The first episode of XO, Kitty Season 3 does more than just continue Kitty’s story. It quietly redefines the entire visual identity of the show. This time, instead of staying in Seoul, the story opens up in the coastal city of Busan, bringing a completely different atmosphere.

According to Korea tourism data, Busan consistently ranks among the top three most visited cities in South Korea, attracting millions of travelers each year thanks to its beaches, cultural neighborhoods, and scenic coastline. That popularity makes it the perfect setting for a globally streamed series.

From glowing night beaches to yacht scenes and colorful hillside villages, Episode 1 feels cinematic at every turn. More importantly, each location is real and accessible, which means fans can follow the same route in real life.

In this guide, you’ll find every major filming location featured in Episode 1, along with tips to visit them and understand why they were chosen.

Where Was XO, Kitty Season 3 Episode 1 Filmed?

Before diving into each spot, it helps to understand why Busan plays such a central role in this episode.

As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan offers a mix of urban energy and natural landscapes. Unlike Seoul, which feels fast-paced and structured, Busan introduces openness and a slower rhythm. Because of that, it becomes an ideal backdrop for a new chapter in the story.

The main filming locations featured in Episode 1 include:

• Gwangalli Beach
• Busan Yacht Marina
• Songdo Marine Cable Car
• Gamcheon Culture Village

Each location contributes a different layer to the episode’s mood, moving from grounded coastal scenes to elevated panoramic views.

1. Gwangalli Beach – The Opening Scene That Sets the Tone

To begin with, the episode opens with one of Busan’s most recognizable views. The camera captures the shoreline of Gwangalli Beach, with the iconic Gwangan Bridge glowing in the background.

This introduction immediately signals a shift in tone.

Why This Location Feels So Cinematic

Gwangalli Beach is known for its wide stretch of sand and unobstructed views of the bridge. At night, the bridge lights reflect across the water, creating a soft, luminous atmosphere. As a result, even simple scenes feel elevated.

In Episode 1, this setting works because it:

• establishes a calm, reflective mood
• contrasts with the intensity of previous seasons
• visually introduces Busan without exposition

Why the Production Chose Gwangalli

From a production standpoint, Gwangalli offers natural lighting and depth. The bridge acts as a built-in visual anchor, while the open coastline allows for wide shots that feel expansive.

At the same time, it is instantly recognizable. That recognition matters, especially for global audiences who may not know Busan yet but will remember this view.

How to Experience It in Real Life

If you plan to visit, timing makes a difference.

• Evening is ideal for seeing the bridge illuminated
• Early morning offers a quieter atmosphere for photos

There are also beachfront cafés and rooftops nearby, which allow you to recreate the same perspective seen in the show.

2. Busan Yacht Marina – The Night Scene That Feels Effortless

After establishing the coastal setting, the episode transitions into one of its most memorable sequences. This is where the group enjoys a night out on the water near Busan Yacht Marina.

The shift from land to sea adds a new layer of movement and energy.

How the Yacht Scene Changes the Mood

While Gwangalli feels calm and reflective, the yacht scene feels dynamic and free. The city lights move in the background, and the characters are no longer stationary.

Because of that, the scene conveys:

• spontaneity
• youth and connection
• a sense of temporary escape

It almost feels like a music video, where the focus is less on dialogue and more on atmosphere.

Behind the Scenes Details

Actor Philippe Lee shared appreciation for filming in Busan, particularly highlighting how memorable these moments were. That authenticity shows on screen, making the interaction feel natural rather than staged.

Can You Do This in Real Life?

Yes, and it is more accessible than many people expect.

Busan offers:

• sunset yacht tours
• night cruises with skyline views
• private charters for small groups

These tours often pass near Gwangan Bridge, which means you can see the same illuminated skyline from the water.

Tips Before You Go

• Book in advance during peak travel seasons
• Choose a sunset or evening slot for the best visuals
• Bring a light jacket, as it can get windy on the water

3. Songdo Marine Cable Car – A Different Perspective From Above

As the episode continues, the perspective shifts once again. This time, it moves upward, offering a wider view of the coastline through the Songdo Marine Cable Car.

This transition adds visual variety and helps connect different parts of the city.

Why This Location Adds Depth to the Episode

Unlike the previous locations, the cable car introduces height. From above, Busan looks more expansive, and the relationship between the ocean, cliffs, and city becomes clearer.

This creates:

• a sense of scale
• a visual break between scenes
• a more immersive understanding of the setting

What Makes Songdo Cable Car Unique

The cable car runs across the sea, connecting Songdo Beach with Amnam Park. Because it travels directly over water, it offers views that are difficult to get elsewhere.

Key features include:

• cabins with panoramic windows
• optional glass-bottom cabins
• views of cliffs, coastline, and open sea

Best Time to Visit

To get the most out of the experience, consider these options:

• Late afternoon for softer lighting
• Sunset for dramatic color changes
• Evening for city lights in the distance

Each time slot offers a different mood, so your choice depends on what kind of experience you want.

How to Combine It With Nearby Spots

The cable car pairs well with nearby attractions such as:

• Songdo Skywalk
• Amnam Park walking trails

Together, they create a route that feels both scenic and relaxed.

4. Gamcheon Culture Village – The Most Colorful Scene in the Episode

After moving from sea level to the sky, the episode shifts again into a more grounded and intimate setting. This is where Gamcheon Culture Village comes in.

This location stands out immediately due to its vibrant colors and layered layout.

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Why Gamcheon Feels Completely Different

Unlike the polished look of other areas, Gamcheon feels artistic and organic. Houses are stacked along the hillside, creating a maze of narrow streets and unexpected viewpoints.

Because of this, the village adds the following:

• texture and detail
• a sense of exploration
• visual contrast to the sleek yacht scenes

How the Show Uses the Location

The episode highlights:

• winding alleys
• colorful facades
• elevated viewpoints

These elements make the setting feel alive, as if the characters are discovering something new with each turn.

Visiting Gamcheon in Real Life

To make the most of your visit:

• Arrive in the morning for fewer crowds
• Follow the mural trail for guided exploration
• Stop at local cafés for panoramic views

Rather than rushing through, it is better to take your time and explore slowly.

Why Busan Works So Well for XO, Kitty

Now that we have explored each location, it becomes clear that Busan is more than just a backdrop. It plays an active role in shaping the episode.

A Shift From Structure to Openness

In earlier seasons, Seoul represented structure and ambition. In contrast, Busan introduces flexibility and emotional space.

This shift allows:

• slower pacing
• more reflective moments
• deeper character interactions

The Role of the Ocean

The presence of the ocean changes how scenes feel. It brings calmness, but also unpredictability. As a result, it supports both quiet moments and emotional transitions.

Visual Storytelling at Work

By moving between beach, sea, sky, and hillside, the episode creates a layered visual journey. Each location builds on the previous one, making the story feel cohesive even without heavy exposition.

Can You Visit These XO, Kitty Filming Locations?

One of the best aspects of Episode 1 is that every major location is open to the public. This makes it possible to recreate the experience without complicated planning.

A Simple 1-Day Itinerary

If you want to follow the episode’s route, here is a practical plan:

Morning

• Explore Gamcheon Culture Village
• Walk through murals and viewpoints

Afternoon

• Ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car
• Visit nearby walking paths

Late Afternoon

• Head to Gwangalli Beach
• Relax at a café or along the shore

Evening

• Take a yacht tour from Busan Marina
• Watch the skyline light up

This sequence follows the natural flow of the episode while also making logistical sense.

The Netflix Effect: Why Busan Is About to Trend

Whenever a global series from Netflix features real-world locations, travel interest tends to rise quickly.

We have seen this pattern in multiple cities around the world. Now, Busan is positioned to benefit from the same effect.

Why Busan Stands Out

Several factors contribute to its growing appeal:

• diverse landscapes within a compact area
• strong visual identity
• easy transportation between attractions

What This Means for Travelers

As more viewers discover these locations, demand is likely to increase. Therefore, visiting sooner rather than later can help you avoid larger crowds.

Final Thoughts: A New Direction for the Series

Episode 1 of Season 3 marks a clear turning point for XO, Kitty. By moving the story to Busan, the show expands both visually and emotionally.

Each filming location contributes something unique:

• Gwangalli Beach sets the tone
• Yacht scenes add energy
• Songdo Cable Car provides perspective
• Gamcheon Village brings color and depth

Together, they create an episode that feels fresh, immersive, and visually memorable.

If this is the direction the season continues, Busan will not just be a setting. It will become one of the defining elements of the story.

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