Walk Through Hospital Playlist’s Filming Locations

Hello, Fellow 99z Fans! Welcome to Your Hospital Playlist Journey!

Annyeonghaseyo, dear K-drama enthusiasts! As a lifelong K-drama fan and a proud Korean local, I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome you to KDrama Trip, your go-to guide for exploring the real-life magic behind your favorite shows. Today, we’re diving deep into the heartwarming world of Hospital Playlist, a drama that has captured countless hearts worldwide with its comforting stories of friendship, love, and life at Yulje Medical Center. If you, like me, found yourself laughing, crying, and jamming along with Ik-jun, Jeong-won, Jun-wan, Seok-hyung, and Song-hwa – our beloved ’99z’ – then you’re in for a treat!

Hospital Playlist isn’t just a medical drama; it’s a testament to the power of human connection, the beauty of everyday moments, and the solace found in enduring friendships. The series, set primarily within the bustling corridors of Yulje Medical Center, masterfully weaves together the professional challenges and personal lives of five doctors who have been best friends since medical school. We see them navigate complex surgeries, share midnight snacks, offer unwavering support, and, of course, rock out together in their band practice room. It’s this blend of high-stakes medical drama and relatable slice-of-life moments that makes the show so endearing.

For fans planning a trip to Korea, stepping into the actual locations where the 99z lived, worked, and played offers an unparalleled sense of connection to their beloved characters. Imagine standing where Ik-jun shared a witty remark, where Song-hwa found her peaceful escape, or even seeing the very building that stood in for Yulje Medical Center! It’s an immersive experience that brings the drama to life right before your eyes, making your K-drama pilgrimage truly unforgettable. Let’s embark on this exciting journey to discover the iconic Hospital Playlist locations that you absolutely must visit on your next trip to Korea!

Yulje Medical Center: The Heart of Hospital Playlist

The iconic Yulje Medical Center serves as the central stage for all the triumphs, challenges, and everyday moments of our 99z friends. While the intricate interiors of Yulje were largely created on a set, the impressive exterior shots and some public areas that give the hospital its distinct feel were filmed at a very real and prominent medical institution in Seoul.

What It Is In Real Life: Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital

The sleek, modern facade and impressive scale of Yulje Medical Center are primarily brought to life by the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital (이대서울병원) in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. This state-of-the-art hospital, known for its innovative design and cutting-edge facilities, perfectly embodies the advanced medical environment depicted in the drama. It’s a truly magnificent building that stands out with its contemporary architecture. When you stand before it, you can almost hear the bustling sounds of hospital life and imagine our doctors rushing through its grand entrance.

It’s important to remember that this is a fully functioning hospital, serving real patients and staff. While you can admire the exterior and the general grandeur of the building, please be respectful of the hospital environment. It’s not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, so quiet observation and maintaining distance are key. You’ll find that just seeing the exterior that anchored so many of the show’s scenes is enough to spark that familiar Hospital Playlist magic.

How to get there

Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital is conveniently located in western Seoul and is accessible via subway.

• By Subway: Take Seoul Subway Line 5 or Line 9 to Magok Station (마곡역). From there, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the hospital. Alternatively, you can take Line 5 to Balsan Station (발산역) and it’s also a similar walking distance. Look for signs pointing towards ‘Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital’ or ‘이대서울병원’.
• By Bus: Numerous local bus routes also serve the area around Magok Station and Balsan Station, offering direct connections from various parts of Seoul. Check a local navigation app like KakaoMap or Naver Map for the most up-to-date bus routes from your starting point.

Ik-jun and Song-hwa’s Coffee & Lunch Spot: Maison de la Categorie

Beyond the hospital walls, our 99z friends often gather at various cafes and restaurants to catch up, share meals, and offer each other solace. One particularly memorable spot, often seen with Ik-jun and Song-hwa having deep conversations or lighthearted lunches, is a chic and inviting cafe that perfectly fits their sophisticated yet comfortable vibe.

What It Is In Real Life: Maison de la Categorie (메종 드 라 카테고리)

Maison de la Categorie is an upscale French-inspired restaurant and café located in the fashionable Apgujeong area of Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Known for its elegant interior, sophisticated atmosphere, and delicious cuisine, it’s a popular spot among locals for brunch, lunch, and coffee. The drama perfectly captured its refined yet cozy ambiance, making it an ideal setting for those quiet, meaningful moments between characters. From its stylish decor to its sunlit corners, every detail feels familiar if you’ve paid close attention to those precious scenes outside the hospital.

Visiting Maison de la Categorie allows you to experience a touch of luxury and tranquility, much like our characters did, away from the hustle and bustle. You can order a coffee or enjoy a meal in the very spot where Ik-jun might have been teasing Song-hwa or offering a comforting word. It’s a wonderful place to relax and soak in the chic Seoul atmosphere.

How to get there

Maison de la Categorie is situated in a high-end district of Gangnam, easily accessible by subway.

• By Subway: Take Seoul Subway Bundang Line to Apgujeong Rodeo Station (압구정로데오역). From Exit 5, it’s a pleasant walk of about 10-15 minutes through a stylish neighborhood. You can also take Line 3 to Apgujeong Station (압구정역), then a short taxi ride or a longer walk.
• By Bus: Several bus routes pass through the Apgujeong Rodeo area. Utilize a navigation app to find the best bus connection from your current location to ‘Maison de la Categorie’ or the general ‘Apgujeong Rodeo’ area.

Song-hwa’s Peaceful Escape: Pinocchiore Camp Village

Our beloved Song-hwa, with her unwavering calm and love for nature, often sought solace in camping, whether alone or with her friends. These scenes provided a beautiful contrast to the sterile hospital environment, showcasing her peaceful side and the deep bonds she shares with the 99z.

What It Is In Real Life: Pinocchiore Camp Village (피노키오 캠핑장)

The idyllic camping and glamping scenes, where Song-hwa unwinds and sometimes shares heartwarming moments with her friends, were filmed at Pinocchiore Camp Village (피노키오 캠핑장) in Gapyeong (가평), Gyeonggi-do. Gapyeong is a popular leisure destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and forests, making it a perfect backdrop for a tranquil getaway. Pinocchiore offers a variety of camping experiences, from traditional tent sites to comfortable glamping units, all designed to immerse visitors in nature.

If you’re looking to replicate Song-hwa’s serene moments, spending a night or even just an afternoon at Pinocchiore Camp Village would be an amazing experience. Imagine breathing in the fresh air, surrounded by greenery, and perhaps even enjoying a cup of coffee just like Song-hwa. It’s a fantastic way to escape the city hustle and connect with the beautiful Korean countryside that often appears in K-dramas.

How to get there

Pinocchiore Camp Village is located outside of Seoul, in Gapyeong, which requires a bit more travel but is well worth the journey for nature lovers.

• By Train: The fastest and most scenic way to reach Gapyeong is by taking the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station (용산역) or Cheongnyangni Station (청량리역) in Seoul to Gapyeong Station (가평역). The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
• From Gapyeong Station: Once at Gapyeong Station, Pinocchiore Camp Village is a short taxi ride (around 10-15 minutes) away. You can also look for local buses that serve the area, but a taxi is often the most convenient option, especially if you have luggage.

Make a Day of It: Exploring the Neighborhoods of Hospital Playlist

Your K-drama trip shouldn’t stop at just the filming locations! Each area offers a wealth of additional attractions, delicious food, and unique experiences that will enrich your visit and give you a broader taste of Korea.

Around Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital (Magok-dong)

Since the hospital is in the modern Magok district, you’ll find a rapidly developing area with green spaces and contemporary architecture. After admiring the Yulje exterior, consider a stroll through the nearby Seoul Botanic Park (서울식물원). It’s a magnificent urban park that combines a park, forest, and botanical garden, perfect for a relaxing walk. The area also boasts numerous trendy cafes and restaurants catering to the local office workers, so you’ll have plenty of options for a delicious meal or a refreshing drink.

Around Maison de la Categorie (Apgujeong Rodeo/Gangnam)

This is one of Seoul’s most fashionable and affluent districts. After your coffee or meal at Maison de la Categorie, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the vibrant streets of Apgujeong and Cheongdam-dong. This area is a haven for luxury shopping, high-end boutiques, and some of the trendiest cafes and restaurants in the city. You might even spot some K-pop idols or celebrities, as many entertainment agencies are located here! Don’t miss the K-Star Road in Apgujeong, where you can find giant ‘Gangnam Dol’ art toys representing various K-pop groups. It’s a fun spot for K-pop fans to take photos and soak in the Hallyu wave.

Around Pinocchiore Camp Village (Gapyeong)

Gapyeong is a treasure trove of natural beauty and popular tourist attractions. If you’re heading here for camping, make sure to allocate extra time! You can visit the famous Nami Island (남이섬), a beautiful half-moon-shaped island known for its picturesque tree-lined paths, a popular filming spot for many dramas. Another enchanting option is Petite France (쁘띠프랑스), a French cultural village inspired by ‘The Little Prince.’ For a dose of stunning flora, the Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원) offers breathtaking themed gardens, especially beautiful during its seasonal festivals. Gapyeong is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise!

Photo Tips for Your Hospital Playlist Journey

Capturing the essence of your favorite drama’s locations is all about timing and respect. For the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital exterior, the best time for photos is generally in the morning on a weekday or during the weekend when there are fewer people around, allowing for cleaner shots without disrupting hospital operations. Aim for a wide shot that captures the modern architecture against the sky. Remember to avoid photographing people directly or interiors that might contain sensitive information.

At Maison de la Categorie, lighting is key for capturing its sophisticated ambiance. Mid-morning or early afternoon will provide beautiful natural light, perfect for showcasing its elegant decor and your coffee or meal. Try to find the specific table or corner where the 99z sat, if identifiable, and compose your shot to include the stylish background. Be mindful of other diners and use a quiet shutter or phone camera.

For Pinocchiore Camp Village or any outdoor nature spot in Gapyeong, golden hour (sunrise or sunset) offers the most magical light. Early morning can also provide a serene, misty atmosphere, perfect for capturing Song-hwa’s peaceful vibe. Focus on the natural elements – the trees, the camping tents, the sky – and try to include yourself interacting with the environment, perhaps with a cup of coffee in hand, just like our favorite neurologist.

Hospital Playlist Filming Locations FAQ

Is Yulje Medical Center a real hospital in Korea?

While the name ‘Yulje Medical Center’ is fictional for the drama, the primary exterior and some public areas were filmed at a very real and active institution: Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital (이대서울병원) in Magok-dong, Seoul. It’s a large, modern university hospital. Please remember to be respectful of the hospital environment as it’s a place of healing, not just a photo opportunity.

Can I visit the actual band practice room where the 99z played?

Unfortunately, the iconic band practice room, where the 99z shared so many joyful and sometimes emotional musical moments, was almost certainly a purpose-built set for the drama. It’s common for interior scenes, especially recurring ones like a band room or a hospital’s specific departments, to be filmed on a studio set for greater control over lighting, sound, and logistics. Therefore, it’s not a real-world location you can visit in Korea.

Are there official Hospital Playlist guided tours?

As of now, there are no officially recognized or widely available guided tours specifically dedicated to Hospital Playlist filming locations. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing K-drama journey! With resources like this blog and a bit of planning, you can easily create your own self-guided tour. Many K-drama fans enjoy the freedom of exploring at their own pace, discovering not just the drama’s spots but also the charm of the surrounding neighborhoods and local culture. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to tailor your trip exactly to your interests!

I hope this guide helps you plan your unforgettable Hospital Playlist adventure in Korea! Happy exploring, and may your trip be filled with as much warmth and friendship as the 99z share!

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