Where Netflix Kingdom Was Filmed: Real Palace Locations

Walking through the quiet pine woods behind Changdeokgung Palace late on a misty autumn afternoon feels eerie even when you know there are no royal zombies lurking behind the wooden doors. The fog hangs heavy over the stone courtyards, transforming the grand Joseon architecture into the exact haunting backdrop that gripped millions of viewers around the world. Netflix's hit series Kingdom redefined historical Korean drama by blending cinematic political intrigue with terrifying zombie horror. What makes the show so visually striking, however, is not computer-generated imagery, but the astonishing real-world historical sites preserved across South Korea.

For fans searching for kingdom kdrama filming locations, visiting these places in person offers a deep appreciation for Joseon history while allowing you to step right into the atmospheric scenes from Season 1 and Season 2. From UNESCO-listed palaces in the heart of Seoul to massive historical film sets hidden in the southern mountains, here is your local trip plan to experiencing the real-life world of Crown Prince Lee Chang and the infected royalty.

Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Secret Garden

Changdeokgung Palace serves as the primary visual anchor for the royal court in Kingdom. This is where Crown Prince Lee Chang confronts the stifling authority of the Haewon Cho clan and where the sinister secrets regarding the late King's health begin to unravel. Juhamnu Pavilion, positioned beside the peaceful Buyongji Pond, appears prominently during critical conversations among the royal ministers and guards. In real life, Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its seamless integration into the natural topography of Mount Baegaksan. Built in 1405 during the reign of King Taejong, it was the preferred primary residence of many Joseon monarchs because of its relaxed, nature-oriented layout compared to the rigid symmetry of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station and leave via Exit 3. Walk straight along the main street for approximately five minutes until you see the massive wooden gate, Donhwamun, on your left. To enter the Huwon Secret Garden area seen in the series, you must book a separate timed guided tour ticket online via the official Cultural Heritage Administration website or purchase limited walk-up tickets at the main gate early in the morning.

Changgyeonggung Palace

Located directly adjacent to Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung Palace was heavily utilized for tense night sequences, shadow-drenched corridors, and frantic palace chases. The traditional wooden halls, including Tongmyeongjeon and Hwangyeongjeon, provided the claustrophobic setting where queen consorts held court and where royal guards desperately attempted to hold back the nightly spread of the plague. In reality, Changgyeonggung was established in the 15th century by King Sejong for his retiring father, King Taejong, and later served as quarters for queens and concubines. Its open courtyards and intricate wooden colonnades make it one of the most romantic yet atmospheric night-viewing spots in Seoul.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Hyehwa Station and use Exit 4. Walk through the Daehangno district for about 10 to 12 minutes toward the main Changgyeonggung entrance gate. Alternatively, if you are already inside Changdeokgung Palace, you can purchase an connecting admission ticket at the internal connecting gate (Hamyangmun) to walk straight between the two palace grounds.

Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park and Open Set

When Crown Prince Lee Chang leaves the royal capital to search for answers in the southern provinces, much of his rugged journey and the rural village outbreaks were filmed at the Mungyeong Saejae Open Set. The grand fortress gates, rustic thatched-roof villages, and gravel mountain passes seen in the series were brought to life here. In real life, Mungyeong Saejae is a historic mountain pass along Mount Jochoryeong that connected the southern Gyeongsang region to Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. Scholars, traders, and envoys spent days hiking through these strategic gates. Today, it hosts a massive permanent historical filming studio built specifically to replicate Joseon-era architecture against an magnificent backdrop of jagged granite peaks.

How to get there

From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (near Kangbyeon Station on Line 2), catch an express intercity bus to Mungyeong Bus Terminal, which takes about two hours. From the Mungyeong terminal, take a local city bus bound for Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park. Once at the park entrance, it is a scenic 15-minute walk along a paved trail to reach the historical film set entrance.

Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Palace

Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Palace was used in Kingdom to represent provincial government offices, military outposts, and regional administrative compounds under siege during the rapid spread of the outbreak. The contrast between the brightly painted wooden gates and the chaos of the storyline created some of the series' most memorable sequences. Historically, a haenggung was a temporary shelter or temporary palace where the Joseon King stayed during times of war or when visiting ancestral tombs outside the capital. This particular palace was constructed within the massive fortress walls of Suwon Hwaseong by King Jeongjo in the late 18th century as a display of filial piety and military strength.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 1 or the KTX train to Suwon Station. Head out to the main bus transit facility outside Exit 4 or 7, and take local bus 11, 13, or 35. Ride for about 10 to 15 minutes and alight at the Hwaseong Haenggung bus stop. The grand entrance square lies directly across from the stop.

Make a Day of It

Visiting these kingdom kdrama filming locations gives you a perfect excuse to explore regional culinary traditions and neighboring cultural landmarks. When visiting the Seoul palaces (Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung), spend your afternoon wandering through the Bukchon Hanok Village or the quiet alleys of Samcheong-dong. Stop by a local restaurant near Anguk for a boiling bowl of Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), a traditional meal that Joseon royalty enjoyed for restorative energy.

If you travel down to Mungyeong Saejae, do not leave without trying the region's famous culinary specialty: Omija Samgyeopsal (pork belly marinated with local five-flavor berries) grilled over hot coals. For those visiting Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung, pair your history walk with a trip to the trendy Haengnidan-gil cafe street located right behind the palace walls, and finish your evening with Suwon's legendary marinated beef ribs (Suwon Galbi).

Location	Nearby Culinary Specialty	Travel Time from Seoul
Changdeokgung Palace	Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang)	Located in Central Seoul
Mungyeong Saejae Set	Omija-marinated Pork Belly	2.5 to 3 Hours by Bus
Suwon Haenggung Palace	Marinated Beef Ribs (Galbi)	1 Hour by Subway/Bus

Photo Tips

To capture the dramatic atmosphere seen in the show, timing and angles are everything. At Changdeokgung's Secret Garden, position yourself at the edge of Buyongji Pond during late afternoon when the low sunlight hits the wooden roof tiles of Juhamnu Pavilion. Shoot from a low angle across the water to frame the reflection of the ancient timber beams, echoing the quiet tension of the drama's palace scenes. For Mungyeong Saejae Open Set, head straight to the main stone gatehouse early in the morning when morning mist still hangs over the mountain ridges; this creates an authentic, cinematic frame with no modern crowds in your shot.

FAQ

Can you visit all these Kingdom filming locations year-round?

Yes, all the palaces and open sets mentioned are open throughout the year. However, operating hours shift between winter and summer seasons, and palaces are usually closed on Mondays or Tuesdays (Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung close on Mondays). Always check the official website schedules prior to planning your day trip.

Do you need advance reservations for the Changdeokgung Secret Garden?

Yes, admission to the Secret Garden (Huwon) inside Changdeokgung Palace is strictly limited to guided tour slots. Tickets sell out quickly online, especially during spring cherry blossom and autumn foliage peak periods. A small number of same-day walk-up tickets are available at the box office, but arriving early in the morning is essential.

Are traditional Hanbok rentals allowed at all these sites?

Wearing traditional Korean Hanbok is fully permitted at all these locations. In fact, wearing Hanbok grants you free basic admission to the grand royal palaces in Seoul (Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung), though special access areas like the Huwon Secret Garden still require separate paid tickets.

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