# **Ultimate Travel Guide to Korean Variety Show Locations**
Korean variety shows (*예능*, *yeon-neung*) are a huge part of K-pop and K-drama culture, offering hilarious, heartwarming, and thrilling entertainment. Many of these shows are filmed in stunning locations across South Korea, from bustling streets to serene landscapes. If you’re a K-pop fan or a traveler looking to explore the behind-the-scenes magic of your favorite shows, this guide will take you through the most iconic variety show filming spots in Korea.
—
## **📍 Must-Visit Variety Show Filming Locations**
### **1. Seoul – The Heart of Korean Entertainment**
Seoul is the epicenter of Korean variety shows, with many productions filmed in and around the city.
#### **🎬 Popular Shows Filmed in Seoul:**
– *Running Man* (런닝맨)
– *BTS In the SOOP* (방탄소년단 인 더 숲)
– *Weekly Idol* (주간 아이돌)
– *Knowing Bros* (아는 형님)
– *My Little Old Boy* (미운 우리 새끼)
#### **📌 Key Filming Spots in Seoul:**
– **Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도 한강공원)** – *Running Man*’s iconic river scenes and outdoor challenges.
– **Lotte World (롯데월드)** – Featured in *Running Man* and *BTS In the SOOP*.
– **Gangnam Style Land (강남스타일랜드)** – A fun K-pop-themed amusement park seen in *Weekly Idol*.
– **Hongdae (홍대)** – A hotspot for street performances and variety show challenges.
– **Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP, 동대문디자인플라자)** – Used for fashion-related segments in *My Little Old Boy*.
—
### **2. Jeju Island – The Tropical Paradise**
Jeju Island is a favorite filming location for survival and travel variety shows due to its breathtaking scenery.
#### **🎬 Popular Shows Filmed in Jeju:**
– *The Return of Superman* (슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다)
– *Newlywed Diary* (신혼일기)
– *Three Meals a Day* (삼시세끼)
#### **📌 Key Filming Spots in Jeju:**
– **Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉)** – A UNESCO-listed volcanic crater seen in *The Return of Superman*.
– **Jeju Folk Village (제주민속촌)** – Featured in *Three Meals a Day*.
– **Seopjikoji (섭지코지)** – A scenic coastal area used in travel shows.
– **O’Sulloc Tea Museum (오설록 티 뮤지엄)** – A picturesque spot from *Newlywed Diary*.
—
### **3. Busan – The Coastal Gem**
Busan’s vibrant city life and stunning beaches make it a popular filming location.
#### **🎬 Popular Shows Filmed in Busan:**
– *Kang’s Kitchen* (강식당)
– *Youn’s Kitchen* (윤식당)
– *Busted!* (범인은 바로 너)
#### **📌 Key Filming Spots in Busan:**
– **Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을)** – A colorful hillside village seen in *Kang’s Kitchen*.
– **Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장)** – Featured in *Youn’s Kitchen*.
– **Busan Tower (부산타워)** – A scenic backdrop in *Busted!*.
– **Jagalchi Fish Market (자갈치시장)** – A bustling market in *Kang’s Kitchen*.
—
### **4. Gyeongju – The Ancient Capital**
Gyeongju, known as “the museum without walls,” is a filming location for historical and cultural variety shows.
#### **🎬 Popular Shows Filmed in Gyeongju:**
– *Grandpa Over Flowers* (꽃보다 할배)
– *Youn’s Kitchen* (Season 3)
#### **📌 Key Filming Spots in Gyeongju:**
– **Bulguksa Temple (불국사)** – A UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in *Grandpa Over Flowers*.
– **Seokguram Grotto (석굴암)** – A stunning Buddhist temple.
– **Cheomseongdae Observatory (첨성대)** – Korea’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory.
—
### **5. Sokcho & Seoraksan – The Mountain Retreat**
Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park are popular for outdoor and survival variety shows.
#### **🎬 Popular Shows Filmed in Sokcho/Seoraksan:**
– *Law of the Jungle* (정글의 법칙)
– *The Genius* (더 지니어스)
#### **📌 Key Filming Spots in Sokcho/Seoraksan:**
– **Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원)** – A stunning mountain range.
– **Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초관광수산시장)** – Featured in *Law of the Jungle*.
– **Sinheungsa Temple (신흥사)** – A historic temple with a giant bronze Buddha statue.
—
## **🎥 Tips for Visiting Variety Show Filming Locations**
### **✅ Best Time to Visit**
– **Spring (March–May)** – Cherry blossoms in Seoul and Jeju.
– **Fall (September–November)** – Beautiful foliage in Seoraksan and Gyeongju.
– **Avoid summer (June–August)** – Hot and humid, but great for beach shows like *Youn’s Kitchen*.
### **🚆 How to Get There**
– **Seoul:** Use the subway (Line 2, 5, 9) or buses.
– **Jeju:** Fly into Jeju International Airport (CJU).
– **Busan:** Take the KTX (high-speed train) from Seoul (~2.5 hours).
– **Gyeongju:** Take the KTX to Singyeongju Station (~2 hours from Seoul).
– **Sokcho:** Take a bus from Seoul (~2.5 hours).
### **📸 Fan Tips**
– **Check show schedules** – Some shows film on weekends (e.g., *Running Man* often films at Lotte World).
– **Join fan tours** – Companies like **Korea Travel Easy** offer variety show filming location tours.
– **Bring a camera** – Many spots are Instagram-worthy!
– **Respect filming areas** – Some locations may have restricted access.
—
## **🎉 Final Thoughts**
Exploring Korean variety show filming locations is a dream for many fans. Whether you’re retracing the steps of *Running Man* in Seoul, enjoying the tropical vibes of Jeju in *The Return of Superman*, or tasting fresh seafood in Busan’s *Kang’s Kitchen*, these spots bring your favorite shows to life.
**Which variety show location will you visit first?** 🚀🇰🇷
—
**📌 Save this guide for your next K-culture adventure!** 😊