TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - South Korean tourism icons often appear in Korean dramas. One such example is Netflix's latest series, "Idol I." This Korean drama is currently a hot topic for its portrayal of the dark side of the entertainment industry and the harsh realities of celebrity life.
"Idol I" follows the story of Maeng Se-na, played by Choi Soo Young, a lawyer who fights to clear the name of K-pop star Do Ra-ik (Kim Jae Yeong) from a case that has implicated him. Besides the compelling storyline, the beautiful visuals of Seoul in this drama are alluring. For those planning a trip to South Korea, here are some of the filming locations for "Idol I" you can visit.
1. Mapo-gu District
Mapo-gu is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the authentic energy of Seoul. According to Travel + Leisure, this district offers a mix of contemporary art, a youthful atmosphere, and iconic culinary delights. One unique spot you must visit here is the Oil Tank Culture Park, a former oil depot converted into an art space. One of the unique spots is the T2 corner, a performance stage that utilizes the original tank structure with aesthetically pleasing concrete walls. Additionally, there's a corner of T4 that functions as a cultural complex. Inside, large pipes once used to transport oil remain, but they now serve as exhibition spaces.
For a more natural setting, there's the 1.35-kilometer Maebongsan pedestrian path. A 30-minute walk around the park allows visitors to enjoy the natural scenery at the foot of the mountain. Accessing this location is quite easy: take the subway to World Cup Stadium and exit through Exit 2 or 3. From in front of the stadium, walk north past the basketball court, then cross the street to reach the location, as reported by KoreaToDo. Besides this cultural park, you can also visit Parc1 Tower, which was also an iconic location for filming the drama "Idol I."
2. Gangnam
The luxury that characterizes celebrity life is filmed throughout the Gangnam district of Seoul. Some iconic destinations in this area include COEX Mall, where you can see the iconic Starfield Library, take photos at the Gangnam Style Statue, and find serenity at Bongeunsa Temple. Additionally, areas like Garosu-gil and Apgujeong Rodeo Street are perfect for those looking for trendy clothes and authentic Korean BBQ. With easy public transportation access, Gangnam is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the South Korean metropolitan lifestyle, as reported by Stay Korea.
3. Ichon Hangang Park
This park is the perfect place for those looking to relax by the Han River without having to venture far from the city center. Despite being located in the city center, the park offers a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views, as the plants change color with the seasons. Many people come to this park for various activities such as taking a walk, cycling, or simply picnicking on the beautiful Nodeulseom Island. The facilities are also complete, from sports fields to rollerblading tracks, as reported by visitseoulnet.
4. Gyeongui Line Forest Park
This unique 6.3-kilometer park in Seoul utilizes an old railway line as a green open space. One of the most popular areas is Yeontral Park in the Yeonnam-dong area, which has become a favorite spot for young people to hang out or just take an afternoon stroll. What's captivating about this park is its strong nostalgic feel, as visitors can still see remnants of the old train tracks and carriages preserved as decoration. Besides its beautiful atmosphere, the park also passes through Gyeongui Line Book Street, which is filled with bookstores that are a shame to miss.
5. 63 Square
63 Square is an iconic skyscraper in Yeouido that was once the tallest building in Seoul before Lotte Tower. The 249-meter-tall building is unique because its entire surface is covered in 24-karat gold glass, which reflects beautifully at sunrise and sunset. Although some of its popular attractions, such as Aqua Planet and the art observatory, officially closed in June 2024, the building remains an attractive icon. Visitors can still enjoy the luxury of its elite restaurants and beautiful city views via the building's elevators.
6. SeoulDal
SeoulDal is a moon-shaped helium balloon attraction that offers a unique experience of viewing Seoul from a height of 130 meters. Located in Yeouido Park, the balloon rides operate every Tuesday through Sunday from 12 noon to 10 p.m. Visitors are strongly advised to book tickets online to avoid long queues.
The flight duration is only 15 minutes, but visitors have 10 minutes to take photos and enjoy the views of the Han River and skyscrapers. Although it can accommodate up to 30 people, the number of passengers is highly dependent on weather and wind for safety, as reported by The Soul of Seoul.
7. Yeouido
Yeouido is a hub of activities offering a variety of exciting experiences, from outdoor recreation to educational tours. At Yeouido Park, visitors can enjoy cycling or watch lively night performances. For those interested in history, visit the National Assembly Building for a free tour. For shopping or relaxing, the IFC Mall offers a wide selection of shops and cafes, as reported by Yoengdeungpo.
8. Hanyang University ERICA Campus
Although only featured in a few scenes, the Hanyang University campus in Ansan also served as a filming location to depict the academic and institutional atmosphere in this drama. This campus is renowned for its close collaboration with industry.
Imanda Zahwa Priyankany contributed for this article.
Read: Explore the 14 Filming Locations of 'Can This Love Be Translated?'
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