Published Date : Aug 01, 2014 / Edited Date : Feb 13, 2019
Following in the footsteps of an outer space alien stranded in Seoul might not seem like the best way to get to know the city, but popular K-drama "My Love from the Star" coolly proves otherwise. The recently ended sci-fi/rom-com series, which follows the last days of alien Do Min-jun (Kim Soo-hyun) on Earth, is a travel guide as much as a romance, and those who have watched the international hit series will know why: even antisocial, 400-year-old extraterrestrial Do Min-jun conspicuously hits up a few of Seoul's trendiest and most iconic spots before leaving Earth to return to his home on a distant star.
With the series over for good, it goes without saying that the next best thing for the show's fans to do isrelive their favorite moments in the show by taking to the city itself with this themed itinerary.
Do Min-jun and Chun Song-yi’s favorite hangouts
Neither Do Min-jun nor Chun Song-yi were known for having a lot of friends they could trust. These celebrated Seoul locations are where they would meet the ones they did.
1. Hakrim Dabang
This historic dabang (an old-fashioned Korean term for coffee shop) was the filming location of a recurring scene that should be familiar to any “My Love from the Star” fans. A long-time fixture amidst fast-paced and capricious Seoul, Hakrim Dabang opened its doors in 1956, and is the very spot Do Min-jun and his long-time friend and lawyer Jang met to play mahjong and talk. Located in Daehakro, this quaint café has retained its 1950s charm, with a narrow and weathered staircase at the entrance leading up to a room with aged hardwood furniture, antique decorations and a record player in the corner serenely spinning classical music.
But just because their décor seems dated doesn’t mean their food or drink is behind the times: their coffee is a specialty in-house roast, and their cream cheese cake offers modern flavors in a retro setting.
Take the subway to Hyehwa Station(line 4) and walk out of exit 3. Walk towards exit 4—Hakrim Dabang should be on your left.
Owned by Hong Bok-ja, Chun Song-yi’s high-school friend who proves to be caring and affectionate underneath her prickly exterior, this comic book café is where Song-yi would go to pour her heart out to her only genuine friend. Located in Sinchon, a bustling university neighborhood, this comic book café offers the same kind of respite to weary travelers, furnished with comfortable armchairs and stocked with a wide selection of comic books. Following an afternoon immersed in manwha, venture out into the rest of Sinchon, where bars, restaurants, boutiques, and various entertainment venues stay open late into the night.
Take the subway to Sinchon Station (line 2), and exit the station via exit 3. Take the slight right down the big road and follow it until you reach Pascucci. Take a right and go straight down the left side of the road and take a left into the second alleyway to your left. Walk up the alleyway and the destination should be on the left.
The picturesque promenade where lawyer Jang grouses about Do Min-jun’s decision to get a cell phone for Song-yi (Jang is miffed that his friend resisted his same request over the past decade) can be found in front of one of Seoul’s most renowned museums. If you’ve had your fill of art, head over toDeoksugung Palace, where you can admire the traditional Korean architecture by going on a scenic stroll through adjacent Jeongdonggil or Doldamgil. While you’re in the area, check out Seoul’s most iconic street (which also has the famous statue of the street’s namesake, Sejong the Great), Sejongro. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an even more spectacular, panoramic view of the city center, head up to Jeong-dong Observatory.
Take the subway to City Hall Station (line 2), and exit the station via exit 12. Follow the path ahead until you reach Deoksugungil and take a left. Follow Deoksugungil all the way down—the museum will be on your left.
Alien-approved eats
“My Love from a Star” boasts a diverse selection of restaurants that appear at every crucial turn in the story, and there’s something to fit every mood.
1. Yurimmyun
This famous noodle joint by City Hall Station is where Do Min-jun and lawyer Jang head over for lunch following their rendezvous in front of the SeMA. It’s been around for over 50 years, offering a no-frills selection of just four noodle dishes that have clearly stood the test of time. They’re known for their sweet-and-sour buckwheat bibimguksu, but if you want the true “Do Min-jun experience”, the naembiguksu is what you’re looking for.
Take the subway to City Hall Station (line 2) and exit the station via exit 11. Turn around and take the first left. The restaurant will be on your left.
2. Luca 511
Specializing in upmarket European fare, this Cheongdam restaurant has an unmistakably ritzy air, with sets of majestic stone pillars greeting guests along the walkway up to the restaurant. Its interior layout is unique, reminiscent of a private residence rather than a restaurant.
Take the subway to Apgujeongrodeo Station (Bundang line) and exit the station via exit 2. Walk straight and turn left at the second side street. Walk down a bit and then take the first right. Continue down until you reach Luca 511 on your left hand side.
For a less stationary dining experience, hop aboard the Han River E-Land cruise ship, where you can enjoy a romantic dinner buffet surrounded by the sparkling nighttime cityscape. Keeping in mind that Chun Song-yi almost fell overboard in episode four, you might want to drink in moderation—and leave the glittery heels at home
.
Reservations can be made online (www.elandcruise.com) or in person at the E-land Cruise ticket office. To reach the ticket office, take the subway to Yeouinaru Station (line 5) and exit the station via exit 3. Walk straight down until you reach the office on your left.
4. Omokjip
Chun Song-yi finds herself at this famous jokbal (braised pigs’ feet) restaurant in episode 17 in an effort to keep herself looking youthful. (Jokbal’s high gelatin content is said to ward off wrinkles and promote healthy skin.) Although the restaurant’s popularity might mean you have to wait a little bit to be seated, the complimentary refreshments offered to queued guests (maesil tea and ice cream) will keep your hunger pangs at bay.
Getting there: take the subway to Omokgyo Station and exit the station via exit 2. Walk straight until you reach the restaurant on your right.
A landmark that’s impossible to miss in Seoul’s skyline, the Namsan Seoul Towerrestaurant offers upscale French cuisine in a tranquil setting, overlooking the city from its highest point. Comfortably removed from the bustle of the city and with a view well worth the trip out there, this place is as romantic as it gets—even the kitchen, which is run by a husband-and-wife duo, Michelin-starred chef Duncan Robertson and his partner Jeon Gyu-jeong.
View from N Grill
Namsan Seoul Tower is best reached by cable car. To take the cable car, take the subway to Myeong-dong Station (line 4) and exit the station via exit 3. Walk down the street on the right side of the Pacific Hotel and you will see the cable car boarding area. N Grill is on the fifth floor of the tower.
6. Chicken and Beer (Chimaek)
Chimaek,a Korean portmanteau word that combines “chicken” with maekju (beer), is proof of how prominent fried chicken is in Korean dining culture. With that said, it’s not too surprising that fried chicken is a recurring motif in “My Love from the Star.”For an authentic dine-in chimaek experience, head over to Ddobagi Chicken, a hole-in-the-wall fried chicken joint in trendy Sangsudong. Its unremarkable exterior may raise some eyebrows, but the place is a hidden gem with a strong word-of-mouth following amongst locals and netizens alike—the reason you will just have to taste for yourself.
But if you prefer convenience to authenticity, try one of BHC Chicken’s many Seoul franchises, where you might glimpse Jun Ji-hyun (Chun Song-yi) on one of their posters. Other popular franchises include Gyochon Chicken and BBQ Chicken, both household names in the fried chicken scene. All three offer delivery options, so if you’re staying at a guest house or a hotel, just ask the front desk to help you order—they might even want to join you.
To get to Ddobagi Chicken, take the subway to Sangsu Station (line 6) and exit the station via exit 4. Turn around and walk down the big road and take a right at the fourth side street. The restaurant will be on your right.
Recreated stage sets
Immerse yourself once more in the lives of Do Min-jun and Chun Song-yi by experiencing the behind-the-scenes magic: the stage set, props and other memorabilia.
This futuristic exhibition center is the place where Chun Song-yi is saved yet again by Do Min-jun following an ominous stage “accident” during her film shoot. In real life, however, the DDP is an exciting venue with a constantly changing selection of design and art exhibitions. Fans of the series will especially be thrilled to hear about their “My Love from the Star”-themed 3D exhibition (ends on August 15th), complete with a virtual reality simulation with the show’s characters, recreated stage sets and other “My Love from the Star”-related activities.
The surrounding Dongdaemun area itself has lots to offer as well. Catch a live hologram K-pop concert at Klive, or explore Seoul’s biggest one-stop shopping center, Dongdaemun Shopping Town and Dongdaemun Shopping Complex.
Getting there: to get to the DDP, take the subway to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station and exit the station via exit 1. The DDP will be on your left.
For Klive, leave the station via exit 11. The venue is on the ninth floor of Lotte FitIn. Concert schedules can be found on their website (http://www.klive.co.kr).
For Dongdaemun Shopping Town/Complex, take the subway to Dongdaemun Station (line 4) and exit the station via exit 9. The shopping center will be right in front of you.
예약 전 안내사항
장기 폭염 예상 기간 프로그램 운영 중단: 7.23. ~ 8.11.
예약은 관광일 기준 최소 3일 전 까지 가능합니다.
3인 미만은 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
기존 등록된 예약 중 그룹별 정원을 초과하지 않는 예약에 한하여 1일 전 17시 까지 추가 예약 가능합니다.
다음달 예약은 전달 15일 이 후부터 가능합니다.
발열 또는 호흡기 증상(열, 기침, 가래, 근육통, 코막힘, 인후통 등)이 있는 경우 프로그램 참여를 삼가하여 주시기 바랍니다.
보호자가 동반하지 않는 만 14세 미만의 아동 관광객의 경우 현장에서 취소됩니다.
기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다.(발효 즉시 취소처리) ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 서울도보해설관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)