Scarlet Heart Ryeo Filming Locations: Real Places to Visit

Standing in front of the turquoise water of Cheonjuho Lake on a brisk autumn afternoon, you can almost feel the chill of the sudden solar eclipse that sent Go Ha-jin traveling back a thousand years into the Goryeo Dynasty. Scarlet Heart: Ryeo (Moon Lovers) captured millions of hearts worldwide with its blend of royal intrigue, tragic romance, and breathtaking aesthetics. Lee Joon-gi as the formidable 4th Prince Wang So and IU (Lee Ji-eun) as the spirited Hae Soo created an unforgettable screen pairing that still lives rent-free in the minds of K-drama fans.

While the emotional twists of the drama left many of us weeping into our pillows, the real-life locations across South Korea offer pure joy for travelers. Rather than relying solely on indoor studio sets, the production team made brilliant use of South Korea’s vast historical theme parks, natural heritage sites, and hidden urban gardens. Visiting these real-world places lets you step directly into the world of Goryeo princes, quiet lotus gardens, and dramatic cliffside landscapes. Here is your local travel guide to the most iconic scarlet heart ryeo filming locations you can visit today.

Pocheon Art Valley (Cheonjuho Lake)

This is where Hae Soo’s journey across time begins. In the drama’s opening episode, Go Ha-jin sits at the edge of a scenic lake, observing a child in distress right as a solar eclipse darkens the sky. After diving into the water, she is magically pulled into an underwater vortex and awakens in the Goryeo royal bathing complex.

In real life, this breathtaking body of water is Cheonjuho Lake, situated inside Pocheon Art Valley in Gyeonggi Province. Once an abandoned granite quarry from the 1960s, the local government transformed the industrial scar into a world-class eco-art park in 2009. Rainwater and spring water filled the deep excavation pit, creating a sheer 50-meter granite cliff surrounding emerald-green water. The contrast between the rugged rock walls and the mirror-like lake creates a ethereal backdrop that feels genuinely magical.

How to get there

From Seoul, take Subway Line 1 northbound to Uijeongbu Station (Exit 8). From the bus stop outside, board Bus 138 heading toward Pocheon, then transfer at the Pocheon City Hall stop to local Bus 73, which drops you off near the entrance of Pocheon Art Valley. Alternatively, you can take an express intercity bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Pocheon Bus Terminal and grab a 15-minute taxi directly to the park. Because public bus schedules in rural Pocheon can be infrequent, checking real-time bus apps like Naver Maps is highly recommended.

Wolhwawon Garden in Suwon

Wolhwawon serves as the serene garden setting where Hae Soo spends quiet, contemplative moments, interacts with the various princes, and navigates the delicate social etiquette of royal living. The traditional pavilions, winding stone walkways, and serene lotus pond perfectly captured the noble, tranquil mood of royal Goryeo court life.

Surprise—this site is actually a traditional Cantonese-style Chinese garden tucked inside Hyowon Park in Suwon! Built in 2005 through a cultural exchange agreement between Gyeonggi Province and Guangdong Province in China, Wolhwawon was constructed by native Cantonese artisans using authentic traditional materials. Its distinctive round moon-gates, intricate carved wooden lattices, cascading water features, and elegant tile roofs offer an architectural aesthetic distinct from traditional Korean palaces, giving the drama its unique, ethereal visual signature.

How to get there

Wolhwawon is easily accessible from central Seoul. Take Seoul Subway Line 1 or the Suin-Bundang Line to Suwon Station. Transfer to local Suwon Bus 82-1, 92, or 92-1 and ride for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until you reach the Hyowon Park / KBS Suwon Center bus stop. Walk into Hyowon Park, and you will find the enclosed garden walls on the western side of the grounds.

Baekje Cultural Complex in Buyeo

If you remember the grand exterior shots of the imperial palace—where royal ceremonies unfolded, princes gathered in formal robes, and court guards lined wide stone courtyards—you are looking at the magnificent Baekje Cultural Complex. It stands in as the main Goryeo royal palace grounds throughout the series.

Located in Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do, this sprawling 3.3-square-kilometer historical park is the largest historical theme park in South Korea. It features meticulously reconstructed palaces, temples, and living quarters from the ancient Baekje Kingdom, including Sabigung Palace and Neungsa Temple. Although it historical depicts Baekje architecture, its imposing timber construction, crimson pillars, and expansive stone courtyards provided the ideal scale and grandeur needed to represent the royal palace of Goryeo.

How to get there

Take an intercity bus from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal directly to Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal (the journey takes roughly 2 hours). Once at Buyeo Terminal, take local Bus 401 or hire a 10-minute taxi straight to the Baekje Cultural Complex entrance. Because Buyeo is rich in UNESCO World Heritage sites, plan to spending at least half a day exploring the area.

Ondal Tourist Park in Danyang

Ondal Tourist Park served as the primary background for palace corridors, residential quarters, and traditional garden strolls where Wang So and his brothers held intense private conversations. Its rustic wooden corridors and traditional gates framed many of the drama’s character-driven dialogues.

Nestled in scenic Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do, Ondal Tourist Park is a dedicated historical set constructed specifically for period films and dramas. Surrounded by lush mountains along the Namhan River, the park features authentic re-creations of ancient Korean structures, high city walls, and royal residences. It is also home to Ondalsanseong Fortress and the natural limestone Ondal Cave, making it a favorite location for television production crews seeking classic historical landscapes.

How to get there

Board a KTX-Eum high-speed train from Seoul’s Cheongnyangni Station to Danyang Station (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes). From Danyang Station or the nearby Danyang Bus Terminal, take local Bus 170 bound for Guinsa/Ondal and get off at the Ondal Tourist Park stop. Buses run several times daily, but keep an eye on return schedules so you do not miss your train home.

Make a Day of It

Maximizing your trip means pairing your filming location visits with fantastic local food and nearby sights. Here is how to turn your K-drama pilgrimage into unforgettable day trips:

• Suwon Day Trip: After taking photos at Wolhwawon Garden, walk or take a short taxi to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a grand UNESCO World Heritage site featuring miles of walking trails along ancient city walls. For lunch or dinner, indulge in Suwon’s legendary Wang-galbi (marinated grilled short ribs) at famous local spots like Kabojong or Yeongpo Galbi. End your day sipping coffee along Haengnidan-gil, a trendy neighborhood packed with renovated hanok cafes and boutiques.
• Pocheon Day Trip: Combine Pocheon Art Valley with a scenic visit to the Korea National Arboretum or Herb Island. Pocheon is famous across Korea for two delicacies: Pocheon Idong Galbi (tender marinated beef ribs grilled over charcoal) and sweet, sparkling Pocheon Makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine). Enjoying a hearty meal of grilled galbi alongside cold local rice wine is the ultimate reward after exploring the lake.

Photo Tips

Capturing that perfect K-drama aesthetic requires knowing where to stand and when to shoot:

• Cheonjuho Lake (Pocheon): Head to the wooden observation deck along the lake trail. Position your camera at a slightly low angle to capture the towering granite cliffs and the deep emerald reflection of the water behind you. Early morning or mid-afternoon offers the best natural light before the high cliffs cast heavy shadows across the water.
• Wolhwawon Garden (Suwon): Stand inside the round brick moon-gates to frame your subject naturally. The lotus pond and Chinese-style pavilion in the background recreate Hae Soo’s peaceful garden scenes. Visit right when the gates open on a weekday morning to enjoy quiet surroundings without crowds in your shot.

FAQ

Can I visit all of these Scarlet Heart Ryeo locations in a single day?

No, the locations are spread across different provinces in South Korea. Suwon and Pocheon can each be done as separate day trips from Seoul. Buyeo and Danyang are located further south and are best suited for individual day trips or an overnight regional itinerary.

Are these filming locations open year-round?

Yes, all the listed locations are public parks, cultural heritage complexes, or tourist sites open throughout the year. Operating hours and admission policies vary by season and location, so always verify opening schedules on official local tourism websites before traveling. Please remember to respect local rules, stay on designated walking paths, and leave no trace behind.

What is the best season to visit these Scarlet Heart Ryeo spots?

Autumn (October to November) is arguably the best season. The brilliant red maple leaves and golden ginkgo trees mirror the rich color palette of the drama, particularly at Wolhwawon Garden and Pocheon Art Valley. Spring (April to May) is equally beautiful with blooming blossoms framing the traditional architecture.

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