The world of K-pop isn’t complete with music videos (MV) shot in impressive set-ups. While warehouses and themed rooms are common filming locations, not all K-pop MVs are shot on set. In fact, some of the most iconic K-pop MVs have been shot in locations that you can visit. Here are 20 K-pop filming locations that you can visit to recreate your bias’ MVs.
B.A.P’s 1004 (Angel).
Image adapted from: TSENT2008
Yongma Land is an abandoned amusement park in Yongmasan, Seoul. The park opened in 1983 and closed down in 2011. Through its years of operation, the rides did not change much. The major ‘80s vibes of the place made it a popular choice as a filming location for K-pop artistes.
Though technically abandoned, the park still serves as an attraction for intrepid travellers. There are working vending machines, toilets, a mini gift shop, and a ticketing booth manned by the owner. You can even pay Yongma Land’s owner KRW30,000 (~USD23.08) to switch on the lights on the carousel ride.
TWICE’s LIKE OOH-AHH.
Image adapted from: JYP Entertainment
The carousel, which is popular not just as a backdrop for music videos but also as a photo spot, is particularly eye-catching when illuminated at night.
BEAST’s Ribbon.
Image adapted from: BEAST 비스트 (Official YouTube Channel)
TWICE’s LIKE OOH-AHH, Crayon Pop’s Bar Bar Bar, BEAST’s Ribbon, and B.A.P’s 1004 (Angel) featured Yongma land. Besides catchy K-pop ditties, the place has also made appearances in the MVs of Korean ballads such as Baek Ji-young’s Hate, Eric Nam & WENDY’s Spring Love, and EXO Xiumin’s A Glass of Soju.
Admission: KRW10,000 (~USD7.69)/adult, KRW5,000 (~USD3.85)/child
Address: 118 Mangu-ro 70-gil, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
BTS’ Not Today.
Image adapted from: Big Hit Labels
The Old Cheongju Factory, which appears in BTS’ Not Today, Lay’s what U need?, and INFINITE’s The Eye, was once the largest tobacco manufacturing factory in Korea in the 1940s.
Lay’s what U need?
Image adapted from: SMTOWN
Before major renovations took place in 2018, BTS’ and Lay’s MVs were shot in the carpark of the factory, while INFINITE’s The Eye was shot both outside and inside the factory.
INFINITE’s The Eye.
Image adapted from: woolliment
After undergoing renovations, the factory was converted into a cultural space and is now known as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Cheongju. While the exterior looks different, the main structure of the building remains the same.
Admission: Free
Address: 314 Sangdang-ro, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Jessi’s Who Dat B.
Image adapted from: Jessi
Kyung Hee University, a private university founded in 1949, has had parts of its Seoul campus in Dongdaemun featured in various K-pop MVs as a filming location.
2PM’s Promise (I’ll be).
Image adapted from: JYP Entertainment
Apink’s Only One.
Image adapted from: 1theK (원더케이)
Jessi, 2PM, and Apink have all taken to the roof of Kyung Hee University’s Central Library to capture picturesque sky-high shots in their MVs. While you can’t access the rooftops like the idols, you can still take pictures on the ground level and capture the campus’ unique gothic-style architecture.
BLACKPINK’s AS IF ITS YOUR LAST.
Image adapted from: BLACKPINK
The Amphitheatre was featured in BLACKPINK’s AS IF IT’S YOUR LAST. Although you won’t get to see the Greek-style column lit up in pink, the neo-classic structure is stunning enough on its own for your OOTDs.
Address: 26 Kyunghee-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Stray Kids’s Hellevator.
Image adapted from: JYP Entertainment
Originally constructed as the Gimcheon campus of Korea Health University. Sadly, construction halted during the IMF crisis in 1999, and the building has been abandoned ever since. That said, the building is a prominent filming spot for many K-pop artistes.
ONEUS’s TO BE OR NOT TO BE.
Image adapted from: ONEUS
This circular building in Gimcheon appears in more than 10 MVs, including Kim Lip’s Eclipse, VIXX’s The Closer, Stray Kids’ Hellavator, VICTON’s Mayday, and ONEUS’ TO BE OR NOT TO BE.
Address: 27-1 san, Ogyul-gil, Eomo-myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
SISTAR’s SHAKE IT.
Image adapted from: 1theK (원더케이)
Common Ground – South Korea’s 1st shopping complex made of shipping containers – is a cultural hub that combines shopping and the arts into one space. The premises comprises 200 shipping containers, landing it the title of the largest shipping container shopping mall in the world.
SISTAR took the opportunity to film their MV for SHAKE IT at Common Ground back in 2015, when the mall first opened.
While you won’t be able to snap photos with SISTAR’s pink leopard print fire truck, you can still look forward to the bright blue shipping containers, which will make a good background for photographs.
Address: 200 Achasan-ro, Jayang 4(sa)-dong, Gwangjin-gu
TOPSECRET’s MIND CONTROL.
Image adapted from: 1theK (원더케이)
ChangeUp Campus (CUC) was formerly known as Gyeongggi English Village when it was first established in 2006. The place was designed to look like Europe and built to teach Korean children English without having to send them abroad.
BTS’ War of Hormone.
Image adapted from: Big Hit Labels
The village was featured in various K-pop MVs such as K.Will’s Day 1, Super Junior’s Magic, EXO’s Miracles in December, BTS’ War of Hormone, TWICE’s CHEER UP, and TOPSECRET’s MIND CONTROL.
EXO’s Miracles in December.
Image adapted from: SMTOWN
Admission: KRW3,000 (~USD2.31) on weekdays, KRW5,000 (~USD3.85) on weekends
Address: 40, Eoreumsil-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
BIGBANG’s BANG BANG BANG.
Image adapted from: BIGBANG
Tunnels may not be the most exciting, but that’s not the case with Neungnae Tunnel. This particular tunnel was chosen by BIGBANG, MONSTA X, and BTS for its shiny tiled walls that beautifully reflect light.
MONSTA X’s DRAMARAMA and BTS’ RUN.
Image adapted from: starshipTV, Big Hit Labels
Though you can visit the tunnel to take hypebeast shots, but aware that cars do pass through the tunnel, so be extra careful when you do so.
Address: 951 Sanbon-dong, Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do
CLC’s I Like It Performance Video.
Image adapted from: United CUBE (CUBE Entertainment Official YouTube Channel)
Basketball courts are popular with K-pop idols who want to pull off a youthful, sporty concept. This particular blue-and-yellow basketball court in Gangnam was seen in The Unit’s Blooming: Always MV and MXM’s I’m The One MV.
The Unit’s Blooming: Always.
Image adapted from: KBS World
Idol groups such as CLC and KARD have also chosen the same basketball court for the choreography versions of their songs.
Address: 42 Neungdong-ro, Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Gangnam-gu
UP10TION’s White Night.
Image adapted from: UP10TION
Laundry Pizza is a pizzeria meant to look like a retro laundromat and an American diner all rolled into one. UP10TION’s White Night and EXID’s L.I.E (DANCE ver.) were both shot at Laundry Pizza.
EXID’s L.I.E (DANCE ver.)
Image adapted from: EXID_OFFICIAL
In Henry’s I’m good MV, the place was even filled with rows of clothes to mimic a real laundromat.
The pizzeria was also used as a photoshoot location by I.O.I, GOT7, A-PINK, SHINee’s Key, NCT 127, and BTS. Laundry Pizza is definitely a place to head to if you are an ardent K-pop fan who wants to capture the magic of your faves’s music videos.
Address: 22 Bongeunsa-ro 4-gil, Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
TWICE’s SIGNAL.
Image adapted from: JYP Entertainment
Platform Changdong 61 is a 3-storey container complex built in 2016, and the concept is similar to Common Ground’s. Both TWICE’s SIGNAL and KARD’s RUMOR (Hidden Ver.) were filmed at this container shopping complex.
KARD’s RUMOR (Hidden Ver.).
Image adapted from: KARD
Apart from taking photos with these vibrant containers, you can also do some shopping at the sprawling mall comprising 61 shipping containers.
Address: 1-9 Chang-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul
UP10TION’s ATTENTION.
Image adapted from: UP10TION
The rooftop of the industrial building at Bonsu-daero is popular among idol groups because it allows for shots with 2 different backgrounds. The building is positioned between textile company SunStar’s retro-looking building and Jackfield Global Logistics Centre’s red-brick building.
VICTON’s UNBELIEVABLE.
Image adapted from: VICTON 빅톤
Shots of the 2 backgrounds can be seen in SEVENTEEN’s Very Nice, UP10TION’s ATTENTION, VICTON’s UNBELIEVABLE, PENTAGON’s Critical Beauty and Like This, and Stray Kids’ I am YOU.
ONEWE’s Regulus.
Image adapted from: Stone Music Entertainment
Since access to the rooftop of the building is restricted, make do by snapping shots on ground level. It’s equally as stunning, as seen in VICTON’s UNBELIEVABLE MV.
Video credit: 1theK (원더케이)
Address: 26 Bongsu-daero, Seo-gu, Incheon
BTS’ Not Today.
Image adapted from: Big Hit Labels
Danyang is located in Chungcheong Province. The nature-filled province, which is also known for the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, gained attention international when one of the quarries located in Chungbuk was featured in BTS’ Not Today and NU’EST W’s WHERE YOU AT.
NU’EST W’s WHERE YOU AT.
Image adapted from: NU’EST
BTS’ Not Today, which came out in 2017, was particularly breathtaking as the members danced on a makeshift stage right in front of the quarry, which was bathed in hues of purple and orange at sunset.
Video credit: HYBE LABELS
Address: Chungbuk, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
Block B’s Shall We Dance.
Image adapted from: Stone Music Entertainment
This abandoned apartment in Ichon made its appearance in Block B’s Shall We Dance, EXO’s Electric Kiss, and SHINee’s Tell Me What to Do.
Video credit: SMTOWN
Its almost completed grey facade isn’t particularly dilapidated, yet it looks distinctly melancholic and dystopian. If you’re a fan of exploring abandoned spots or just want to take awesome photos, give this location a go.
Address: 355-1 Ihwang-ri, Janghowon-eup, Ichon-si, Gyeonggi-do
TWICE’s CHEER UP.
Image adapted from: JYP Entertainment
B3 of Shinsol-dong Station Line 2 became a popular location for filming MVs, movies, and dramas after was abandoned space 1974 due to a route cancellation. The eeriness of the space earned it its title of “ghost station”, making it a perfect place to film action-thriller scenes and K-pop MVs with mysterious concepts.
EXO’s LIGHTSABER.
Image adapted from: SMTOWN
TWICE’s CHEER UP, EXO’s LIGHTSABER, B.A.P’s ONE SHOT, and BEAST’s Ribbon were filmed at the same abandoned basement of Shinsol-dong Station.
BEAST’s Ribbon.
Image adapted from: BEAST 비스트 (Official YouTube Channel)
The place isn’t open to the public, unless you somehow manage to wrangle a permit to film there.
Address: 97-75 Sinseol-dong, Wangsanno Jiha 1, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
MOMOLAND’s Wonderful Love showing the Giant Magic Tree (above) and the Umbrella Canopy (below).
Image adapted from: MLD ENTERTAINMENT
Opened in 1976, Everland is the largest theme park in South Korea and home to the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster. MOMOLAND’s Wonderful Love showcases a few iconic places in Everland, such as Giant Magic Tree and the Umbrella Canopy.
Apart from being the key filming location for Momoland’s MV, Everland was also featured in countless Korean dramas such as What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018), The Producers (2015), and Kill Me Heal Me (2015).
The amusement park has 5 themed areas packed with thrilling rides and a plethora of photo opportunities that will make your trip there worthwhile.
Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
PSY’s GENTLEMAN.
Image adapted from: officialpsy
Seoul Metropolitan Library was built in 1926, and its original exterior, hall, and main stairway have been restored to its former glory. The national library was featured in PSY’s GENTLEMAN MV, which garnered more than 1.3 billion views. In the video, Psy and his backup dancers are seen performing the song’s signature hip-swaying move on the “Thinking Living Room Stairs”.
The iconic library also appeared in the dramas Fight For My Way (2017) and Lovers In Paris (2004), as well as episode 130 of the variety show Running Man.
Address: 110 Sejong-daero, Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Orange Caramel’s Bangkok City.
Image adapted from: PLEDIS ENTERTAINMENT
The Tri-Bowl, a multi-complex art centre located in Songdo, Incheon, was used as the filming location of MVs such as Orange Caramel’s Bangkok City and BoA’s Hurricane Venus. It has 3 bowl-like structures and is particularly breathtaking when lit up at night.
BoA’s Hurricane Venus
Image adapted from: SMTOWN
The streets of Songdo was also featured in parts of f(x)’s Hot Summer.
Address: 24-6 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
Apink’s Remember.
Image adapted from: Apink (에이핑크)
Jeju Island is known for its perfect combination of blue skies and beautiful greenery. This is the exact reason why Jeju is such a popular K-pop MV filming location.
VAV’s MADE FOR TWO.
Image adapted from: GENIE MUSIC
Take inspiration from VAV’s MADE FOR TWO and TWICE’s MORE & MORE for the ultimate dramatic shot, or BIGBANG’s WE LIKE 2 PARTY, Apink’s Remember, and KARD’s Ride on the wind for carefree photos that will forever remind you of the most beautiful moments in life.
KARD’s Ride on the wind.
Image adapted from: KARD
Venture along the Jeju Olle Trail, which will take you around Jeju whilst granting more photo opportunities. Besides taking photos at the beach and grassy areas, you can also visit Hwansang Forest for a mysterious concept shoot – just like in f(x)’s 4 Walls.
f(x)’s 4 Walls.
Image adapted from: SMTOWN
Address: 2848-2 Jeoji-ri, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
PRISTIN V’s Get It.
Image adapted from: PRISTIN
Songam Sports Town’s tennis court has a uniquely bright blue and green colour scheme. It has appeared in many K-pop MVs, including I.O.I’s Dream Girls, PRISTIN V’s Get It, SEVENTEEN’s MANSAE, and THE BOYZ’s KeePer.
I.O.I’s Dream Girls.
Image adapted from: Stone Music Entertainment
While tennis courts may not seem special, they are a good way to showcase the sporty and youthful sides of K-pop groups, hence explaining why it’s such a popular location.
THE BOYZ’s KeePer.
Image adapted from: 1theK (원더케이)
Address: 297 Songam-dong, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Since there is an ever-increasing number of K-pop MVs shot public places, our list can never be exhaustive. If you have a location to suggest, feel free to get in touch with us.
Check out other K-pop related articles:
Cover image adapted from: BEAST 비스트 (Official YouTube Channel), JYP Entertainment, Big Hit Labels, PRISTIN
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