Between Two Worlds: 8 Locations from "The King"

🎬 About the Drama: "The King: Eternal Monarch" "The King: Eternal Monarch" is a sprawling fantasy epic written by the legendary Kim Eun-sook. It tells the story of Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho), the Emperor of the Kingdom of Corea, who discovers a portal to a parallel world—the modern-day Republic of Korea. There, he encounters Jeong Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), a fierce police detective whose ID card he has possessed since a traumatic night in his childhood. The drama is a visual masterpiece, contrasting the regal, traditional-yet-modern aesthetic of the Kingdom with the vibrant, fast-paced reality of modern Seoul. The filming locations play a crucial role in establishing these two distinct worlds. From ancient temples perched on cliffs to futuristic city parks and historic cathedrals, each site adds a sense of "eternal" beauty and mystery to the narrative. Fans fell in love with the show's poetic cinematography, making every location—whether a quiet bamboo grove or a busy city square—feel like a gateway to another world. 🏛️ [Curated Tour] 8 Majestic Sites of "The King" 🌌 Category 1: The Gateway & Mystical Forests (차원의 문과 신비로운 숲) The legendary spots where the portal between the two worlds opened. - Ahopsan Forest (Busan): The most iconic location! This private bamboo forest in Gijang served as the site of the stone pillars (the gate) where Lee Gon rides his white horse, Maximus, between worlds. - Saseongam Hermitage (Gurye): A breathtaking temple perched high on a cliff, offering a spiritual and "otherworldly" atmosphere that suits the drama’s fantasy themes.

🏛️ Category 2: Historic Grandeur & Sacred Spaces (궁궐의 품격과 성스러운 공간) Architecture that reflects the royal dignity of the Kingdom and the history of the Republic. - Gwanghwamun Square: The historic heart of Seoul where Lee Gon first arrived in the Republic of Korea and famously met Tae-eul while on horseback. - Gyesan Cathedral (Daegu): A stunning Gothic-style cathedral in Daegu, used for its solemn and grand aesthetic in several pivotal scenes. - Munsan Catholic Church: A beautiful, historic church that adds a touch of classic Western architecture to the drama’s visual palette.

🌆 Category 3: Modern Seoul & Local Soul (현대 서울의 풍경과 일상) Relatable spots where the characters navigated their daily lives in the Republic. - Yeouido Hangang Park: A symbol of modern Seoul, representing the characters' urban life and the romantic skyline of the Republic. - Dadaepo Beach (Busan): Known for its incredible sunsets and vast tidal flats, capturing the poetic and emotional side of the couple's journey. - Bukchon Jin Gomtang: A traditional Korean beef soup restaurant that provided a warm, grounded setting for the characters' personal conversations.