What You'll Find in This Article
Over 70% of Our Blues was shot on Jeju. Welcome to Samdal-ri filmed almost entirely on the island. When Life Gives You Tangerines used Jeju’s 1950s-era locations and haenyeo culture as its foundation.
If K-dramas brought you to Jeju, this guide helps you visit filming locations efficiently without crisscrossing the island repeatedly.
Why Jeju Gets Filmed So Much
Producers choose Jeju for:
- Volcanic landscapes impossible to replicate elsewhere
- Coastal scenery and beaches
- Traditional architecture and folk villages
- White windmills and stone walls
- Accessibility from Seoul (1-hour flight)
- Four distinct seasons providing different visual atmospheres
The island works for historical dramas (Jewel in the Palace), fantasy romance (Legend of the Blue Sea), contemporary family stories (Our Blues), and workplace comedies (Extraordinary Attorney Woo).
How to Use This Guide
Locations are organized by geographic region, not by drama. This helps you build efficient routes without backtracking across the island.
For each location you’ll find:
- What it is and where it’s located
- Which dramas filmed there
- Why to visit beyond the K-drama connection
- How to access it
JEJU CITY & NORTHERN COAST
Dodubong Oreum (도두봉)
Location: Near Rainbow Coastal Road, close to Jeju City airport
What it is: Small oreum with 10-15 minute climb to summit. Views of Jeju City and airport. Lighthouse nearby with cafe.
Filmed here:
- Welcome to Samdal-ri – Multiple scenes
Why visit: Easy accessibility from Jeju City. Great plane-spotting location. Beginner-friendly oreum with minimal effort required.
How to visit: Bus accessible from Jeju City or short taxi ride. Free access.
Jejumok Gwana Government Office (제주목 관아)
Location: Central Jeju City
What it is: Restored Joseon Dynasty government complex. Multiple pavilions including Gwandeokjeong Pavilion (originally built 1448). Used through the Joseon Dynasty for official functions and military training.
Filmed here:
- When Life Gives You Tangerines – Featured heavily in episode 8 as historical government setting
Why visit: Genuine historical site showing traditional Korean government architecture. Well-preserved and educational.
How to visit: Walking distance from downtown Jeju City. Minimal entrance fee.
Jeju International Airport
Location: Jeju City
What it is: Main airport serving Jeju Island
Filmed here:
- Island (drama) – Night scenes filmed at the airport in episode 2
- Multiple dramas feature arrival/departure scenes
Why visit: You’re arriving/departing here anyway. Not a destination itself but appears in many dramas as characters arrive or leave.
WESTERN COAST
Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road (신창풍차해안도로)
Location: Western end of Jeju Island, Sinchang-ri village area
What it is: Coastal road flanked by white wind farms. White windmills against blue ocean create distinctive visual. Particularly beautiful at sunset.
Filmed here:
- Secret Garden – Featured prominently throughout
- Our Blues – Multiple episodes
- Welcome to Samdal-ri – The emotional hug scene between Cho Yong-pil (played by Ji Chang-wook) and Cho Sam-dal (played by Shin Hye-sun).
- Countless commercials
Why visit: One of Jeju’s most photographed coastal roads. Accessible for driving or walking. Stunning views regardless of drama knowledge.
How to visit: Car recommended. Can walk portions of the coastal trail.
Geumneung Beach & Area (금능해수욕장)
Location: Western Jeju, Hallim area
What it is: Beach with white sand and views of Biyangdo Island offshore. Local fishing village atmosphere.
Filmed here:
- Our Blues – Portrayed as the main fishing village where most characters live and work. Biyangdo Island provides constant backdrop for haenyeo scenes.
Why visit: Beautiful beach for swimming (summer season). Quieter than eastern beaches. Good seafood restaurants nearby. The village atmosphere feels authentic.
How to visit: Bus accessible from Jeju City. Free beach access.
Sindo Port (신도항)
Location: Western tip of Jeju
What it is: Small fishing port in calm village setting. Known as one of Jeju’s dolphin-watching spots.
Filmed here:
- Extraordinary Attorney Woo – Location where Woo Young-woo (played by Park Eun-bin) and Lee Jun-ho (played by Kang Tae-oh) watch dolphins (episodes 12-13)
Why visit: Actual dolphin-watching location. Free viewing from shore if dolphins are present. Wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins sometimes swim close to shore here.
How to visit: Car recommended for western coast. Port is publicly accessible.
Gapado Island (가파도)
Location: Small island off Jeju’s southwestern coast
What it is: Flat island perfect for cycling. Green barley fields in April-May. Somang Observatory with panoramic coastline views.
Filmed here:
- Our Blues – Featured in various scenes, including with the boat captain Park Jung Joon (played by Kim Woo-Bin) and haenyeo Lee Young-ok (played by Han Ji-min) cycling around the island
- Welcome to Samdal-ri – Scene on a big rock where the male protagonist Yong-pil was mourning the loss of his mother, and comforted by Sam-dal.
- King the Land – Bicycle trip scenes
Why visit: Completely flat terrain makes it accessible for all fitness levels. Peaceful escape with beautiful barley fields in spring. Great for a relaxed day trip.
How to visit: Ferry access from designated ports on southwestern coast. Check ferry schedules before planning visit. Budget half-day to full-day for island exploration.
EASTERN COAST
Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉)
Location: Eastern Jeju, Seongsan area
What it is: UNESCO World Heritage volcanic crater. 179 meters tall, formed by underwater eruption. 20-30 minute climb to crater rim.
Filmed here:
- Boys Over Flowers – Featured in episode 21
- All In – Classic drama that prominently featured the crater
- When Life Gives You Tangerines – Used for emotional scene involving 3,000 bows ritual by Oh Ae-sun (Played by IU).
- Many others
Why visit: Essential Jeju experience whether you’ve watched K-dramas or not. UNESCO site with stunning 360-degree views from crater rim. Haenyeo demonstrations at base (1:30 PM and 3:00 PM daily).
How to visit: Bus 111/112 (express) or 201 (regular) from Jeju City. Entrance fee ₩5,000.
Seopjikoji (섭지코지)
Location: Eastern coast, just south of Seongsan Ilchulbong
What it is: Scenic cape with coastal cliffs, meadows, and iconic lighthouse on a hill. Walking trails along the coastline.
Filmed here:
- Boys Over Flowers – Cafe scene where Jan-di and Ji-hoo meet
- All In – Featured prominently
- The Legend of the Blue Sea – Multiple episodes
- When Life Gives You Tangerines – The lighthouse walk scenes
- Countless other dramas and films
Why visit: One of Jeju’s most beautiful coastal walks. Canola flowers in spring. Ocean views. The lighthouse and cape are stunning independent of any drama connection.
How to visit: Short drive or bus from Seongsan. Can combine with Seongsan Ilchulbong in same trip. Free access.
Gimnyeong Beach & Area (김녕해수욕장)
Location: Northeast coast
What it is: Beach with clear water. Haenyeo still dive here.
Filmed here:
- When Life Gives You Tangerines – Featured as the diving location where young haenyeo characters and their mothers work. Shows authentic haenyeo culture.
Cafe nearby:
- Cafe Delmoondo Gimnyeong Branch – Featured in Legend of the Blue Sea. Ocean-view cafe with fresh coffee and baked goods. Still operational.
Why visit: Actual working haenyeo area. Can sometimes see real haenyeo preparing for or returning from dives. Beautiful beach for summer swimming.
How to visit: Bus 201 from Jeju City. Beach access free. Cafe requires purchase.
Goseong 5-Day Market (고성시장)
Location: Near Seongsan, eastern side
What it is: Traditional rotating market. Opens on dates ending in 2 and 7. Small, authentic village market.
Filmed here:
- Our Blues – Featured as the market where Lee Jung-eun’s character works with other vendors
Why visit: Real local shopping experience. Fresh produce, seafood, prepared foods, household goods. Authentic atmosphere with zero tourists. One of Jeju’s genuine 5-day markets.
How to visit: Check calendar for market dates (6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 26th of each month). Best visiting window 9 AM to 2 PM. Walking distance or short drive from Seongsan.
Ojo Port (오조포구)
Location: Eastern coast, near Seongsan Ilchulbong
What it is: Small marina with quiet village atmosphere.
Filmed here:
- Welcome to Samdal-ri – The set for “Lucky Convenience Store”.
Why visit: Authentic small coastal village atmosphere. Good for observing local fishing village life. Easy to combine with Seongsan visit.
How to visit: Car recommended. Close to Seongsan area, can be combined in same trip.
Maze Land Jeju (메이즈랜드)
Location: Near Gimnyeong area
What it is: World’s longest stone maze theme park. Multiple maze sections including Barammiro (Maze of Wind) with arborvitae trees and Yeojamiro (Maze of Women) with camellia and cypress trees.
Filmed here:
- The Legend of the Blue Sea – Maze chase scenes (close-up shots)
- Boys Over Flowers – Some maze chase footage
- Running Man – Variety show episodes
Why visit: Fun activity if you enjoy mazes and puzzles. Good for families. The stone construction reflects Jeju’s traditional building techniques.
How to visit: Car recommended. Entrance fee ₩4,000-5,000. Plan 1-2 hours.
SOUTHERN COAST / SEOGWIPO AREA
Haenyeo Collective House
Location: Various coastal villages (specific locations vary)
What it is: Traditional stone buildings (bulteok) where haenyeo gather to change, rest between dives, and make collective decisions. Each haenyeo village has its own collective house.
Filmed here:
- Welcome to Samdal-ri – Featured as authentic haenyeo workspace and gathering place
Why visit: The collective houses represent the social and democratic structure of haenyeo communities. Some are still actively used; others are historic sites. Important cultural heritage of Jeju’s matriarchal diving tradition.
How to visit: Look for bulteok along coastal areas, especially near Seongsan, Hado, and Sehwa areas. Respect active work sites. Some have been designated as cultural heritage sites with visitor access.
Jungmun Tourist Complex Area
Location: Southern coast, Seogwipo
What it is: Resort area with luxury hotels, beaches, waterfalls, and tourist facilities.
Filmed here:
- Secret Garden – The Seaes Hotel & Resort. The ocean-facing bench where Hyun Bin and Ha Ji-won filmed their romantic scene still exists with a commemorative photo posted on it.
- Boys Over Flowers – The Shore Hotel Jeju. Luxury resort where F4 and Jan-di stay. The seaside chapel where Goo Jun-pyo and Ha Jae-kyung almost marry.
- Multiple other dramas using luxury resort settings
Why visit: High-end resort area with good restaurants, beaches, and waterfalls (Cheonjiyeon Falls, Jeongbang Falls). Accessible if you’re staying in Seogwipo.
How to visit: Bus accessible from Seogwipo. Resort areas are semi-public (you can walk grounds but can’t access hotel facilities without staying there).
Jeju Folk Village (제주민속촌)
Location: Pyoseon-myeon, southeastern Jeju
What it is: Open-air museum with nearly 100 traditional houses showcasing historical Jeju lifestyle and architecture. Folk education site with marketplace selling traditional Jeju foods.
Filmed here:
- Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) – Featured extensively as Joseon Dynasty period setting
Why visit: One of the best places to understand traditional Jeju culture, architecture, and social structure. The marketplace sells Jeju specialties like bingtteok (buckwheat pancakes) and momguk (seaweed pork soup).
How to visit: Bus accessible from Jeju City or Seogwipo. Entrance fee approximately ₩11,000 for adults. Plan 2-3 hours for thorough visit.
CENTRAL JEJU / HALLASAN AREA
Hallasan (한라산)
Location: Center of island
What it is: South Korea’s tallest mountain (1,947m). Shield volcano that created Jeju Island. Multiple trails to summit or partial routes.
Filmed here:
- Our Blues – Final episodes feature emotional scenes where characters climb or contemplate the mountain. One character’s mother dreams of climbing to see the frozen crater lake in winter.
- Multiple dramas use Hallasan as backdrop or character destination
Why visit: The mountain that created everything on Jeju. Summit trails require registration and full-day commitment (4-10 hours depending on route). Partial trails (Eorimok, Yeongsil) offer easier access with 1-3 hour roundtrips.
How to visit: Bus access to trailheads. Free hiking but summit trails require advance online registration at visithalla.jeju.go.kr. Check weather conditions before climbing.
Gwaneumsa Temple (관음사)
Location: Northern slope of Hallasan
What it is: Buddhist temple on Hallasan. One of the trailheads for summit climbing.
Filmed here:
- Extraordinary Attorney Woo – Woo Young-woo and team visit to help solve a case (episodes 12-13)
Why visit: Active Buddhist temple with peaceful atmosphere. Starting point for Gwaneumsa Trail (one of the two summit routes). Temple visit possible without climbing.
How to visit: Bus 475 from Jeju City (once per hour). Temple visit is free. If climbing from here, need summit registration.
BUILDING YOUR K-DRAMA ROUTE
By Region (Most Efficient)
Eastern Coast Day:
- Morning: Seongsan Ilchulbong (Boys Over Flowers, When Life Gives You Tangerines)
- Mid-morning: Ojo Port (Welcome to Samdal-ri)
- Lunch: Seafood restaurant or Goseong 5-Day Market if dates align
- Afternoon: Seopjikoji (Boys Over Flowers, Legend of the Blue Sea)
- If time: Gimnyeong Beach area (When Life Gives You Tangerines)
Western Coast Day:
- Morning: Geumneung Beach (Our Blues)
- Afternoon: Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road (Secret Garden, Our Blues, Welcome to Samdal-ri)
- Sunset: Sindo Port area (Extraordinary Attorney Woo)
Central/City Day:
- Morning: Dodubong Oreum (Welcome to Samdal-ri, Extraordinary Attorney Woo)
- Afternoon: Jejumok Gwana Government Office (When Life Gives You Tangerines)
- Or: Hallasan partial trail
Southern Coast Day:
- Jeju Folk Village (Jewel in the Palace)
- Jungmun resort area (Boys Over Flowers, Secret Garden)
By Favorite Drama
Our Blues Route:
- Geumneung Beach (main village setting)
- Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road
- Goseong 5-Day Market (check dates: 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27)
- Gapado island (ferry required)
- Hallasan (final episodes reference)
Welcome to Samdal-ri Route:
- Dodubong Oreum
- Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road (hug scene)
- Ojo Port (Lucky Convenience Store)
- Haenyeo collective house
Boys Over Flowers Route:
- Seongsan Ilchulbong
- Seopjikoji
- The Shore Hotel area (Jungmun)
- Maze Land
Extraordinary Attorney Woo Route:
- Dodubong Oreum
- Sindo Port (dolphins)
- Gwaneumsa Temple
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
What to Expect
Permanent sets: Most drama locations are real places temporarily transformed for filming. Props and decorations get removed after production wraps.
Interior access: Many locations only used exteriors. Resort hotels only accessible to guests. Private homes remain private.
Obvious markers: Some famous locations have signs acknowledging drama filming. Most don’t. You’re visiting real villages, beaches, and mountains that happen to have been filmed.
Theme park experience: This isn’t a K-drama theme park. You’re exploring actual Jeju locations that appeared on screen.
Tips for Visiting
Screenshot scenes: Before visiting, screenshot specific scenes you want to recreate. Use landmarks to find exact angles.
Visit during similar conditions: Cherry blossom scenes work best in spring. Sunset scenes need afternoon timing. Snow scenes require winter visit.
Respect private property: Some filming locations are private homes or active work sites. Photograph from public areas only.
Combine purposes: Visit for the location’s inherent value (beautiful beach, good cafe, interesting oreum) with K-drama connection as bonus.
Ask locals: At cafes or shops near filming locations, staff often know which scenes were shot where and can point you to exact spots.
Transportation
Car rental: Recommended for western coast, oreums, and multiple locations in one day. Gives flexibility to stop at recognized locations spontaneously.
Bus: Works for major locations (Seongsan, Aewol, Jeju City areas). Requires more planning and time.
Taxi: Viable for single-location trips or when bus timing doesn’t work.
Tour packages: Several companies offer K-drama location tours with transportation and guide. Search “Jeju K-drama tour” for current options.
Time Budget
Single location visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on whether it’s a photo stop or place worth exploring
Regional day trip: 3-5 locations in one region
Full K-drama pilgrimage: Multiple days across different regions
Cost
Entrance fees:
- Beaches, coastal roads, oreums: Free
- Seongsan Ilchulbong: ₩5,000
- Jeju Folk Village: ₩11,000 adults
- Maze Land: ₩4,000-5,000
Cafes/restaurants: ₩5,000-15,000 per person
Tour packages: ₩80,000-150,000 for full-day guided tour
Wrapping Up
Most of these locations are worth visiting whether you have watched the dramas or not. Seongsan Ilchulbong is a UNESCO volcanic crater. Seopjikoji is one of the most beautiful coastal walks on the island. Sinchang Windmill Road delivers at sunset regardless of what you have or haven’t streamed.
But if you have watched the dramas, something shifts. You are not just visiting a beach or a market or a cape. You are standing in a place you have already been, in a way.
Jeju has that effect on people even without the K-drama connection. The dramas just give you a head start.
