Korean dramas are hitting the Philippines by storm. The trend somewhat started in 2000s after the huge success of Meteor Garden in the Philippines, which, although was a Taiwanese drama, sparked the Filipinos’ interest in Asian drama, especially those coming from South Korea.  

Past and on-going Korean dramas had and have been leaving marks in the hearts of the Filipinos. They are much loved that a lot of Filipinos are heading to South Korea to experience the craze firsthand.

Going to South Korea to check out Kdrama locations can be a fun side trip. So if you are one of the kinain-ng-sistema-ng-Kdrama peeps, here are some places that you can visit that will remind you so much of your favorite Korean dramas:

1. Find Heo Joon Jae’s House in Myeong-dong
I bet you recognize these scenes by heart if you have seen Legend of the Blue Sea starred by the much-anticipated Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji-hyun pair up.
Remember a number of scenes shut in front of this gate? :-)

But apart from being a Korean drama location, the area also gives a breathtaking city view from an uphill standpoint! It’s best to go here in the afternoon to catch a beautiful sunset.

Where: 29 Sogong-ro 4-gil, Myeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea

How to get there: Take exit 3 of Myeong-dong station (line 4). From the exit, turn left to see Pacific Hotel. Once you see the hotel, you will notice a split of two uphill streets. Take the right side and take a 10-minute walk where you will find Sogong-ro 4-gil street at the right side. Turn right to go down the wooden stairs and you will finally see the familiar gate.

It seems that Koreans themselves are still not yet over with Goblin. In fact, it was the second most watched Korean series in a cable channel. Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun’s unique love team had a chemistry. Goblin soundtrack was still being played in public places especially in coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping malls.

Goblin merchandise is all over Seoul. If you are a huge fan of the series, it would be a good idea to bring home one.

Mr. Buckwheat keychain: KRW 5,000 (PHP 235)

Mr. Buckwheat stuffed toy: KRW 15,000 (PHP 705)

There is also a Grim Reaper stuffed toy with the same price.

Where: Head to the shopping streets of either Myeong-dong, Insadong, Hongdae or Ewha University Street to get Goblin merchandises. Bargaining for the price seems uncommon in Seoul so pretty much expect the prices are just the same.

Remember how long Cha Eun-sang’s hair was when two oppas Kim Tan and Choi Young-do were both trying to win her?

The star-studded cast of The Heirs definitely made this a hit drama series in 2013. It was also studded with sponsors including Mango Six Coffee Dessert, which had a lot of exposure in the series.

Drinking coffee or tea is a subculture in South Korea. This is why coffee shops are everywhere, from mainstream to third waves. Mango Six Coffee Dessert is a mainstream type, which somehow makes its price more expensive than the rest. Nevertheless and in all fairness, the food and drinks were all good.

Where: 891-46 Daechi-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

How to get there: Take the subway and go down at Seolleung station line 2. Take exit 1 and turn right after seeing Dunkin’ Donuts. Turn right after the second intersection and then just walk straight up to V&S Building at the left.

Namsan Tower has been a household name of Korean drama locations. For one, the cinematic look and feel is a perfect setting for any dramatic scene.  

If you have been watching Korean dramas since 2000s, then you must have gone kilig to the bones with Boys Over Flower, the Korean remake of Taiwan’s Meteor Garden. It was also based on the Japanese hit manga Hana Yori Dango.

Remember the cable car scene of the main characters Geum Jan Di and Gu Jun-pyo?  It was actually set at the Namsan Cable Car, a mode of transportation to head to Namsan Tower.

The cable car ride only take less than five minutes. Honestly, the ride felt too short and may not be worth the price to go for a round trip. But it was a nice experience especially that it gave a breathtaking view of the city.

Operating Hours: 10AM to 11PM

Where: 83 Sopa-ro, Jung-nu, Seoul, South Korea

How to get there: From Myeong-dong subway station, take exit 3 and turn left. Take the Toegye-ro 18 gil street going to Pacific Hotel. Take the left side of street, Toegye-ro 20 gil, to climb the uphill. Once you see Ministop, turn right and the cable car station is at the end of the street.

It may not be a Korean TV series, but Train to Busan was definitely a remarkable suspense-thriller movie that became globally known! The train used was actually one of the high-end trains in South Korea called KTX.

The movie scenes were all messed up with blood and zombies, but the real-life train was the exact opposite. It's part of the amazing train system in South Korea. 

In fact, KTX is the fastest train to travel from Seoul to Busan, taking only 3 hours with a distance of around 300 kilometers.

Price: KRW 60,000 (PHP 2,520) one-way

Where: Seoul station, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Seoul station is a main railway station in Seoul. There are several lines connected to Seoul station including line 1, line 4, Gyeongui-Jungang line, and AREX.