Fight For My Way Filming Locations in Busan

Busan at night looks completely different from the steep wooden decks of Hocheon Village. As dusk settles over the harbor city, thousands of amber streetlamps flick on across terraced hillsides, creating a glowing tapestry that feels instantly recognizable to anyone who spent weeks watching Dong-man and Ae-ra figure out their lives. While many urban K-dramas choose the sleek glass towers of Seoul, the producers of the 2017 hit drama Fight For My Way turned to Busan’s rugged, nostalgic topography to tell a grounded story about underdog dreams and lifelong friendship.

The show follows four childhood friends—dubbed the ‘Crazy Fantastic Four’—as they navigate their late twenties while lacking elite credentials. Ko Dong-man dreams of returning to the martial arts ring, Choi Ae-ra chases her goal of becoming a broadcast announcer, and their best friends Joo-man and Seol-hee battle the quiet heartbreaks of long-term workplace romance. Busan’s unique landscape of steep hillside communities, breezy coastal stretches, and vintage apartment blocks provided the perfect backdrop for their unfiltered, heartwarming journey. Visiting these places in person offers a glimpse into authentic Korean neighborhood life far removed from standard tourist itineraries.

Hocheon Village and Hocheon Cultural Platform (Namil Bar)

The shared rooftop hideout known as Namil Bar serves as the emotional anchor of the series. This is where the four friends gather over cold beers after long days at work, trade hilarious banter, and eventually confront their growing romantic feelings for one another. It is the place where big dreams are spoken aloud into the evening air.

In real life, the original rooftop scenes were filmed on a private residential roof in Beomcheon-dong, high up in the hillside neighborhood of Hocheon Village. Because the original rooftop sits on private property inside a quiet residential community, local Busan authorities built a faithful replica of the Namil Bar set at the nearby Hocheon Cultural Platform (Hocheon Munhwa Platform). This public space allows visitors to enjoy the exact same breathtaking panorama of the city and valley below without disturbing local residents. The site features props reminiscent of the show, cozy seating areas, and a small visitor center showcasing photos and memorabilia from the production.

How to get there

Take Busan Subway Line 1 to Beomnaegol Station and leave via Exit 7. From the nearby bus stop, catch local Busan Bus 87 and ride it up the steep hillside road to the Hocheon Village (Hocheon Maeul) bus stop. The Hocheon Cultural Platform is located directly across from the bus stop. Keep in mind that buses run regularly throughout the day, but local traffic can slow down during peak evening hours.

Hansung Villa in Munhyun-dong (Namil Villa Exterior)

The iconic residential complex where Ae-ra, Dong-man, Joo-man, and Seol-hee live functions almost as a main character in the drama. The central outdoor staircase and narrow corridors are where Dong-man dramatically protects Ae-ra from rain, where awkward morning encounters happen, and where neighborly squabbles spill out into the open.

In reality, this location is Hansung Villa, a real multi-unit residential complex constructed along a hillside in Munhyun-dong, Busan. The pastel-painted walls, steep concrete stairs, and terraced walkways look remarkably similar to how they appeared on screen. Because this complex is an active residential property where local families live, visitors must exercise high levels of courtesy. Avoid making noise, do not enter interior hallways or private doorways, and keep cameras pointed away from open residential windows.

How to get there

Take Busan Subway Line 2 to Jigegol Station and take Exit 2. The villa complex is a short but steep walk up the hill along Munhyun-ro. Alternatively, you can take a quick taxi ride from Jigegol Station by providing the driver with the destination name ‘Munhyun-dong Hansung Villa’. Walking up the neighborhood slopes gives you a true sense of the daily workout the drama characters endured in their everyday lives.

Ilgwang Beach in Gijang

During a getaway sequence in the show, Choi Ae-ra gets an unexpected opportunity to step up as a local event announcer at a seaside festival. Dong-man travels down to support her, leading to memorable coastal conversations and progress in their long-standing relationship.

This coastal scenery was captured at Ilgwang Beach, located in Gijang-gun on the northeastern edge of Busan. Unlike the bustling, skyscraper-lined shores of Haeundae or Gwangalli, Ilgwang Beach offers a quieter, traditional coastal village atmosphere. The crescent-shaped bay features gentle waves, shallow water, and a picturesque boardwalk lined with small seafood restaurants and modern cafes. Walking along the shoreline gives you a look at the relaxed side of maritime Busan that matched the show’s grounded tone.

How to get there

Take the Donghae Line wide-area commuter train to Ilgwang Station and take Exit 1. From there, it is a pleasant 10-minute walk straight toward the ocean down Ilgwang-ro. The path leads directly onto the central beach promenade where many of the seaside village scenes were recorded.

Busan Citizens Park

Throughout the drama, Dong-man and Ae-ra frequently sit together on park benches at night, sorting through career setbacks and personal anxieties. These quiet, reflective moments offer a soft contrast to the high-energy comedy that defines much of the series.

Several of these tranquil green moments were filmed inside Busan Citizens Park, a vast public park located near the central Seomyeon district. Formerly used as a military base for several decades, the land was reclaimed and transformed into a sprawling urban park with over one million trees, artificial streams, decorative fountains, and illuminated walking paths. The park serves as a popular retreat for local families and couples looking for a peaceful evening stroll in the heart of the city.

How to get there

Take Busan Subway Line 1 to Buam Station and use Exit 1, or take Line 1/Line 2 to Seomyeon Station and take Exit 13. The park is roughly a 10 to 15-minute walk from either station. Local buses such as Bus 33 or Bus 63 also stop directly outside the park entrances.

Make a Day of It

Exploring the hillside filming locations of Fight For My Way offers an ideal opportunity to experience central Busan’s culinary and cultural sights. Since many of these locations are concentrated near the Busanjin-gu and Nam-gu districts, you can easily combine them into a single, cohesive day trip.

Time of Day	Suggested Activity	Location Highlights
Morning	Coastal Walk & Beachside Cafe	Ilgwang Beach, Gijang coastal cafes
Afternoon	Park Stroll & Local Lunch	Busan Citizens Park, Seomyeon Dwaeji Gukbap Alley
Late Afternoon	Villa Walkway Exploration	Hansung Villa exteriors in Munhyun-dong
Evening	Sunset & Night Views	Hocheon Cultural Platform (Namil Bar replica)

Start your morning out east at Ilgwang Beach for fresh ocean air and coffee at one of the scenic cafes along the bay. By midday, ride the train back toward central Busan and explore Busan Citizens Park. For lunch, head straight to nearby Seomyeon, famous for its Dwaeji Gukbap Alley (Pork Rice Soup Alley). A warm bowl of deep, savory pork broth served with fresh chives and rice is the ultimate comfort food in Busan, fitting perfectly with the unpretentious spirit of the drama.

In the late afternoon, head to Hansung Villa in Munhyun-dong to admire the hillside architecture and steep residential staircases. As daylight fades, take the bus up to Hocheon Village. Watching the sun set over the hillside valley from the Hocheon Cultural Platform is an incredible experience, as the entire neighborhood illuminates in a warm blanket of evening lights.

Photo Tips

To capture the perfect shot at the Hocheon Cultural Platform, time your arrival for blue hour—roughly twenty to thirty minutes after sunset. Position your camera on the wooden observation deck looking out over the valley, ensuring the Namil Bar sign and ambient table lights are in the foreground while the glittering city lights stretch out into the background.

When photographing near Hansung Villa, stand at the very base of the central outdoor staircase and frame your shot looking upward. This low angle emphasizes the dramatic height of the hillside steps that appeared in so many iconic scenes. Remember to keep camera flash turned off and refrain from taking tripod setups into narrow residential thoroughfares.

FAQ

Is the original Namil Bar rooftop open to the public?

The original rooftop used during filming is on a private residential building in Beomcheon-dong and is not open for public tourism out of respect for the residents. Fans should instead visit the Hocheon Cultural Platform, an official public space located a short walk away that replicates the Namil Bar set and offers the exact same view.

Are these filming locations free to visit?

Yes, all the major locations listed—including Hocheon Cultural Platform, Hansung Villa’s public exterior pathways, Ilgwang Beach, and Busan Citizens Park—are free outdoor public spaces. Visitors only need to cover their standard public transit or taxi costs to reach them.

What is the best time of day to visit Hocheon Village?

Late afternoon through early evening is by far the best time to visit Hocheon Village. Arriving an hour before sunset allows you to see the vibrant hillside murals and colorful houses in daylight, followed by the dramatic light-up of the city as night falls.

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