Top 5 Guardian (Goblin) Filming Locations in Korea: The Ultimate K-Drama Bucket List for Your Seoul Trip

Are you ready to walk through the magical world where Kim Shin lived his 939 years of immortal life? If you've fallen under the spell of Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (도깨비), then this exclusive guide will transform your Korea trip into an unforgettable journey through the drama's most iconic scenes. From the legendary buckwheat field summoning to heart-fluttering romantic moments, these filming locations have become pilgrimage sites for fans worldwide.

As your dedicated K-pop travel guide, I've spent years helping international fans discover Seoul's hidden gems. This comprehensive bucket list will take you through the five most significant Guardian filming locations, ranked by fan popularity and dramatic importance. And here's the perfect finale: after experiencing these magical locations, you can create your own K-pop experience at KING STUDIO, Seoul's premier recording destination for international visitors.

Let's embark on this enchanting countdown from number five to the ultimate must-visit destination.

• Top 5 Deoksugung Stone Wall Path / 덕수궁 돌담길
• Top 4 Woljeongsa Temple Fir Tree Forest / 월정사 전나무숲
• Top 3 Hanmi Bookstore & Baedari Secondhand Book Alley / 한미서점 & 배다리 헌책방 골목
• Top 2 The Church Summon: Mirinae Holy Site / 미리내 성지
• Top 1 Jumunjin Breakwater / 주문진 방파제

Top 5 Deoksugung Stone Wall Path / 덕수궁 돌담길

The Behind Story:

This isn't just Seoul's most romantic walking path—it's where Guardian's most contemplative and tender moments unfolded. The Deoksugung Stone Wall Path served as the backdrop for Kim Shin and Ji Eun-tak's quiet conversations, where the weight of immortality met the lightness of first love. The production team chose this location for its perfect symbolism: ancient palace walls representing the Goblin's long history, while the modern city beyond symbolizes his evolving relationship with the contemporary world.

The golden ginkgo trees lining this 900-meter path create an ethereal tunnel, especially during autumn when the leaves turn brilliant yellow—perfectly matching the drama's warm, magical aesthetic. Many fans visit during ginkgo season to recreate the exact ambiance they witnessed on screen.

Vibe & Menu Recommendations:

The path itself is a walking experience, but the surrounding Jeongdong area offers perfect post-stroll refreshments. After your contemplative walk, visit one of the nearby traditional tea houses or modern cafés:

• Traditional Korean tea houses: Try ssanghwacha (herbal medicinal tea) or omija-cha (five-flavor berry tea)
• Modern cafés: Order a hand-drip coffee with Korean-style cheesecake
• Nearby restaurants: Bibimbap or bulgogi set meals at traditional establishments
  

Foreign-Friendly Information:

📍Address (Google) : 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
📍Address (Naver) : 서울특별시 중구 세종대로 99

Location: Jung-gu, central Seoul (City Hall Station, Line 1 & 2)
Google Maps Search: "Deoksugung Stone Wall Path" or "Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway"

✅Best for: Solo travelers seeking contemplative moments or couples wanting romantic atmosphere
✅Optimal timing: Late October to early November for ginkgo trees, or sunset for golden hour photography
✅Duration: 30-45 minutes for the full walk plus photo time

Top 4 Woljeongsa Temple Fir Tree Forest / 월정사 전나무숲

The Behind Story:

This mystical fir tree forest path leading to Woljeongsa Temple in Pyeongchang served as one of Guardian's most visually stunning locations. The towering evergreen trees create a natural cathedral that perfectly captured the drama's themes of spirituality and otherworldliness. This location was chosen for scenes requiring a sense of timeless serenity—where the boundary between the mortal and immortal worlds feels thinnest.

The straight, tall fir trees form a natural tunnel that extends for over a kilometer, creating an almost supernatural walking experience. Many fans describe feeling transported into a fantasy realm, making it easy to imagine encountering a goblin or grim reaper along this enchanted path.

Vibe & Menu Recommendations:

This mountain location offers a completely different energy from Seoul's urban landscape—fresh air, spiritual tranquility, and natural beauty. The temple area and nearby restaurants specialize in mountain cuisine:

• Temple food: Vegetarian bibimbap with mountain vegetables
• Regional specialties: Pyeongchang makguksu (buckwheat noodles in cold broth)
• Warming dishes: Gamjatang (pork spine stew) perfect after mountain walks
• Traditional drinks: Sikhye (sweet rice drink) or sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch)
  

Foreign-Friendly Information:

📍Address (Google) : 63-3 Dongsan-ri, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon State
📍Address (Naver) : 강원특별자치도 평창군 진부면 동산리 63-3

Location: Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province (2.5-3 hours from Seoul)
Google Maps Search: "Woljeongsa Temple" (the fir forest is part of the temple approach)
✅Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking spiritual atmosphere
✅Transportation: Express bus from Seoul to Jinbu, then local bus or taxi
✅Season considerations: Beautiful year-round, but snow in winter adds magical atmosphere

Top 3 Hanmi Bookstore & Baedari Secondhand Book Alley / 한미서점 & 배다리 헌책방 골목

The Behind Story:

The narrow alleyway lined with secondhand bookstores in Incheon's Baedari district, particularly the famous Hanmi Bookstore with its distinctive yellow facade, provided Guardian with one of its most atmospheric and nostalgic settings. This location perfectly embodied the drama's literary themes—books representing knowledge, memory, and the stories that connect us across time.

The vintage bookstore alley, with its weathered signs and stacks of old books, created the perfect backdrop for scenes requiring a sense of history and timeless wisdom. The yellow exterior of Hanmi Bookstore became instantly recognizable to fans, symbolizing the warm, comforting presence of knowledge and stories in our lives.

Vibe & Menu Recommendations:

The bookstore alley maintains an old Seoul atmosphere that's increasingly rare in modern Korea. After browsing the books and taking photos, explore the surrounding area's cafés and restaurants:

• Artisan cafés: Hand-drip coffee with traditional Korean pastries
• Local restaurants: Kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew)
• Street food: Hotteok (sweet pancakes) and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries)
• Bookstore café: Some bookstores have small café corners serving traditional tea

Foreign-Friendly Information:

📍Address (Google) : 2 Jungang-ro, Dong-gu, Incheon (Geumgok-dong)
📍Address (Naver) : 인천광역시 동구 중앙로 2 (금곡동)

Location: Dong-gu, Incheon (45 minutes from Seoul by subway)
Google Maps Search: "Hanmi Bookstore Incheon" or "Baedari Secondhand Book Alley"

✅Best for: Solo travelers, book lovers, and photography enthusiasts
✅Transportation: Subway Line 1 to Dongincheon Station, then bus or taxi
✅Cultural note: Be respectful when photographing—these are working bookstores

Top 2 The Church Summon: Mirinae Holy Site / 미리내 성지

The Behind Story:

Eun Tak finally found the way to summon Dokkaebi and chooses this venue to see her beau. This scene is filmed at Mirinae Holy Site 미리내 성지, located at Anseong, Gyeonggi-do. This church was built in 1986 and was famed as one of the best church to visit during autumn as it is surrounded by a thick autumn foliage.

Foreign-Friendly Information:

📍Address (Google) : 420 Mirinaeseongji-ro, Yangseong-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
📍Address (Naver) : 경기도 안성시 양성면 미리내성지로 420

Top 1 Jumunjin Breakwater / 주문진 방파제

The Behind Story:

This is it—the location that defines Guardian and remains the most iconic [Drama goblin] favorite place, Seoul fans must visit (though technically in Gangneung). The Jumunjin Breakwater is where the drama's most legendary scene unfolded: Ji Eun-tak's first summoning of Kim Shin, complete with the magical buckwheat field appearing against the backdrop of crashing waves and dramatic coastline.

This location was chosen for its raw, elemental power—the meeting of land and sea representing the boundary between worlds that the Goblin exists within. The vast ocean horizon symbolizes eternity, while the breakwater represents the bridge between the mortal and immortal realms. The scene where Eun-tak pulls the sword from the Goblin's chest happened here, making it the most pivotal location in the entire series.

Vibe & Menu Recommendations:

The breakwater offers a completely different energy from Seoul—windswept, dramatic, and filled with the sound of crashing waves. The nearby Jumunjin area is famous for its fresh seafood:

• Fresh seafood: Hoe (Korean-style sashimi) at the nearby fish market
• Grilled specialties: Grilled squid and mackerel prepared fresh
• Local stews: Haemul-tang (spicy seafood stew) perfect after ocean breezes
• Comfort food: Ramyeon at convenience stores with ocean views

Foreign-Friendly Information:

📍Address (Google) : 1609, Haean-ro, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon State
📍Address (Naver) : 강원특별자치도 강릉시 주문진읍 해안로 1609

Location: Jumunjin, Gangneung, Gangwon Province (East Coast)
Google Maps Search: "Jumunjin Breakwater" or "Jumunjin Tetrapod"

✅Best for: All fans—this is the ultimate pilgrimage site
✅Transportation: KTX to Gangneung Station, then bus or taxi to Jumunjin
✅Photo tips: Early morning or late afternoon for best lighting and fewer crowds
✅Props available: Local vendors often rent red scarves and artificial buckwheat flowers

Why This is #1:

Jumunjin Breakwater represents everything Guardian stands for—the power of destiny, the beauty of sacrifice, and the magic hidden in everyday locations. It's where the central love story truly began, making it an essential stop for any fan's Korea trip bucket list.

Complete Your Guardian Journey: Record Your Story at KING STUDIO

Now that you've walked through the magical world of Guardian and experienced the locations where immortal love unfolded, it's time to create your own unforgettable memory. What if you could step into a real K-pop recording studio and capture your own voice singing the beloved Guardian OST?

Welcome to KING STUDIO—Seoul's premier K-pop recording experience designed specifically for international visitors.

After experiencing the visual magic of Guardian's filming locations, complete your Seoul trip by immersing yourself in the auditory magic that made the drama unforgettable. Songs like "Stay With Me," "Beautiful," and "I Miss You" became global phenomena—now you can record your own versions in a professional studio environment.

What Makes KING STUDIO the Perfect Guardian Experience:

Professional Studio Environment: Record in the same type of facility where actual K-pop artists and OST singers work, with state-of-the-art equipment that captures every nuance of your voice.

Guardian OST Specialization: Our extensive song library includes all the beloved Guardian tracks, and our engineers are familiar with the emotional nuances that make these songs special.

Expert Guidance: Our bilingual sound engineers have worked with professional artists and understand how to bring out the emotion and storytelling that Guardian's music requires.

Complete Experience: From song selection to final mixing, we ensure your Guardian recording captures the same magical quality that made the original OST so beloved worldwide.

Unique Souvenir: Take home a professionally produced recording that serves as the perfect audio memoir of your Guardian pilgrimage—something no photo can replicate.

Perfect for Guardian Fans:

• Solo travelers: Record "Stay With Me" as your personal Guardian anthem
• Couples: Create a duet version of "Beautiful" to commemorate your romantic journey
• Friend groups: Record group versions of the upbeat tracks
• Families: Multi-generational Guardian fans can each record their favorite song
  Ready to Complete Your Guardian Story?

📍 Book your session now at KING STUDIO

Don't just visit the locations where Guardian was filmed—become part of the Guardian legacy by recording the music that made it unforgettable.

Final Thoughts: Your Guardian Pilgrimage Awaits
From the mystical fir forests of Woljeongsa to the dramatic coastline of Jumunjin, these five Guardian filming locations offer more than just photo opportunities—they provide a deep connection to one of Korea's most beloved dramas and to the eternal themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny that resonate across cultures.

Planning Your Guardian Tour:

For the optimal experience, I recommend a 4-5 day itinerary:

• Day 1: Seoul locations (Deoksugung Stone Wall Path + city exploration)
• Day 2: Incheon day trip (Hanmi Bookstore) + Yongin (Gogo Sikdang)
• Day 3: Gangwon Province (Woljeongsa Temple - can combine with Pyeongchang exploration)
• Day 4: Jumunjin Breakwater (full day for the ultimate Guardian experience)
• Day 5: Return to Seoul for KING STUDIO recording session

Essential Guardian Fan Tips:

• Download offline maps and translation apps for rural locations
• Check weather conditions, especially for coastal and mountain areas
• Respect local businesses and communities—you're visiting their daily lives
• Bring props (red scarf, flowers) for authentic photo recreations
• Book accommodations in advance, especially in Gangneung during peak seasons

Join the Guardian Community:

Have you visited any of these magical locations? Which Guardian scene still gives you chills? Share your experiences and photos in the comments below! Tag us with #GuardianPilgrimage and #KingStudioExperience when you post your journey.

Remember, Guardian taught us that some loves transcend time and space. Your journey through these filming locations is more than tourism—it's a celebration of the stories that connect us all, regardless of language or culture.

Start planning your Guardian adventure today, and don't forget to book your KING STUDIO session to complete your ultimate Korean cultural experience. After all, every great story deserves its own soundtrack. ✨

Safe travels, and may your Guardian pilgrimage be as magical as the drama that inspired it!