Midnight Runners Filming Locations Tour in Seoul

Discovering the Thrilling World of Midnight Runners

When Park Seo-joon and Kang Ha-neul sprinted through neon-lit alleyways in Midnight Runners (청년경찰), they captured an electric, fast-paced side of Seoul that standard tour buses never touch. The 2017 hit action-comedy follows two rookie police academy cadets who witness a kidnapping during a rare night out and decide to take matters into their own hands. What makes the movie so rewatchable isn’t just the hilarious chemistry between the lead actors, but the grounded, gritty urban backdrops that make you feel like you are running right alongside them.

As someone who lives in Seoul and loves tracing cinema history through our city streets, I can tell you that the movie’s locations offer a fantastic cross-section of the capital. You move from the rigid discipline of police training grounds to the bustling neon nightlife of Hongdae and Gangnam, before plunging into the atmospheric, narrow market passages of Yeongdeungpo. Here is how you can step directly into the footsteps of Ki-joon and Hee-yeol for an unforgettable day in Seoul.

1. Daelim-dong Central Market Alleys

This is where the movie turns from a buddy comedy into a high-stakes crime chase. In these dense neighborhood alleys, Ki-joon and Hee-yeol navigate unfamiliar terrain while hunting for clues and tracking suspect vehicles through narrow passageways.

In real life, Daelim-dong (located in Yeongdeungpo-gu) is Seoul’s most famous Chinese cultural enclave and market hub. The streets are lined with vibrant red lanterns, herbal spice stalls, dim sum eateries, and famous lamb skewer restaurants. While the movie portrays the neighborhood with dramatic cinematic tension, during the daytime and early evening it is a bustling, safe, and culturally rich culinary destination popular with local foodies.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 or Line 7 to Daelim Station. Take Exit 12 and walk straight for about two minutes. You will immediately enter the main market street where the overhead signs and lantern-draped walkways match the movie’s atmosphere.

2. Former Korean National Police University Campus

This location serves as the backdrop for the film’s opening act. It is where our two leads first meet, endure brutal physical training, complete grueling push-up penalties, and build their lifelong friendship under the watchful eye of their instructors.

In reality, these scenes were filmed at the historic former campus of the Korean National Police University in Eonnam-dong, Yongin (just south of Seoul). The facility historically trained generations of police officers before the official academy relocated to Asan. While the interior buildings are private property and occasionally used for active filming sets or local civic projects, the outer perimeter and surrounding paths still evoke the exact institutional scale seen on screen.

How to get there

From central Seoul, take the Sinbundang Subway Line to Migeuk Station (Exit 3). Transfer to local Town Bus 810 or Express Bus 8100 heading toward Eonnam-dong and get off near the former Police University stop (Gyeonggi-do, Yongin-si, Giheung-gu). Always stay on public walkways outside fenced zones, as interior access is restricted.

3. Hongdae Youth Street and Shopping District

Before the drama unfolds, Ki-joon and Hee-yeol get permission for a night off and head into town to enjoy youth culture, grab a bite, and attempt to meet people outside their strictly regulated dorm life.

Hongdae (around Hongik University) is the undisputed center of youth fashion, street performances, indie music, and late-night energy in Seoul. The wide pedestrian walkways, lined with clothing boutiques and cosmetic shops, look almost identical to the vibrant streets depicted during the duo’s daytime strolls in the film.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 2, the AREX line, or the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Hongik University Station. Take Exit 8 or Exit 9 and walk toward the main Hongdae Free Park and Hongdae Pedestrian Travel Street.

4. Gangnam Nightlife District

Seeking a memorable evening out, the cadets venture to high-end entertainment venues in Gangnam. This sequence sets up the central mystery when they witness a sudden event on their walk back to the station.

Gangnam is famous for its wide avenues, towering glass skyscrapers, mega-clubs, and premium dining spots. The surrounding streets around Gangnam Station and Gangnam-daero capture the sleek, hyper-modern aesthetic contrast against the darker, narrower alleys shown later in the film.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 or the Sinbundang Line to Gangnam Station. Exits 10 and 11 lead directly into the main entertainment and shopping strip that stays brightly illuminated well past midnight.

Make a Day of It

Combining these spots into a single day creates a seamless route from northern to southern Seoul. Start your morning in Hongdae with coffee at a local cafe and a stroll along the urban forest path of the Gyeongui Line Forest Park. By mid-afternoon, take Line 2 down to Daelim Station to explore the market street. It is one of the best places in Seoul to sample authentic Chinese dumplings (baozi), hot pot (malatang), and grilled lamb skewers (yangkkochi).

As night falls, head toward Gangnam to experience the towering neon cityscapes. If you have extra time between Daelim and Gangnam, consider a quick stop at Yeouido Hangang Park along the river, where you can rent a bicycle or grab riverfront ramen—a classic local experience that fits the energetic vibe of the movie.

Time of Day	Suggested Stop	Key Activity
10:00 AM	Hongdae Youth Street	Morning coffee & boutique shopping
1:00 PM	Daelim Market	Lunch (Lamb skewers & dumplings)
4:00 PM	Yeouido Hangang Park	River walk & snack break
7:00 PM	Gangnam District	Dinner & neon street photography

Photo Tips

To capture the dynamic energy of Midnight Runners in your photos, focus on perspective and lighting. In Daelim-dong, head to the central market street during dusk when the shop signs and hanging lanterns turn on. A low-angle shot looking up the alley creates that classic cinematic dramatic tension without disrupting market vendors.

When taking photos in Hongdae, position your camera at mid-height along the main pedestrian strip while buskers are performing in the background. If you want to replicate the poster shot with a friend, try a low-angle dynamic walking shot along a crosswalk in Gangnam under the bright LED billboard lights. Always respect local residents and shopkeepers by avoiding filming inside private residential entrances or blocking narrow walkways.

FAQ

Are these filming locations safe to visit late at night?

Yes. Seoul is widely recognized as one of the safest major capital cities in the world. Vibrant areas like Hongdae and Gangnam remain busy and well-lit into the early morning hours. Daelim-dong is a normal residential and commercial neighborhood; while it feels atmospheric on camera, daytime and early evening visits are perfectly safe and welcoming for visitors.

Can tourists go inside the police academy building seen in the movie?

No, the former campus grounds in Yongin are private property and not open for unrestricted public tourism inside buildings. However, you can view the surrounding perimeter, exterior gates, and nearby public roads. Make sure to stay on public sidewalks and respect designated non-entry signs.

How long does it take to complete this filming location tour?

If you visit the main Seoul locations (Hongdae, Daelim-dong, and Gangnam), you can comfortably complete the route in 5 to 6 hours. Adding the Yongin Police University site will add about 2 to 3 hours of round-trip travel time via public transit, so plan for a full-day excursion if you want to include every single spot.

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