Step Into Youth of May at Suncheon Open Film Set

When the train pulls into Suncheon Station after a two-and-a-half-hour KTX ride from Seoul, the modern city greets you with quiet streets and mountain silhouettes. Yet just twenty minutes away by local bus sits the largest film set in South Korea dedicated to mid-20th-century history. Walking through the gates of the Suncheon Open Film Set feels less like entering a tourist attraction and more like stepping through a tear in the fabric of time. Built on the site of a former military encampment in Jeollanam-do, this outdoor complex recreates three distinct eras of modern Korean life: post-war shantytowns from the 1950s, market alleyways from the 1960s, and urban neighborhoods from 1970s Seoul.

For international fans who fell in love with the poignant vintage aesthetics of dramas like Youth of May, Pachinko, Giant, and Baker King Kim Tak-gu, or cinematic works like Gangnam 1970, this location is hallowed ground. Every narrow stone staircase, rusted tin roof, and hand-painted shop banner carries the phantom echoes of characters fighting for love, family, and social change. Visiting a suncheon open film set kdrama location offers an immersive connection to the history that shapes Korean popular culture today.

The 1950s Hillside Village (Daldongne)

In sweeping historical productions like Pachinko and East of Eden, this sprawling hillside district serves as the emotional backbone for stories of displacement and resilience. Characters navigate narrow dirt pathways and tiny plaster homes while seeking stability in the turbulent years following the Korean War.

In real life, this section is a meticulous reconstruction of a mid-century daldongne—literally translated as “moon village.” These hillside shantytowns were built on steep terrain so close to the ridge that locals famously joked they could reach out and touch the moon. The set features roughly 200 small structures climbing up a high embankment, complete with outdoor communal pumps, stacked coal briquettes, and rustic wooden fences. Standing at the bottom and looking up gives you an immediate sense of scale, highlighting how production designers capture both human vulnerability and historical grit.

How to Get There

Take the KTX train from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Suncheon Station (approx. 2.5 hours). Exit Suncheon Station and head to the bus stop directly across the street. Board local Bus No. 77 or 99 and ride for roughly 20 minutes before exiting at the “Suncheon Open Film Set” (순천 드라마촬영장) stop. From the bus stop, follow the directional street signs for a short three-minute walk to the main visitor plaza. Always verify local transit schedules and site operating hours prior to setting out.

The 1960s Suncheon Town Center and Stream District

This vintage riverbank district served as a key backdrop for scenes in Youth of May and Baker King Kim Tak-gu, where young protagonists walk along wooden bridges, stop by quiet neighborhood stores, or share private conversations beside the water.

In real life, this area recreates Suncheon’s downtown lower district as it existed during the 1960s, anchored around a restored artificial stream. Weathered timber frame buildings, traditional rice mills, vintage barber shops, and hand-lettered signboards show a provincial town transitioning into modern commercial life. Walking down these unpaved alleys gives fans an intimate look at rural Korean life decades ago.

How to Get There

Located in the middle section of the Suncheon Open Film Set complex in Jorye-dong. Once inside the main entrance, follow the path straight ahead past the plaza to enter the 1960s stream zone. If traveling directly from the Suncheon Intercity Bus Terminal, take local Bus No. 71 or 77 heading toward Jorye-dong.

The 1970s Seoul Suburbs and Retro Cinema

Featured prominently in film hits like Gangnam 1970 and retro TV series like Giant and Love Rain, this bustling streetscape host scenes of youth culture, dramatic street encounters, and romantic movie dates.

This zone recreates outer districts of Seoul—such as Suyu-dong—during the industrial expansion of the 1970s and 80s. The focal point is a grand retro cinema facade adorned with painted movie posters, flanked by vintage record shops, bakeries, billiards halls, and traditional coffee tearooms (daabang). The architecture captures an era when Western culture and modern Korean youth lifestyle merged in dynamic new ways.

How to Get There

Situated in the flat lower sector near the main entrance gates inside the film set complex. Local taxis from Suncheon Station or the express bus terminal reach the film set in under 15 minutes.

Plan Your Visit

Area / Nearest Transit	Rough Time Needed	Rough Budget Range
Suncheon Open Film Set (Bus 71, 77, 99 or Taxi from Suncheon Station)	2 – 3 Hours	Budget-Friendly (Nominal admission & costume rental fees)

Note: Please verify operating hours, admission rates, and transit schedules before visiting.

Make a Day of It

Suncheon is celebrated as the ecological capital of South Korea, offering a clean, scenic contrast to urban film sets. After spending a morning exploring movie history, round out your itinerary with the region’s famous natural reserves and regional food.

Destination	Highlights	Distance from Film Set
Suncheon Bay National Garden	Massive botanical gardens representing international garden styles	Approx. 15 mins by taxi
Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve	Vast coastal reed fields and sunset observation decks	Approx. 25 mins by taxi
Local Culinary District	Kkomak Jeongsik (Cockle Set Meal) and Mudskipper Soup	Near station & wetland area

Start your morning early at the Suncheon Open Film Set before midday crowds arrive. By noon, head toward the city center or the Suncheon Bay Wetland area to try a traditional Kkomak Jeongsik (꼬막정식). This regional feast features fresh cockles prepared in multiple ways: seasoned with soy, fried in light batter, grilled, and served alongside an array of side dishes. Pair it with a hot bowl of Jjangddung-eo tang (짱뚱어탕), a savory mudskipper soup cooked with soybean paste and vegetables, popular among locals for its rich flavor.

In the late afternoon, take a short bus ride south to the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve. Walk along the raised wooden boardwalks cutting through gold-hued reed fields. If time permits, hike up to the Yongsan Observatory for a panoramic view of the sun setting over the winding tidal channels.

Photo Tips

To capture the ultimate vintage drama aesthetic, visit the rental shop near the film set entrance where you can rent authentic retro Korean high school uniforms (gyobok) complete with name tags and vintage hats. Wear these while exploring the 1970s urban street or sitting inside the retro classroom set.

• The Hillside Panorama: Stand near the base of the 1950s Daldongne and shoot upward using a wide lens angle to capture the dense stacking of tin roofs against the sky.
• The Cinema Street Frame: Frame your subject in front of the hand-painted movie billboards on the 1970s theater facade during mid-afternoon when natural sunlight illuminates the colorful vintage lettering.
• Golden Hour Light: Visit the 1960s stream area during the final hour before sunset. The warm golden light hits the weathered wooden facades and creates rich reflections in the water channel.

Fan Checklist & Etiquette

1. Photo Route Order: Rent retro school uniforms near the entrance, start with the 1970s Cinema district, stroll along the 1960s Stream District, and finish with the 1950s Daldongne hillside view.
2. Handle Props gently: These detailed period sets and signs are preserved historical structures; refrain from leaning heavily on fragile railings or moving set pieces.
3. Share Popular Spots: Be mindful of other visitors waiting for photos in key locations like the retro cinema facade and high school classroom sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I budget for visiting the Suncheon Open Film Set?

Most visitors spend between two to three hours exploring all three era zones, taking photos, and visiting the indoor display rooms. If you plan to rent retro costumes, budget an extra hour to change and shoot photos across the complex.

Is a day trip from Seoul to Suncheon feasible for K-drama fans?

Yes, it is entirely manageable thanks to the KTX high-speed rail line, which connects Seoul Station to Suncheon Station in about two hours and 30 minutes. Departing Seoul on an early morning train allows you full afternoon coverage before returning to Seoul in the evening.

Can visitors rent retro costumes or school uniforms inside the set?

Yes, costume rental facilities operate near the main entrance plaza, offering 1970s and 1980s school uniforms along with retro accessories for photo opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• The Suncheon Open Film Set brings iconic period productions like Youth of May and Pachinko to life through three immersive retro eras (1950s–1970s).
• Accessible directly from Seoul via a 2.5-hour KTX journey, making it ideal for a full-day excursion or weekend itinerary in Jeollanam-do.
• Pairing costume rentals with visits to local spots like Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve provides a complete culture-and-nature Korean travel experience.

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