Real The Glory Drama Filming Locations You Can Visit

Standing beneath the massive, nine-hundred-year-old ginkgo tree in Cheongju Central Park, you can almost hear the rhythmic click of Go stones hitting a polished wooden board. When The Glory captured global attention with Moon Dong-eun’s intense, meticulously calculated journey, it was not only the sharp screenwriting and powerful acting that left a lasting impression. The visual tone of the series was heavily defined by its thoughtfully selected real-world settings across South Korea.

From quiet provincial park benches where silent strategic alliances are forged to the razor-sharp futuristic skyline of Incheon, visiting these the glory drama filming locations gives international fans an unforgettable way to experience the show’s mood firsthand. If you are building a travel itinerary to step into Dong-eun’s world, this guide highlights the most recognizable public filming spots, complete with clear transit directions and local tips so you can visit responsibly.

Cheongju Central Park: The Ginkgo Tree Go Match

This historic park provides the emotional setting for the quiet, captivating bond formed between Moon Dong-eun (played by Song Hye-kyo) and Joo Yeo-jeong (played by Lee Do-hyun). Under the glowing canopy of golden leaves, the two characters spend hours engrossed in the game of Go (Baduk), establishing a connection built on shared focus and unspoken understanding.

In real life, Cheongju Central Park (청주 중앙공원) is a revered green space located in the heart of Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. Its central attraction is ‘Apmoksu,’ a venerable ginkgo tree estimated to be over nine centuries old, standing alongside historic civic pavilions such as Mangseonlu. On any given afternoon, local seniors gather here to play traditional chess and Go, meaning the atmosphere captured on screen is remarkably faithful to daily life in the park.

How to get there

Board a KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station to Osong Station (approximately 50 minutes). From Osong Station Exit 3, take Express Bus 747 or City Bus 500 heading toward Cheongju city center. Disembark at the ‘Seongan-gil / Central Park’ stop. The main park entrance is less than a two-minute walk from the bus stop.

Elysian Gangchon Resort: The High-Society Golf Club

Throughout the drama, Jeon Jae-jun and his affluent social circle frequently meet at an expansive, high-end golf country club. These rolling green lawns and manicured walkways serve as the backdrop for private power moves, casual cruelty, and key encounters between the main characters.

The scenes were filmed on location at Elysian Gangchon Resort, situated in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. While best known as a year-round destination featuring a 27-hole golf course and winter ski slopes, the public areas of the resort—including its dining spaces and surrounding trail networks—are accessible to visitors. Surrounded by dense valleys, the area offers impressive natural views in both summer and autumn.

How to get there

Take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station or Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul directly to Baekyang-ri Station (Elysian Gangchon). During resort operating seasons, free shuttle buses run regularly between Baekyang-ri Station and the resort complex. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute taxi from the station brings you directly to the resort area.

Songdo Central Park: The Modern Urban Backdrop

The sleek, cold world occupied by Park Yeon-jin is grounded visually in modern glass architecture and grand urban planning. Exterior shots around weather broadcast locations and upscale residential neighborhoods draw heavily on the distinct, high-tech landscape of Incheon’s international business district.

Songdo Central Park is a large public facility built along a seawater canal in Incheon. Famous for its striking modern design, the park features artistic cultural structures like the Tri-Bowl, public sculpture gardens, and long waterside walking paths. It offers a dramatic visual contrast to the historic stone paths seen in the Cheongju scenes.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 1 or the Suin-Bundang Line toward Incheon, then transfer to Incheon Subway Line 1 at Bupyeong Station or Woninjae Station. Travel to Central Park Station and exit via Exit 3, which places you right at the edge of the park next to the Tri-Bowl building.

Cheongju National Museum: Minimalist Architecture and Reflection

In several contemplative transition scenes, Dong-eun walks through quiet, elegant outdoor hallways framed by stone walls and natural greenery, underscoring her calm resolve as her plans come together.

These scenes took advantage of the unique grounds of the Cheongju National Museum. Designed by Kim Swoo-geun, one of South Korea’s most celebrated modern architects, the museum seamlessly blends slate roofs, exposed stone walls, and natural mountain slopes. It is a peaceful public museum dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Chungcheong region.

How to get there

From the Cheongju Intercity Bus Terminal or Express Bus Terminal, board local City Bus 862 or 863-1. Ride the bus directly to the ‘Cheongju National Museum’ stop, which takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes.

Make a Day of It

Because several key filming sites are centered in Cheongju, planning a dedicated day trip from Seoul to North Chungcheong Province is one of the most efficient ways to experience the locations. Cheongju offers a rich culinary scene and picturesque historic neighborhoods that pair naturally with a K-drama tour.

After visiting Cheongju Central Park in the morning, walk five minutes into the adjacent Seongan-gil shopping street for lunch. Try Cheongju-style grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal) or local handmade dumpling soup (manduguk). In the afternoon, take a short taxi ride to Suamgol Mural Village, an elevated neighborhood famous for scenic hillside cafes that overlook the entire city. Conclude your afternoon at the Cheongju National Museum before taking the KTX back to Seoul.

Region	Filming Spot	Nearby Highlight
Cheongju	Central Park	Suamgol Mural Village & Cafes
Incheon	Songdo Central Park	Tri-Bowl Cultural Center & Canal Walk
Chuncheon	Elysian Gangchon	Gangchon Rail Park & Chuncheon Dakgalbi Street

Photo Tips

To recreate the iconic feel of the Go matches at Cheongju Central Park, visit between late October and mid-November when the ancient ginkgo tree reaches its peak golden autumn color. For the best lighting, capture your photos during late afternoon (around 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM) when soft golden sunlight filters through the yellow canopy. Frame your shot from the paved walkway looking toward the tree trunk to include the traditional pavilion in the background.

At Songdo Central Park, aim for early evening during the ‘blue hour’ right after sunset. The architectural lights of the surrounding towers and the Tri-Bowl project stunning reflections onto the canal surface, giving your photos the exact glossy, high-production atmosphere seen in the series.

FAQ

Is the giant outdoor Go board set from The Glory still open to visitors?

The massive outdoor Go board park featured in the series was a temporary production set constructed specifically for filming in the Saemangeum area of Buan, Jeollabuk-do, with additional scenic builds near Cheongju. The set was safely dismantled after filming wrapped. However, fans can still visit the original ginkgo tree setting in Cheongju Central Park, where locals play Go outdoors daily.

Where were the church scenes filmed in the drama?

The church scenes involving the main characters were filmed at active places of worship in the Greater Seoul area, including Saint Maria Church in Ganghwa and Mokdong Cathedral in Seoul. Because these are active religious venues, visitors should refrain from entering during scheduled services and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor when viewing the exteriors.

Can tourists visit the elementary school where Dong-eun teaches?

Exterior school scenes were filmed at real elementary schools in Cheongju and surrounding towns. Because these are active educational facilities with strict safety protocols, tourist access inside school gates or buildings is strictly prohibited. Fans wishing to see the exterior architecture should only view the buildings from public sidewalks outside school grounds and avoid taking photos during school hours.

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