Visiting Ondal Tourist Park: Danyang K-Drama Filming Sites

The Sageuk Capital Hidden in the Mountains of Danyang

When Korean historical dramas need grand Goguryeo palace halls, rugged fortress ramparts, or subterranean caverns without relying entirely on green screens, broadcast crews pack up their equipment buses and head southeast to Danyang in Chungcheongbuk-do province. Located along the winding turns of the Namhan River, this mountain district has hosted iconic sageuk productions for over two decades. If you have watched Lee Joon-gi stride across imperial courtyards in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, admired the lavish court settings in The Empress Ki, or felt the tension of historic standoffs in My Dearest, you have already spent hours looking at a premier danyang drama filming location without knowing it.

For international K-drama fans visiting South Korea, Danyang offers a rare chance to step onto expansive, real-wood period sets while surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains. Unlike urban studios where sets are struck down after filming wraps, Danyang has preserved its open-air filming complexes, transforming them into permanent cultural parks. Visiting this region lets you experience the breathtaking scenery that directors choose specifically to convey ancient grandeur and romantic longing.

Ondal Open Film Set at Ondal Tourist Park

In Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, this broad complex serves as the regal backdrop where imperial princes gather and plot court politics, while in The Empress Ki, its detailed pavilions double for historic imperial quarters during pivotal palace sequences. Action-packed period dramas like Hwarang and The Crowned Clown also utilized these heavy timber corridors for high-stakes chase and confrontation scenes.

In real life, the Ondal Open Film Set is a massive cultural theme site built inside Ondal Tourist Park. Unlike temporary sets constructed with painted plywood, the buildings here were constructed with thick timber beams, traditional tiled roofs, and authentic stonework to recreate the architectural style of the ancient Goguryeo Kingdom. The site features full-scale reproductions of royal palaces, residences for high officials, weapon storage halls, traditional market streets, and soaring fortress ramparts that overlook the surrounding green hills.

How to Get There

Take the KTX-Eum train from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul directly to Danyang Station (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes). From Danyang Station or the nearby Danyang Bus Terminal, take local bus number 170 or 171 heading toward Guinsa/Ondal. Ride for roughly 40 to 50 minutes and get off at the Ondal Tourist Park (온달관광지) bus stop. Always verify local bus schedules upon arrival at Danyang Terminal, as rural bus intervals can range from 60 to 90 minutes.

Ondal Cave

In dark fantasy sageuks and historical thrillers such as Kingdom and The Legend, the claustrophobic, shadow-filled passages of this subterranean system provide the filming ground for secret rebel hideouts, emergency palace escape routes, and intense underground confrontations.

In real life, Ondal Cave (Ondalgul) is a natural limestone cave system estimated to be over 450 million years old, located directly inside the boundary of Ondal Tourist Park. Extending approximately 700 meters back into the mountain, the cave features active stalactites, underground streams, and narrow passageways. Visitors are provided with safety helmets before entering because several sections require crouching down to move through the ancient limestone corridors.

How to Get There

Because Ondal Cave is located inside the Ondal Tourist Park grounds, you follow the same transport route as the film set. After entering the main gates of Ondal Tourist Park, follow the signed footpaths toward the base of the cliff behind the palace buildings. The entrance to Ondal Cave is situated right at the foot of the mountain within comfortable walking distance of the main film set buildings.

Dodamsambong Peaks

In historical television series including The Great Seer and classic period broadcasts, these three distinct stone islets rising from the river serve as iconic landscape transitions and scenic backdrops for boat journeys and reflective character moments.

In real life, Dodamsambong Peaks are three limestone rock formations standing in the middle of the Namhan River. The central peak features a small, elegant wooden pavilion named Sambongjeong, originally frequented by Jeong Do-jeon, a famous Joseon Dynasty scholar. The site is widely considered one of the Eight Scenic Views of Danyang and offers panoramic walking paths along the riverbank as well as pleasure boat rides that circle around the rocks.

How to Get There

From Danyang Intercity Bus Terminal, you can take a short 10-minute taxi ride to Dodamsambong (roughly 5,000 to 7,000 KRW). Alternatively, local bus routes 160, 161, or 162 depart from the terminal area toward Dodamsambong, though taking a local taxi or ride-hailing app is significantly faster and more convenient for this specific leg of the trip.

Guinsa Temple

In sweeping historical productions and martial arts period dramas, the massive multi-story wooden structures of this secluded valley sanctuary appear when main characters seek refuge in isolated mountain monasteries or consult spiritual leaders.

In real life, Guinsa Temple is the main headquarters of the Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism. Tucked deep into a steep, narrow canyon of Sobaeksan Mountain, this complex is famous for its grand architectural scale. Unlike older, single-story traditional Korean temples, Guinsa features modern multi-tiered wooden and concrete halls that climb up the valley wall like a hidden mountain city, housing thousands of monks and practitioners at a time.

How to Get There

Direct intercity buses run directly from East Seoul Bus Terminal to Guinsa Bus Terminal (approx. 2.5 hours). If you are already inside Danyang, take local bus number 170 or 171 from Danyang Terminal straight to the final stop at Guinsa. From the bus terminal/parking area at the base, expect a steep 20-minute uphill walk along a paved road to reach the main temple halls.

Make a Day of It

Danyang is famous throughout South Korea for its unique limestone geography and its signature agricultural product: garlic. Because of the cold mountain nights and mineral-rich soil, local garlic is incredibly aromatic and sweet. After spending your morning exploring the danyang drama filming location spots at Ondal Tourist Park, head into Danyang city center to explore the famous Danyang Gugyeong Market (Danyang Traditional Market).

Make sure to try these local culinary specialties while exploring the market stalls:

• Garlic Tteokgalbi: Juicy grilled minced pork or beef patties mixed with whole roasted Danyang garlic cloves and savory marinade.
• Black Garlic Sundae: Traditional Korean blood sausage infused with slow-fermented, sweet black garlic for a rich, umami-packed flavor.
• Garlic Seasoned Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken tossed in sweet glaze topped with crispy fried garlic chips and crushed fresh garlic.

If you want to add more adventure to your itinerary, visit the Mancheonha Skywalk, an elevated glass observation deck offering panoramic views over the Namhan River loop, or book a tandem paragliding session off Yangbangsan Mountain to see the entire countryside from the air.

Photo Tips

To capture photos that look like cinematic still frames from your favorite historical drama, time your photography around lighting and framing:

• Ondal Palace Main Gate: Stand at a low angle outside the main timber entrance gate looking up toward the central watchtower. The mid-afternoon sun projects crisp, dramatic shadows through the wooden gates onto the dirt courtyard.
• The Palace Reflection Pond: Position yourself near the far side of the small lily pond inside the Ondal set. Frame the traditional wooden pavilion so its reflection mirrors perfectly across the calm water.
• Ondal Fortress Wall: Walk up the elevated rampart steps along the outer wall. Shot during golden hour (an hour before sunset), the stone walls glow amber against the deep blue mountain backdrop behind them.
• Dodamsambong Morning Mist: Arrive at Dodamsambong early in the morning when low mist rises off the Namhan River, creating a natural fantasy frame around the three rock peaks and the wooden pavilion.

FAQ

How long does it take to travel from Seoul to Danyang for a filming location day trip?

Taking the KTX-Eum train from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul to Danyang Station takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Taking an intercity express bus from East Seoul Bus Terminal takes about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on highway traffic. A day trip is entirely manageable if you catch an early morning train.

Do I need separate tickets for Ondal Tourist Park and Ondal Cave?

No, admission to Ondal Cave is included in the general admission ticket for Ondal Tourist Park. Once you purchase your entry ticket at the main park entrance gate, you have access to both the open-air K-drama set buildings and the entrance path to Ondal Cave.

Are these Danyang drama filming locations open year-round?

Yes, Ondal Tourist Park, Ondal Cave, and Dodamsambong are open to the public throughout the year. However, operating hours shift slightly between summer and winter seasons, and Ondal Cave may occasionally restrict entry during periods of unusually heavy rainfall for visitor safety. Always verify current operating hours locally before heading out.

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