When we watch koreanovelas, we can see beautiful scenery,
places or locations, either private or public place, they are costing up to
100,000,000 won ( Korean money) or more for that area, even though it’s expensive the
producers and directors, really want to show the beautiful attraction, which
they are really proud of, they want to the world to see what they have.
First, this is one of the shooting place of IRIS (2009) A
war drama, they chose to use “Gwanghwamun Sqaure” ( it is located in Seoul. Gyeongbokgung palace is one of the most
iconic cultural landmark in Korea because it is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces ( namely: Gyeonghuigung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, Changdeokgung),
Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. ) A realistic war site
was created in the middle of downtown Seoul with high profile stars, like Lee Byung-hun,
Kim Tae-hee, Kim Seung-woo, and Choi Seung-heyon (TOP of Big Bang), 200 extras, 80
cars, and over 4000 bullets and gernades. How interesting that they shoot it in a historical
landmark, with a twist of modern war setting.
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| shooting of iris |
Second, Unhyeongung Palace it is
said that it was the private residence of the last Korean emperor.
The exterior setting of the
palace is the location of one of the most popular Korean drama “goong” or
princess hours.
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| This where they shoot the exterior scenes of princess hours |
Third, Myeong-dong is one of the most popular shopping districts in Seoul. The streets of Myeong-dong are always packed and full of life. Every nook and cranny is filled with places to eat and shop. Being centrally located in Seoul, Myeong-dong is the most popular, and a must-go destination for foreign visitors. From big-name stores like ZARA and Forever 21 to Hallyu paraphernalia; gourmet Korean restaurants to street foods - Myeong-dong has it all. It not surprising that this area has been featured in so many films and dramas despite being one of the busiest districts in Seoul.
Myeong-dong Cathedral
Myeong-dong Cathedral is the very first
Roman Catholic parish church in Korea. It is also the first Gothic building
ever
built in Korea. On the basement
floor of the cathedral you can find a small sanctuary where the remains of the
martyrs are enshrines. Every May, Myeongdong Cathedral holds a cultural festival
and the festival open to everyone.
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| in front of the church |
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| basement of the cathedral |
Myeongdong Cathedral
Cultural Festival
Every May, the month of St. Mary, Myeongdong Cathedral holds a cultural festival. Non-Catholics are welcome. Apart from a few performances, most programs are free. The cathedral offers various programs during the month, such as traditional Korean music concerts, dance performances, calligraphy and flower arrangement exhibitions and folk games for overseas visitors.
Every May, the month of St. Mary, Myeongdong Cathedral holds a cultural festival. Non-Catholics are welcome. Apart from a few performances, most programs are free. The cathedral offers various programs during the month, such as traditional Korean music concerts, dance performances, calligraphy and flower arrangement exhibitions and folk games for overseas visitors.
Lastly, is the Namiseom
Island - the most exposed and popular set of the "Snow Falling of Winter Sonata"
This island is the location where many scenes were shot. A leisurely walk around the island will take approximately 2~3 hours. Many visitors opt for biking part way. Bicycles can be rented at the administrative office located near the center of the island. There is a small farm area on the island with many ostriches, which are free to roam the island on days when there aren't many visitors. It's fun to race the ostriches while riding bicycles, but don't plan on winning unless you have legs of steel. Summer tourists can enjoy boating around the island, but fall is certainly the loveliest time of year here.
This island is the location where many scenes were shot. A leisurely walk around the island will take approximately 2~3 hours. Many visitors opt for biking part way. Bicycles can be rented at the administrative office located near the center of the island. There is a small farm area on the island with many ostriches, which are free to roam the island on days when there aren't many visitors. It's fun to race the ostriches while riding bicycles, but don't plan on winning unless you have legs of steel. Summer tourists can enjoy boating around the island, but fall is certainly the loveliest time of year here.
Even though the settings of the said "dramas" were very expensive, the producers and directors of the "dramas" was eager to let the world see what Korea have, so their viewers can enjoy watching it, without any assurance ( at first) if the show will succeed.
