If you’ve watched Squid Game, you’ve probably heard Kang Sae-byeok talk about Jeju Island and how she wants to visit it if ever she wins the competition. It makes you wonder: what makes Jeju Island so unique?
First, it’s filled with spectacular nature views. Once you’re here, you have access to endless coastal and hinterland views—perfect if you’re looking for a place to unwind. It’s also a top destination for honeymooners because the island just screams romance. This has led Jeju Island to become a favourite K-drama filming location because of its serene atmosphere and picturesque setting.
Visiting Jeju Island anytime soon or just excited that Squid Game Season 2 is out soon? Here are nine shows that were filmed there (and should be on your K-drama list!) and the spots they filmed in:
- Our Blues
- Boys over Flowers
- Something in the Rain
- Jewel in the Palace
- Princess Hours
- Warm and Cozy
- Legend of the Blue Sea
- My Lovely Sam Soon
- Secret Garden
1. Our Blues
If you’ve been on the lookout for new K-dramas on Netflix, you might’ve come across tvN’s Our Blues. This tranquil show follows a group of people in a small village on Jeju Island who are riddled with life and love’s ups and downs. Most of the show was filmed on the island, particularly the Goseong Traditional Market, where most of the characters work.
2. Boys Over Flowers
Who could ever forget the classic Boys over Flowers? If you haven’t started on this, it’s time to add the show to your K-drama list! It follows headstrong Geum Jan-di, who finds herself entangled in the lives of her wealthy classmates—collectively known as the F4. Follow their drama-filled journey on Jeju Island for yourself.
3. Something in the Rain
If you’re a sucker for the Beforeseries, you might wanna add Something in the Rain to your K-drama list! The drama tells the story of Yoon Jin-ah, who falls in love with her best friend’s younger brother. Watch their love and life stories as they navigate careers and traditions.
4. Jewel in the Palace
A classic K-drama, Jewel in the Palace is a historical drama that shows the life of Dae Jang-geum, a cook apprentice during the Joseon era, and her journey to becoming the first female royal physician to the King. If you’re interested in traditional Korean cooking, this K-drama will make you crave some while watching!
5. Princess Hours
Set in an alternate 21st century South Korea that retained its traditional monarchy, Princess Hours focuses on the lives of commoner Chae-kyeong, who finds herself in an arranged marriage with Crown Prince Lee Shin. This K-drama uses teddy bears on every episode ending—with these adorable toys usually replicating a scene from the episode. These teddy bears are now showcased at the Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju.
6. Warm and Cozy
Warm and Cozy is a K-drama that will stir up your wanderlust. The series shows Lee Jung-joo, a woman in her late 20s who sets off to Jeju Island in hopes of a fresh start in life. Here, she encounters Baek Gun-woo, a cafe owner who runs a coffee shop called “Warm and Cozy”. Guess what: you can visit the cafe in real life!
7. Legend of the Blue Sea
Do you like watching fantasy series? Legend of the Blue Sea might tickle your fancy! It follows the life of Heo Joon Jae, a con artist, and Shim Cheong, a mermaid. Plus, it also moves between the Joseon Era to present-day South Korea! This K-drama follows their attempts to break the threads of fate that have been predetermined for them.
8. My Lovely Sam Soon
Is Bridget Jones one of your favourite characters? My Lovely Sam Soon should be your next watch! This K-drama follows Kim Sam-soon, a strong-willed pastry chef who is utterly annoyed with her boss Hyun Jin-heon. Yet she becomes his pretend girlfriend to prevent the foreclosure of her mother’s house. A memorable scene in this K-drama happens at Mt. Hallasan!
9. Secret Garden
In Secret Garden, two people find themselves embedded in each other’s lives. Stuntwoman Gil Ra-im and department store CEO Kim Joo-won find out that they can switch bodies with one another, thus bringing them closer than they’d expect. The couple’s first kiss happens in The Seaes Hotel and Resort in Jeju. The hotel even kept the bench for fans to check out!
What else can I visit on Jeju Island?
- Mt. Hallasan and Jusangjeolli
Need more spots to add to your Jeju Island itinerary? Visit Jeju Island’s UNESCO-listed sites on a day tour. Explore Mt. Hallasan and Jusangjeolli Cliff on the South route, and the Seongsan Sunrise Peak and Woljeongri Beach on the East route.
- Gimnyeong Seonsegi Beach
Gimnyeong is one of the most well-known beaches on Jeju Island and for good reason! It's tranquil and known for dolphin sightings in its crystal clear waters. This beach is also popular with local fishermen.
A relaxing way to enjoy your time in Gimnyeong is on a yacht cruise.
- NANTA Show
You can also watch the unique combination of theatrics and food on NANTA Show, the longest-running show performance in South Korea. NANTA combines the rhythms from Korean folk songs with modern music as the chefs slice and dice to perfection.
- Aqua Planet Jeju
If you’re travelling with kids, booking a visit to Aqua Planet to see over 48,000 animals will make for a great day out! Aqua Planet Jeju is 11 times larger than the one in Seoul, so expect to see more interactive exhibits and shows while you’re here.