Jamsil and Lotte World KDrama Locations to Visit in Seoul

Standing beneath the glowing lights of the Lotte World carousel as dusk falls over Jamsil brings an instant sense of nostalgia. For anyone who grew up watching Han Jung-seo and Cha Song-ju exchange heart-wrenching promises in Stairway to Heaven, or swooned when Kang Tae-moo arranged an exclusive evening date for Shin Ha-ri in A Business Proposal, this corner of southeastern Seoul feels like stepping directly onto a television screen.

Jamsil is a bustling commercial and entertainment hub located in Seoul's Songpa-gu district. Anchored by the towering 123-story Lotte World Tower and framed by the serene waters of Seokchon Lake, this area offers film directors a unique visual toolkit. Within just a few square blocks, production crews can shoot inside a vibrant indoor amusement park, capture dramatic sunset reflections beside a fairy-tale castle, or film emotional walk-and-talk scenes along tree-lined lake pathways. For international fans traveling to Korea, Jamsil is one of the most efficient filming location clusters to visit because you can experience multiple iconic sets in a single day without constantly boarding the subway.

Lotte World Adventure Camelot Carousel

In A Business Proposal, Kang Tae-moo rents out the entire amusement park after learning Shin Ha-ri has never been on a proper theme park date, culminating in a sweet moment in front of the illuminated carousel. Decades earlier, this exact merry-go-round served as the central motif for childhood nostalgia and emotional reunions in the classic 2003 melodrama Stairway to Heaven.

In real life, the Camelot Carousel is a flagship attraction inside Lotte World Adventure, which holds the record as one of the world's largest indoor theme parks. Surrounded by grand archways and decorated with gold leaf accents and dozens of sculpted horses, the ride spins beneath hundreds of warm, glowing lights. Even when the park is full of energy and noise, standing in front of the ride transports you right back to television's most memorable romantic dates.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 or Line 8 to Jamsil Station. Follow the underground concourse signs toward Exit 4, which leads directly into the basement entrance of Lotte World. After purchasing your park entry ticket at the main gate, take the escalators up to the 1st floor indoor atrium. The carousel is located near the center of the main indoor floor.

Seokchon Lake Park

In Touch Your Heart, Oh Jin-shim and Kwon Jung-rok enjoy a gentle evening stroll along the lake path under softly glowing cherry blossoms. The floating backdrop of Magic Island across the water also frames several casual date scenes in Love Alarm and emotional character conversations in Are You Human Too?.

Seokchon Lake is a public park divided into two bodies of water: the East Lake and the West Lake. The West Lake completely surrounds Magic Island, Lotte World's outdoor theme park area, creating a picturesque contrast between lush green trees and the spires of the outdoor castle. A paved 2.5-kilometer walking and jogging loop circles both lakes, offering wooden boardwalks, resting benches, and panoramic views of the Lotte World Tower soaring above. The park is free to access and open 24 hours a day, making it a favorite retreat for both local residents and drama enthusiasts.

How to get there

Take Line 2 or Line 8 to Jamsil Station and leave via Exit 2 or Exit 3. Walk straight south for about three minutes, and you will see the lakeside entrance open up ahead. To capture the famous view of the outdoor castle floating on the lake, follow the paved walkway wrapping around the West Lake perimeter.

Lotte World Ice Rink

In Stairway to Heaven, Cha Song-ju famously skates on this subterranean ice surface in an iconic scene that helped define Korean television drama romance in the early 2000s. The rink has also hosted comedic ice-skating dates and dramatic confrontations in shows like Protect the Boss and various variety shows over the years.

The Lotte World Ice Rink sits on the subterranean B3 level, positioned directly underneath the theme park's massive indoor glass dome ceiling. Natural sunlight pours down onto the ice during the day, while decorative spotlights illuminate the rink at night. The perimeter is lined with multi-level seating and viewing balconies, allowing park visitors and shoppers from the surrounding mall complex to watch the skaters below.

How to get there

Arrive at Jamsil Station via Subway Line 2 or Line 8. From the main underground hallway, follow the bright directional signs leading toward Lotte World Mall and the Ice Rink. Head down the main escalators to Basement Level 3. You can view the rink for free from the open balconies on B1 or B2 without buying a skating pass.

Olympic Park Lone Tree

In Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, Kim Bok-joo and Jung Joon-hyung spend relaxing afternoons on this open grassy hill, talking about their sports ambitions and growing feelings for each other. The solitary tree on the rolling lawn also appears in reflective montage scenes in Love Alarm and Hotel Del Luna.

Located in Songpa-gu just one subway stop east of central Jamsil, Olympic Park is a expansive public space built for the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. The park's most famous natural landmark is the Lone Tree, known in Korean as Naehol Naamu or the Alone Tree. Standing isolated on a sculpted green hill framed only by open sky, this broad Zelkova tree creates a peaceful, picture-postcard landscape that feels completely detached from the surrounding metropolitan skyscrapers.

How to get there

Take Subway Line 8 to Mongchontoseong Station and leave through Exit 1. Walk past the Peace Gate into Olympic Park and follow the paved pedestrian pathways heading toward the central green fields. Alternatively, take Subway Line 9 to Olympic Park Station Exit 3 and follow the internal directional signs marked for the Lone Tree.

Make a Day of It

Because these locations sit close together in southeastern Seoul, you can easily build a relaxed full-day itinerary around them. Start your morning with a peaceful stroll around Olympic Park before the midday heat or crowds arrive, taking time to locate the Lone Tree and explore the surrounding outdoor sculpture garden.

By midday, head back toward Jamsil for lunch in Songridan-gil (송리단길). This charming neighborhood tucked behind the eastern side of Seokchon Lake is famous among young locals for its narrow alleys filled with independent cafes, Japanese fusion restaurants, and gourmet dessert shops. Grab a bowl of warm maze-soba or fresh katsu, then stop by a local bakery for custom pastries and iced coffee.

Spend your afternoon inside Lotte World Adventure taking photos at the carousel and riding the indoor attractions. When the sun begins to set, head outside to Seokchon Lake's West Lake path to watch the evening lights turn on across Magic Island. Cap off your night by visiting the Seoul Sky observation deck on the top floors of Lotte World Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire city skyline lit up against the night sky.

Photo Tips

• The Carousel Shot: Stand near the decorative outer brass railing on the left side of the carousel, facing toward the illuminated central column. Ask your photographer to crouch slightly and shoot from a lower angle using portrait mode to blur the background crowds while keeping the warm overhead lights sharply in frame. Visit during weekday late afternoons for fewer crowds.
• Magic Island Lake Framing: Position yourself along the northwest walking path of Seokchon Lake's West Lake during golden hour (roughly 45 minutes before sunset). Use the low-hanging branches of the lakeside trees as a natural frame around the castle spires in the background.
• The Lone Tree Silhouette: Visit Olympic Park around 8:30 AM or during late afternoon light. To get a clean shot without other park visitors on the hill, position your camera at the bottom of the incline and tilt upward toward the sky.

FAQ

Do I need an admission ticket to Lotte World to see the carousel?

Yes, the Camelot Carousel is located inside the main Lotte World Adventure indoor park. You must purchase a day pass or an afternoon entry ticket to pass through the main turnstiles and access the 1st floor indoor atrium where the carousel stands.

When is the best time of year to visit Seokchon Lake?

While the lake is beautiful year-round, early spring (typically late March to early April) is the most iconic time to visit. During this week, thousands of cherry trees surrounding the lake burst into full bloom, creating a pink canopy overhead that mirrors classic romance drama scenes.

Can I visit the Lotte World Ice Rink without actually skating on the ice?

Yes, you can view the entire ice rink for free from the upper balcony levels on Basement Floors 1 and 2 of the Lotte World underground complex. You only need to buy a ticket if you plan to rent skates and go down onto the ice surface yourself.

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