True Beauty Filming Locations in Seoul You Can Visit

Whenever I walk past the quiet stone wall alleyways near Anguk Station during late autumn, I still half-expect to see Lim Ju-gyeong rushing down the path with a stack of horror comic books tucked under her arm. The 2020 romance drama True Beauty captured something incredibly special about Seoul. It did not just show off flashy landmarks; it showcased the intimate, nostalgic corners of the city where vintage charm meets youth culture.

For fans who followed Ju-gyeong, Lee Su-ho, and Han Seo-jun through their high school heartbreaks and comedic triumphs, visiting these real-life settings is like stepping directly into the webtoon panels come to life. The show relies heavily on neighborhoods that reflect the dual nature of Seoul—historic hanok neighborhoods nestled against bustling university quarters. Whether you are reliving Su-ho and Ju-gyeong's quiet comic shop moments or imagining Seo-jun riding his motorcycle down neon-lit avenues, here are the documented filming spots in Seoul you can visit on your next trip.

Prince Comics Shop (Yunboseon-gil, Anguk)

In the drama, Prince Comics is the cozy sanctuary where Ju-gyeong and Su-ho first genuinely bond over their shared, secret love for dark horror comic books. It is the backdrop for countless humorous encounters, quiet conversations, and pivotal emotional discoveries throughout the series.

In real life, the building that served as the exterior of Prince Comics is located along Yunboseon-gil, a picturesque street in the Bukchon and Anguk area. While the interior scenes were filmed on a constructed set, the iconic stone building facade with its wooden frame and vintage doorway is completely real. Over the years, the building space has hosted various local artisanal workshops and small cafes rather than an actual comic rental shop. The neighborhood itself retains that exact tranquil, timeless atmosphere seen on screen, surrounded by traditional Korean houses (hanok) and craft boutiques.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station and leave via Exit 1. Turn right onto Yunboseon-gil right after exiting. Walk straight for about three to five minutes along the tree-lined street. You will spot the distinct vintage stone building on your left. Because this area sits in a quiet neighborhood alongside residential residences, remember to keep your voice down while taking photos.

Saebom High School Campus (Yonsei University Sinchon Campus)

Saebom High School serves as the central setting for most of the drama's action, romance, and friendship drama. The grand brick buildings covered in lush ivy, wide plazas, and classical architecture gave the school an almost fairy-tale academic atmosphere.

While production used a combination of different locations for internal scenes and specialized exterior shots across Korea, key outdoor school sequences—especially the majestic ivy-draped stone structures—were filmed at Yonsei University's Sinchon Campus. Specifically, Underwood Hall and the surrounding historic quadrangle provided the grand background. Established in 1885, Yonsei is one of Korea's oldest and most prestigious universities. Walking through the campus, especially during spring cherry blossoms or golden autumn foliage, feels remarkably like stepping right into a Saebom High School term.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Sinchon Station and take Exit 2 or 3. Walk straight down the lively Sinchon-ro university street for roughly 10 minutes until you reach the grand main entrance gate of Yonsei University. Walk along the main central boulevard (Baekyang-ro) all the way to the top of the walkway to reach Underwood Hall and the central courtyard.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village Alleyways

Ikseon-dong is where several charming outdoor walking scenes take place. It is featured when the main trio wanders through narrow streets lined with warm glowing lamps, street food stalls, capsule toy machines, and vintage claw arcades after school hours.

Ikseon-dong is one of Seoul's oldest traditional neighborhoods, dating back to the 1920s. In recent years, local young creators transformed these preserved hanok homes into trendy dessert cafes, vintage boutiques, flower shops, and craft pubs. The narrow alleys are tightly packed, pedestrian-only, and brimming with character. When you wander through Ikseon-dong, you will immediately recognize the rustic wooden doors, tiled roofs, and cozy atmosphere that made Ju-gyeong and Su-ho's evening walks look so magical.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 1, 3, or 5 to Jongno 3-ga Station and head out through Exit 4 or Exit 6. Exit 4 brings you directly across the street from the narrow entry alleys of Ikseon-dong. Follow the pedestrian traffic into the maze of renovated hanok streets.

Hongdae Busking Street and Shopping Alleyways

From shopping for cosmetics with friends to dramatic outdoor encounters, Hongdae serves as the backdrop whenever the characters immerse themselves in modern teenage Seoul life. The vibrant street performances and fashion shops encapsulate Ju-gyeong's journey with makeup, self-expression, and style.

Hongdae (the area surrounding Hongik University) is the undisputed center of youth culture, indie art, street performance, and nightlife in Seoul. The main pedestrian street (Eoulmadang-ro) is lined with cosmetic stores where you can easily find the exact Korean beauty products featured in the drama. In the evenings, youth performers gather along the designated busking zones to sing, dance, and play music, recreating the energetic vibe seen in the background of many True Beauty city scenes.

How to Get There

Take Seoul Subway Line 2, the AREX line, or the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Hongik University Station and use Exit 8 or 9. Turn onto Eoulmadang-ro to reach the main shopping and street performance strip immediately.

Make a Day of It

You can easily group these locations into a seamless one-day True Beauty Seoul itinerary because they are clustered along direct subway connections.

Start your morning around 9:30 AM at Anguk Station. Take a morning stroll down Yunboseon-gil to see the Prince Comics building while the light is soft and the street is quiet. From there, walk south directly into Ikseon-dong for lunch. The contrast between traditional wooden architecture and modern fusion brunch spots makes it a fantastic place to refuel. Try some local hand-drip coffee or fresh warm salt bread at one of the renovated hanok cafes.

After lunch, jump onto Subway Line 3 at Jongno 3-ga Station, transfer to Line 2 at Euljiro 3-ga, and ride directly to Sinchon Station. Spend your afternoon wandering through the gothic stone arches and tree-shaded pathways of Yonsei University. End your day by walking one subway stop over (or taking a short 15-minute walk) to Hongdae. As night falls, Hongdae comes alive with glowing storefronts, street musicians, and countless local restaurants serving Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki, and samgyeopsal.

Photo Tips

• Prince Comics Exterior: Frame your photo standing on the opposite sidewalk of Yunboseon-gil looking across at the building. Use a slightly low angle to capture the full stone structure and rustic roofline. Morning light (8:30 AM to 10:00 AM) avoids heavy shadows and pedestrian crowds.
• Yonsei Campus Quad: Stand in the center garden path facing Underwood Hall. Autumn (late October to early November) is the absolute best season here when the ivy turning brilliant crimson against the grey stone closely mirrors the romantic K-drama aesthetic.
• Ikseon-dong Alleys: Visit during twilight right around sunset (6:00 PM in spring/autumn). The overhead lanterns turn on while there is still deep blue light in the sky, creating that warm, cinematic drama lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prince Comics an actual working comic book rental shop today?

No, the building exterior on Yunboseon-gil was used only for filming and is not an operating comic rental shop. Over time, the space has housed local commercial workshops and cafes. Visitors are welcome to view and photograph the exterior from the public sidewalk, but please be mindful of current business operations and local residents.

Can tourists freely enter Yonsei University campus to take photos?

Yes, Yonsei University's Sinchon campus grounds are generally open to the public during daytime hours. Visitors can walk along the main pathways and explore the outdoor courtyards around Underwood Hall. Always keep noise levels low, stay out of private academic buildings during lecture hours, and avoid disturbing students during midterms and final exams.

How long does it take to visit all these True Beauty spots?

Because these spots are located along central transit routes in Seoul (Jongno-gu, Seodaemun-gu, and Mapo-gu), you can comfortably visit all four locations in approximately six to seven hours, including transit time, photo stops, and a sit-down meal.

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