The first time Kang Dan-shim opens her eyes in modern Seoul, everything feels unfamiliar. Neon signs replace palace lanterns. Luxury boutiques stand where royal courtyards should be. Yet somehow, the world of My Royal Nemesis still carries traces of the past. That contrast between Joseon history and sleek 2026 city life quickly became one of the drama’s biggest visual hooks.
Starring Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun, the SBS fantasy romance follows a feared Joseon villainess who suddenly wakes up in the body of a struggling modern actress. As palace politics collide with chaebol culture, the series moves between historical sets, traditional Korean neighborhoods, and upscale Seoul districts.
While SBS has not officially confirmed every filming location, fans and Korean location trackers have already identified several places that appear throughout the series. Some are highly likely filming sites, while others remain fan-supported discoveries. Either way, they create a travel route that blends old Korea with modern luxury.
If you are planning a K-drama-inspired trip to South Korea in 2026, these are the locations worth adding to your itinerary.
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Confirmed vs Rumored Filming Locations in My Royal Nemesis
While SBS has not officially released a complete filming location list for My Royal Nemesis, several locations have already been identified through teaser footage, fan tracking, Korean blogs, and visual comparisons.
Here are the locations that appear most strongly connected to the drama so far.
Confirmed or Strongly Supported Locations
- Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park
- Cheongdam luxury district in Seoul
- Hyundai Premium Outlets Gimpo
- Parts of central Seoul’s palace and hanok areas
Rumored or Fan-Identified Locations
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Yomo Izakaya in Suwon
- Buyeo National Museum
- Several café streets near Seongsu-dong
As more behind-the-scenes footage and production updates are released, additional filming sites may be confirmed.
Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park Brings the Joseon World to Life
Many viewers believe the historical sequences of My Royal Nemesis were primarily filmed at Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park.
Visitor Information
- Location: Yongin, Gyeonggi-do
- Travel Time from Seoul: Around 1.5–2 hours
- Famous For: Historical drama filming sets
- Tip: Arrive early because shuttle schedules can be limited
That makes perfect sense. The massive open-air set is one of Korea’s most famous historical filming locations and has appeared in countless sageuk dramas over the years. The park contains reconstructed royal palaces, government offices, noble residences, village streets, and traditional courtyards that instantly transport visitors back to the Joseon era.
In My Royal Nemesis, the darker palace scenes involving Kang Dan-shim’s downfall seem visually consistent with the architecture and layout often seen at Dae Jang Geum Park. Wide stone staircases, wooden palace halls, and mountainous backdrops all resemble areas inside the complex.
What makes this location especially appealing for travelers is the scale. Unlike smaller sets, Dae Jang Geum Park feels immersive. You can walk through entire palace districts and explore filming zones that look almost untouched by modern life.
The park is also a dream destination for photography. Early mornings create soft cinematic lighting, while autumn adds warm colors that resemble scenes straight out of a historical drama.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Best day trip from Seoul
- Arrive early to avoid tour crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes because the park is huge
- Hanbok rentals nearby can elevate the experience
If you love sageuk dramas, this location alone is worth the journey.
Bukchon Hanok Village Blends Old Seoul With Modern Romance
Several viewers also suspect scenes were filmed around Bukchon Hanok Village, particularly transitional moments connecting the past and present timelines.
Location Info
- Area: Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Nearest Station: Anguk Station (Line 3)
- Walking Time: About 10 minutes from Exit 2
- Best Time to Visit: Before 9 AM for quieter streets and photos
Nestled between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon is one of Seoul’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. Traditional hanok homes line steep alleyways while modern cafés quietly hide behind wooden doors.
That duality matches the tone of My Royal Nemesis perfectly.
In many fantasy K-dramas, Bukchon is used to visually symbolize memory, destiny, or echoes of history. The neighborhood feels timeless even when modern Seoul rises around it.
Walking here at sunset feels especially cinematic. The tiled rooftops glow gold, narrow lanes become quiet, and every corner looks like a potential drama still.
Even if the filming connection is not officially confirmed, Bukchon fits naturally into the world the drama creates.
What to Do Nearby
After exploring the village, visitors can also enjoy:
- traditional tea houses
- hanok cafés
- craft stores
- Korean dessert shops
- nearby palace grounds
The area is also very walkable, making it ideal for slow travel days in Seoul.
Cheongdam’s Luxury Streets Match the Drama’s Chaebol Energy
The modern corporate world of My Royal Nemesis contrasts sharply with its Joseon storyline. Fans believe some of those upscale scenes were filmed around the luxury shopping district of Cheongdam in Gangnam.
Location Info
- Area: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Nearest Station: Cheongdam Station (Line 7)
- Known For: Luxury boutiques, designer cafés, and K-drama filming spots
- Best Time to Visit: Evening for neon-lit streets and nightlife atmosphere
One frequently mentioned location is Dolce & Gabbana Cheongdam Flagship.
This information originally circulated through Korean K-drama location accounts and entertainment travel articles. While not officially verified by SBS, the location aesthetically matches the drama’s polished chaebol atmosphere.
The Cheongdam area itself is already famous among K-drama fans. Luxury brands, sleek architecture, black luxury sedans, and minimalist cafés dominate the streetscape. It feels expensive, cinematic, and slightly intimidating in the best possible way.
For travelers, the fun part is simply walking around.
Even if you are not shopping at designer boutiques, the neighborhood offers:
- stylish cafés
- photo-worthy storefronts
- celebrity spotting potential
- trendy dessert cafés
- luxury department stores nearby
At night, Cheongdam becomes even more dramatic as the streets reflect Seoul’s glowing city lights.
Most of the Seoul filming locations can easily be combined into a single day trip using the city’s subway system.
Hyundai Premium Outlets Gimpo Offers a Different Side of Modern Korea
Another rumored filming site connected to the drama is Hyundai Premium Outlets Gimpo.
Unlike the polished exclusivity of Cheongdam, this location represents a more accessible version of modern Korean consumer culture.
The open-air outlet mall combines shopping, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment spaces in a layout that feels bright and relaxed. In dramas, spaces like this are often used for chance encounters, comedic misunderstandings, or emotional conversations hidden within everyday crowds.
The outlet is also convenient for travelers because it sits relatively close to Seoul and can easily fit into a half-day itinerary.
Why K-Drama Fans Might Enjoy It
- recognizable modern Korean lifestyle setting
- clean architecture for photography
- seasonal decorations throughout the year
- easy café hopping
- less overwhelming than central Seoul shopping districts
Even if you are not hunting filming spots, it is still a pleasant stop.
Suwon’s Quiet Dining Spots Add Warmth to the Story
One of the more interesting rumored locations is Yomo, a cozy Japanese-style izakaya in Suwon.
Location Info
- Area: Suwon, Gyeonggi-do
- Nearest Station: Suwon Station
- Best Time to Visit: Evening
- Nearby Attraction: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
This location reportedly appeared in intimate dining scenes, though information remains based largely on fan tracking and entertainment blogs rather than official production confirmation.
Still, it fits the emotional pacing of the drama.
Many romance K-dramas use small restaurants to create emotional contrast against the chaos of city life. Quiet lighting, warm interiors, and shared late-night meals often become key moments for character development.
Suwon itself is worth visiting beyond this rumored filming site. The city combines historical heritage with modern urban life, especially around Hwaseong Fortress.
Visitors can spend the day exploring fortress walls before ending the evening in cozy restaurants and bars.
Buyeo National Museum Adds Historical Depth
Some later episodes are also rumored to feature Buyeo National Museum.
Buyeo was once part of the ancient Baekje Kingdom, and the museum houses artifacts connected to Korea’s early royal history. Because My Royal Nemesis frequently explores themes of fate, memory, and historical identity, the museum’s inclusion would make thematic sense.
Compared to Seoul’s fast-paced energy, Buyeo feels slower and quieter.
That atmosphere appeals to travelers looking for:
- historical experiences
- less crowded destinations
- traditional Korean scenery
- museum-focused travel
It also pairs well with nearby temples and archaeological sites.
1-Day My Royal Nemesis Filming Location Itinerary in Seoul
Many of the drama’s rumored and confirmed filming locations are concentrated around Seoul, making them surprisingly easy to explore in a single day.
Here is a simple itinerary for fans who want to experience the atmosphere of My Royal Nemesis while also seeing some of Seoul’s most photogenic neighborhoods.
Morning — Bukchon Hanok Village
Start the day early in Bukchon Hanok Village while the streets are still quiet. The traditional houses and narrow alleyways create some of the drama’s most visually striking backdrops.
Late Morning — Gyeongbokgung and Nearby Palace Areas
Several scenes appear to use palace-adjacent streets and historical districts around central Seoul. This area is also ideal for café hopping and hanbok photography.
Afternoon — Seongsu-dong Café Streets
Head east toward Seongsu-dong, where modern cafés, industrial buildings, and stylish boutiques match the drama’s younger urban energy.
Evening — Cheongdam and Gangnam
Finish the day in Cheongdam, where luxury storefronts, neon-lit streets, and upscale restaurants reflect the series’ chaebol atmosphere perfectly.
Why These Locations Feel So Appealing
Part of the charm of My Royal Nemesis comes from contrast.
The drama constantly shifts between:
- royal courts and luxury penthouses
- hanok alleys and designer storefronts
- historical destiny and modern ambition
Because of that, the filming locations never feel repetitive.
A trip inspired by this drama can naturally become a broader journey through different sides of South Korea:
- historical Korea
- trendy Seoul
- suburban café culture
- quieter heritage cities
That variety makes it especially enjoyable for K-drama travelers.
Important Note About Filming Location Accuracy
At the time of writing, many filming locations connected to My Royal Nemesis are still based on:
- fan discoveries
- Korean filming trackers
- entertainment blogs
- visual comparisons
Some information online has also been mixed with another drama, My Dearest Nemesis, which created confusion around certain locations.
Because of that, travelers should treat several sites as “reportedly featured” rather than fully confirmed by SBS production sources.
Still, even the rumored locations are genuinely worthwhile destinations for fans exploring South Korea through K-drama culture.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are drawn to palace intrigue, modern Seoul glamour, or fantasy romance, My Royal Nemesis offers a visually rich travel experience beyond the screen.
You can spend the morning wandering through centuries-old hanok alleys, the afternoon shopping in futuristic Gangnam, and the evening eating beneath warm lantern lights in Suwon. Few dramas create that kind of atmosphere so naturally.
And honestly, that might be the real reason fans are already chasing these filming locations across Korea. The series does not just tell a love story. It turns South Korea itself into part of the fantasy.
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