Who else is dreaming of visiting South Korea again? We know it’s not only us! The Land of the Morning Calm really has a *lot* to offer—just the thought of its breathtaking views is enough to make us smile. Although we can’t do much traveling RN, we can always plan for it! So far, we have been listing the locations we want to visit, like places from recent K-dramas.
Speaking of which, one K-drama that we’re currently obsessed with is the Netflix series Start-Up. There’s just so much to love about it! The plot, the characters, the cast, the OST, the lessons learned—everything! And we can’t forget how it also gave some of the most stunning sites in South Korea. We already bookmarked these for our *future* trip!
Here's a list of must-visit Start-Up filming locations:
1. Oil Tank Culture Park
Take a trip down memory lane at the Oil Tank Culture Park, an “eco-friendly culture complex” that used to be an oil depot in Seoul. Transformed into a historical landmark, it now houses a multipurpose pavilion, information center, amphitheater, and areas for concert performances, workshops, and exhibitions.
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The Oil Tank Culture Park appeared in a scene as the exterior of Sand Box, where Dal Mi (Bae Suzy) met the then-long-haired In Jae (Kang Han Na) and asked her to bring her ~pen pal~ Nam Do San (Nam Joo Hyuk) to her networking party.
Location: 03914 87 Jeungsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. Nodeulseom Island
Be one with nature in this stunning open space that offers an incredible view of the Han River. You can do some serious muni-muni outside, go book hunting at the Nodeul bookstore, or drinnk a cup of coffee while people-watching at the nearby café. If this place isn’t enough to tell you that life’s good, I don’t know what is.
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There were a lot of scenes that were filmed here, especially those that involved the Samsan Tech team, but our favorite would be when Do San comforted Dal Mi after revealing something to her. Sana all.
Location: 04427 445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
3. Yeouido Hangang Park by the Floating Stage
Enjoy the fresh breeze (and life to the fullest) when you go biking or strolling at the Yeouido Hangang Park. There are free concerts held on the floating stage after sunset with the Han River as the perfect backdrop, complete with a musical fountain show for that ultimate experience.
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Dal Mi’s halmeoni, Mrs. Choi, owns a Korean corndog truck that’s located here. This is where Han Ji Pyeong (Kim Seon Ho) would often visit her, and talk about their *secret* while munching on Korean corn dogs and sipping yogurt drinks, of course.
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Location: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeoeuido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
4. Dongjak Bridge
Drive around the Dongjak Bridge at night during your trip to Seoul and be mesmerized by city lights that fill the entire place. This location might already be familiar to you because a *lot* of K-dramas have been filmed here, and even BTS’ “Love Yourself: Her” photo teaser was also shot on this bridge.
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Remember that night when Dal Mi and Do San finally met? They used Ji Pyeong’s luxurious convertible (with the real rich guy following them in a taxi, LOL) and drove across this bridge! A crying Dal Mi was seen here looking at Sand Box’s fireworks display, with Do San *low-key* telling her how pretty she is. Alexa, play “I Know” by Oh My Girl.
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