A trip to Seoul in South Korea is a dream for many. But for Hallyu fans, such an adventure is an opportunity to experience this destination anew, like K-drama characters on a soul-searching journey in a slice-of-life kind of show.

The uninitiated may may not easily grasp the fascination and the deep connection a K-drama fan has with South Korea, but one would perhaps understand and agree that fangirling/fanboying is universally therapeutic. For a diehard K-culture follower, some streets, alleyways, walls, staircases, buildings, bridges, cafés, or restaurants are never just simple sights and tourist spots; these places could be significant to or symbolic of certain K-drama scenes worth reliving.

People section editor Grace Libero-Cruz, editor-in-chief Geolette Esguerra, and Beauty & Wellness editor Kate Paras-Santiago at the N Seoul Tower. All wearing jackets and shoes by Skechers

The feeling of being on a so-called K-drama pilgrimage is quite indescribable. It’s something we eagerly manifested throughout the pandemic as we were building our Metro K-Drama Round Up online community. Knowing that the actors you love onscreen once set foot and filmed in your itinerary items of choice is just pure bliss. There’s nothing quite like retracing their steps, taking in the sights and sounds of a place, and perhaps even recreating the scenes filmed there. What a delight it is, too, to re-watch K-dramas from the lens of someone who has seen what the actual locations and their surroundings look like; doing so does strike differently, even if it was simply a road your favorite actors passed by onscreen for a few seconds.

Videographer Kim Wee Ebol, People section editor Grace Libero-Cruz, Metro head Christina N. Lopez, editor-chief Geolette Esguerra, Beauty & Wellness editor Kate Paras-Santiago, and business manager Nona Baldo at the Yeouido Hangang Park

As #MetroGoesToSouthKorea, editor-in-chief Geolette Esguerra, Beauty & Wellness editor Kate Paras-Santiago, and yours truly, Metro.Style’s People section editor, went on a #MetroSeoulSearchingwithSkechers adventure that zoomed in on the filming locations of the K-dramas of idol-actor Cha Eun Woo. He is the regional ambassador of this lifestyle and athletic footwear and apparel brand in Asia, representing the Philippines as well as Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Skechers store in Myeong-dong

Cha Eun Woo (whose real name is Lee Dong Min) debuted as an actor in 2014 with a stint in the film My Brilliant Life. A couple of years later, he started his K-Pop idol journey as a member of the boy band Astro. While he was establishing himself as a singer, Cha Eun Woo was also slowly building on his filmography. He had stints in TV and web series Hit the Top, Sweet Revenge, and Top Management until he snagged his breakthrough acting project via the K-drama My ID is Gangnam Beauty, which earned him several Rising, Rookie, and New Actor nominations and awards. Following the success of that series, he then took on a role in a period drama titled Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung.

Cha Eun Woo in 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty' Photo from JTBC via IMDb

Cha Eun Woo in 'Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung' Photo from MBC via IMDb

The trajectory of his career at the time was clearly on point. Then the pandemic happened and more people discovered the wonders of K-dramas. During the same time this surge of new K-drama fans was contributing to the Hallyu fever, Cha Eun Woo starred in the webtoon-based series True Beauty. Instantly, he captivated more audiences globally with his handsome looks, swoon-worthy acting skills, and onscreen charisma.

Cha Eun Woo in 'True Beauty' Photo from tvN via IMDb

Proving he’s more than just a pretty face, he also showed his versatility as an actor through the fantasy-action series Island, where he portrayed the role of a K-Pop-loving priest. Currently, Cha Eun Woo stars in the K-drama A Good Day to Be a Dog where, coming from his iconic student roles, he’s now playing the role of a high school math teacher.

Cha Eun Woo is not only a sought-after leading man, he’s also an in-demand ambassador for brands like Skechers. In one of his recent videos, he was seen introducing the new Skechers Uno saying it’s “for your every scene.”

Cha Eun Woo in 'Island' Photo from TVING via Soompi

Cha Eun Woo in 'A Good Day to Be a Dog' Photo from Viu via IMDb

As fans of Cha Eun Woo, we, the Metro editors, thought of going on a K-drama pilgrimage to relive some of the scenes in his shows. We had so much fun looking back on his K-dramas as we worked on our itinerary and identified the places we wanted to visit and recommend. But we were beyond thrilled to finally set foot in Seoul, wearing ultra-comfy pairs of Skechers shoes and cozying up in winter jackets also from this brand. Our itinerary included famous tourist spots and establishments as well as hidden gems.

Check out our #MetroSeoulSearchingWithSkechers itinerary below:

Ikseon-Dong - A trip to Seoul is more immersive with hints of traditional items in the itinerary. When it comes to hanok (traditional Korean house) villages, Bukcheon is top of mind. But for this trip, we checked out the quaint and charming Ikseon-Dong Hanok Village which happens to be among the filming locations of 'True Beauty.' The area features narrow alleyways that hold many surprises both in design and offerings. The shops are photogenic individually and altogether, showcasing a beautiful marriage of modern and traditional aesthetics.

Ikseon-Dong - In 'True Beauty,' Ikseon-dong appears in episode 1 when Lim Ju Kyung (Moon Ga Young) finally finds good friends with her classmates Kang Su Jin (Park Yoo Na) and Choi Soo Ah (Kang Min Ah). After class, they go on a fun girls’ day out, strolling around spots such as the eatery Namdo Bunsik and the Com Com Play arcade.Shot using Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Ikseon-Dong - While exploring this area, we found a similar arcade called Saeseoul, which is operated by the same company that used to run Com Com Play. Trivia: Saeseoul’s building is the largest in Ikseon-dong and houses a rooftop cafe & bar lounge on the upper floors; if the structure and design of the building also look familiar to you, it’s because the place used to be Hotel Seine, a filming location of the K-drama 'Hotel del Luna.'

Ikseon-Dong - Also in this area is the Instagrammable Madang Flower Cafe, which Lim Ju Kyung, Kang Su Jin, and Choi Soo Ah pass by in the same episode, as they make their way through the streets of Ikseon-dong. Shot using Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4

Ikseon-Dong - Other places we recommend you try out here are the Mil Toasthouse which is famous for the souffle French toast and steamed bread (locals and tourists alike line up here!), Cafe Highwaist with its charming interiors and oh-so-cute baked treats, and the Don’t Lxxk Up photo booth which takes photos from a high angle. Take note that most of the stores here open at 11 AM.Shot using Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Ikseon-DongtvN

Cheonggye Plaza - Sewoon Arcade and Cheonggye Plaza are across each other and linked by overpasses. These buildings, which are home to electrical and appliance shops and apartments, served as filming locations for 'True Beauty.' In episode 1, after confessing to a guy, who turns her down, “errand girl” Lim Ju Kyung (Moon Ga Young) gets humiliated and bullied in school. Shot using Samsung S23 Ultra

Cheonggye Plaza - Dwelling on how no one likes her, she rushes to the top of a building (Cheonggye Plaza) and ponders jumping off it. She later changes her mind and decides she doesn’t want to die, and then Lee Su Ho (Cha Eun Woo) quickly comes to her rescue and pulls her away from the edge of the building. | Source: Korean DramalandViu | The NCMH (National Center for Mental Health0 crisis hotline is 0966-3514518, and really, there's no harm in choosing to save the number on your device for when you might need it. NCMH's crisis hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cheonggye Plaza - They fall and land on the rooftop, marking a significant encounter between the two main characters. Cheonggye Plaza is part of a complex that also includes Sewoon Plaza and Daerim Plaza (which are also known as K-drama filming locations). This building became popular in the series 'Vincenzo' (starring Song Joong Ki and Jeon Yeo Been), where it’s known by the fictional name Geumga Plaza. | Source: Korean DramalandViu

Cheonggye PlazaViu

CGV Piccadilly 1958 - CGV Piccadilly 1958 is a cinema that occupies the basement floor of the Piccadilly Art Museum. The building is also home to a culture and art plaza, as well as offices, galleries, shops, and a food court. Shot using Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

CGV Piccadilly 1958 - In Episode 4 of 'True Beauty,' Lim Ju Kyung (Moon Ga Young) goes on a movie date with another man, and Lee Su Ho (Cha Eun Woo) is there to stalk them. Inside the moviehouse, he mistakes a couple (cameos by 'Extraordinary You' stars Lee Jae Wook and Kim Hye Yoon) as Lim Ju Kyung and her date. Viu

CGV Piccadilly 1958 - Once the movie is done, the facade of the CGV Piccadilly 1958 is showcased, as Ju Kyung says goodbye to her date and Su Ho tries his best to hide from them. Viu

CGV Piccadilly 1958 Viu

Yonsei University - Yonsei University is a private university in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, considered one of the best in Korea. It was founded in 1885. On their website, the university’s philosophy states, “Yonsei University serves as the ‘alma mater’ of all arts and sciences to nurture leaders who will contribute to the Korean and international society, in the ecumenical spirit of Christian teaching epitomized in its motto of ‘truth and freedom.’” Shot using Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Yonsei University - The university’s Sinchon Campus is composed of several buildings, the most recognizable of which that appeared in 'True Beauty' are the Main Building and the Yonhi Hall where this Instagram photo of Cha Eun Woo seems to have been taken. Some parts of Yonsei University were depicted as Saebom High School in 'True Beauty.'@eunwoo.o_c

N Seoul Tower - For a first-timer in Seoul, South Korea, a trip to the N Seoul Tower is a must. This landmark and famous tourist attraction on Namsan Mountain is the best place to enjoy a beautiful view of the city of Seoul. It’s described as a complex cultural space with the communication and observation tower as the highlight. The tower itself features different restaurants such as the French fine dining n.Grill, Korean restaurants HanCook and Cheiljemyunso, Italian restaurant The Place Dining, American-style N Burger, sky lounge N TERRACE, and the N Sweet Bar. Shot using Samsung S23 Ultra

N Seoul Tower - One may take the cable car or the 2km trail with stairs (approx. 30-minute hike) to get to the base of the tower, where there’s a Teddy Bear Museum and the famous Locks of Love that makes it a “romantic island within the city.” Just like the love locks on the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris, France, couples hang padlocks here as a symbol of eternal love. Every afternoon, at 3 PM, by the open area near the Namsan Palgakjeong Pavilion, there’s a Martial Arts Demonstration & Folk Concert performed by Bongsugun or the beacon mound soldiers. Kim Wee Ebol

N Seoul Tower - In the latter part of 'True Beauty,' Moon Ga Young’s Lim Ju Kyung and Cha Eun Woo’s Lee Su Ho navigate a long-distance relationship, with a promise to meet each other in the “highest point of Seoul” to see the first snow of the year. tvN via IMDb

N Seoul Tower - Reminded of this promise, in episode 15, Lim Ju Kyung takes a cable car to the N Seoul Tower as the first snow of the year happens, not knowing the night will end up with her accidentally crossing paths and reuniting with Lee Su Ho by the Locks of Love. tvN via IMDb

Y& Anima / C&B (Prince Comics Shop) - The facade of this quaint corner lot store, with its striking hanok architecture, was used for the “Prince Comics Shop” in 'True Beauty.' It’s where Moon Ga Young’s Lee Jung Kyung and Cha Eun Woo’s Lee Su Ho first meet and later hang out and bond over comic books for various episodes of the show. Kim Wee Ebol

Y& Anima / C&B (Prince Comics Shop) - In reality, this place is occupied by bag shop Y& Anima, C&B accessories shop, and a take-out coffee shop. The owner kept the Prince Comics Shop signage even after the series' run, so this place has now become a tourist spot. Trivia: This used to be Pastel de Nata from 2013 until early 2023, and was known for its egg tarts. It was also a filming location for the K-drama 'The Heirs.' Viu

Y& Anima / C&B (Prince Comics Shop)Viu

Y& Anima / C&B (Prince Comics Shop)Viu

Y& Anima / C&B (Prince Comics Shop)Viu

Sosho Gallery (now the Good Buying Club) - In 'True Beauty,' this place was featured as the house of the lead female character, Lim Ju Kyung (Moon Ga Young), and her family. What looks like a typical residential property at first glance used to be an art gallery called Sosho. Now, it’s occupied by the Good Buying Club, a clothing store. Kim Wee Ebol

Sosho Gallery (now the Good Buying Club) - This property’s facade was seen across different episodes of 'True Beauty,' but we remember it mostly for episode 12 where Lee Su Ho (Cha Eun Woo) kissed Lee Jung Kyung against a wall by the gate. Shot using Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Sosho Gallery (now the Good Buying Club)Viu

Sosho Gallery (now the Good Buying Club)Viu

Sosho Gallery (now the Good Buying Club)Viu

Sosho Gallery (now the Good Buying Club)Viu

Sosho Gallery (now the Good Buying Club)Viu

Nodeul Island - This artificial island in the Han River, accessible through the Hangang Bridge, may have become extremely popular because of the K-drama 'Start-Up' and it being depicted as the “Sandbox” in the said series. But Nodeul Island is, in fact, a go-to filming location. It’s really no surprise because of its sprawling open areas, restaurants, galleries, and overall peaceful atmosphere. Shot using Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Nodeul Island - In 2019, it was introduced as a performing arts center and, in fact, at the time we visited, Korean alternative rock band Broken Valentine was preparing for a performance at the same spot where one of the posters of 'Start-Up' was photographed.

Nodeul Island - In 'True Beauty,' it was the setting of a cute and hilarious scene between Moon Ga Young’s Lim Jung Kyung and Cha Eun Woo’s Lee Su Ho in episode 2. Viu

Nodeul Island - He asks to meet her at “9 PM at the coffee shop by Saebom Park” because he wants her to return a comic book. Unsure of whether she should meet him bare-faced or made-up, she eventually arrives at their meeting point, riding a bicycle and wearing a helmet. Viu

Nodeul Island - He has ordered a hot drink for her, but since she doesn’t want to remove her helmet, she gets the straw from his drink and uses it to take a sip. Viu

Staircase Samseongyo-ro - Even seemingly mundane things and places can hold a special meaning when featured in a K-drama. In this case, this staircase in the quiet neighborhood and residential area of Samseon in the Songbeuk District has become a go-to for K-drama pilgrimages because it was seen in 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty.'

Staircase Samseongyo-ro - Cha Eun Woo’s Do Kyung Seok and Im Soo Hyang’s Kang Mi Rae happen to live near each other, and this staircase leads to their homes. Viu

Staircase Samseongyo-ro - They’re seen passing here in several episodes, and it’s the setting of some memorable interactions between these main characters. Viu

Staircase Samseongyo-ro - One of our favorite scenes here is in episode 13 where they climb the stairs holding hands since they’ve started dating. Viu

Changdeokgung Palace's Secret Garden - Changdeokgung Palace was constructed in the 15th century during the Joseon Dynasty. It was intended as the second royal villa after Gyeongbukgung Palace but eventually served as the principal palace for many kings during that time. The palace was burnt down in 1592 during the Imjin War and was restored in 1611. It was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in 1997. Among the buildings, ponds, gardens, pavilions, and halls within the palace is the rear garden or inner hall called Biwon or the Secret Garden. The palace is well-preserved, making it a well-loved filming location. Nona Baldo

Changdeokgung Palace's Secret Garden - In 'Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung,' it’s seen in episode 1 as Cha Eun Woo’s Lee Rim is trying to sneak out of the palace but comes across his brother, Crown Prince Lee Jin (Park Ki Woong), who eventually allows him to step out.

Cafe Knotted - Cha Eun Woo currently stars in the K-drama 'A Good Day to be a Dog' opposite actress Park Gyu Young. In episode 3, Park Gyu Young’s Han Hae Na passes by a coffee shop and wants to buy a brown bear-shaped chocolate cake. Cha Eun Woo’s Jin Seo Won drops by the same cafe as he previously promised to repay his co-teacher, Lee Hyun Woo’s Lee Bo Gyeom, with a cake for a favor the latter did for him.

Cafe Knotted - Han Hae Na and Jin Seo Won see each other and chat for a while, with her telling him that she wants to buy a cake but that she can’t eat it at night because一spoiler一she turns into a dog by midnight. So she won’t have to hesitate whether to buy or not, Jin Seo Won just decides to buy all those cute cakes. (We found this exact Cafe Knotted cake, and it's sold for ₩19,000 - approx. Php811).

Cafe Knotted - The café seen in episode 3 is actually Cafe Pandan in Gyeongsangnam-do, which is a province in South Korea, but the place was made to appear like Cafe Knotted, which is popular for their donuts, because of the cake featured in the scene. In that same episode, the main characters are seen carrying Cafe Knotted paper bags; Jin Seo Won gives two of the cakes to Han Hae Na and tells her to “eat it during the day.” Viu

Cafe Knotted - The aesthetic Cafe Knotted has several branches, but the one we checked out is in Apgujeong. And this branch appeared in the episode 10 of 'A Good Day to be a Dog,' where Han Hae Na and Jin Seo Won go on a sweet morning date.Viu via IMDb

Cafe KnottedViu via IMDb

Cafe KnottedViu via IMDb

Lead photo and videography by Kim Wee Ebol