Hello K-drama fans!
Today we're diving into the magical world of "Queen of Tears" filming locations in Korea! 🎬 Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woo? Shall we discover how to book these amazing spots without wasting hours in line? Let's find out right away! 💫
If you've fallen in love with the emotional rollercoaster that is "Queen of Tears," you're not alone! This hit series has captured hearts worldwide, and now you can experience the magic firsthand by visiting the actual filming locations in Korea.
What makes these locations special isn't just their connection to the show—it's the authentic slice of Korean culture they represent. From luxurious department stores to charming countryside scenes, each location tells its own story.
Skip-the-Line Bookings | Authentic Experience |
Guided Tours Available | Photo Opportunities |
Season-Based Availability | Transport Options |
Local Food Recommendations | Shopping Opportunities |
🏙️ Queens Department Store: The Heart of the Drama
The iconic Queens Department Store scenes were actually filmed at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido. This ultra-modern shopping paradise is a destination in itself!
To avoid the crowds that gather hoping to recreate famous scenes, I recommend booking your visit for weekday mornings. The store opens at 10:30 AM, and arriving before 11:00 AM virtually guarantees you'll have space to take perfect photos.
Did you know? The rooftop garden where several emotional scenes took place is free to visit, but sometimes requires a timed entry pass during peak seasons. You can secure these online through The Hyundai Seoul's official website.
For the true fans, there's a special "Queen of Tears Afternoon Tea" experience available at the café on the 5th floor. This books out weeks in advance, so plan accordingly! 🍰
🏞️ Geumgang Village: The Countryside Retreat
The fictional Geumgang Village scenes were primarily filmed in Namyangju Daejanggeum Park, a popular historical drama set just outside of Seoul.
While the park is open to general visitors, the specific "Queen of Tears" sets have limited access hours. To guarantee entry, you'll want to book through an authorized K-drama tour operator like Trazy or Klook.
The village scenes capture the essence of rural Korea, with winding paths and traditional architecture. It's especially beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (mid-October to early November). 🌸
Photography tip: The lighting is best between 2-4 PM for that golden hour effect that was used so beautifully in the countryside reunion scenes!
🏠 Baek Family House: Authentic Korean Home
The charming Baek family home represents traditional Korean family life. These scenes were filmed in a specially constructed set in Paju Content Complex.
Access to this location is strictly through organized tours, as it's within a working production facility. The good news? These tours often include multiple K-drama locations and professional guides who'll share behind-the-scenes stories!
What makes this location special is how it contrasts with the luxury shown in other parts of the drama. It's a warm, lived-in space that many Korean viewers find nostalgic of their own family homes. 🏡
☕ The Memorable Café Scenes
Several pivotal emotional scenes were filmed at Café Onion Seongsu in Seoul's trendy Seongsu-dong district. This industrial-chic café has become a pilgrimage site for fans!
Unlike some locations, this is a functioning café open to the public. However, it's incredibly popular even without the K-drama connection, so arrival strategy is key.
Pro tip: Use the Naver app to place an order in advance and skip the ordering line. Then arrive about 30 minutes before your pick-up time to secure seating. Weekdays before 11 AM or after 3 PM offer the best experience with fewer crowds. ☕
The famous window seat where the couple reconciled is in high demand, so be prepared to wait or visit during off-peak hours if that specific spot is important to you!
🏨 Luxury Hotel Scenes: Living the Fantasy
The opulent hotel scenes were filmed at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul, where you can actually book a stay in the same Presidential Suite used in the show!
Fair warning: the suite costs approximately $5,000 per night, but the hotel offers more affordable "Queen of Tears Themed Packages" that include regular rooms with special drama-themed amenities and a tour of the filming locations within the property.
These packages frequently sell out months in advance, especially for weekend stays. The hotel's website allows bookings up to 6 months ahead, which I strongly recommend utilizing. 🏨
Queens Department Store | The Hyundai Seoul | Weekday Mornings |
Geumgang Village | Namyangju Park | Tour Booking Required |
Baek Family House | Paju Complex | Group Tours Only |
Café Scenes | Café Onion Seongsu | Advance Ordering |
Having visited these locations myself, I can tell you that the booking process is absolutely worth the effort. There's something magical about standing where your favorite scenes were filmed, connecting with the story on a deeper level.
The best part? Many of these locations are beautiful, interesting places to visit even if you weren't a fan of the show. They represent some of the best architecture, natural beauty, and cultural experiences Korea has to offer. 🇰🇷
Remember that Korean tourism can be extremely seasonal, with spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (autumn leaves) being the busiest times. If you're planning a trip specifically for these locations, consider the shoulder seasons of late May or early September for the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book these experiences?
For specialized tours and hotel packages, booking 2-3 months ahead is recommended. For regular location visits without special experiences, 2-3 weeks is usually sufficient.
Are English-speaking guides available?
Yes! Most K-drama specialized tours offer English, Chinese, and Japanese options. Just be sure to select your language preference when booking.
Can I visit multiple locations in one day?
While technically possible, I don't recommend trying to visit more than 2-3 locations in a single day. Seoul traffic can be unpredictable, and you'll want time to truly enjoy each spot rather than rushing.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the "Queen of Tears" filming locations! I hope this guide helps you create your own magical K-drama experience without the hassle of long lines or missed opportunities. See you next time with another exciting Korean travel topic! 🌟