상단카테고리

Shall We Travel to Incheon with Drama "Goblin"? - Filming Location of Goblin (Hanmi Bookstore, Jayu Park, etc)


From "Kim Shin", the Goblin who lives for thousand years, to "Kim Go Eun", Goblin's bride who is capable of seeing ghosts, to the Grim Reaper who had the emotions of love, tvN drama "Goblin" heats up the "home theater" recently. The main filming locations are located in Incheon and conveniently reachable by public transportation. Therefore, we went to search for the filming locations. Whether the day is good, the day is not good, when the day is good enough, let's travel to Incheon following Goblin's filming location.

1. Hanmi Bookstore - Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley

▲ Hanmi Bookstore

The place where Gong Yoo the "Goblin" strokes Kim Go Eun's head and read books, is located at Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley. The vivid-yellow color "Hanmi Bookstore" is a place where they sell used books. This place is different than other bookstores as it is filled with sentimental atmosphere, thus receiving love from many people.

▲ Used books in Hanmi Bookstore

Since this is a place where they sell books, how about go in and choose a few books that you like? If you search it carefully, you might be able to find good quality used books! They also display new books with good and competitive price. Occasionally, handicraft items are available too.

Getting here:
Take the AREX Line to Geomam Station and transfer to Incheon Subway Line 2 to Juan Station. At Juan Station, transfer again to Seoul Subway Line 1 and get off at Dong Incheon Station. From Dong Incheon Station Exit 4, walk on the right side for approximately 10 mins.

2. Songnim-dong and Songhyeon-dong

▲ Songnim-dong poor hillside village

The poor hillside village in the district of Songnim-dong and Songhyeon-dong has preserved its appearance since many years. Doesn't this place match the difficult life of Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun)? The narrow alleys and stairs were used as filming locations.

▲ Mural Art of Poor Hillside Village in Sudoguksan Museum of Housing and Living
▲ Sudoguksan Museum of Housing and Living

After going to Hanmi Bookstore, how about visiting the alleys? Although it is not a special place or has pretty mural art, there is a museum that introduces the poor hillside village of Sudoguksan at the peak of the hill. You can either go to this place to see the life phase of the poor hillside village or survey around the district of Songnim-dong.

Getting here:
Follow the alley behind Hanmi Bookstore. After you come out from the alley, cross the road and walk towards the poor hillside village. The Sudoguksan Museum of Housing and Living is located at the peak of the hill.

<Information about Sudoguksan Museum of Housing and Living>
- Location : 51, Solbit-ro, Dong-gu, Incheon
- Operating Hours: 09:00 - 18:00 (last admission is 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed Every Sunday, 1st January, Seollal and Chuseok
- Admission Fee: Children KRW500, Youth & Militants KRW700, Adults KRW1,000)
- Inquiries: 032-770-6131~3
- Website: http://www.icdonggu.go.kr/open_content/museum/ (kor.)

3. Jayu Park, Chinatown

▲ In front of "Geu Mart", Jayu Park
▲ Jayu Park

The place where Kim Go Eun summons Gong Yoo. It was a short but impactful scene and many people have been interested to come here. The filming location is in front of "Geu Mart" in Jayu Park which is located next to Chinatown. It is recommended to visit Chinatown as well.

▲ Jjajangmyeon (Black bean sauce noodles) in Sinseungbanjeom Restaurant, Chinatown

▲ Jjajangmyeon (Black bean sauce noodles) in Sinseungbanjeom Restaurant, Chinatown

Chinatown is the starting point of Jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles) in Korea. It has been an area where Chinese live since the opening of the port. The Chinese food specialty store has a long history and is considered as thriving business. Besides that, Chinese style desserts or souvenirs are also available. It is recommended to visit Chinatown and Jayu Park together!

Getting here:
Take the AREX Line to Geomam Station and transfer to Incheon Subway Line 2 to Juan Station. At Juan Station, transfer again to Seoul Subway Line 1 and get off at Incheon Station, Exit 1. Opposite Exit 1 is Chinatown. To get to Jayu Park, walk towards Junghwa Restaurant and take the stairs.

4. Songdo Central Park - Northeast Asia Trade Tower

Do you still remember the first appearance of Grim Reaper, Lee Dong Wook? I am referring to the scene that he got hit by the car but wasn't hurt at all. Then, the Grim Reaper made the driver to recognize himself as a wild boar. Remember? It was introduced as the center of Gangnam but it is actually in front of Songdo Central Park.

▲ Northeast Asia Trade Tower

The uniqueness of the structure of Northeast Asia Trade Tower (NEAT Tower) is that it is connected with the Central Park and a good place for a walk. During winter, only the thin branches will greet you but if it is not too cold, it is recommended that you take a walk around the area. When the sky turns dark, the lights that shine from the high-rise building nearby turn the place into a splendid night view.

Getting here:
Take the AREX Line to Geomam Station and transfer to Incheon Subway Line 2 to Incheon City Hall Station. At Incheon City Hall Station, transfer again to Incheon Subway Line 2 and get off at University of Incheon, Exit 4. You will be able to see Northeast Asia Trade Tower.


5. Cheongnaho Lake Park

There is a romantic scene between the main actor and actress with Cheongnaho Lake Park's night view as the background. You can easily find this place by taking the AREX train to Cheongna International City Station. Cheongnaho Lake Park is a hugely build park in Cheongna International City.

▲ Cheongnaho Lake Park

In Summer, there will be music fountain that dances along with the music. On the other hand, the atmosphere is a little lonesome during winter. However, the delicate shinning lights in the park and the splendid night view of the high-rise building create a beautiful view at anytime. How about taking a night walk at this place? Remember to dress up warmly.

▲ Cheongnaho Lake Park

Getting here:
Take the AREX Line to Cheongna International City Station. Then take bus no. 2-1, 40, 42-2, 46 and get off at Lake Park (about 15mins).


BONUS! Doldam-gil, Anguk-dong, Seoul
Let me introduce one place in Seoul! The place is where Kim Go Eun and Gong Yoo first bumped into each other. The beautiful stone-wall road (Doldam-gil) is located in Anguk-dong, in front of Duksung Girl's High School. If you get off at Anguk Station and walk towards Samcheongdong, you will come across this alley. For those who are walking towards to see the traditional culture and Hanok village, your excitement starts here!

▲ Doldam-gil, Anguk-dong

If you walk into the alley, there are many restaurants, cafes, art museums etc. You will also see people who rent Hanbok to enjoy Gyeongbukgong and Samcheongdong. Be sure to find a day to come here as it can be comparable to one day date course.

Getting here:
Take the AREX Line to Gongdeok Station. Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 5 to Jongno-3(sam)-ga. Then, transfer again to Seoul Subway Line 3 and get off at Anguk Station. Take exit 1 and walk to the alley next to it. You will see the stone-wall road (Doldam-gil) of Anguk-dong.


Beach Holiday in Suburbs of Seoul - Recommendations of Cafe in Masiran Beach

After the long winter, spring, the time for excursion, has arrived. To fully enjoy Spring, how about going for a beach holiday in the suburbs of Seoul? We have prepared 2 recommendations of cafe at Masiran Beach, Yeongjongdo Island, for those who want to enjoy the sea more leisurely.

▲ Family Outing in Masiran Beach
▲ Mud Experience in Masiran Beach

Even without a car, you get to Masiran Beach, which is located in Yeongjongdo Island, conveniently by taking the Korea Incheon Airport Railroad (AREX train). Moreover, it is popular because there is a way to walk to Eurwangni Beach, Jamjindo Island and Muuido Island without taking the ship. Although it is not the season yet, it is still possible to have mud flat experience.

1. Masiran Beach House

▲ Masiran Beach House

Masiran Beach House was renamed from "Marisan Patwi" since March this year. Its name has the meaning of "the house in front of the beach". It is not just a cafe, it transformed into a space where you can eat and drink in a casual atmosphere. Currently, they are selling sandwiches and drinks. From the month of April, the chef is expected to prepare pizzas, pastas and steak (weekday evening), and they will start selling pancakes and french toast too.

▲ Photos of Inside & Outside of Masiran Beach House
The biggest advantage is that you can enjoy the food and drinks while overlooking the sea, from indoor. Besides indoor, there are also tables placed outside and at the rooftop whereby you can enjoy some leisure time while looking at the sea. Because of that, many people who wish to rest at a quiet place often come here on weekdays too.

▲ Sandwich, strawberry tart, and drinks at Masiran Beach House
▲ Cream Shrimp Sandwich
There are two types of sandwiches available - namely, "B.L.T." and "Cream Shrimp", set at the same price - KRW12,000. "Cream Shrimp" Sandwich is the best seller with the taste of chewing crunchy thinly sliced apple and plump shrimp. The mashed boiled egg and caramelized onion jam add more taste to it. If you add extra KRW3,000, you can get fries and it is recommended to eat it with lemon and chili sauce.

▲ Strawberry Tart

The handmade strawberry tart in Masiran Beach House is available on weekends only. The fruits used in the tart are all fruits in season and there are three types of fruits, namely honey grapefruit, lemon meringue and strawberry. The cream pastry (vanilla custard cream) that is on top the tart adds softness to the taste.

<Information about Masiran Beach House>
·      Getting here: From Incheon International Airport (AREX line) > Transfer to Maglev Train Line > Get off at Yongyu Station, Exit 1 (Walk around 12 mins)
·      Address: (Masiran-ro 71) 134-10, Deokgyu-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon.
·      Price Range:
    Drinks: KRW3,500 - KRW6,800
    Cakes: KRW6,500 - KRW7,500
    Tarts: KRW6,500
·      Business hours:
    Weekdays: 10:00 - 21:00
    Weekend: 10:00 - 21:30
·      Inquiries: (032)746-9929

2. Masirang

▲ Photos of Inside and Outside of Masirang Cafe

Masirang Cafe is a bakery cafe that bakes its own bread. The bread is highly moisture because the bread uses sourdough, and is made after a day of dough fermentation. Thus, the texture of the bread is soft and moist.

▲ Photo zone of Marisang Cafe

Because the outdoor garden is well decorated, many visitors come with their family. In addition, there is a photo zone, which is famous on social media, at this place. If you take a picture when the sun begins to set, the best thing is that you will see the view of Masiran with the glow of sunset and sea.

▲ Representatives of Masirang Cafe
▲ Masirang and Mint Frappuccino

All the bread in Masirang is produced daily and sells on the day itself. "Masirang" is a kind of bread developed by Masirang Cafe. It is the representative menu in this place that is sold more than 200 during weekend, just like the blooming roses. Moreover, it is soft and pure milk bread made by milk-dough; the more you eat, the more you can feel its moisture.

▲ Garlic Cheese

Garlic Cheese is a type of garlic bread that is moist and not hard like the normal garlic baguette. When you eat it with the cream in the center of Garlic Cheese, you can feel a different taste though it is plain. It is recommended that you eat Garlic Cheese together with Americano. This place pays a lot of attention to the coffee beans as they determined that coffee beans hold 80% of the coffee taste. Due to that reason, people who dislike the bitterness of Americano can enjoy it without any worries.

<Information about Masirang>
·      Getting here: From Incheon International Airport (AREX line) > Transfer to Maglev Train Line > Get off at Yongyu Station, Exit 1 > Take bus no.204 > Get off at Masiran Beach (In front of gorcery store) and walk around 3 mins.
·      Address: (Masiran-ro 163) 615-5, Deokgyu-dong, Junggu, Incheon.
·      Price Range:
    Drinks: KRW4,000 - KRW8,000
    Bread: KRW2,500 - KRW4,000
    Cake: KRW6,000
    Cookies: KRW7,000 - KRW10,000
·      Business hours: 10:00 - 22:00 (Open all year round)
·      Inquiries: (032)746-5089

The top 5 sunset attractions by Airport Railroad.



It is unusually cold this year but, even the last cold snap in March is finally over and typical spring  weather is on the march with gentle wind. What a moment we have been waiting for! March is good season to take a tour in Korea but it is still premature spring for flower viewing. Don’t be discouraged yet.


Even though we can not meet spring flowers, it is far better season to enjoy romantic sunset when Korea tour. Around the Airport Railroad lines, you can find several attractions for sunset. If you are having travel with sweetheart or family, I strongly suggest lovely sunset places below.


1. Eulwangri beach around “Incheon Int’l Airport Station”


Starting point from the Incheon Int’l Airport Station, the Youngyu west beach which is combined with the Yeongjongdo Island is one of best sunset places. You can feel an endless horizon of the Muuido Island, Jawoldo Island and Deokjeokdo Island. When a sun goes down, why don’t you enjoy scenery sitting on the Eulwangri beach? It will be more romantic than you imagine.


<Directions>
get off at the Incheon Int'l Airport station > transfer to bus No. 302 at bus station No. 13 > the Eulwangri beach(20~30min)








2. Jungseojin & Youngjong Grand bridge rest station around “Cheongna Int’l City station”


Jungseojin is starting point of  the Youngjong Grand bridge and ending point of Ara Waterway. If the Jeongdongjin is a famous sun-greeting place, the Jungseojin is a new attraction of sunset spot. Every end of the year, People have year-end festivities on the Jungseojin with fascinating sunset silhouette. The night view of  the Youngjong Grand bridge and the Ara Waterway is another attractive option.






If you would like to enjoy sunset and night-scape of the Youngjong Grand bridge more specific, visiting the Youngjong Grand bridge rest station is proper way. The first floor is souvenir shop and food court, and you can watch whole scenery of the Jungseojin & the Youngjong Grand bridge at the observatory.


<Directions>
get off at the Cheongna Int’l City station > bus No. 77-1 or 77-2 > get off at the Incheon Passenger Terminal station(Jungseojin)


3. The Suhyangnu around “Gyeyang station”.


Make no bones about it, the Suhyangnu is the best sunset place in Ara Waterway. It is two stories of palace and you can go up to the second floor to watch the Ara Waterway. If you enjoy sunset on the second floor of the Suhyangnu with snacks and spring breeze, it couldn’t be better!






<Directions>
Get off at the Gyeyang station > turn left from exit and go 300 meters more > turn left at three way intersection and go 250 meters more > Ara Waterway.


4. Haneul Park around “Digital Media City station”


Haneul Park was once a landfill, but the former landfill site was transformed into an ecological park. The Haneul Park is the most popular place situated in World Cup Park which was built to commemorate the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Haneul Park is known to be the “closest to the sky” offering the most beautiful sights of sunset in downtown city of Seoul.




“Haneul” in Korean is the word for “sky”, the park is situated on the highest part of World Cup Park and offers relaxation. After climbing up 291 stairs of zigzags, visitors can enjoy fantastic views of Seoul and the Han river. During the annual Eulalia Festival, the entire park becomes carpeted in waves of silver, rendered by lush eulalia in full bloom.

 If you are tired of citiy tour in Seoul, visiting the Haneul Park in sunset time will be a excellent option.


<Directions>
Get off at Digital Media City station > Exit 8,  Bus No. 7013 > Get off at "Nanjicheon Park" parking-lot bus stop.


5. N-Seoul Tower around "Seoul Station"


N Seoul Tower is the iconic landmark of Seoul, which means, Koreans and foreigners would   visit this place, at least, more than once. Because, N Seoul Tower is a popular place for dates, picnic, and sunset. If you climb up to the hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of downtown Seoul. A recent attraction for couples is "Locks of Love," thousands of padlocks are attached to the fence by couples symbolizing their endless love.








Feeling romantic sunset and night view in an observatory or luxurious restaurant will be a special pleasure for you and your traveling companians. 


 <Directions>
Get off at Seoul Station > Exit 9,  get on bus 03 and get off at Seoul Tower





Great place for a spring outing - Graffiti art in the Hong-ik Univ. street.



People call the Hong-ik Univ. street as a "Young's street" or "place of youth", because it has many attractions for visitors. One of the symbol of Hong-ik Univ. street is probably a "Graffiti arts". If you drop by Hong-ik Univ. street, you can catch lots of graffiti arts in various places.


Especially, in spring, Hongik University Playground Park which opens the "Art at HongDaeAp Artmarket Freemarket" every weekend is known for a graffiti art's hub. Various graffiti arts on slide, Hong-ik senior citizen center, public toilet draw many spectators' prase.


The "Art at HongDaeAp Artmarket Freemarket" which has opened on 5th of March is crowded with people buying & selling, and taking photos of graffiti arts.






The reason that graffiti arts is popular with visitors is not only partial graffiti on a wall, but also huge scale of graffiti covering a building, so graffiti arts of the Hong-ik University Playground Park are looked like scribbles but are evaluated as great artistry.


The Hong-ik University Playground Park recently changed graffiti arts to meet visitors, so when you go to Seoul, you should not miss them. And the exit 7 of Hong-ik Univ. station will lead you to new wall painting arts at streets upto the tourist service center. This street is also famous for the "busking performance“


Around the exit 7 of Hong-ik Univ. station, there is an another park like "Hong-ik University Playground Park". If you go 50 meters from exit 7 and turn right on rotary, you can find public toilet covered with graffiti arts at a public park.


In this shining spring season, visiting graffiti arts place in the Hong-ik Univ. street will give you fresh and special reminiscences.




Let's go to the "HongDaeAp Artmarket Freemarket"


If you are sick and tired of monotonous tour routine, let us go to the HongDae(Hongik Univ.)~!  HongDae is one of the most popular place among young people, because there are a lot of places to enjoy, to watch, and to eat.

The "HongDaeAp Artmarket Freemarket" can be called original market and has influenced others, which are also labelled "Flea-market", "Free-market", and etc. 

Since the opening of the first market in June 2002, various creators have participated in many ways, and now, the Free-market has become a superstar in HongDae street. When the market opens, the HongDae street is overcrowded with creators, sellers, and visitors. Foreigners who visit Korea spread words quickly to each other that this market is not to be missed.



Any creator can participate as a seller and culture creator but, of course, must register first. There are lots of goods like small accessaries, painting shoes and cloth bags, hand-made dolls and these are one and only products by cultural creators. They inscribe initials or special memo on goods, so it could be a meaningful present for couples.

"HongDaeAp Artmarket Freemarket" has not only creators' products, but also painters. Every artist has his own style and skill, so watching sketch or picture is another kind of pleasure. You can catch artists' calligraphies as well and they turn a phrase personally for consumer's taste. 





One of the biggest advantage in "HongDaeAp Artmarket Freemarket" is that products are cheaper than online market. Because artists open a market and sell goods directly, so consumers are able to purchase them as lower price than online, and some products are sold only in this market.  

Performance art is also the important part of living art. The "HongDaeAp Artmarket Freemarket" has an open ground for performing artists, such as singers, dancers, and other performance artists. colorful performance stage awaits artists who communicate with people by action in the "Afternoon Stage".



This weekend, the "HongDaeAp Artmarket Freemarket" will satisfy your all senses, so do not hesitate to find out your own treasure.
<"HongDaeAp Artmarket Freemarket" information>
Operation time : 5th, March ~ 26th, Nov. (Saturday, 13:00~18:00)
Location : Hongik University Playground Park (19-3, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul)
Hompage : www.freemarket.or.kr
direction : Getting off at Hongik Univ. Station(Airport Railroad)