If Seoul gets most of the K-drama spotlight, Suwon quietly steals scenes in the background.
Just south of Seoul, this historic city blends fortress walls, hidden alleys, storybook cafés, and palace views that have appeared in beloved dramas from Lovely Runner to Twenty-Five Twenty-One.
Even better, many of these filming locations are real places you can visit in a single day.
Whether you are planning a K-drama pilgrimage or adding a day trip from Seoul to your Korea itinerary, these are the Suwon filming locations worth seeing.
TL;DR
- Suwon is home to famous filming spots from Lovely Runner, Our Beloved Summer, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, and more.
- Many top locations cluster around Hwaseong Fortress and Haenggung-dong, making them easy to explore on foot.
- These 9 filming locations mix iconic drama scenes, cafés, historic sites, and hidden fan favorites.
1. Hwahongmun Gate
Hwahongmun Gate may be one of Suwon’s prettiest drama backdrops.
Fans of Lovely Runner may recognize it from one of the series’ romantic moments, while viewers of Our Beloved Summer and Twenty-Five Twenty-One may find it familiar too.
The stone floodgate, flowing water, and lantern-lit evenings make this feel cinematic even without the drama connection.
Why visit
- One of Suwon’s most photogenic spots
- Easy walk from several other filming sites
- Beautiful both day and night
Travel tip: Visit near sunset for the best atmosphere.
2. Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion
Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion is another must for drama fans.
Perched beside the fortress walls, this pavilion has been linked to scenes in Twenty-Five Twenty-One and appears in many Suwon filming itineraries.
Even if you come just for the view, it is worth it.
The walking paths, fortress walls, and city panoramas feel straight out of a period drama.
3. Mong Ted Cafe (Im Sol’s House)
For fans of Lovely Runner, this is practically pilgrimage territory.
Mong Ted became famous as the exterior used for Im Sol’s home, especially recognizable for its yellow-umbrella entrance.
The café itself has become a fan destination, and the surrounding neighborhood is equally charming.
What makes it special is that it does not feel like a set. It feels lived in.
Order a coffee, try the salt bread, and take your time.
4. Kajaguruma from Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Fans of Extraordinary Attorney Woo should not miss Kajaguruma.
Known to many as the drama’s gimbap shop, it is actually a Japanese restaurant in real life, serving katsu and ramen.
Still, the exterior is instantly recognizable.
This stop is also easy to combine with Haenggung-dong exploring.
5. Choi Ung’s House from Our Beloved Summer
One of the quieter fan-favorite stops is the house exterior associated with Our Beloved Summer.
It has become a photo stop for viewers wanting to retrace scenes from the drama.
The surrounding neighborhood also captures that same cozy, nostalgic atmosphere the show is known for.
Important: It is a residential area, so be respectful and view from outside only.
6. Haenggung-dong
Haenggung-dong is less one filming location and more an entire drama set in real life.
This neighborhood has appeared in multiple productions and is packed with:
- mural alleys
- indie cafés
- hanok-style streets
- boutique shops
- photo spots around every corner
If one part of Suwon feels made for K-drama fans, it is this.
Honestly, wandering here may be more fun than chasing specific filming spots.
7. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
You cannot talk about Suwon filming locations without Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.
This UNESCO site has appeared, directly or indirectly, in numerous Korean dramas thanks to its dramatic walls, gates, stairways, and viewpoints.
It is often associated with scenes in:
- Twenty-Five Twenty-One
- Lovely Runner
- historical K-dramas filmed around Gyeonggi Province
Walking the fortress walls feels like stepping into one yourself.
8. Wolhwawon
Wolhwawon looks unlike anywhere else in Suwon.
This Chinese-style garden is often connected with Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and remains one of the city’s prettiest hidden gems.
Pavilions, lotus ponds, and traditional bridges make it especially photogenic.
It also feels much quieter than the fortress area.
9. Suwon Arboretum Irwol
Suwon Arboretum Irwol has drawn interest from fans of Queen of Tears, though this link is often fan-cited rather than firmly confirmed.
Still, the botanical gardens are worth visiting regardless.
If you like dreamy greenhouse settings and peaceful walking paths, it makes a lovely final stop.
Reported or Fan-Identified Suwon Filming Locations (Unconfirmed but Worth Knowing)
Not every filming location tied to a K-drama is officially confirmed by production teams. In some cases, locations are identified through fan research, tourism sources, or repeated local reporting.
Here are a few Suwon spots often linked to dramas, though they should be viewed as reported rather than fully confirmed.
Reported for Queen of Tears
Some fans have linked scenes from the drama to Suwon Arboretum Irwol, particularly for its dreamy greenhouse setting.
However, this appears largely fan-sourced rather than explicitly confirmed by the production.
Still, if you enjoy visiting possible filming spots, it may be worth adding to your itinerary.
Status: Reported / fan-identified
Reported Spots for Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Several guides connect stairways, alleys, and tunnel-like passages near Suwon Hwaseong Fortress to scenes from the series.
That said, some online guides tend to merge multiple nearby sites into one “official” filming location, so exact scene matching can be simplified or overstated.
Best viewed as a broader filmed around the fortress area connection.
Status: Partially verified / area-based filming reference
Reported Link to The Uncanny Counter
Some fans associate eateries around Haenggung-dong, including “Eonni’s Noodle” references, with the drama.
However, this is one I would treat cautiously unless stronger sourcing emerges.
Status: Needs additional verification
One-Day Suwon K-Drama Filming Locations Itinerary
Most of these filming sites cluster around Haenggung-dong and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, which makes them surprisingly easy to visit in one day.
Morning: Start with the Lovely Runner Spots
Stop 1: Mong Ted Cafe
Begin with coffee and pastries at the famous Im Sol house location from Lovely Runner.
Stop 2: Hwahongmun Gate
Walk over to one of Suwon’s prettiest drama backdrops.
Stop 3: Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion
Continue uphill for fortress views and more filming locations.
Time needed: 2.5–3 hours
Lunch in Haenggung-dong
Head into Haenggung-dong for lunch and café hopping.
Optional stop:
- Kajaguruma from Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Spend time wandering alleys and photo spots.
Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
Afternoon: Fortress Walk + Our Beloved Summer Spot
Stop 4: Walk part of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Take the scenic wall route for panoramic views.
Stop 5: Choi Ung’s House
Visit the fan-favorite Our Beloved Summer location.
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Prefer a guided route?
If you’d rather skip train transfers and navigate Suwon stress-free, this popular Seoul to Suwon heritage day trip covers many highlights in this itinerary.
Optional Add-Ons (If You Have Extra Time)
Choose one, not both, unless staying overnight:
Option A: Wolhwawon
Great for fans of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.
Option B: Suwon Arboretum Irwol
Reportedly linked to Queen of Tears.
If You Only Have Half a Day
Prioritize:
- Mong Ted
- Hwahongmun Gate
- Banghwasuryujeong
- Haenggung-dong
- Hwaseong Fortress
That gives you the highest concentration of K-drama spots with minimal transit.
Why This Route Works
- Mostly walkable
- Clusters nearby filming sites together
- Minimizes backtracking
- Includes food and café breaks
- Realistic for a Seoul day trip
- Works for both casual travelers and dedicated drama fans
Bonus Practical Tip
If visiting from Seoul, take the morning train to Suwon and start before 10 a.m. to avoid café crowds and get softer light for photos.
My honest take: this version feels much more “usable blog itinerary” than the earlier one. It reads like someone could actually follow it.
One thing I’d consider adding for LalaHappyBlog: a mini map-style section (“all locations pinned by area”) for even stronger travel utility.
Is Suwon Worth Visiting for K-Drama Fans?
Absolutely.
Unlike some filming destinations where locations are scattered or inaccessible, many of Suwon’s drama spots sit close together.
That means you can experience famous filming locations while also enjoying one of Korea’s most charming historic cities.
And honestly, even if you came with no K-drama knowledge at all, Suwon would still be worth visiting.
The drama connection simply makes it more fun.
FAQs
Is Suwon worth visiting for K-drama fans?
Absolutely. Suwon is one of the easiest places in Korea to visit multiple filming locations in a single day. Many drama spots cluster around Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Haenggung-dong, making it ideal for a day trip from Seoul.
Which K-dramas were filmed in Suwon?
Suwon is associated with filming locations linked to shows including Lovely Runner, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Our Beloved Summer, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and reportedly Queen of Tears.
Can you visit Lovely Runner filming locations in Suwon?
Yes. Fans often visit Mong Ted Cafe, along with nearby spots around Hwahongmun Gate and the fortress area connected with the drama.
How do I get from Seoul to Suwon for a day trip?
The easiest way is by subway or train from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Suwon, which usually takes about an hour. Many travelers also choose guided day tours if they want to combine filming locations with heritage sightseeing.
Can you visit Suwon filming locations in one day?
Yes. Most major spots in this guide are clustered close enough for a one-day itinerary, especially around Haenggung-dong and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.
What is the most famous filming location in Suwon?
Many fans consider Hwahongmun Gate and Mong Ted Cafe the most iconic, while Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is the city’s biggest overall drama landmark.
Is Suwon closer to Seoul than Busan for K-drama filming trips?
Yes. Suwon is a much easier day trip from Seoul than Busan and works well if you want to add filming locations without changing hotels.
Where was Im Sol’s house in Lovely Runner filmed?
Fans identify the exterior as Mong Ted Cafe in Suwon, now a popular pilgrimage stop for drama viewers.
Final Thoughts
From fortress romance scenes to hidden cafés straight out of your watchlist, these 9 K-drama filming locations in Suwon prove you do not have to stay in Seoul to follow your favorite dramas.
If you are building a Korea itinerary for drama lovers, Suwon deserves a spot on it.
Which filming location would you visit first?
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