Published Date : Nov 23, 2017 / Edited Date : Feb 13, 2019
[Travel+Leisure] Southeast Asia June 2017 Issue
Korea is no stranger to television. Ever since the success of 2003’s hugely popular Winter Sonata, producers have been vying for the next global success story. Yet no TV series in recent memory have resonated so much with fans than Goblin, or Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. It was an absolute smash hit. The show struck a chord with audiences and captured the hearts of many.
Starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun and Lee Dong-wook, it aired December 2, 2016 and went on to become the second highest rated drama in Korean cable history, with licensing rights being sold for international broadcast throughout South East Asia. ver since the series came to a close last year, the filming locations around Seoul have been bringing hordes of hungry fans eager for a chance to walk in the footsteps of the stars. A fan myself, I too decided to relive the story. My first stop is the beautiful western legation quarter in Jongno-gu. Just off to the side of Unhyeongung Palace it is a fine example of early Korean modern architecture, lending credence to Seoul’s dynamic appeal and indicative to the extent the city goes to preserving such historic landmarks. Several notable scenes were shot here as the building was able to better help represent the show’s historical timeline. The stately structure was used as Goblin’s private house.
As I make my way over through Samcheongdong to the stonewall alleyway near Anguk Station, I feel the presence of the actors strolling together under a canopy of cherry blossoms. Eun-tak and Goblin first met here. The area boasts numerous alleyways but this one in particular holds special appeal because of its gentle slope and remote feel. I continue walking through the quaint, picturesque sidestreets of Samcheong-dong and arrive at another recognizable site. This decorative alleyway is flanked by cafes and boutiques, and colourful artwork. It is here where Eun-tak and Goblin dated on many occasions. I can see why it’s so special — it’s as though time here stands still.
My search finally takes me to a cozy, traditional wooden cafe full of art and plants. This is where Sunny and Eun-tak chatted together in episode 11. Steps away from National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the intimate setting almost feels disconnected from urban commotion. As I walk through these locations where the stars of Goblin shot their scenes, it brings back a flood of fond memories from the TV series and makes me look even more forward to the next part of my journey.
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)