Bon Appétit, Your Majesty: The Ultimate Filming Location Guide (2025)

When a solar eclipse isn’t just an astronomical event but a one-way ticket to the 15th century, you better hope you brought your Michelin-starred knife set. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (폭군의 셰프), the 2025 tvN juggernaut that captured the world’s heart and appetite, does exactly that. Starring the luminous Lim Yoona as Yeon Ji-young, a modern chef who finds herself cooking for Joseon’s most “tyrant” king, played by the breakout star Lee Chae-min, the series is a mouth-watering blend of palace intrigue and culinary fusion.

The production is a visual masterpiece, spanning the rugged natural beauty of Gyeongsangbuk-do and the meticulously preserved historical sets of Gyeonggi-do. From the majestic heights of Gyeongju to the bustling marketplaces of Buan, the show’s regions are as diverse as Ji-young’s spice rack. Whether you are a foodie or a history buff, this guide will help you navigate the real-world settings of the drama that made history—literally.

Original Title: 폭군의 셰프 (Bon Appétit, Your Majesty)
Cast: Lim Yoona, Lee Chae-min, Kang Han-na, Choi Gwi-hwa
Director: Jang Tae-yoo
Network: tvN / Netflix Episodes: 12
Aired: August 23 – September 28, 2025
Awards: Peak rating of 18.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area; ranked #1 on Netflix Non-English TV shows for two consecutive weeks; fastest Korean non-original drama to surpass 100 million viewing hours on Netflix

The Journey: Episode-by-Episode Locations

1. Petite France (쁘띠프랑스)

• Scene: Used for the dazzling modern-day Paris culinary competition and Ji-young’s nostalgic childhood flashbacks in Episode 1.
• Address: 1063 Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 청평면 호반로 1063)
• GoogleMap Address: 1063 Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
• NaverMap Address: 1063 Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Before the time-traveling chaos begins, we see Ji-young’s world-class pedigree established in a setting that feels distinctly Parisian. The pastel-colored buildings of Petite France provided the “European” backdrop for her early career triumphs. While this location has been a K-drama staple since My Love from the Star, the Bon Appétit crew leaned into its culinary side, using real pastry shops on-site for the baking sequences.

To reach this French village, take the Gyeongchun Line to Cheongpyeong Station (Exit 2). From there, you can hop on the Gapyeong City Tour Bus or take a 25-minute taxi. It is best to visit in Spring when the flowers match the vibrant architecture. Remember to bring your T-money card for the easy subway transfer from central Seoul.

2. Gosanjeong Pavilion (안동 고산정)

• Scene: The fateful riverside where King Yi Heon and Yeon Ji-young first meet as she falls from the sky in Episode 1.
• Address: 177-42 Gasong-gil, Dosan-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 안동시 도산면 가송길 177-42)
• GoogleMap Address: 177-42 Gasong-gil, Dosan-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• NaverMap Address: 177-42 Gasong-gil, Dosan-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

This is the catalyst of the entire drama. The stark beauty of the limestone cliffs and the Nakdong River emphasizes the shock of Ji-young’s sudden arrival in the 15th century. Recently designated a National Scenic Site, this pavilion was famously the “Love” sign location in Mr. Sunshine. The crew had to use underwater cameras to capture the high-definition splash of Ji-young’s “meteor-like” landing into the King’s life.

Accessing this spot requires a bit of a trek, but it is worth every mile. You’ll need to travel via Andong KTX Station and then take a bus or car. The area is open 24 hours, but visiting at sunset offers the same golden-hour glow seen in the show. Use Kakao Map for the last few hundred meters of the walking trail!

3. Obongsan Madangbawi Cliff (오봉산 마당바위)

• Scene: The dramatic flat cliff where King Yi Heon retreats to grieve and Ji-young finds him in Episodes 1 and 3.
• Address: San 195-2, Songseon-ri, Geoncheon-eup, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 건천읍 송선리 산195-2)
• GoogleMap Address: San 195-2, Songseon-ri, Geoncheon-eup, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• NaverMap Address: San 195-2, Songseon-ri, Geoncheon-eup, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The rock is 60 meters wide and flat as a courtyard, symbolizing the King’s isolation and his first moment of emotional vulnerability. In Episode 3, Ji-young uses her scarf to treat his injured hand here, marking the start of their deeper connection. The actors actually trekked up early in the morning to catch the sunrise, which provided the natural warm lighting seen in the show.

To visit, travel via Singyeongju KTX Station and take the Gyeongju Bus 300 to the Yeogungok Stop. From there, it’s a 1.5-hour hike to the summit. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the climb is steep but the panoramic views are unmatched.

4. Mungyeong Saejae Open Set (문경새재 오픈세트장)

• Scene: Serving as the primary exterior for King Yi Heon’s palace and the bustling courtyards in Episodes 1-12.
• Address: 932 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 문경시 문경읍 새재로 932)
• GoogleMap Address: 932 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• NaverMap Address: 932 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Known as the “Hollywood of Korea,” this set is where the core political intrigue unfolds. The narrow alleyways and grand “Gwanghwamun” replica created the sense of a king trapped by his own court. Interestingly, the set was so busy during filming that the crew had to share the “Palace Gate” with another production, often shooting late at night.

The set is open daily from 09:00. It is a sprawling location, so I recommend taking the electric shuttle bus from the entrance. If you visit in Autumn, the foliage surrounding the palace walls is absolutely breathtaking and perfect for photos.

5. Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park (용인 대장금파크)

• Scene: The site of the Sura-gan (Royal Kitchen) where Ji-young officially begins her service across Episodes 1-12.
• Address: 25 Yongcheon drama-gil, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 용인시 처인구 백암면 용천드라마길 25)
• GoogleMap Address: 25 Yongcheon drama-gil, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
• NaverMap Address: 25 Yongcheon drama-gil, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

This is the heart of the “chef” part of the title. Most of the intricate cooking battles against the traditional court chefs took place within these walls. Lim Yoona was reportedly taught by a real royal cuisine expert on this very set to ensure her knife skills looked professional for the close-up shots.

You can reach the park by taking the Everline to Stadium/Songdam College Station and then catching Bus #105. It’s an essential pilgrimage for any fan of historical dramas. The park is vast, so allocate at least 3-4 hours to explore everything from the prison to the market sets.

6. Buan Video Theme Park (부안영상테마파크)

• Scene: The Joseon marketplace and low-town scenes where Ji-young explores and finds ingredients in Episodes 3 and 4.
• Address: 309-64 Gyeokpo-ro, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전북 부안군 변산면 격포로 309-64)
• GoogleMap Address: 309-64 Gyeokpo-ro, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do
• NaverMap Address: 309-64 Gyeokpo-ro, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do

These scenes highlighted Ji-young’s curiosity as she discovered 15th-century ingredients. The “dumpling shop” that appears as a background detail in Episode 4 is a real, operational shop within the theme park that serves actual Korean dumplings to tourists today! 

Located on the west coast, this park offers a more “lived-in” authentic atmosphere. After visiting the set, make sure to check out the nearby Chaeseokgang Cliffs for a beautiful sunset. It’s about a 5-minute taxi ride from the Gyeokpo Bus Terminal.

7. Byeokchoji Gardens (벽초지수목원)

• Scene: The European-style “Lotus Pond Garden” where King Yi Heon grants Ji-young freedom in Episode 5.
• Address: 242 Buheung-ro, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 파주시 광탄면 부흥로 242)
• GoogleMap Address: 242 Buheung-ro, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
• NaverMap Address: 242 Buheung-ro, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

The garden’s mix of Eastern and Western aesthetics served as a visual metaphor for the “Fusion Chef” entering the King’s rigid world. The iconic Malimun Gate (a Greek-style gate) was used for the “Palace Garden entrance” and remains a popular spot for fans to take photos in traditional Hanboks today.

To get here, take the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Geumchon Station and a 30-minute bus or taxi. The gardens are particularly famous for their seasonal floral displays. It’s a peaceful escape and much quieter than the central Seoul parks, perfect for a romantic walk.

8. 1955 Groceria / Ambassador Seoul Pullman (1955 그로서리아)

• Scene: The finale scene where Ji-young returns to the modern day and meets the King’s lookalike in Episode 12.
• Address: 1F, 287 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 동호로 287 앰배서더 서울 풀만 호텔 1층)
• GoogleMap Address: 1F, 287 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• NaverMap Address: 1F, 287 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

The journey ends where true talent transcends time. Following the show’s massive success, this real-life restaurant launched a “Royal Chef’s Course” featuring the Soybean Paste Pasta and Gamtae Beef Tartare that Ji-young made for the King. It is currently one of the most difficult restaurant reservations to secure in Seoul, so book early!

Located just a 7-minute walk from Dongguk University Station (Line 3, Exit 1), it’s the most accessible spot on our list. Even if you can’t get a dinner reservation, visiting the hotel lobby gives you a sense of the finale’s sleek, modern luxury.

Travel Tips for Fans

When planning your Bon Appétit pilgrimage, timing is everything. The Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November) seasons are the most comfortable for exploring outdoor sets and mountain trails. 
For navigation, Kakao Map and Naver Map are far superior to Google Maps for finding walking paths and local bus stops. Make sure to have a T-money card ready—you can buy them at any convenience store. It works for all public transport including the regional buses mentioned in this guide.

FAQ Schema

Q: Where was the palace in “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” filmed?
A: The palace exteriors were primarily filmed at the Mungyeong Saejae Open Set, known as the “Hollywood of Korea,” featuring grand Joseon-era replicas.

Q: Is the “Gochujang Butter” restaurant from “The Tyrant’s Chef” real?
A: Yes, the finale was filmed at ‘1955 Groceria’ in the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel, which now offers a special menu inspired by the show’s fusion dishes.

Q: Can tourists visit the Royal Kitchen (Sura-gan) seen in the show?
A: Yes, the intricate cooking battles were filmed at Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park, a massive filming site in Gyeonggi-do open to the public daily.