A Moment To Remember Filming Locations in Seoul

Twenty years after its release, Son Ye-jin and Jung Woo-sung’s classic film still draws cinema lovers to the quiet, tree-lined alleyways of central Seoul. A Moment to Remember (2004) set the standard for Korean melodrama, capturing a tender love story against the backdrop of bustling Seoul neighborhoods, historic stone walls, and leafy cultural enclaves. Visiting these places today lets you experience the grounded, visual aesthetic of early 2000s Korean cinema while exploring some of the most historic and romantic districts in the capital.

Unlike modern romantic comedies filmed in flashier modern developments, this film relies heavily on timeless Seoul scenery. From the artistic energy of Daehangno to the calm walk along Deoksugung Stonewall, the locations feel timeless, making them ideal destinations for movie enthusiasts who want to slow down and experience Seoul at a gentler pace.

Daehangno Alleyways and Theater District

In the film, the iconic meet-cute over a misplaced can of soda takes place at a street-level convenience store tucked into a lively cultural district, setting off the emotional trajectory of the story. The surrounding streets reflect the initial spark between the two main characters as they navigate their daily routines in the city.

This area was filmed around Daehangno in the Hyehwa-dong district. Daehangno is celebrated as the heart of Seoul’s indie theater, performing arts, and youth culture scene. While the exact convenience store branding and layout have changed over the last two decades, the neighborhood retains its signature aesthetic: red-brick architecture, cozy cafes, small playhouses, and leafy walkways near Marronnier Park.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Hyehwa Station and leave through Exit 1 or Exit 2. From there, walk into the main pedestrian alleyways surrounding Marronnier Park and the Daehangno Arts Theater area. The neighborhood is best explored on foot without a rigid itinerary.

Deoksugung Stonewall Walk (Deoksugung Doldam-gil)

The leads share a quiet, reflective stroll alongside an ancient stone wall, capturing the growing affection and intimacy between them in a serene urban atmosphere.

In real life, this is Deoksugung Stonewall Walk (Deoksugung Doldam-gil), a 1-kilometer pedestrian path that curves around the exterior wall of Deoksugung Palace in the Jeong-dong neighborhood. It is widely considered one of Seoul’s most famous and scenic pedestrian roads, lined with massive ginkgo trees that turn vibrant yellow during autumn. The street blends Joseon Dynasty stone structures with early modern Western-style brick buildings.

How to get there

Take Subway Line 1 or Line 2 to City Hall Station and use Exit 1 or Exit 12. Walk toward the main gate of Deoksugung Palace. The entrance to the Stonewall Walk is located directly to the left of the palace main entrance.

Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) Seosomun Main Building

The film features tranquil moments where the main couple spends time together in cultural spaces, framing their tender romance against understated architecture and artistic spaces.

Located directly off the Deoksugung Stonewall Walk, the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) occupies a historic building constructed in the 1920s as the Supreme Court of Korea. The modern structure was built directly behind its preserved Renaissance-style front facade. It offers public art exhibitions, leafy courtyard gardens, and outdoor sculpture trails that are completely free to explore.

How to get there

From City Hall Station (Line 1 or 2, Exit 10 or 11), follow the signs onto the Deoksugung Stonewall Walk. Walk about 300 meters down the path and take the gentle uphill walkway on your left that leads straight to the museum plaza.

Yeouido Hangang Park

Several peaceful outdoor scenes capture moments of calm away from the busy inner city, showing the couple enjoying open skies and river views together.

These scenes were filmed along Yeouido Hangang Park, a massive public park along the southern bank of the Han River in Yeouido, Seoul’s main finance district. It is one of the most famous waterfront recreation spots in Korea, popular for riverbank picnics, bicycle rentals, and sunset views over the water.

How to get there

Take Subway Line 5 to Yeouinaru Station and take Exit 2 or Exit 3. The exit leads directly into the riverfront park area where you can access walking paths and grassy lawns.

Make a Day of It

Because several of these locations are clustered in central Seoul, you can easily build a relaxed one-day itinerary around them without rushing.

• Morning in Jeong-dong: Start your day at City Hall Station. Walk down Deoksugung Stonewall Walk before the afternoon crowds arrive. Stop inside the Seoul Museum of Art to browse the free art exhibits and take in the historic facade.
• Lunch nearby: Head toward the nearby Bukchang-dong food street or Jeong-dong area for local favorites like handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) or warm seolleongtang (ox bone soup).
• Afternoon in Daehangno: Take Subway Line 4 from Dongdaemun to Hyehwa Station (or take a short 15-minute bus ride from City Hall). Spend the afternoon wandering through the indie theater alleys in Daehangno, drinking coffee in one of the restored brick building cafes near Marronnier Park.
• Evening at the Han River: Hop on Line 5 down to Yeouinaru Station to catch the sunset over the Han River. Grab a late snack from a park convenience store or enjoy local fried chicken by the water just like a real Seoulite.

Photo Tips

To recreate the soft, nostalgia-filled cinematic atmosphere of the movie, timing and framing make all the difference:

• Deoksugung Stonewall Walk: Frame your photo standing near the middle of the curved cobblestone pathway with the stone wall extending into the background. The ideal light occurs in early morning (around 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM) before heavy foot traffic begins, or late afternoon around 4:30 PM when golden hour light filters through the tree canopy.
• Seoul Museum of Art Facade: Stand at the base of the stone stairs looking up at the historic archways. Use a wide-angle perspective to capture both the grand red-brick entry and the surrounding trees.
• Daehangno Alleys: Look for classic brick walls along the side streets behind Marronnier Park during dusk when streetlamps begin to glow, giving your photos an authentic 2000s Korean indie film look.

FAQ

Are these filming locations close enough to visit together?

Yes, Deoksugung Stonewall Walk and the Seoul Museum of Art are right next to each other in Jeong-dong. Daehangno is only a 15-minute subway ride away on Line 4, making it simple to combine all central locations into a single day trip.

Is the exact convenience store from the movie still open?

While convenience stores still exist throughout the Daehangno neighborhood, the specific interior and exterior branding seen in the 2004 movie have changed or been modernized over the past two decades. However, the surrounding streetscapes in Hyehwa-dong still retain the exact visual style seen in the film.

When is the best time of year to visit these movie locations?

Autumn (late October to mid-November) is the absolute best time. Deoksugung Stonewall Walk becomes vibrant yellow with falling ginkgo leaves, perfectly matching the romantic and nostalgic mood of classic Korean melodramas.

Keep Reading

• Bong Joon-ho Locations: Parasite and Beyond
• The Host Movie Locations on the Han River, Seoul
• Korean Movie Set Tours & K-Drama History
• Timeless Journeys: Exploring Classic K-Drama & Film Locations in Korea