Secretly Greatly Filming Locations in Incheon

The Nostalgic Charm of Incheon’s Secretly Greatly Set

Ten years ago, a young man in a bright green tracksuit stumbled down a steep concrete staircase in Incheon, pretending to drop a bag of groceries while secretly calculating the exact angle of every rooftop sniper position in sight. That contrast—between heartbreaking spy tension and comedic daily village life—is exactly why the 2013 blockbuster movie starring Kim Soo-hyun, Park Ki-woong, and Lee Hyun-woo captured millions of hearts worldwide.

While many movie productions build elaborate studio sets that get demolished weeks after wrapped production, the filmmakers chose real, historic neighborhoods across Incheon to ground the story. These hilltops, locally known as daldongne (moon villages), feature tightly packed homes, winding alleyways, and long staircases that overlook the sprawling port city below. Visiting a secretly greatly filming location in Incheon allows you to step directly into the atmosphere of the film, feeling the warmth of the tight-knit community that Dong-gu grew to protect.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Kim Soo-hyun’s unforgettable dual performance or an avid traveler who loves exploring hidden Korean urban heritage, these spots in Incheon offer an unforgettable day trip from Seoul.

Shipjeong-dong Yeol-umul Mural Village

This neighborhood serves as the central pulse of the entire film. In the movie, this is the humble village where elite North Korean operative Won Ryu-hwan lives as ‘Dong-gu,’ the lovable neighborhood fool who works at the local corner grocery store, cleans the streets, and gets playfully chased by local kids.

In real life, Shipjeong-dong Yeol-umul Mural Village in Bupyeong-gu is one of Incheon’s most famous historic hillside settlements. The neighborhood earned the name ‘Yeol-umul’ (meaning ‘ten wells’) because the area historically had abundant groundwater springs that never froze during cold winters. Decades ago, artists and local residents gathered to paint vibrant murals across the concrete walls, brick homes, and narrow alleyways to brighten the aging urban landscape.

Walking through these alleys feels like stepping back into a quieter era of Korea. As you wander past the low rooftops, you will recognize the distinct brick textures, narrow stairways, and corner perches where Dong-gu spent his days observing the villagers. Please note that parts of Shipjeong-dong have undergone urban redevelopment in recent years, but the surrounding slopes and historical charm still draw film enthusiasts from around the globe. Because this remains a quiet residential area, always maintain a low voice and respect the privacy of local residents while exploring.

How to Get There

To reach Shipjeong-dong, take Subway Line 1 (or Incheon Subway Line 1) to Baegwoon Station. Take Exit 2 and head toward the local bus stop. Hop on local bus Bupyeong 564 or town bus 10 and ride for about 5 to 7 minutes before getting off near the Shipjeong 1-dong Resident Center stop. From the bus stop, the sloped alleyways of the village are just a short two-minute walk away.

Sudokuksan Daldongne and Songhyun-dong Hills

In the movie, the emotional rooftop conversations between Ryu-hwan, Hae-jin, and Hae-rang take place on elevated perches looking down at the warm, golden glow of home windows at dusk. These scenes established the contrast between their harsh military background and their growing desire for a peaceful, ordinary life.

These hilltop vistas were filmed around Songhyun-dong in Dong-gu, Incheon. Situated on the slopes of Sudokuksan, this area was historically home to working-class families who settled on the hillsides following the Korean War. Today, the peak of the hill is home to Sudokuksan Daldongne Museum, a uniquely preserved cultural site dedicated to documenting and showcasing what everyday neighborhood life was like in the mid-to-late 20th century.

The surrounding park and staircases offer sweeping views of eastern Incheon. Standing atop these high concrete stairs gives you the exact vantage point that Ryu-hwan had as he sat on the rooftops, looking out over the town while scribbling in his hidden journal. The peaceful, wind-swept atmosphere makes it one of the most emotional spots on any film tour.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Dong-Incheon Station and take Exit 4. Walk toward Songhyun Park along the gently sloping streets for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a short five-minute taxi ride from Dong-Incheon Station directly to the entrance of Sudokuksan Park.

Incheon Open Port District and Jayu Park Alleyways

In the film’s second act, as tensions rise and undercover agents move silently through nighttime streets, the aesthetic shifts to older, dimly lit brick alleyways and stone staircases. These outdoor scenes highlight the isolation of the characters as their mission reaches a dramatic climax.

These atmospheric sequences utilized the historic streets surrounding Incheon Open Port (Gaehang-jang) and Jayu Park (Freedom Park). Opened as an international trading port in 1883, this area features preserved 19th-century architecture, Western-style brick buildings, Japanese wooden structures, and long stone stairways climbing up toward the hilltop park.

During the day, the area is vibrant with cozy independent cafes, historical museums, and craft workshops. But as twilight falls, the warm street lamps cast long shadows across the old brick pathways, instantly recreating the cinematic suspense of the movie’s night scenes.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 1 all the way to its western terminus, Incheon Station (Exit 1). Walk directly across the main street into Chinatown and follow the marked pedestrian signs sloping upward toward Jayu Park and the Open Port Historic Culture Street. The entire walk takes less than 10 minutes from the station.

Make a Day of It

Visiting these film spots makes for a complete cultural and culinary day trip. Here is a recommended itinerary to make the most of your travel time in Incheon:

• Morning: Start early at Shipjeong-dong Yeol-umul Mural Village to enjoy peaceful walking photos before the sun gets too harsh.
• Lunch at Sinpo International Market: Head to Dong-Incheon and visit the historic Sinpo Market. You must try the famous Sinpo Dakgangjeong (crispy, sweet, and spicy glazed fried chicken) or freshly made handmade dumplings (mandu).
• Afternoon: Explore Sudokuksan Daldongne Museum and the surrounding hill paths. Take a quiet coffee break at one of the retro-style cafes nestled along the Open Port District slopes.
• Late Afternoon to Sunset: Walk through Chinatown up into Jayu Park. Enjoy the sunset over Incheon Harbor from the park’s upper terrace view decks.

Location	Primary Attraction	Best Visiting Window
Shipjeong-dong	Mural Alleys & Set Vibe	Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Sudokuksan Hill	Panoramic Views & History	Late Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Open Port District	Historic Streets & Cafes	Sunset to Early Evening

Photo Tips

To capture the ultimate fan photo without disrupting local life, keep these practical photography tips in mind:

• The Low Angle Shot: When posing on the steep staircases in Shipjeong-dong or Songhyun-dong, position your camera at a low angle looking upward. This recreates the iconic movie posters where the characters stand triumphantly against the open sky.
• Golden Hour Timing: Visit the Sudokuksan hilltop area roughly one hour before sunset. The soft, golden light reflects beautifully off the low roofs, capturing the heartwarming nostalgic tone seen in the movie’s evening scenes.
• Wear Comfortable Footwear: Incheon’s historic filming spots involve continuous uphill walking, steep steps, and uneven cobblestones. Leave formal shoes behind and wear cushioned walking shoes.

FAQ

Is the original grocery store from Secretly Greatly still standing?

The small neighborhood grocery store structure used during filming was located in Shipjeong-dong. While the exact building facade and signage were adjusted for the movie production, the specific corner site and surrounding walls still retain their recognizable physical footprint, though urban development in Bupyeong-gu has altered parts of the nearby area over time.

Are these Incheon filming spots free to visit?

Yes, all the outdoor alleyways, mural streets, public parks, and staircases are entirely free and open to the public year-round. If you decide to visit the indoor exhibits at Sudokuksan Daldongne Museum, a small admission fee of around 1,000 KRW may apply, but public operating hours and fees should always be verified online prior to your trip.

How long does it take to visit all three filming locations?

Because all three main locations are located within Incheon City limits, you can comfortably visit all of them in a single 6-to-8-hour day trip from Seoul. Using the Seoul subway system (Line 1) and local buses makes transferring between the spots inexpensive and efficient.

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