Hongdae KDrama Filming Locations: A Local Walking Guide

Step out of Hongik University Station Exit 9 on any given afternoon, and you are immediately greeted by the rhythm of street buskers, the scent of fresh pastries, and the restless energy of Seoul’s creative hub. Hongdae has long been recognized as the capital’s indie neighborhood, where art students, musicians, and young dreamers gather. For drama enthusiasts, this vibrant district holds a deeper meaning. Long before global streaming platforms made Korean television a worldwide phenomenon, Hongdae served as the living backdrop for stories that captured our hearts.

Walking through these streets feels like stepping through a reel of television history. From early classic romances that defined the Hallyu wave to modern slice-of-life hits, Hongdae provides an authentic urban setting. The alleyways, quiet parks, and historic cafes scattered throughout Mapo-gu continue to draw travelers who wish to stand in the exact footsteps of their favorite characters.

Plan Your Visit

Area / Transit Line	Rough Time Needed	Rough Budget Range
Gyeongui Line Park (Hongik Univ Exit 3)	45–60 mins	Free (Cafe spend optional)
Coffee Prince Shop (Hongik Univ Exit 8)	30–45 mins	Free exterior (Verify access)
Hongdae Park & Picasso St (Hongik Univ Exit 9)	45–60 mins	Free
Sinchon Tunnel (Sinchon Exit 2)	20–30 mins	Free

Note: Approximate values; please verify hours and access before visiting.

Coffee Prince First Shop

In the iconic 2007 drama Coffee Prince, this venue served as the central set where Choi Han-kyeol and Go Eun-chan developed their unforgettable bond alongside their fellow baristas. The story transformed an old coffee house into a thriving enterprise, making the location a beloved symbol of romantic drama history for fans worldwide.

In real life, this spot is an actual cafe situated along the residential slopes near Sanwoolim Theater. The structure retains its recognizable stone courtyard, original wooden stairs, and hand-painted wall art from the broadcast era. While ownership and operations have shifted over the years, the building remains an essential pilgrimage stop for long-time drama lovers. Because this is a private business that may periodically alter operating hours or temporarily close, visitors should check recent updates prior to planning an interior visit.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station and use Exit 8. Head northeast toward Wausan-ro, following the street toward Sanwoolim Theater. Turn right into the gentle uphill alley along Wausan-ro 29-gil. The walk takes roughly ten minutes from the station exit.

Sinchon Mural Tunnel

During the hit 2016 fantasy drama Goblin, this pedestrian tunnel provided the setting for one of the most memorable comedic scenes in modern television. The immortal Goblin and the Grim Reaper strut through the dark underpass holding plastic bags of green onions as if walking down a high-fashion runway, only to be humorously interrupted by a passing motorcycle.

In reality, the Sinchon Mural Tunnel (also known as the Sinchon Graffito Tunnel) is an active pedestrian path connecting Sinchon-dong with the area surrounding the Gyeongui Line. The brick arches and constantly evolving street art give the pass an urban atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the nearby bustling shopping streets. Because it is an active public walkway used daily by local residents, visitors are encouraged to keep voice levels down and maintain clear pathways for pedestrians.

How to Get There

Take the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Sinchon Station (not Sinchon Station on Line 2) and exit via Exit 2. Walk toward the railway overpass along Sinchon-yeok-ro. Alternatively, from Hongik University Station Exit 6, walk east along the Gyeongui Line Book Street for about fifteen minutes until you reach the underpass near Sinchon Station.

Hongdae Children’s Park

This public square appeared in A Gentleman’s Dignity, where Kim Do-jin browses hand-crafted goods alongside Seo Yi-soo, as well as classic scenes in early shows like Boys Over Flowers. The open square has historically functioned as a focal point for weekend craft markets, street performances, and student art installations in the heart of Hongdae.

In real life, Hongdae Children’s Park (often called Hongdae Playground) is an open community space directly across from the main entrance of Hongik University. During the day, neighborhood children use the playground equipment, while evenings transform the space into a gathering point for young performers and artists. It is an ideal spot to sit down, observe local university culture, and take in the neighborhood’s energetic spirit.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station and leave through Exit 9. Walk straight up Hongik-ro toward the main gate of Hongik University. The park is located on your right, across Wausan-ro, directly opposite the university gate.

Gyeongui Line Forest Park in Yeonnam-dong

Modern romantic comedies such as Yumi’s Cells and More Than Friends regularly feature this lush linear park as the background for casual dates, late-night talks, and quiet introspective walks. The green space gives screenwriters a natural setting right in the center of Mapo-gu.

In real life, the park—affectionately known by locals as Yeontral Park—was built over the undergrounded tracks of the old Gyeongui railway line. The Yeonnam-dong section stretches northward from Hongik University Station Exit 3, lined with independent cafes, bakeries, craft breweries, and small boutiques. It represents one of Seoul’s most successful urban revitalization efforts, providing a peaceful green ribbon running through a busy neighborhood.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 2, the AREX, or the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Hongik University Station and head directly out of Exit 3. The park begins immediately at the top of the escalators and extends north through the heart of Yeonnam-dong.

Hongdae Mural Street

Featured in youth dramas such as Kill Me, Heal Me and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, these narrow residential alleyways host colorful visual murals that serve as background elements during emotional walking scenes and late-night character encounters.

In reality, Picasso Street runs along the residential blocks behind Hongik University. The murals are constantly updated by local art students and independent artists, meaning the visual backdrop shifts over time. Since these alleys run through quiet residential streets, visitors should avoid making loud noises, particularly during early morning or late evening hours.

How to Get There

From Hongik University Station Exit 9, walk up Hongik-ro toward the university. Turn right onto Wausan-ro 21-gil just before the university gates and follow the quiet side streets running parallel to the main campus wall.

Make a Day of It

Combining these filming spots into a single walking loop allows you to sample the dynamic food and cafe culture that makes Hongdae so famous among locals. Start your morning with a quiet coffee along the Yeonnam-dong section of Gyeongui Line Forest Park, stopping at a local bakery for fresh pastries. After walking through the green belt, head toward the residential backstreets near Sanwoolim Theater to visit the Coffee Prince site.

For lunch, explore the traditional street food stalls near Hongik University Station Exit 9 or sit down for classic Korean comfort foods like dakgalbi (spiced stir-fried chicken) or samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly). In the afternoon, wander through Picasso Street and rest at Hongdae Children’s Park to watch local buskers set up their evening sound systems. Conclude your tour by walking east toward Sinchon to photograph the mural tunnel before enjoying evening meals at a nearby restaurant.

To help structure your walking itinerary, here is a quick breakdown of walking times between key spots:

From Location	To Location	Walking Time
Hongik Univ Exit 3	Yeonnam Forest Park	1 minute
Yeonnam Forest Park	Coffee Prince Shop	12 minutes
Coffee Prince Shop	Picasso Street	10 minutes
Picasso Street	Sinchon Tunnel	18 minutes

Fan Checklist & Etiquette

• Recommended Route Order: Yeonnam-dong Forest Park → Coffee Prince Shop → Picasso Street & Hongdae Park → Sinchon Mural Tunnel.
• Residential Etiquette: Maintain low noise levels around residential alleys along Picasso Street and near the Coffee Prince venue.
• Pedestrian Courtesy: Avoid blocking walkways for local residents in Sinchon Tunnel and Gyeongui Line Forest Park while taking photos.
• Access Verification: Check local updates online prior to visiting private businesses or expecting interior access.

Photo Tips

Capturing memorable photographs at these filming locations requires a bit of timing and planning. For the Sinchon Mural Tunnel, visit between late morning and early afternoon when daylight illuminates the archways while avoiding peak commuter rush hours.

Key Takeaways

• Concentrated Drama Heritage: Hongdae offers an accessible mix of Hallyu classics and contemporary filming locations within walking distance of public transit.
• Evolving Backdrops: Street art spots like Picasso Street and public greenways continuously change, offering unique photos on every visit.
• Easy Walking Loop: A half-day tour lets fans pair iconic screen moments with Hongdae’s rich indie cafe, food, and busking culture.

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