Are you also into the K-Drama “My Royal Nemesis”?
Since its premiere, the drama has been gaining more and more popularity in Korea, reaching double-digit ratings by its 6th episode (after starting at 4.1%) while also topping Netflix charts in several countries worldwide. It even reached No.1 in Bolivia, Honduras, Hong Kong, Nicaragua, Peru, Vietnam, and more.
Im Ji Yeon is already popular thanks to roles in “The Glory” and, more recently, in the popular historical drama “The Tale of Lady Ok”. As for the male lead, Heo Nam Jun, he has been gaining more spotlight through this role, and people are showing a lot of interest in him. The two actors have been praised not only for their strong acting but also for their chemistry, which is not easy to find.
If you are new to the drama, it tells the story of a legendary villainess from Joseon who ends up in modern Korea as an unknown actress and a ruthless modern-day chaebol who knows nothing about love. Their love-hate relationship and comic scenes hit just right, and the drama is rising in popularity.
As the drama reaches its halfway point, let’s have a look at the filming locations found in Seoul and Jeju that are actually super easy to visit for tourists. Make sure to add them to your next trip list or you might already have some on it! Google Maps links are included below.
Here are 12 filming locations of the K-Drama “My Royal Nemesis”.
In Jeju
1&2. Seogeondo Island (서건도) & Sinduri Beach (신두리해수욕장)
While visiting Jeju, the lead couple talked about this island being “like the French Mont Saint-Michel,” as it is accessible only when the tide is low.
This Korean island really exists and is located in southern Jeju. Thanks to the tides, the sea in front of Seogeondo Island recedes around ten times a month, allowing visitors to walk to the island and enjoy its unique landscape.
Make sure to check the tides before visiting!
Address (Korean): 제주 서귀포시 강정동 산1
Address (English): 산1-1 Gangjeong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Google Maps Link: https://share.google/iXlL4sJ2mLumt8nAy
However, the beach filmed was actually Sinduri Beach in Taean (West Sea), not in Jeju!
The production team mixed several places into one scene. You can tell from the shape of the mountains and the accommodations visible in the background along the coast.
Also, beaches in Jeju are known for volcanic rocks, while Taean’s coastline looks different.
Address (Korean): 충남 태안군 원북면 신두해변길 199
Address (English): Sindu-ri, Wonbuk-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ewwx1VzNvR798iSq7
3. Amber Pure Hill Hotels & Resorts Jeju (엠버퓨어힐 호텔&리조트 제주)
During their stay in Jeju, the couple and the other characters stay at this fancy resort and hotel. Many scenes were filmed there, both indoors and outdoors.
If you are curious, you can also check their Instagram: @amber_purehill_jeju
Address (Korean): 제주 제주시 1100로 2671-30
Address (English): Jeju-do, Jeju-si, Nohyeong-dong, 1100-ro
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LRs2ReFrxVzZGvgT6
4. Tokkiseom Island (토끼섬)
Do you remember when Heo Nam Jun mentions the uninhabited island, and later the couple shares their first kiss there?
It is called Tokkiseom and is located in the northeastern part of Jeju Island. It is not located on Seogeondo Island but in another area of Jeju.
Address (Korean): 제주 제주시 구좌읍 하도리
Address (English): 1852 Haemajihaean-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4yqvbLcVoC64jssJ8
In Seoul
5&6. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) & Yocheon-ro (요천로)
The good news for those of you visiting Seoul is that most of the first-episode scenes featuring Im Ji Yeon arriving in modern Seoul were filmed at popular tourist spots located close to each other.
First, she arrives at Gyeongbokgung Palace and walks out of it, finding herself in the middle of tourists and cars for the first time.
Address (Korean): 서울 종로구 사직로 161 경복궁
Address (English): 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XzcxHM9X4vEMGmSd6
However! While it looks like she simply exits the palace, the production team cleverly switched locations from Seoul to Yocheon-ro in Namwon (in front of Gwanghalluwon Garden, in the South of Korea).
Those who have visited Gyeongbokgung would know that standing in front of it or even from the side, you would not see all these cherry blossom trees but rather stores and roads.
The two leads have a fight there that caught everyone’s attention.
Address (Korean): 전북 남원시 천거동
Address (English): 187-14 Cheongeo-dong, Namwon, Jeonbuk State
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VxuqND36u3UmqCr99
7. Jong-ro 12-gil (종로 12길)
After leaving Gyeongbokgung and her flower “fight,” Im Ji Yeon walks through Jong-ro on her way to Cheonggyecheon Stream.
In Seoul, this route is actually walkable and feels realistic (assuming she somehow managed all the crosswalks in between). Walking out of the palace and ending up there before reaching the stream is not impossible.
This street is lined with shops and restaurants, and at night many office workers gather here to enjoy drinks.
Address (Korean): 서울 종로구 관철동 종로 12길
Address (English): Jong-ro 12-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P1p6zSjYGE9mAg5w6
8&9. Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천) & Cheonggyecheon Jangtonggyo Bridge (장통교)
After walking through Jong-ro 12-gil, both in Seoul and in the drama, Im Ji Yeon ends up at Cheonggyecheon Stream.
You can spot the beautiful murals (visible only in one section of the stream) and Jangtonggyo Bridge, where she meets the shaman.
This location is very easy to visit while exploring central Seoul.
Address (Korean): 서울 중구 삼각동 장통교
Address (English): 7-1 Samgak-dong, Jung District, Seoul
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTfY2aXRUmQDTHT87
10. Youngmun Building (영문 빌딩)
Let’s move on to where Im Ji Yeon stays.
The exterior of the gosiwon is located in Mullae-dong, Seoul. It currently seems to be used as office space.
Even though only the outside appears in the drama, fans might recognize the building immediately.
Address (Korean): 서울 영등포구 경인로77길 14
Address (English): 40-6 Mullae-dong 2(i)-ga, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TdRidUJVjPT75cb3
11. Gyesan Traditional Market (계산전통시장)
Im Ji Yeon is seen buying and eating a lot of sweets at this market.
This location is Gyesan Traditional Market. While it is not located in Seoul, it is nearby in Incheon and can easily be added as a day trip destination.
If you enjoy traditional Korean markets and local snacks, this filming location is worth considering.
Address (Korean): 인천 계양구 어사대로 18
Address (English): 10-22 Gyesansijang-gil, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WdrWd3trjBrDmame6
12. Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)
Im Ji Yeon finds out that her title was erased from history after her death, leaving her remembered only as a vile person.
These scenes were filmed at the Seoul Museum of History.
The museum itself is already a popular cultural destination for visitors interested in Seoul’s history, making it an easy filming location to add to your itinerary.
Address (Korean): 서울 종로구 새문안로 55 서울역사박물관
Address (English): 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno District, Seoul
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3EbQkL2aoh8scdm59
Is there any filming location from “My Royal Nemesis” that you would like to visit?
