Queen of Tears: The Ultimate Filming Location Guide (2024)
Title: 눈물의 여왕 (Queen of Tears)
Year: 2024
Director: Jang Young-woo, Kim Hee-won
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, Park Sung-hoon
Episodes: 16
Streaming: tvN / Netflix
If you haven’t yet recovered from the emotional rollercoaster that was Queen of Tears, you are not alone. This drama wasn’t just a ratings monster topping the charts; it was a masterclass in visual storytelling. We watched Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in navigate a marriage that went from the “Wedding of the Century” to a frosty corporate war, and finally, a miraculous journey of rediscovery.
What grounded this high-stakes romance were the breathtaking backdrops. The production team spared no expense, taking us from the glittering heights of Seoul’s chaebol society to the rustic warmth of rural Korea, and all the way to the historic palaces of Germany.
Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage to recapture the romance or just want to see where the magic happened, here is your definitive guide to the filming locations of Queen of Tears.
The Journey: Episode-by-Episode Locations
1. The Fairytale Wedding: Aston House (Grand Walkerhill Seoul)
- Scene: The “Wedding of the Century” (Episode 1)
- Address: 177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Queen of Tears filming location: Aston House
The series opens with a wedding montage so lavish it could only be fiction—except it’s not. The venue where Hyun-woo and Hae-in tie the knot is the legendary Aston House at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul. This European-style mansion overlooking the Han River is the it spot for real-life Korean celebrity weddings (including Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin).
Visiting here requires a bit of planning. It’s part of a luxury hotel complex, so while you can’t just waltz into a private event at the Aston House itself, the surrounding hotel grounds offer that same sweeping river view. It’s the perfect place to start your journey, imagining the “happy ending” before the drama’s storm begins.
2. The Empire of Queens: The Hyundai Seoul
- Scene: Queens Department Store (Recurring)
- Address: 108 1F Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul
Queen of Tears filming location: The Hyundai Seoul
Hong Hae-in isn’t just an heiress; she’s the Queen of retail. Her domain, “Queens Department Store,” is filmed at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido. This isn’t your grandmother’s mall—it’s a massive architectural marvel filled with indoor gardens and waterfalls.
The scenes of Hae-in striding powerfully through the atrium were filmed here. It is incredibly accessible via a direct underground walkway from Yeouido Station. While you won’t find Hae-in’s exclusive CEO office (that’s a set), you can grab a coffee at the Sounds Forest on the 5th floor and pretend you own the place.
3. The Grand Ancestral Home: Korean Stone Art Museum
- Scene: The Queens Family Residence (Recurring)
- Address: 66 Daesagwan-ro 13-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Queen of Tears filming location: Korean Stone Art Museum
The Hong family home is terrifyingly majestic, representing the suffocating pressure Hyun-woo feels living with his in-laws. The exterior of this fortress is the Korean Stone Art Museum in Seongbuk-dong. The museum specializes in traditional stone sculptures, which explains the stoic, heavy atmosphere of the entrance.
Unlike the fictional house, the museum is open to the public and is actually quite peaceful. It offers a stunning panoramic view of Seoul that makes the steep trip up the hill worth it. It’s a great spot to contemplate whether marrying into a conglomerate is really worth the trouble.
4. The Hunting Grounds: Sayu-won
- Scene: The Queens Family Hunting Trip (Episode 2)
- Address: 1150 Chisan-hyoryeong-ro, Bugye-myeon, Gunwi-gun, Daegu, South Korea
Queen of Tears filming location: Sayu-won
The tension ramps up during the family hunting trip, where a wild boar attack (and a heroic save by Hyun-woo) changes everything. This was filmed at Sayu-won, a massive private arboretum in Gunwi-gun.
“Arboretum” feels like an understatement; it’s more like a sprawling outdoor gallery of nature and architecture. It is remote, quiet, and stunningly beautiful. Note that this is a premium experience—visits are by reservation only, and slots fill up fast. It’s the perfect place to feel the isolation of the characters, though hopefully without the wild boars.
5. The Heart of Yongdu-ri: Yongyen-ri Village
- Scene: Hyun-woo’s Hometown “Yongdu-ri” (Episode 3 & Recurring)
- Address: 22 Yongyeonan-gil, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Queen of Tears filming location: Yongyen-ri Village
When the couple needs to escape the suffocation of Seoul, they head to Hyun-woo’s hometown, Yongdu-ri. The warmth of this village was captured in Yongyen-ri, located in Mungyeong. This is where we see the “supermarket prince” side of Hyun-woo and where Hae-in starts to soften.
While the specific “Yongdu-ri Supermarket” set was dismantled after filming, the village itself retains that peaceful, rural charm. Walking these streets feels like stepping into the slower pace of life that the couple so desperately needed.
6. The “Without Worries” Palace: Sanssouci Palace (Germany)
- Scene: The Honeymoon & Reunion (Episode 6)
- Address: Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Queen of Tears filming location: Sanssouci Palace
Caption: Street View of Sanssouci Palace via Google Maps
The drama takes a global turn as Hae-in seeks treatment in Germany. One of the most heartbreakingly beautiful scenes happens at Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam. The name Sanssouci means “without worries,” a cruel irony for a couple burdened with so many.
The grand steps where Hyun-woo finds Hae-in alone are iconic. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and an easy day trip from Berlin. Standing in the gardens, you can almost hear the soundtrack swelling as the couple realizes they can’t live without each other.
7. The Bridge of Lost Promises: Eiserner Steg (Germany)
- Scene: Looking for the Love Lock (Episode 6)
- Address: Eiserner Steg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Queen of Tears filming location: Eiserner Steg
Flashbacks reveal the couple’s happier honeymoon days, including locking a padlock on a bridge. Later, they return separately to find it. This is the Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge) in Frankfurt.
It offers a stunning view of the Frankfurt skyline. While the drama makes it seem like it’s just down the street from the other German locations, it’s actually in a completely different city from Potsdam and Berlin! That’s the magic of editing.
8. Sunset Confession: Geonji Village
- Scene: The Sunset Date (Episode 12)
- Address: 824-1 Jodong-ri, Dongnyang-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Queen of Tears filming location: Geonji Village
As the clock ticks down on Hae-in’s health, the couple shares a simple, profound sunset. This was filmed at the Geonji Village overlook in Chungju.
This spot is a hidden gem known mostly to landscape photographers for its stunning “Hwangu” (golden) sunsets over the river. It’s quiet, remote, and incredibly romantic—the perfect place for a tearful confession.
9. A Final Date: Mungyeong Rail Bike (Gurang-ri Station)
- Scene: The Rail Bike Date (Episode 13)
- Address: 20 Gurang-ro, Maseong-myeon, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Queen of Tears filming location: Mungyeong Rail Bike
Just before the surgery, the couple tries to have a normal date. They ride a rail bike, laughing like carefree newlyweds. This is the Mungyeong Rail Bike at Gurang-ri Station.
Pedaling along old coal tracks through the Korean countryside is a quintessential tourist activity, but knowing the context of the scene makes it bittersweet. It’s a fun, active way to see the landscape of Gyeongsangbuk-do.
10. The Desperate Prayer: Berlin Cathedral (Germany)
- Scene: Hyun-woo’s Prayer (Episode 14)
- Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Queen of Tears filming location: Berlin Cathedral
When all medical hope seems lost, Hyun-woo turns to faith. The magnificent dome where he prays is the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom).
The sheer scale of the cathedral against one man’s desperation creates one of the show’s most powerful images. Located on Museum Island, it’s a must-visit in Berlin. The interior is just as breathtaking as the exterior, offering a solemn space for reflection.
Travel Tips for Fans
- Navigation: Google Maps is great for reading reviews, but when in South Korea, it doesn’t offer walking or driving navigation due to local laws. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap for accurate transit info.
- Transit Card: Pick up a T-money card at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) upon arrival. It works on subways, buses, and taxis nationwide.
- Best Time to Visit: To catch the clear skies seen in the drama, aim for Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October). Summer can be humid and rainy, while winter is freezing (though great for snowy romantic vibes).

