Korea-content isn’t just a story—it’s a place.

3월 7, 2026

Korea-content isn’t just a story—it’s a place.

3월 7, 2026

Lovely Runner: The Ultimate Filming Location Guide

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Original Title: 선재 업고 튀어 (Lovely Runner)
Cast: Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon, Song Geon-hee
Director: Yoon Jong-ho
Network: tvN / Prime Video
Episodes: 16

If you spent the better part of 2024 suffering from “Sun-jae Syndrome,” you weren’t alone. Lovely Runner (선재 업고 튀어) didn’t just top the charts; it completely rewired our brains to associate yellow umbrellas with destiny and Eclipse songs with heartbreak.

For the uninitiated (though, how are you here?), the drama follows Im Sol, a passionate fan devastated by the death of top idol Ryu Sun-jae. Miraculously, she slips back in time to 2008 to save him, only to discover that he had been in love with her all along. It’s a story of fate, timing, and desperately trying to change the past.

But for us travel enthusiasts, it’s a tour through some of South Korea’s most nostalgic and scenic spots. While the story jumps between 2008 and 2023, the filming locations are very real and visitable today. From the charming alleys of Suwon to the bustling streets of Seoul, here is your passport to the world of Sun-jae and Sol.

The Journey: Episode-by-Episode Locations

1. Gocheok Sky Dome (고척스카이돔)

This is where it all begins (and ends, and begins again). The massive concert hall where the fictional band Eclipse performs is none other than Gocheok Sky Dome, Korea’s first domed baseball stadium. In the first episode, we see Sol outside this venue, wheelchair-bound and desperate to hear the concert, only to be comforted by Sun-jae himself.

Even without a concert ticket, visiting the exterior is a pilgrimage. Standing on the bridge connecting Guil Station to the dome, you can almost hear the phantom cheers of Eclipse fans. It’s a massive structure, so bring your wide-angle lens!

2. Geumgang Bridge (금강철교)

When Sol first travels back to 2008, she’s disoriented and runs across a bridge, screaming at a high school student she believes is a ghost. That student, of course, is 19-year-old Sun-jae. This encounter takes place on the historic Geumgang Bridge in Gongju.

Built during the modern history era of Korea, this one-lane steel bridge has a distinct vintage aesthetic that screams “2008 nostalgia.” It’s particularly beautiful at sunset. Just try not to run into traffic screaming about the future like Sol did; the locals might be less understanding than Sun-jae.

3. Chungnam National University (충남대학교)

One of the funniest visual gags in the series is Sol “waking up” in the past while sitting atop a stone statue, looking bewildered while students stare at her. This was filmed at the main entrance of Chungnam National University in Daejeon.

The statue is a Haetae, a mythical creature that protects against fire and disasters. It’s a great spot for a funny photo op, though climbing it is strictly prohibited (Sol has special protagonist privileges; you do not).

4. Mongted (몽테드) – Im Sol’s House

Welcome to the holy grail of Lovely Runner locations. In the drama, this brick building served as Sol’s home and her mother’s video rental shop. In reality, it is a trendy cafe called Mongted located in the hip Haenggung-dong neighborhood of Suwon.

The cafe owners have kept the iconic yellow umbrella and the blue gate vibe alive. You can sit on the terrace where Sol and Sun-jae shared so many pivotal conversations. Be warned: this place is popular. Expect a queue, but the pastries are worth the wait.

5. Blue-Gated House (Sun-jae’s House)

Literally five steps away from Mongted is the house where Sun-jae lived. The proximity of these two buildings is what made the “bedroom window talk” scenes possible. It creates an incredibly intimate alleyway atmosphere that defines the show’s visual identity.

Important Note: Unlike Mongted, this is a private residence. People actually live here. While you can take photos of the exterior from the street (the famous blue gate), please remain quiet and respectful. Do not attempt to enter or knock!

6. Hwahongmun Gate (화홍문)

If you visit only one spot in Suwon besides the cafe, make it this one. This is the bridge where Sun-jae stops Sol in the rain and hands her the yellow umbrella—the moment viewers realized he fell for her first.

The gate itself is part of the Hwaseong Fortress, spanning the Suwoncheon Stream. At night, the pavilion is lit up beautifully, making it a romantic spot for a stroll even if you don’t have a time-traveling idol to walk with.

7. Chung-Ang University High School (중앙대학교 사범대학 부속고등학교)

The school days of 2008 were filmed at this prestigious high school in Seoul. The stone architecture gives it a classic, timeless feel that fit the period setting perfectly. This is where Sol chased Sun-jae around and where they filmed the hilarious scene of them listening to MP3 players together.

Visitor Tip: This is an active school. Tourists are generally not allowed inside the grounds during school hours. Stick to the exterior walls and the main gate for your photos to avoid security issues.

8. Gimcheon Indoor Swimming Pool (김천실내수영장)

Before he was an idol, Sun-jae was a swimmer. The intense competition scenes were filmed at this professional facility in Gimcheon. It’s a bit of a trek from Seoul, but for hardcore fans who want to see the pool where Byeon Woo-seok showed off his athletic skills (and those incredible shoulders), it’s a verified spot.

9. Soegojip (쇠고집)

Sun-jae’s father runs a Galbi (rib) restaurant that serves as a warm, safe haven for the characters. The real location is Soegojip in the famous Insadong district of Seoul.

The best part? It’s a real, functioning restaurant famous for its thick, juicy steak-like beef. You can sit in the rustic interior, grill some meat, and pretend Sun-jae is about to walk in complaining about his training. It’s highly rated by locals, so the food is genuinely good.

10. Sapgyoho Tourist Park (삽교호 관광지)

As the drama heads toward its emotional climax, Sol and Sun-jae enjoy a date at an amusement park. The colorful Ferris Wheel against the night sky provided one of the most aesthetically pleasing backdrops of the series.

Located in Dangjin, Sapgyoho is famous for its retro amusement park vibes. It’s a fantastic spot for couples. Ride the Ferris Wheel for a view of the West Sea, just like our main couple did before their world turned upside down.

11. Dongtan Lake Park (동탄호수공원)

Spoiler alert for the happy ending! The series concludes with a breathtaking proposal scene under swirling cherry blossoms. This was filmed at Dongtan Lake Park, a massive urban park known for its “Luna Show” fountain performances.

To catch the vibe from the drama, visit in early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It’s a wide-open space perfect for picnics, walking, and proposing to your time-traveling soulmate.

Travel Tips for Fans

  • Navigation: Google Maps is great for Street View, but for actual navigation in Korea, download Naver Map or KakaoMap. Google Maps often does not provide walking or driving directions due to local regulations.
  • Transport: Get a T-Money card at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) immediately upon arrival. It works on subways, buses, and even taxis in all the cities listed above.
  • Best Time to Visit: To recreate the show’s aesthetic, Spring (April) is best for the cherry blossoms (Dongtan), while Autumn (October) is perfect for the walking scenes in Suwon when the weather is crisp and cool.

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