The first glimpse feels almost surreal. Neon signs flicker. A cassette tape rewinds. Somewhere in the background, the quiet tension of 1999 hums with the fear of Y2K. Then the camera pulls back and you realize this is not just another period drama. This is The WONDERfools—a story about imperfect heroes, set against the edge of a new millennium.
Starring Park Eun-bin and Cha Eun-woo, and directed by Yoo In-shik, the series blends nostalgia, fantasy, and human vulnerability in a way that already feels cinematic. But beyond the story itself, there is another layer worth exploring—the real-world places that helped bring this fictional “Haeseong City” to life.
If you’re planning a Korea trip inspired by the drama, here’s everything you need to know about the filming regions, what to expect, and how to turn this into a meaningful travel itinerary.
Where Was The WONDERfools Filmed?
Filming for The WONDERfools took place across multiple regions in South Korea between October 2024 and June 2025. While the drama is set in the fictional Haeseong City in 1999, production relied on a mix of real locations and stylized sets.
The three main regions used during filming include:
- Seoul
- Gangwon-do
- Busan
However, it’s important to note that specific filming spots have not yet been officially confirmed. What we do know is that each region contributes a distinct visual identity to the series.
Let’s break that down so you can plan your trip with intention rather than guesswork.
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Seoul: The Urban Backbone of Haeseong City
If Haeseong City has a pulse, it likely beats in Seoul.
As South Korea’s capital, Seoul offers the perfect mix of dense cityscapes, retro alleyways, and modern infrastructure. For a drama set in 1999, this creates a unique opportunity. Production teams can easily transform parts of the city into a believable late-90s environment with the right props and lighting.
What Seoul likely contributes to the drama
- Busy street scenes and crowd dynamics
- Government or institutional buildings
- Retro neighborhoods that still preserve pre-2000 aesthetics
Even if exact filming spots remain unconfirmed, you can still explore areas that match the show’s tone.
Where to go for a similar vibe
1. Euljiro (을지로)
This neighborhood is often called “Hip-jiro,” but beneath the trendy cafés lies an industrial past. Narrow alleys, old signage, and dimly lit workshops make it one of the closest matches to a late-90s setting.
2. Dongmyo Flea Market
If the drama leans into nostalgia, this is where you’ll feel it most. Think vintage electronics, cassette players, and stacks of old magazines.
3. Hongdae backstreets
While the main area is youthful and modern, hidden corners still echo an older Seoul. These could easily double as background streets in Haeseong City.
Travel tip
Visit Seoul at night. The glow of streetlights and neon signage adds a cinematic layer that aligns perfectly with the mood of The WONDERfools.
Gangwon-do: Nature, Isolation, and Emotional Depth
From crowded streets to quiet coastlines, filming then shifts to Gangwon-do—a region known for its mountains, forests, and sea views.
This contrast matters. A story about flawed superheroes is not just about action. It is about introspection, loneliness, and moments away from the chaos.
What Gangwon-do likely contributes
- Emotional or reflective scenes
- Training or transformation moments
- Wide, cinematic landscapes
Given the Y2K theme, these locations may also represent a world that feels “on the edge” of something bigger.
Where to go for the same atmosphere
1. Anmok Beach (Gangneung)
A quiet coastline lined with cafés. It is peaceful but never empty, making it ideal for contemplative scenes.
2. Seoraksan National Park
Dramatic peaks and hiking trails create a sense of scale. If the drama includes character growth arcs, places like this often play a symbolic role.
3. Sokcho Harbor
A blend of local life and ocean views. It feels grounded, which can contrast nicely with the supernatural elements of the story.
Travel tip
Stay at least one night. Gangwon-do is not a day-trip destination if you want to feel its emotional depth. Early mornings here feel completely different from Seoul.
Busan: Coastal Energy and Cinematic Contrast
Finally, filming extended to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city.
If Seoul is structured and Gangwon-do is introspective, Busan adds movement. It is vibrant, unpredictable, and visually dynamic.
What Busan likely brings to the screen
- Harbor views and skyline shots
- Action sequences with open space
- Transitional scenes between city and nature
Busan’s geography alone makes it a favorite for filmmakers.
Where to explore
1. Gamcheon Culture Village
Colorful houses stacked along hillsides. It has a slightly surreal quality that fits a superhero narrative.
2. Gwangalli Beach
With the Gwangan Bridge lighting up at night, this is one of the most cinematic coastal views in Korea.
3. Jagalchi Market
Busy, raw, and full of character. Even if it does not appear directly in the drama, it matches the energy Busan contributes.
Travel tip
Plan your visit around sunset. Busan transforms visually within an hour, and that transition feels very “film-like.”
The Fictional Haeseong City: Why You Won’t Find It on the Map
One of the most interesting aspects of The WONDERfools is that its setting—Haeseong City—is entirely fictional.
This gives the production team creative freedom:
- Locations can be blended
- Streets can be modified
- Time periods can be recreated
For travelers, this means something important:
You are not chasing exact filming spots. You are chasing a feeling.
And that actually makes your trip more flexible.
How to Plan a WONDERfools-Inspired Korea Itinerary
Instead of searching for exact filming addresses, build your itinerary around the drama’s visual language.
5–7 day route idea
Day 1–3: Seoul
- Explore Euljiro and Dongmyo
- Night walks for retro city vibes
Day 4–5: Gangwon-do
- Head to Gangneung or Sokcho
- Focus on slow travel and scenery
Day 6–7: Busan
- Gamcheon Village + beach sunset
- End your trip with coastal energy
This route mirrors the emotional rhythm of the show:
Urban → Reflective → Expansive
Will More Filming Locations Be Revealed?
Most likely, yes.
Once The WONDERfools airs on Netflix (scheduled for May 15, 2026), fans will begin identifying:
- Specific streets
- Cafés
- Landmarks
This happens with almost every K-drama. Within weeks, more detailed guides usually emerge.
Final Thoughts: Travel Beyond the Screen
What makes The WONDERfools special is not just its premise, but its mood. It sits at the intersection of nostalgia and uncertainty, of ordinary lives and extraordinary circumstances.
And that mood is deeply tied to the places it was filmed.
From the layered streets of Seoul to the quiet coastlines of Gangwon-do and the vibrant shores of Busan, each location offers a different piece of the story.
You may not find Haeseong City on a map.
But if you travel through these regions with the right mindset, you might feel like you’ve been there.
Disclaimer
Filming locations for The WONDERfools are based on currently available production information and regional reports. Specific sites may be updated once the series officially premieres.
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