students adjusting to life in Seoul.

Founded in 1885, Yonsei University is one of Korea’s oldest and most prestigious private institutions, forming part of the elite “SKY” university trio. The central courtyard surrounding Underwood Hall, Stimson Hall, and Appenzeller Hall features Tudor gothic-style stone buildings wrapped in thick green vines that turn brilliant shades of crimson and amber during the autumn months.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Sinchon Station and head out through Exit 2 or 3. Walk straight up Yonsei-ro, a vibrant pedestrian-friendly street packed with shops and cafes, for approximately 10 to 12 minutes until you arrive at the main front gates of the campus.

Keimyung University (Seongseo & Daemyung Campuses, Daegu)

Keimyung University’s European-style red-brick buildings famously represented the ultra-exclusive Shinhwa High School in Boys Over Flowers, and later provided the nostalgic 1970s university setting in Love Rain as well as key campus scenes in Snowdrop.

Located in Daegu, roughly two hours south of Seoul by high-speed train, Keimyung University is celebrated for its distinctive Western architecture, tree-lined avenues, and landscaped gardens. The Seongseo Campus houses the grand red-brick Adams Chapel and expansive greens, while the older Daemyung Campus offers a quieter, vintage atmosphere with ivy-covered brick walls that make it a favorite for historical and retro television projects.

How to Get There

To reach Seongseo Campus, take Daegu Subway Line 2 to Keimyung University Station and exit via Exit 1, which leads directly toward the main entrance. To visit the Daemyung Campus, take Daegu Subway Line 3 to Namsan Station and walk approximately 10 minutes west along Central Avenue.

Kyung Hee University (Seoul Campus)

The breathtaking Neo-Gothic columns and sweeping staircases of Kyung Hee University provided dramatic backdrops for romantic encounters and character strolls in dramas such as Record of Youth and Catch the Ghost.

Situated in eastern Seoul, Kyung Hee University is renowned for having perhaps the most breathtaking classical European architecture in South Korea. Its centerpiece, the Grand Peace Palace, resembles a medieval cathedral complete with intricate rose windows and towering spires, while the University Library and Administration Building feature massive Corinthian pillars that look striking against the surrounding cherry trees in spring.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 1 or the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Hoegi Station and exit through Exit 1. From there, board the local green shuttle bus (Dongdaemun 01) directly outside the station, which travels up the hill and drops passengers off directly inside the university grounds.

Ewha Womans University (Seoul)

The dramatic glass canyon of the Ewha Campus Center created a sleek backdrop for modern youth encounters in Love Alarm and captured the lively, authentic energy of university dorm life in Age of Youth.

Established in 1886 as Korea’s first educational institution for women, Ewha offers a striking juxtaposition of traditional stone structures and ultra-modern landscape design. Its defining feature is the Ewha Campus Center (ECC), designed by French architect Dominique Perrault, a massive subterranean building set inside a gently sloping green ravine lined with high glass walls.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Ewha Womans University Station and take Exit 2 or 3. Walk straight down the main shopping street for about 5 minutes, and the main entrance gate will appear directly ahead at the end of the road.

Make a Day of It

Exploring these academic grounds naturally pairs with surrounding neighborhood sights and local culinary stops. Because major universities in Korea serve as hubs for student life, the districts directly outside their gates offer budget-friendly food, trendy boutiques, and lively cafes.

When visiting Yonsei University or Ewha Womans University in western Seoul, you can easily explore both on the same morning since they are neighboring campuses. Afterward, walk down into the Sinchon or Ewha shopping streets to grab a hot bowl of dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) or visit local dessert cafes. From Sinchon, a short 15-minute walk brings you into Hongdae, famous for street busking, indie clothing shops, and vibrant nightlife.

If you travel to Kyung Hee University in northern Seoul, plan your visit around lunchtime to explore the famous Hoegi Pajeon Alley located near Hoegi Station. This small alleyway is lined with historic taverns serving giant, crispy haemul pajeon (seafood green onion pancakes) popular among local students. If you take the high-speed train down to Daegu for Keimyung University, combine your campus stroll with a visit to Seomun Market to sample Daegu specialties like flat dumplings (napjak mandu) and grilled street snacks.

Campus	Nearby Attraction	Local Food Specialty
Yonsei / Ewha	Hongdae Shopping Street	Sinchon Dak-galbi
Kyung Hee	Hongneung Arboretum	Hoegi Seafood Pajeon
Keimyung	Seomun Traditional Market	Daegu Flat Dumplings

Photo Tips

To capture the ultimate drama-worthy photograph at Yonsei University, position yourself at the center of the lawn quad facing Underwood Hall. Stand near the central stone crest and shoot at a low, angled perspective looking up toward the vine-covered building to frame the classic gothic archways cleanly. The best lighting occurs during golden hour, roughly one to two hours before sunset, when warm sunlight filters through the surrounding trees.

At Ewha Womans University, the most popular shot is taken from the top rim of the Ewha Campus Center looking straight down into the glass valley. Position your camera to capture the dramatic converging perspective lines of the glass walls, ideally during mid-morning when bright natural sunlight reflects off the glass panels. At Kyung Hee University, stand at the base of the wide stone staircase leading up to the Grand Peace Palace during late afternoon to capture the golden light hitting the cathedral spires.

Keep in mind that these locations are active educational institutions where students attend daily lectures. Visitors should maintain respectful noise levels, avoid entering restricted academic buildings or classrooms, and refrain from photographing students or faculty directly without permission.

FAQ

Can tourists freely enter drama filming locations on university campuses in Korea?

Yes, the outdoor grounds of major Korean universities are generally open to the public during daytime hours free of charge. However, visitors should stay in public outdoor spaces, quads, and plazas, as interior academic halls, libraries, and administrative offices are reserved exclusively for students and faculty with keycard access.

What is the best time of year to visit university campuses in Korea for photos?

Autumn (mid-October to early November) and spring (early to mid-April) offer the most stunning visual backdrops. Autumn brings rich red ivy along historic stone walls and golden ginkgo leaves across campus pathways, while spring brings vibrant cherry blossoms framing the classic building facades.

Are there designated parking areas or visitor centers on these campuses?

Most campuses have underground visitor parking garages with hourly rates, but utilizing public transit like the Seoul or Daegu subway systems is significantly faster and more convenient. Main campuses usually feature small souvenir shops inside student union buildings where visitors can purchase official university merchandise and campus maps.

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