The Ultimate Guide to Winter K-culture Filming Locations: Following the Footsteps of BTS and K-Drama Stars

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South Korea in winter is essentially a massive, open-air set for the global entertainment industry. From the chart-topping music videos of BTS and NewJeans to the heart-wrenching scenes of Goblin and Queen of Tears, the snow-covered landscapes serve as a vital character in K-culture.

For global fans, visiting these Winter K-culture Filming Locations is not just about tourism; it’s a pilgrimage to the exact spots where their favorite idols and actors stood. In this Citygram exclusive, we break down the must-visit locations based on the stars who made them famous.

Two joyful global fans, a Black woman and a White woman, celebrating at a stunningly decorated Winter K-culture filming location with snowy mountains and festive lights.

1. Jumunjin Beach: The Iconic “BTS” Bus Stop and “Gong Yoo’s” Breakwater

Gangneung is perhaps the most visited coastal city during winter, thanks to two massive global hits that turned ordinary beach spots into world-class landmarks.

  • BTS (You Never Walk Alone): If you are an ARMY, the “BTS Bus Stop” at Hyangho Beach is a legendary site. This is where the iconic photos for the You Never Walk Alone album were taken. In winter, the contrast between the turquoise East Sea and the white snow on the sand makes it a perfect spot for fans to recreate the album cover. Many fans choose to stay at nearby luxury seaside resorts to catch the early morning light for the best photos, as the “BTS vibe” is strongest during the quiet, snowy mornings.
  • Gong Yoo & Kim Go-eun in “Goblin”: A short walk from the bus stop leads you to the Jumunjin Breakwater. This is the exact spot where Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) first appeared to Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun) with a bouquet of buckwheat flowers. The crashing winter waves and the gray sky evoke the exact melancholic and romantic atmosphere of the drama. It is highly recommended to wear a red muffler, just like the female lead, to fully immerse yourself in the scene.

“When planning your trip to explore Winter K-culture Filming Locations, don’t forget to check the local KTX schedules.”

2. Balwangsan Mountain: The Peak Where “Kim Soo-hyun” and “Gong Yoo” Stood

Pyeongchang’s Balwangsan is a high-altitude sanctuary frequently used for high-budget productions due to its pristine snow conditions.

  • The “Goblin” Snowy Woods: The summit of Mt. Balwangsan at Yongpyong Resort is where the most crucial winter scenes of Goblin were filmed. The “Snow Flower” trees that Gong Yoo walked through are real, and you can see them by taking the Balwangsan Cable Car. For fans looking for a premium experience, the resort offers world-class amenities where many actors stay during long filming schedules in the Gangwon-do mountains.
  • Kim Soo-hyun in “My Love from the Star”: This area also served as a backdrop for the winter dates in My Love from the Star. The sheer scale of the snow-covered mountains provides a sense of isolation and romance that defines K-drama aesthetics. Accessing these spots is easiest via the KTX-Eum high-speed train, which connects Seoul to Pyeongchang in less than two hours.

3. Nami Island: The Eternal Stage for “Bae Yong-joon” and “Choi Ji-woo”

We cannot discuss Winter K-culture Filming Locations without mentioning the place that started the global Hallyu wave.

  • The “Winter Sonata” Legacy: Nami Island is synonymous with the actors Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo. The iconic Metasequoia Lane, covered in a thick blanket of snow, is where the world first fell in love with Korean winter romance. Even decades later, fans visit to see the statues of the lead couple and the “First Kiss” spot. The island’s unique “Naminara Republic” concept makes it feel like a private getaway, and staying in one of the boutique cottages on the island allows you to enjoy the snowy scenery after all the day-tourists have left.

“Many fans are surprised by the magical atmosphere found at these Winter K-culture Filming Locations during the peak snow season.”

4. Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm: The Winter Package Site for “BTS”

The rolling hills of Daegwallyeong offer an “Alpine” feel that is a favorite for K-pop production teams.

  • BTS 2021 Winter Package: This is the primary location for the BTS 2021 Winter Package. The members were seen exploring the vast white fields and the rustic wooden shacks. Fans often visit this ranch to recreate the members’ playful poses in the snow. Because the wind here can be quite strong, it is a great place to test out high-quality Korean winter gear often endorsed by K-stars in various “outdoor brand” commercials.
  • NewJeans and the Retro Aesthetic: Recently, the “nostalgic winter” vibe popularized by NewJeans in their Ditto music video has led many fans to seek out these wide, serene landscapes. The minimalist beauty of the sheep farm perfectly matches the lo-fi, vintage aesthetic that is currently trending in K-culture.

5. Petit France: “Jun Ji-hyun” and the Fairy Tale Snow

This French-style village in Gapyeong turns into a snowy fairy tale during the winter months.

  • The Levitation Kiss (My Love from the Star): One of the most famous kiss scenes in K-drama history, involving Do Min-joon (Kim Soo-hyun) and Cheon Song-yi (Jun Ji-hyun), was filmed here among the colorful buildings. In winter, the lights of the village reflecting on the snow create a magical atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for international fans who often book private car services to visit this site along with Nami Island in a single day trip.

6. Practical Information for Your K-Star Pilgrimage

Visiting these Winter K-culture Filming Locations requires a bit of planning to ensure a smooth and “star-like” experience.

  • Accommodation: To visit the locations in Gangwon-do (Pyeongchang and Gangneung), it is best to book a stay at a major ski resort or a luxury hotel near the KTX stations. This saves time and keeps you warm between filming site visits.
  • Travel Comfort: Always check the local snow forecast. While snow makes the photos beautiful, it can sometimes delay local buses. Relying on the KTX and pre-arranged shuttle services is the most reliable way for international travelers to navigate.

Explore Korea’s All-Season K-Culture Magic

If you enjoyed discovering these snowy landscapes, don’t miss out on the other breathtaking seasons of the Korean peninsula. Citygram has curated the most comprehensive guides to help you plan your K-culture pilgrimage all year round. Whether you are chasing cherry blossoms or seeking the adrenaline of summer action sets, we have you covered.

“We hope this guide to Winter K-culture Filming Locations helps you create unforgettable memories in Korea.”

Conclusion: Go Beyond Seoul and Step Into Your Favorite Star’s World

Most travelers to South Korea never make it past the crowded streets of Myeongdong or the royal palaces of Seoul. While the capital city is undeniably beautiful, the “True Korea” that your favorite stars have fallen in love with lies in the breathtaking provinces. If you are a fan who has cheered for BTS, cried with the leads of “Goblin,” or found comfort in the music of NewJeans, then you owe it to yourself to experience the actual landscapes that shaped those emotions.

By visiting these Winter K-culture Filming Locations, you aren’t just a tourist; you are a pioneer exploring the deep, authentic roots of the Hallyu wave. Leaving the urban jungle of Seoul for the snowy peaks of Pyeongchang or the serene winter beaches of Gangneung allows you to connect with your idols on a much more personal level.

This winter, don’t be like everyone else. Don’t settle for the same city views that every traveler posts on their feed. Instead, take a leap into the snowy heart of South Korea’s local provinces. Feel the silence of a snow-covered ranch in Daegwallyeong, listen to the crashing waves of the East Sea, and discover the hidden local cafes that celebrities frequent during their filming breaks.

Your favorite K-drama or K-pop moment is waiting for you to bring it to life. Pack your warmest clothes, book your KTX ticket, and head toward the local gems that make South Korea a global cultural powerhouse. This is your chance to turn your screen-based dreams into a real-life winter fairy tale. The world of your beloved stars is much bigger than Seoul—go out there and feel it for yourself.

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