Visiting Dumulmeori: She Was Pretty Filming Locations

Standing at the edge of Dumulmeori early in the morning as thick river mist drifts across the water is an experience every K-drama viewer will instantly recognize. Located in Yangpyeong, just an hour east of Seoul, this scenic headland is where the Bukhangang (North Han River) and Namhangang (South Han River) meet. The name “Dumulmeori” literally translates to “two water heads,” referencing this geographic union. Because of its dramatic seasonal trees, glassy waters, and mist-shrouded hills, location scouts have brought camera crews here for decades.

For international fans, Dumulmeori serves as a backdrop for emotional turning points, quiet confessions, and unforgettable romantic dates. Whether you remember Kim Hye-jin and Ji Sung-joon taking photo frame pictures in She Was Pretty or the ethereal riverbank scenes that evoke the mysterious atmosphere of Hotel Del Luna, visiting this riverside retreat feels like walking directly into your favorite show. Here is a practical, local guide to help you plan an easy day trip out of the city to explore this iconic countryside destination.

Dumulmeori Wooden Picture Frame and Ancient Zelkova Tree

This central spot at Dumulmeori is where Kim Hye-jin (Hwang Jung-eum) and Ji Sung-joon (Park Seo-joon) share a meaningful date in She Was Pretty, taking pictures inside the giant wooden frame with the tranquil river stretched out behind them. It also appears in background shots of historical and fantasy dramas like Hotel Del Luna and River Where the Moon Rises due to its timeless landscape.

In real life, this site is a designated eco-tourism landmark anchored by a towering 400-year-old Zelkova tree. Three large Zelkova trees originally stood here representing a ancient boat dock, but today one majestic tree remains as the central symbol of the headland. Beside it, local authorities installed a large rectangular wooden picture frame angled toward the river, allowing visitors to frame themselves against the water and distant mountains just like the leads in She Was Pretty.

How to get there

Take the Gyeongui-Jungang Line on the Seoul Subway network and get off at Yangsu Station (Exit 1). From Yangsu Station, you have three options to reach the picture frame:

• By Taxi: The quickest method is taking a taxi from the station stand. It takes roughly 5 minutes and costs approximately 4,000 to 5,000 KRW.
• By Local Bus: Walk to the bus stop outside Exit 1 and catch local town bus 8-8 or 8-9. Ride for about 3 stops to the Dumulmeori bus stop, then walk 5 minutes toward the river.
• On Foot: If you enjoy walking, follow the paved pedestrian path along the water and through the neighborhood. It is a flat, pleasant 25-minute walk (around 2 kilometers) from the station exit.

Semiwon Lotus Garden and the Baedaari Bridge

In the hit drama The Beauty Inside, as well as various atmospheric historical dramas, the lush aquatic flora and traditional Korean bridges surrounding this area provide a backdrop for quiet strolls and reflective moments between main characters.

Semiwon is an expansive, lotus-themed ecological park located directly adjacent to Dumulmeori. The highlight connecting Semiwon to the main Dumulmeori headland is the Baedaari (Pontoon Bridge), a traditional structure built across forty arched wooden boats anchored together in the style of the Joseon Dynasty. Inside Semiwon, you will find footpaths lined with giant lotus pads, stone fountain structures shaped like traditional water crocks, and tranquil lily ponds that bloom vividly during the summer months.

How to get there

Semiwon is located right next to Dumulmeori. You can enter Semiwon directly from the main road near Yangsu Station, or you can walk to it straight from Dumulmeori by crossing the Baedaari Pontoon Bridge. If arriving directly from Yangsu Station Exit 1, walk straight south for about 10 minutes (approx. 700 meters) along the sidewalk, and you will see the main entrance gate to Semiwon on your right. Please check current local operating hours before visiting, as park entry schedules change seasonally.

Yangsu-ri Riverside Walkway and Old Rail Bridge

This striking iron bridge spanning the river has been featured in urban romance dramas and healing series including Doctor Slump and Touch Your Heart, where characters go for peaceful evening walks, bicycle rides, or reflective moments away from Seoul.

This location is part of the Bukhangang Bicycle Path, built on the converted tracks of the abandoned Jungang Train Line. The centerpiece is the old Neungnae Railway Bridge, a long metallic truss bridge equipped with wooden decking and safety railings so pedestrians and cyclists can travel safely above the water. Standing in the middle of the bridge offers sweeping 360-degree views of the two rivers converging, with lush greenery on both banks.

How to get there

The entrance to the railway walk begins right near Yangsu Station. Take Exit 2 from Yangsu Station and follow the signs for the Namhangang Bicycle Path. Walk north along the paved green path for approximately 10 to 12 minutes to reach the start of the bridge crossing. Bicycle rental shops are situated right outside Yangsu Station Exit 1 if you prefer to ride across the bridge like characters in a drama scene.

Make a Day of It

Dumulmeori and the surrounding Yangsu-ri region offer plenty of activities to fill a full afternoon before heading back to Seoul. Because the area is surrounded by rivers and mountains, local food specialties revolve around lotus root and fresh rural ingredients.

props

Spot / Activity	Type	Highlights
Lotus Hotdog (Yeon-Hotdog)	Local Food	Famous fried corn dog made with lotus leaf powder in the batter
Yangsu-ri Market	Traditional Market	Small regional market offering street snacks and fresh seasonal produce
Riverside Cafe Strip	Relaxation	Scenic glass-front cafes offering coffee with panorama river views

No trip to Dumulmeori is complete without trying a famous Lotus Hotdog (연핫도그). Located right near the entrance to the Dumulmeori Zelkova tree park, this street food stall is so popular that locals regularly line up for up to 30 minutes. The batter contains pulverized lotus leaves, giving the outer crust a slightly greenish hue and a subtle earthy fragrance. You can choose between spicy or original sausage, and the staff will coat it in sugar, ketchup, and mustard upon request.

After enjoying your snack and walking along the river, head to one of the multi-story cafes built along the water’s edge. Many offer large floor-to-ceiling windows and rooftop terraces where you can sit with a warm drink and look out over the river traffic and distant mountain ridges.

Photo Tips

To capture photos that look like cinematic drama stills, pay attention to the lighting and angles available around Dumulmeori:

• The She Was Pretty Frame Angle: Position your camera or phone about 3 to 4 meters back from the wooden frame. Have your subject stand inside the frame while keeping the river and distant mountain peak visible through the center. To avoid long lines of tourists waiting for this exact shot, arrive before 9:30 AM on weekdays.
• Morning Mist Effect: If you want to replicate the moody, fantasy atmosphere seen in historical dramas, plan your visit for early morning during autumn or spring. The temperature difference between the water and air creates a thick layer of fog over the river, usually lasting until about an hour after sunrise.
• Golden Hour Shadows: An hour before sunset, the sun drops behind the hills across the river, casting a deep golden glow across the Zelkova tree and creating silhouettes against the water.

FAQ

How do I get to Dumulmeori from Seoul without a car?

Taking public transit is very straightforward. Board the Gyeongui-Jungang Line on the Seoul Subway network from major transfer hubs like Hongik University, Yongsan, or Wangsimni. Ride the train directly to Yangsu Station. The train ride takes roughly 50 to 60 minutes from central Seoul. From Yangsu Station Exit 1, you can walk 25 minutes, take a 5-minute taxi, or board local town bus 8-8 to reach Dumulmeori.

Is Dumulmeori worth visiting all year round?

Yes, Dumulmeori is unique because its appearance changes completely with each season. Summer (July to August) brings vibrant green lotus leaves and blooming pink lotus flowers across Semiwon. Autumn (October to November) highlights golden foliage along the riverside trees and crisp morning mist. Winter brings a quiet, serene landscape where frozen patches of the river are dusted with white snow, mirroring scenes from period dramas.

Can I visit Dumulmeori and Nami Island on the same day?

While both are located along the Gyeongui-Jungang or ITX transit lines heading east, combining them into one day requires early planning. Dumulmeori is located at Yangsu Station, while Nami Island requires traveling further east to Gapyeong Station via the ITX-Cheongchun train or Gyeongchun Line. If using public transit, visit Dumulmeori early in the morning, return to the station, and take the train to Gapyeong by noon to fit both locations comfortably into a single day trip.

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