Tag: Hotel del Luna

One of tvN’s most buzz-worthy dramas of the year, Hotel Del Luna has been setting high records for its telecast rating every episode, blowing viewers’ minds away with its incredible CG effects and intriguing storyline.

Starring a stellar line-up of cast including IU, Yeo Jin Goo, P.O, Kang Mina and more, this drama revolves around two main characters Jang Man-wol (played by IU), the CEO of Hotel Del Luna who has been stuck there for 1,000 years, and Gu Chan-seong (played by Yeo Jin Goo), the hotel’s newly appointed manager. Together with the hotel staff, they run Hotel Del Luna, a hotel for dead souls.

As the story progresses, the drama also captures the attention of many with its lavish and majestic shooting sets, and you’ll be surprised to learn that some of the places where the scenes were filmed, actually do exist in real life despite the amazing CG effects! If you’re a fan of Hotel Del Luna, here are some filming locations or official event places you must check out when in Korea:

1. Hotel SEINE (호텔 세느장)

Unlike what its name suggests, this place is not a hotel. Named “Hotel SEINE”, it is an actual cafe that is operating in the trendy Ikseon-dong neighbourhood in Seoul, opened since November 2018.

Built with 6 floors in total (including a rooftop lounge and a boutique in the basement), the hotel-themed cafe looks unassuming on the outside, but once you step in, you’ll be welcomed with the cozy and vintage interior like no other.

The cafe’s appearance resembles that of the Grand Budapest Hotel and its interior is absolutely photo-worthy. Visitors will be greeted with a stretch of red carpet at the entrance of the cafe, before they make their way to the “hotel lobby” where the concierge counter is.

Don’t be fooled by its appearance though – this is where the baristas actually work, as customers can place their coffee and dessert orders here before exploring the cafe. We must say, this concept is really interesting and creative – it explains why they have an endless stream of customers visiting the cafe since its opening!

Besides the “hotel lobby” and a bakery on the first floor, Hotel SEINE also houses a cake factory and an art salon on the second and third levels respectively. Visitors can find traces of Hotel Del Luna in the cafe, including a photo zone on the third floor as pictured below:

Interestingly or coincidently, the rooftop lounge is named “Full Moon Rooftop Lounge”, just like IU’s character name Man-wol (= full moon).

In Episode 11, several scenes were filmed at Hotel SEINE, which represented Hotel Del Luna in the 1980s where they accepted a pair of human guests/newlyweds during the Lunar Eclipse day.

Address: 28-5 Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Nakwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 돈화문로11길 28-5)
Telephone: 02-766-8211
Opening hour: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 – 24:00
Getting here: Alight at Jongno 3-ga station (Line 5, Exit 4) and walk towards an alley on the left where you’ll spot the pink building.

2. Seoul Book Bogo (서울책보고)

A newly opened complex since March 27 this year, Seoul Book Bogo is the nation’s first public secondhand bookstore located near Jamsillaru Station. It was featured as a ghost library in Episode 2 of Hotel Del Luna, and it looks exactly fascinating in reality:

Used to be an empty storehouse before its massive transformation, one can find over 130,000 secondhand books in the bookstore, from rare collections to books that were donated by celebrities.

3. Kyungsung Clothes (경성의복)

Ever wonder how many different outfits IU changes every now and then in each episode? You can now rent fanciful outfits similar to those that she wore at Kyungsung Clothes, a clothes rental shop that is currently having a Hotel Del Luna photo event in its premises.

They have 2 shops in Seoul, both located near each other. Costume rental starts from ₩30,000 for 3 hours, and it is recommended to make reservations through email. More details can be found on their website here (in Korean only).

Address of Shop #1: Jongno-gu, Samil-dong 30 Road 56, 2F (서울 종로구 삼일대로30길 56, 2층)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 – 22:00
Getting here: Walk 250m towards the direction of Changdeokgung from Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 3, Exit 7)

Address of Shop #2: Jongno-gu, Donhwamun 11 Road 30, 3F (서울 종로구 돈화문로11길 30, 3층)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 – 22:00
Getting here: The shop is across Exit 4 of Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 3).

4. Paradise City (파라다이스시티)

This is the “Royal Pacific Hotel” that Gu Chan-seong was supposed to work at, where he later ditched the job to fill the manager position at Hotel Del Luna. One would easily recall the iconic scene in Episode 2 of the drama, where Chan-seong ultimately decided to fall right into the swimming pool to avoid any contact with the female ghost that he was so terrified of.

The drama also shot scenes at the lobby of Paradise City in Incheon, which was shown in Episode 1 and 2.

Most recently, the resort’s indoor family amusement park “Wonderbox” was featured in Episode 8 of Hotel Del Luna. Newly opened its doors on March 31 this year, this theme park takes the concept of a “night-time amusement park”, perfectly fitting into the scenes of the drama. Lots of facilities such as a Ferris wheel, Carousel, Carnival games and more can be found here.

Address: 186, Yeongjonghaeannam-ro 321-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon, Korea (영종해안남로321번길 186, 중구, 인천)
Getting here: From Incheon International Airport, board Bus No. 302, 306A or 306 towards Yongyu Elementary School, alight at Grand Hyatt Incheon and walk towards Paradise City (~5mins).

5. Mokpo Modern History Museum No.1 (목포근대역사관, 1관)

Hotel Del Luna appears ordinary on the outside yet extraordinary inside, and it is this brick building that first aroused Gu Chan-seong’s curiosity to enter the premises. This is the entrance to Hotel Del Luna and the scenes of the hotel’s exterior were shot at the front of Mokpo Modern History Museum No.1.

Designed in Renaissance style, this is the oldest building in the city of Mokpo, accessible by KTX 2.5 hours from Seoul. The museum relays the modern history of Mokpo and it used to be a Japanese consulate during the Japanese Occupation.

Interesting to note, the ivy vines around the building were installed for filming purposes to make the “hotel” look even more mysterious after CG effects. There is currently a signage on display there, which indicates that these extra props will be removed once the drama ends.

Address: 6 Yeongsan-ro 29-beongil, Daeui-dong 2-ga, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do 전라남도 목포시 영산로29번길 6 (전라남도 목포시 대의동2가 1-5)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 18:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Getting here: Take a KTX to Mokpo Station and walk to the museum. (~13 mins)
Note: Admission fee (₩2,000) applies for entrance into the museum.

6. Changhwadang — Daehakno Branch (창화당 대학로점)

Watching Jang Man-wol (IU) eating the dumplings is like watching a Mukbang (eating broadcast) and the next moment we know, we’re already craving for the dumplings she had.

This scene in Episode 1 of Hotel Del Luna was filmed at the Daehakno Branch of Changhwadang, a famous Chinese dumpling restaurant located at Myeongnyun 4(sa)ga in the Jongno District of Seoul. They have several branches in Seoul and are most popular for their dumpling dishes.

Jang Man-wol even dedicated her first post on Instagram to the dumplings!

If you visit this particular branch, you can find out where CEO Jang Man-wol sat during the shoot too. A smart move by the restaurant!

Address: (Daehakno Branch) 39 Changgyeonggung-ro 26-gil, Myeongnyun 4(sa)ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로26길 39 1층 (서울특별시 종로구 명륜4가 154-3)
Getting here: Alight at Hyehwa Station (Line 4) and walk from Exit 3. (~5 mins)

7. A Loaf Slice Piece (어 로프 슬라이스 피스)

In Episode 4 of the drama, Gu Chan-seong visits a bakery in order to help his female ghost client look for a person she encountered before her death. Named “A Loaf Slice Piece”, the bakery cafe is located in the city of Yongin in Gyeonggi-do, and is popular for their freshly baked pastries.

Address: 755 Yubang-dong, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 경기 용인시 처인구 백령로 47 (경기 용인시 처인구 유방동 755)
Telephone: 031-339-1488
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 – 21:00

8. Buyeo Garimseong Fortress (부여 가림성)

Garimseong Fortress, also known as Seongheungsanseong Fortress (성흥산성), is a historical site that overlooks the lower stretch of Geum River. The stone fortress traces back to the Baekje Dynasty and holds an important history as it was built to protect the Ungjinseong Fortress / Sabiseong Fortress (Baekje’s capital) during the Baekje era.

Several scenes were shot here featuring the famous Zelkova tree, which is a very popular hotspot for photoshoot (especially among couples). The tree briefly appeared in Episode 3 and 4 – in Gu Chan-seong’s dreams – where Jang Man-wol was seen smiling at Chung-myung and Yeon-woo, then later resting by herself under the tree.

In Episode 5, she reunites with Yeon-woo here once again, as he tells her that he’ll build the biggest house for her with this tree that she loves. This is how the tree looks like in real life:

Fun-fact: This tree actually has a nickname too. It’s called Sarang Namu (사랑나무) and people usually refer it as “Mt. Seongheungsan Love Tree”. It has been featured in numerous dramas such as The Crowned Clown (2019), I’m Not A Robot (2017-2018), My Sassy Girl (2017), Iljimae (2008), and many more.

Address: 167, Imcheon-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 부여군 임천면 성흥로97번길 167)
Getting here: Take a bus bound for Buyeo from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (~2.5 hours). It is recommended to take a taxi from Buyeo Express Bus Terminal to Nammunji (South gate site), which is the entrance to the fortress, thereafter you have to hike up the mountain following the sign for Seongheungsanseong Fortress.

9. Ilsan Lake Park (일산호수공원)

In Episode 5 of Hotel Del Luna, Gu Chan-seong came to the park in search of a red pocket that holds the string to marriage with the dead bride, which ended up being stumbled upon by Sanchez. This scene was filmed at the Ilsan Lake Park, easily accessible from Seoul by subway or buses.

Open all-year round, visitors can enjoy many recreational facilities and activities here at the park, which is one of the largest man-made parks in Asia boasting a medicinal herb island, a 4.7km bicycle path, musical fountain, rose garden, and more.

The gallery was established to connect tradition, the beauty of present, and future values. It’s also where people could appreciate the architectural beauty of Hanok infused with the unique Korean culture in a sophisticated, private environment.

Address: 35-3 Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (종로구삼청동 35-3)
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm

11. Byeokchoji Botanical Garden (벽초지 수목원)

A perfect nature getaway, Byeokchoji (BCJ) Botanical Garden is located in Paju and it is a very popular spot for drama and music video filming. Most recently, the cast of Hotel Del Luna came here to film several scenes, including Sulli’s cameo appearance in the drama.

Every mid November to early March, the garden will host a massive lighting festival (the one and only one in Paju) and it’s a beautiful sight not to be missed! On all other days, visitors can also experience exciting hands-on programs here all-year round.

Address: 242, Buheung-ro, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 파주시 광탄면 부흥로 242)
Opening hours: 9am to 7pm
Admission Fee: ₩9,000 (Adult), ₩7,000 (Youth), ₩6,000 (Child & Senior Citizen). Free for infants under 3 years old.
Getting here: The best way to get here is by taxi. It takes around 20 minutes by taxi from Paju Station (Gyeongui-Jungang Line).

12. Pizza Alvolo (파자알볼로)

Sanchez’s restaurant, also known as Pizza Alvolo, is an actual pizza restaurant with the same name operating near Yangpyeong Station (Line 5) in Seoul. Do not be confused with the other Yangpyeong Station on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. This station is along Seoul metro’s Line 5 and it’s located near Yeouido.

There are several franchise outlets for Pizza Alvolo, but if you’re looking to visit the particular branch where the drama was filmed, it’s the one near Yangpyeong Station. They serve a huge variety of Korean pizzas, including the one that Jang Man-wol had in Episode 12, which is called 꿈을피자 (Ggumeul Pizza).

Address: 3 Yeongdeungpo-ro 12-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 영등포로12길 3)
Operating hours: 11am to 9:30pm
Getting here: 10 minutes walk from Yangpyeong Station (Line 5), Exit 2.

13. C156

Shown in a couple of episodes as Seol Ji-won’s hideout, this place is actually a fairly new restaurant located in Seoul’s H Avenue Hotel (Kondae Branch). Operating since 2018, C156 houses an American style bar & dining on the basement level (hence named C156 Underground), a 24-hour fitness facility, and a rooftop lounge bar & pool that offers great views overlooking Seongsu-dong and Konkuk University streets.

The H Avenue Hotel itself is also worth a mention as its interior design was said to be inspired from the film ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’, recreating impressions of vintage-looking Eastern European buildings.

Besides Hotel Del Luna, a number of other K-dramas were also filmed here including Welcome to Waikiki 2, My ID is Gangnam Beauty, and more.

Address: 156 Dongil-ro, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 동일로 156)
Getting here: It is a 10-15 minutes walk from Children’s Grand Park Station (Line 7, Exit 4) or Konkuk University Station (Line 2/7, Exit 1).

14. Forest of Wisdom (지혜의숲)

Featured in the final episode of Hotel Del Luna where Yuna met up with Gu Chan-seong, this scene was filmed at the Forest of Wisdom library located in the heart of Paju Book City complex.

This massive cultural complex brings art and architecture into one and the bookshelves here stand at 8-metre tall, displaying over 20,000 titles which are all donated copies.

In fact, numerous dramas have filmed here, including the recent Search: WWW, Romance is a Bonus Book, and many many more.

Address: 145 Hoedong-gil, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 회동길 145) (문발동 524-3)
Getting here: Take bus no. 2200, 200 or shuttle bus to Paju Book City from Hapjeong station (Line 2/6, Exit 1) in Seoul. It’s about 30 minutes away by bus.

15. Bukhangang Railroad Bridge (북한강철교)

One of the most memorable scenes that got our eyes teary in the final episode was where Jang Man-wol began her own journey on the road to afterlife. In reality, this scene was filmed at the Bukhangang Railroad Bridge, which is now known to be a route dedicated for bikes.

Check out more pictures from Jang Man-wol’s Moonstagram!

Address: 511-2 Yangsu-ri, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do (경기 양평군 양서면 양수리 511-2)
Getting here: Transfer to the Jungang Line from Cheongnyangni Station and alight at Ungilsan Station (Exit 2). Start walking from the left of Exit 2 towards the river and follow the bike lane or foot path underneath the bridge.

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