“Looking for the ultimate Summer K-culture Filming Locations? Discover the most iconic spots where your favorite K-dramas were filmed during the sunny season.”
When the heat hits South Korea, the cinematic world turns to its stunning coastlines and adrenaline-pumping action sets. If you are searching for the best Summer K-pop filming locations or the iconic trails of Korean thrillers, this 2026 guide is your ultimate map. Summer in Korea is more than just sun and sand; it is a season where the most vibrant music videos and high-octane blockbusters come to life.
🏛️ Part 2: Summer Action & Seaside Master List
| Location | Category | Featured Work (MV / Movie / Drama) | Why It’s a Summer Icon |
| Maengbang Beach | K-Pop | BTS ‘Butter’ Album Photo | The orange parasols and summer sea vibes for ARMY. |
| Pohang Canal | Drama | ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ / ‘When the Camellia Blooms’ | Warm seaside romance and surfing culture. |
| Busan Station | Thriller | ‘Train to Busan’ / ‘The Chaser’ vibes | Start your own thriller journey from here. |
| Surfyy Beach | K-Pop | Various Summer-themed MVs / EXID ‘Up & Down’ vibes | The center of Korea’s surfing and youth culture. |
| Gwangandaegyo | Movie | ‘Black Panther’ (Marvel) / ‘Tidal Wave’ | Epic night views and Marvel action history. |
| Jeju Jungmun | K-Pop | TWICE ‘Alcohol-Free’ / SISTAR MVs | Tropical vibes in the heart of Korea. |
| Nami Island | Movie | ‘Winter Sonata’ (Summer Edition) / Various Indie Films | Lush green forest tunnels that cool the summer heat. |
| Incheon Pier | Action | ‘The Outlaws’ / ‘Squid Game’ (Port scenes) | Gritty industrial vibes for high-energy action. |
1. Best Summer K-culture Filming Locations in Korea, Coastal Romance: Step into a Seaside K-Drama
Summer in Korea is synonymous with the East Sea. Pohang and Samcheok have become global hotspots for fans looking to recreate the “blue and bright” aesthetic of K-Pop and seaside dramas.
- The Butter Beach Experience: Head to Maengbang Beach in Samcheok to see the exact spot where BTS filmed their iconic ‘Butter’ photos. It is the gold standard for anyone searching for “Summer K-pop filming locations” with a nostalgic 2026 twist. The orange sunbeds and volleyball net are preserved for fans to take the perfect shot.
- Pohang’s Romantic Coast: In Pohang, visit the Sabang Memorial Park to find the boat from ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.’ The hill offers a 360-degree view of the ocean, perfect for panoramic cinematic shots. The village of Guryongpo also offers the warm, cozy atmosphere of ‘When the Camellia Blooms,’ making it a top destination for those seeking a slow-paced summer journey.
2. Adrenaline Rush: Following the Zombie & Action Trails
If romance isn’t your thing, summer is the perfect time to explore Korea’s gritty action filming sites. The heat adds a layer of intensity to these iconic locations.
- The Busan Run: Busan Station is not just a transit hub; it is the starting point of the global zombie phenomenon, ‘Train to Busan.’ Walking through the station, you can almost hear the suspense of the movie. From here, take the KTX to further explore action spots in Daegu or Seoul.
- Marvel in Korea: Walk the Gwangandaegyo Bridge area in Busan, where the high-octane car chase in Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ was filmed. It is a must-visit for action cinema enthusiasts who want to see where Hollywood and K-culture collide. The night view of the bridge is particularly famous for its neon lights, appearing in countless urban K-Pop music videos.
3. Top 2 Must-Visit Summer K-culture Filming Locations, Hidden Summer Gems: Beyond the Tourist Maps
To truly stand out in 2026, your pilgrimage should include spots that are just starting to trend.
- Yangyang Surfyy Beach: This is where the cool kids go. Many summer-themed K-Pop videos use the exotic, “Bali-like” bars and surfboards of Surfyy Beach as a backdrop. It represents the modern, youthful energy of Korea’s summer.
- Jeju’s Emerald Coast: While Jungmun is famous, the Hyeopjae Beach area offers shallow emerald waters that are frequently seen in “refreshing” girl group concepts. The contrast between the black volcanic rocks and white sand is a photographer’s dream.
💡 Pro Protagonist Tips: Style & Gear for Summer
To look like a star in the humid Korean summer, you need the right strategy.
- Fashion: The Nautical and Action Aesthetic: * Against the blue sea, wear vibrant blue, orange, or navy stripes. For the ‘Butter’ beach look, a simple white linen shirt with a straw hat creates an effortless idol aesthetic.
- If you are visiting action sets, a black utility vest or techwear-inspired outfit will make you look like you just stepped out of a Korean thriller.
- Tech: Master the Summer Light:
- Use your smartphone’s 0.5x wide-angle lens at Gwangandaegyo Bridge to capture the massive scale of the ocean.
- To avoid the harsh midday sun, shoot your “protagonist shots” during the Golden Hour (5 PM to 7 PM in summer).
- Connectivity: Don’t let the heat slow down your uploads. Ensure you have the best mobile plans in Korea to share your high-definition seaside adventures in real-time.
“Planning your summer trip? Check out the current deals on KTX passes and mobile data plans to stay connected while visiting these locations.”
🏛️ Enhance Your K-Culture Experience
If you want to dive deeper into the world of Korean trends and history before your summer journey, don’t miss these guides:
- Master the Music History: To understand the evolution of summer hits, read our comprehensive breakdown: (2026 Edition) The Evolution of K-pop: From 1st to 5th Generation Explained.
- Perfect Your Protagonist Look: Discover which makeup style survives the summer humidity best in: From Glow to Matte: How Korean and Western Makeup Define Beauty in 2025.
