Where to Find King the Land Luxury Hotel Locations in Seoul

Discovering the Glamour of King the Land in Seoul

Standing inside the soaring gold-and-marble atrium of Gangnam's Josun Palace, you can instantly picture Gu Won stepping off the elevator in a tailored suit. The hit romantic comedy King the Land, starring Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah, captured global audiences not only with its charming workplace romance but also with its dazzling visual aesthetic. The fictional King Hotel—where chaebol heir Gu Won and star hotelier Cheon Sa-rang navigate professional pressures and secret dates—appears as a single flawless property on screen. In truth, the production team skillfully combined several of Seoul's most iconic luxury hotels, grand dining spaces, and scenic spots to build their cinematic universe.

Tracking down these king the land filming locations seoul offers fans a unique journey through South Korea's high-end hospitality culture. From hillside resorts tucked along Namsan to high-tech towers in Gangnam, visiting these sites allows you to experience the elegant ambiance shown on screen while exploring some of Seoul's best neighborhoods. Below is a detailed local guide to the real-life places where Sa-rang and Gu Won's story came to life.

Josun Palace, Seoul Masters (Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam)

This grand hotel serves as the primary visual model for the interior spaces of the fictional King Hotel. Key scenes involving VIP arrivals, sleek elevator hallway exchanges, and polished reception moments were filmed across its stunning art deco lobby and upper-level lounges.

In real life, Josun Palace is a luxury Marriott collection property located in the heart of Gangnam's business district. Built on the historical legacy of Korea's original Westin Josun, the hotel features striking high ceilings, geometric brass details, and curated contemporary art installations. Even if you are not staying overnight, visiting the public lounge or booking a afternoon tea session gives you direct access to the exact modern luxury atmosphere seen throughout the drama.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 (Green Line) or the Suin-Bundang Line to Yeoksam Station. Leave through Exit 8 and walk straight along Teheran-ro for approximately 5 minutes. Josun Palace is housed inside the Centerfield building complex on your left. Alternatively, you can take Seoul Subway Line 2 or the Suin-Bundang Line to Seolleung Station, exit via Exit 4, and walk straight for about 6 minutes.

Grand Hyatt Seoul (Hannam-dong, Yongsan)

Grand Hyatt Seoul provided the backdrop for several high-society gatherings, corporate galas, and romantic nighttime conversations overlooking the twinkling lights of the city. The expansive views from the floor-to-ceiling lobby glass windows emphasize Gu Won's grand world throughout the show.

Situated on the lower slopes of Namsan Mountain, Grand Hyatt Seoul is an iconic landmark in Seoul's hospitality history. Known for its sweeping views of the Han River and Mt. Namsan, the hotel features expansive garden grounds, a grand ballroom, and an elegant lobby lounge. It is a favored venue for real-life celebrity events and state visits, making it the perfect match for the show's high-stakes corporate narrative.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 6 to Hangangjin Station and leave through Exit 2. From there, take Yongsan Bus 03 (a local green village bus) directly to the Grand Hyatt Seoul bus stop. You can also take Subway Line 6 to Itaewon Station, Exit 1, and take a quick 5-minute taxi ride uphill to the hotel main entrance.

Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul (Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu)

The outdoor swimming pool and garden terrace at Banyan Tree were used to film the vibrant VIP poolside events and hospitality parties where Sa-rang and her fellow hotel staff demonstrated their top-tier service under intense pressure.

Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul is an exclusive urban resort nestled along the leafy base of Namsan Park. Known for its private relaxation pools inside rooms and its famous outdoor pool deck called 'The Oasis', the property offers a secluded, tropical-resort feel right in the middle of Seoul. While hotel rooms and private cabanas are reserved for guests and members, the resort's dining facilities and seasonal outdoor events are frequently open to the general public with advance reservations.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 3 (Orange Line) to Dongguk University Station and exit through Exit 6. From the exit, walk uphill along Jangchungdan-ro toward Namsan Park for roughly 12 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, hop on a short taxi ride from Dongguk University Station Exit 6, which takes under 5 minutes.

Seokchon Lake & Lotte World Tower (Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu)

Away from the high-pressure environment of the hotel, Gu Won and Sa-rang share low-key walking dates and shopping excursions around the modern waterfront and luxury retail halls of Jamsil. The towering background of Lotte World Tower emphasizes the grandeur of their Seoul date scenes.

Seokchon Lake is a quiet public park surrounding two interconnected lakes in eastern Seoul, famous for its tree-lined walking paths and seasonal flower blooms. It sits directly adjacent to Lotte World Tower, the world's sixth-tallest building, which houses luxury department stores, fine dining, and the Seoul Sky observation deck. It provides a popular contrast between serene natural paths and towering contemporary architecture.

How to get there

Take Seoul Subway Line 2 or Line 8 to Jamsil Station. Use Exit 2 or Exit 11 to walk directly out toward Seokchon Lake Park and the entrance of Lotte World Mall. The walking path encircles both the East and West lakes and is completely open to the public year-round.

Make a Day of It

Because Seoul's filming locations span both the north (Namsan/Yongsan) and south (Gangnam/Jamsil) sides of the Han River, grouping your visits by geographic zones saves travel time.

For a Namsan Luxury Day, start your morning with a quiet stroll through Namsan Park near Banyan Tree Club & Spa. Walk along the historic Seoul City Wall trail that wraps around the hillside. For lunch, head down toward the vibrant Hannam-dong neighborhood to enjoy trendy cafes, art galleries like Hyundai Card Music Library, and local gourmet dining spots. In the late afternoon, head up to Grand Hyatt Seoul's lobby lounge for a coffee or evening drink while watching the sunset over the Han River.

For a Gangnam & Jamsil Modern Day, start at Josun Palace in Yeoksam-dong. Enjoy a high-tea experience or lunch inside the Centerfield dining complex. Afterward, take Subway Line 2 straight to Jamsil Station. Spend your late afternoon walking around Seokchon Lake, browsing the luxury boutiques inside Lotte World Mall, and enjoying dinner at one of the top-floor restaurants overlooking the city view.

Photo Tips

To capture photos that match the sleek look of King the Land, pay close attention to lighting and architectural symmetry:

• Josun Palace Elevator Hallway: Stand at the center of the brass-lined corridors leading toward the lobby lounge. Use a wide-angle lens setting on your smartphone, shooting from chest height to capture the full vertical grandeur of the geometric ceiling lines.
• Grand Hyatt Lobby View: Visit during the late afternoon 'golden hour' or right at dusk. Frame your shot facing the massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows so the ambient indoor warm lighting blends with the blue hour sky over southern Seoul.
• Seokchon Lake Promenade: Position yourself along the southern bank of the East Lake facing north. Angle your shot upward to include the reflection of Lotte World Tower in the lake water along with the tree-lined walkway.

FAQ

Can non-guests visit the filming locations inside Josun Palace and Grand Hyatt Seoul?

Yes, non-guests are welcome to visit the public areas of both hotels, including their lobby lounges, restaurants, and public hallways. However, please remember that these are operational luxury business properties. Always dress smart-casual, keep noise levels low, avoid blocking walkways, and respect hotel guest privacy when taking personal photos.

Is the King Hotel a real hotel in Seoul?

No, the King Hotel is entirely fictional. The production team used a combination of several real-life properties—including Josun Palace, Grand Hyatt Seoul, Banyan Tree Club & Spa, and select resort locations outside Seoul—to create the appearance of one massive, ultra-luxurious hotel property.

What is the best time of year to visit these filming locations?

Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer the best weather for visiting these sites. Spring brings cherry blossoms surrounding Seokchon Lake and Namsan Park, while Autumn delivers vibrant fall foliage along the hillside roads near Grand Hyatt and Banyan Tree.

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