The Red Sleeve Filming Locations You Can Visit in Korea

Step Into the Joseon Romance of Yi San and Deok-im

When King Jeongjo composed the eulogy for Royal Noble Consort Uibin Seong in the late eighteenth century, he left behind one of the most celebrated real-life romances in Korean history. MBC’s hit drama The Red Sleeve brought this historical bond between Prince Yi San (Lee Jun-ho) and palace court maid Seong Deok-im (Lee Se-young) to international audiences with unmatched grace. Beyond the poignant dialogue and brilliant performances, what captured hearts worldwide was the majestic backdrop: quiet lotus ponds, weathered wooden verandas, and sprawling courtyards that made every scene look like a traditional ink painting.

Unlike modern dramas that rely heavily on studio sets, historical K-dramas filmed in Korea often utilize actual UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic Confucian academies, and preserved royal pavilions. Visiting these real places allows you to step directly into the world of the royal court, walking the same stone paths where Deok-im guarded her independence and Yi San carried the heavy weight of the crown. Whether you are planning a complete historical itinerary across South Korea or adding a couple of day trips to your Seoul vacation, here are the documented filming sites that brought this love story to life.

Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden (Seoul)

Changdeokgung serves as the primary real-life backdrop and inspiration for the drama’s inner palace scenes. In the show, the quiet pavilions tucked away near the water reflect the early, secretive meetings between Deok-im and Prince Yi San before he ascended the throne.

Built in 1405 during the Joseon Dynasty, Changdeokgung is widely considered the most favored palace of Joseon kings because its layout blends naturally into the surrounding hills rather than imposing a strict grid on the landscape. The Secret Garden (Huwon), which makes up roughly sixty percent of the palace grounds, features Buyongji Pond and Juhamnu Pavilion. These exact garden structures served as key visual anchors throughout the drama to illustrate the quiet isolation of court life.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station and leave via Exit 3. Walk straight along Yulgok-ro for approximately five minutes, and the main gate (Donhwamun) will be on your left. To enter the Secret Garden, you must book a separate guided tour ticket through the official Cultural Heritage Administration website or purchase limited walk-up tickets at the gate early in the morning.

Gwanghanruwon Garden (Namwon)

The iconic waterside moments where Yi San gazes across a lotus-filled pond were filmed at Gwanghanruwon Garden in Namwon. In the drama, this lush scenery captures the brief, peaceful pauses in court life where Deok-im and the crown prince share quiet conversation away from political intrigue.

Located in Jeollabuk-do province, Gwanghanruwon was established in 1419 by Hwang Hui, a celebrated Chief State Councillor of Joseon. The garden is famous for its large central pond, three miniature island pavilions symbolizing mythical realm mountains, and the Ojakgyo Bridge. While historically renowned as the setting for the classic Korean folk tale *Chunhyangjeon*, its magnificent weeping willows and curved stone bridges made it a perfect filming location for *The Red Sleeve*.

How to get there

From Seoul Station or Yongsan Station, take a KTX train directly to Namwon Station (about two hours). From Namwon Station, you can take a ten-minute taxi ride or catch local city buses 220 or 280 toward the Namwon City Center stop near Gwanghanruwon Garden.

Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (Suwon)

This location hosted several grand court processions, guard movements, and exterior palace strolls seen throughout the drama. The distinct yellow-tinted stone walls and wide open plazas emphasize the formal boundaries between the sovereign and his royal servants.

Haenggung translates to a temporary palace where the king rested during trips outside the capital. Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung is the largest of all Joseon temporary palaces, commissioned by King Jeongjo himself—the real historical figure behind Lee Jun-ho’s character—when he visited his father’s sacred tomb. Walking through these gates provides a direct historical connection to King Jeongjo’s actual legacy.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 1 or a regional train to Suwon Station. Exit the station toward the main bus transfer platform and board City Bus 11 or 13. Ride for approximately ten minutes and get off at the Hwaseong Haenggung bus stop.

Jeonju Hyanggyo Confucian School (Jeonju)

The peaceful library, wooden study halls, and shaded walkways where court maids gather in the drama were filmed at Jeonju Hyanggyo. The weathered wooden pillars and stone courtyards provided an authentic backdrop for Deok-im’s quiet moments reading books and copying texts.

Jeonju Hyanggyo is a provincial government-run school originally established during the Goryeo Dynasty and relocated to its present spot in 1603. It houses ancient ginkgo trees that are hundreds of years old, creating a golden canopy in late autumn. Located on the edge of Jeonju’s famed historic quarter, it offers visitors a serene glimpse into Joseon-era education and scholarly life.

How to get there

Take a KTX train from Yongsan Station in Seoul to Jeonju Station (around 1 hour and 40 minutes). From Jeonju Station, take Bus 119 or a fifteen-minute taxi ride to Jeonju Hanok Village. Walk through the eastern end of the village along Hyanggyo-gil for about ten minutes to reach the school entrance.

Filming Locations at a Glance

Location Name	City / Region	Historical Identity
Changdeokgung Palace	Seoul	UNESCO World Heritage Palace
Gwanghanruwon Garden	Namwon	Joseon Traditional Garden
Hwaseong Haenggung	Suwon	King Jeongjo’s Royal Palace
Jeonju Hyanggyo	Jeonju	Historical Confucian School

Make a Day of It

To maximize your travel itinerary, combine these drama sites with nearby regional highlights to enjoy rich food and historic atmosphere.

• Seoul Palace Route: After exploring Changdeokgung and its Secret Garden, stroll into the adjacent Bukchon Hanok Village. Stop at a local tea house along Samcheong-dong for traditional hot ginger tea or green tea shaved ice. Finish your afternoon with a warm bowl of *samgyetang* (ginseng chicken soup) near Anguk Station.
• Suwon Historic Loop: Pair your visit to Hwaseong Haenggung Palace with a scenic walking tour along the UNESCO-listed Suwon Hwaseong Fortress wall. Head to the famous Suwon Chicken Street right across the stream to enjoy authentic Korean fried chicken or seasoned galbi-style chicken.
• Jeonju Cultural Heritage: Spend your morning at Jeonju Hyanggyo before wandering through the cobblestone alleyways of Jeonju Hanok Village. Try authentic Jeonju *bibimbap* served in hot stone pots and sample fresh *pnb* choco pies from the traditional local bakeries.
• Namwon Scenic Tour: Combine Gwanghanruwon Garden with a visit to the nearby Jirisan mountain valleys. Namwon is famous across Korea for *chueotang* (savory loach soup cooked with dried radish greens and aromatic spices), perfect after an outdoor morning walk along the pond.

Photo Tips for Red Sleeve Fans

Capturing the perfect photo that mirrors the soft, romantic visual tone of *The Red Sleeve* requires timing and simple camera angles.

• Wear Court-Style Hanbok: Many rental shops near Changdeokgung and Jeonju Hanok Village offer *gungjung hanbok* (palace-style dresses) including court maid attire featuring red sleeve cuffs (*kkeutdong*). Wearing these styled sleeves against dark wooden palace pillars immediately recreates Deok-im’s signature look.
• Target Late Afternoon Light: The producers of *The Red Sleeve* relied heavily on warm golden hour illumination. Visit Gwanghanruwon or Jeonju Hyanggyo between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM when soft sunlight filters through the willow trees and ancient wooden roof eaves.
• Pond Reflection Angles: Lower your camera angle near Buyongji in Seoul or the central bridge in Namwon to capture reflections of the wooden pavilions directly in the water. Frame your shot using overhanging leafy tree branches to recreate the framing technique used throughout the show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit all of these Red Sleeve filming locations in one day?

No, because these locations are spread across different provinces in South Korea. Changdeokgung is in Seoul, Suwon is about an hour south, while Jeonju and Namwon are located in Jeollabuk-do province. It is best to spend one day on Seoul and Suwon, and schedule a separate two-day trip down south for Jeonju and Namwon.

Do I need advance reservations for Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden?

General admission to Changdeokgung Palace grounds can be bought on-site without prior booking. However, entry into the Secret Garden (Huwon) requires a guided tour with strict daily visitor limits. It is highly recommended to reserve Secret Garden tickets online via the official Changdeokgung site up to six days before your visit.

Are these sites open year-round and what are the admission fees?

All four locations listed are public historical heritage sites open year-round, though most close on Mondays for regular maintenance. Operating hours vary by season and entrance fees are generally modest (ranging roughly between 1,000 to 3,000 KRW). Always double-check operating calendars on official Korean tourism websites before finalized trip planning.

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