The Glory: The Ultimate Filming Location Guide (2026)

March 13, 2026 14 min read

“From today, every single day will be a nightmare. It’ll be shaky and scary.” This wasn’t just a chilling line delivered by Song Hye-kyo; it was the beginning of a global obsession with The Glory. This masterfully crafted revenge noir took us on a dark, calculated journey from the scars of high school bullying to the sleek, cold penthouses of Seoul’s elite. But while Moon Dong-eun was busy plotting her meticulously timed vengeance, I was busy tracking down the real-world backdrops that made her world feel so hauntingly real.

The Glory follows Moon Dong-eun, a woman whose life was shattered by brutal school violence. Decades later, she returns as an elementary school teacher for the child of her main tormentor, Park Yeon-jin, to systematically dismantle the lives of the five bullies who stole her soul. The drama’s visual language is as sharp as a scalpel, split between the gritty, industrial corners of Incheon and the hyper-luxurious, glass-heavy architecture of Gangnam and Cheongju (which stood in for the fictional city of Semyeong).

Grab your T-money card and a warm coat—we’re about to trace the path of Dong-eun’s cold, brilliant revenge.

Original Title: 더 글로리(The Glory)
Cast: Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon, Yeom Hye-ran, Jung Sung-il
Director: Ahn Gil-ho
Network: Netflix
Episodes: 16

The Journey: Episode-by-Episode Locations

1. Manseok Church (Eden Church) | 만석교회

Scene: In Episode 1, Moon Dong-eun makes her first chilling reappearance in Lee Sa-ra’s life. She confronts the drug-addicted artist in the middle of a church service led by Sa-ra’s father, signaling that no “holy” place can hide them from her.
GoogleMap Address: 11-1 Hwasu-dong, Dong-gu, Incheon
NaverMap Address: 11-1 Hwasu-dong, Dong-gu, Incheon

Walking into Manseok Church, you can almost hear the choir being interrupted by Dong-eun’s calm, terrifying voice. This historic church in Incheon was the perfect choice for the scene; its classic, heavy wooden interiors and imposing organ heighten the sense of religious hypocrisy that the show explores. It’s a place where Sa-ra felt untouchable, and seeing Dong-eun sitting in the pews was the first crack in the bullies’ collective confidence.

When visiting, keep in mind that this is an active place of worship. It’s best to visit during non-service hours (weekdays are ideal) to admire the architecture without disturbing the congregation. While you’re in the Hwasu-dong area, take a quiet stroll—the neighborhood has a vintage, industrial charm that feels very much like the “Eden” described in the show.

2. Grand Hyatt Seoul – Waterfall Garden | 그랜드 하얏트 서울 (폭포 정원)

Scene: Episode 2 features the opulent, high-society wedding of Park Yeon-jin and Ha Do-young. Moon Dong-eun watches from the shadows of the lush garden, a ghost at the feast of the woman who destroyed her.
GoogleMap Address: 322 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
NaverMap Address: 322 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

The Grand Hyatt Seoul is the epitome of luxury, and its Waterfall Garden is the crown jewel of wedding venues in the capital. In the show, this location represents the height of Yeon-jin’s social ascent. The contrast between the bright, celebratory flowers and Dong-eun’s dark silhouette is one of the most iconic visual metaphors of the series. It’s here that we realize Dong-eun isn’t just looking for an apology; she’s looking to burn down the ivory tower Yeon-jin built.

If you aren’t planning a wedding (or a revenge plot), you can still experience the hotel’s grandeur. I recommend grabbing a coffee at the Gallery lobby lounge, which offers floor-to-ceiling views of the city. The garden itself is most beautiful during the spring and summer when the greenery is lush, but even in the winter, the hotel’s famous ice rink nearby provides a similarly magical—if icy—atmosphere.

3. Saeam Bunsik | 새암분식

Scene: In Episode 3, Dong-eun meets the brawny but dim-witted Son Myeong-oh at this humble snack bar. Over a plate of bunsik, she begins to spin the web that will eventually pit the bullies against each other.
Address: 5 Sareung-ro 402beon-gil, Jingeon-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 남양주시 진건읍 사릉로402번길 5)
GoogleMap Address: 322 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
NaverMap Address: 322 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

This is about as far from the Grand Hyatt as you can get. Saeam Bunsik is a real-life neighborhood gem in Namyangju, and it’s the place where Dong-eun uses the bullies’ own classism against them. By meeting Myeong-oh in a “gritty” spot where he feels like a big shot, she plants the seeds of greed that lead to his downfall. The owners are incredibly friendly and have even hung up photos and signatures of the cast to welcome fans.

You absolutely have to try the tteokbokki and kimbap here; it’s the ultimate Korean comfort food. It’s a small, local shop, so don’t expect a fancy dining experience, but that’s exactly the point—it’s authentic, hearty, and surprisingly affordable. It’s a 10-minute walk from Sareung Station, making it an easy day trip for fans looking for a taste of the show’s more grounded scenes.

4. Cheongju Central Park | 청주 중앙공원

Scene: Episode 3 introduces us to the “Apgu-jeong” tree. Under its massive branches, Joo Yeo-jeong (the “executioner”) teaches Dong-eun the game of Go (Baduk), promising to help her in her dance of swords.
Address: 117 Namsa-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do (충청북도 청주시 상당구 남사로 117)
GoogleMap Address: 117 Namsa-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
NaverMap Address: 117 Namsa-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

The 900-year-old ginkgo tree in Cheongju Central Park is a natural monument, but to The Glory fans, it’s the birthplace of the show’s most unlikely partnership. The tree’s ancient, sprawling roots mirror the way Dong-eun and Yeo-jeong’s lives become inextricably linked. It’s one of the few locations that feels genuinely peaceful, a rare respite from the tension of the revenge plot.

If you can, visit during mid-to-late October or early November. The ginkgo leaves turn a vibrant, neon yellow that is truly breathtaking. You’ll see local elders playing Go and Janggi (Korean chess) in the pavilions nearby, echoing the scenes from the drama. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet afternoon of reflection—hopefully planning something a bit happier than revenge!

5. Mung Hit Cafe | 멍때림

Scene: Doubling as Lee Sa-ra’s chaotic art studio in Episode 5, this location is where the “group of five” bullies often gather to drink, trade insults, and nurse their various addictions.
Address: 1970-34 Haeannam-ro, Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon (인천광역시 강화군 화도면 해안남로 1970-34)
GoogleMap Address: 1970-34 Haeannam-ro, Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
NaverMap Address: 1970-34 Haeannam-ro, Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

The name “Mung Hit” comes from the Korean word mung, which refers to the act of “spacing out” or emptying your mind. Ironical, given that Sa-ra’s mind was anything but empty in these scenes! This cafe on Ganghwa Island is a stunning piece of modern architecture, featuring large glass windows that frame the surrounding forest and mountains like a painting. In the show, it illustrated the decadent, hollow lifestyle of the villains.

The cafe is designed as a “healing space” where talking loudly is discouraged, so it’s the perfect place to grab a latte and relax. The forest view is spectacular year-round, but the interior design—with its sleek lines and curated art—is the real draw for Lee Sa-ra fans. Grab a seat on the second floor for the best lighting and the most “art studio” vibes.

6. Cheongna Lake Park | 청라호수공원

Scene: Episode 8 features the jaw-dropping, life-sized Go board built by Ha Do-young’s construction company. It’s where Dong-eun finally steps into the “arena” to face the man she’s spent years studying.
GoogleMap Address: 204 Cheongna-daero, Seo-gu, Incheon
NaverMap Address: 204 Cheongna-daero, Seo-gu, Incheon

This location is a must-visit. While the towering Go stone seats were props removed after filming, the massive stone floor board remains! Cheongna Lake Park is a beautiful, expansive urban park that feels like the future of Incheon. The Go board scene is a fan favorite because it’s the moment the psychological game between Dong-eun and Do-young becomes physical and undeniable.

The park is huge, so I recommend renting a bicycle or walking at dusk when the surrounding skyscrapers light up and reflect on the lake. It creates a “city of glass” feel that perfectly matches the aesthetic of the show. There are plenty of cafes nearby, making it a great evening destination for a romantic walk—or a high-stakes standoff.

7. illy Cafe – Signature Tower Branch | 일리카페 시그니처타워점

Scene: In Episode 9, Moon Dong-eun meets Park Yeon-jin in this bright, glass-walled cafe. In a final show of mercy (or perhaps just a final warning), she gives Yeon-jin one last chance to confess her crimes.
GoogleMap Address: 100 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
NaverMap Address: 100 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Located in the heart of Seoul’s business district near Cheonggyecheon, this illy Cafe is the setting for one of the show’s most intense dialogues. The “fishbowl” effect of the glass walls makes the confrontation feel public yet incredibly intimate. You can almost see the steam coming off Yeon-jin’s head as she realizes Dong-eun isn’t backing down.

This is a very busy cafe during the week, filled with office workers from the surrounding towers. To get the best experience, visit on a weekend morning. You can sit at the tables by the window and look out at the same view the characters had. Afterward, take a walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream—it’s one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks and just a few steps away.

8. 0914 Dosan Flagship Store (Siesta) | 0914 도산 플래그십 스토어

Scene: This architectural marvel serves as “Siesta,” the high-end boutique owned by the arrogant Jeon Jae-jun. It appears throughout the series (Episodes 3-14) as a hub for the bullies’ meetings and secret affairs.
GoogleMap Address: 15 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
NaverMap Address: 15 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Siesta was the center of Jeon Jae-jun’s universe, and the 0914 Dosan Flagship Store is just as sleek in real life. The building’s unique facade and sharp, modern angles reflect Jae-jun’s cold personality perfectly. It’s located in the trendy Dosan Park area of Gangnam, known for its high-end fashion and pricey aesthetics.

While the store primarily sells luxury leather bags, there is a very chic cafe located in the basement level where you can soak in the “Siesta” atmosphere. The interiors are minimalist and expensive-looking—exactly the kind of place where Choi Hye-jeong would have felt both at home and perpetually anxious. It’s a great spot for fashion-forward fans to take some “main character” photos.

9. Sodol Port | 소돌항

Scene: The emotional finale in Episode 16 takes us to this windy port. Dong-eun and Yeo-jeong visit the red lighthouse, a symbol of hope and the beginning of their new, shared mission.
GoogleMap Address: 791-47 Jumun-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
NaverMap Address: 791-47 Jumun-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

We end our journey where the revenge ends—and where a new chapter begins. Sodol Port in Gangneung provides a breathtaking, melancholic backdrop for the show’s closing moments. The Red Lighthouse has become a major viral spot for fans, representing the small glimmers of color and light that finally returned to Dong-eun’s life after her long, dark winter.

The area is famous for its fresh seafood markets, so make sure to grab a meal of grilled fish or sashimi while you’re there. It’s also very close to the “BTS Bus Stop” at Jumunjin Beach, so you can tick two major K-culture locations off your list in one afternoon. The sea breeze is strong, so bring a jacket—and maybe a friend to keep you warm while you stare out at the East Sea.

Travel Tips for Fans

Navigation: Google Maps is okay for finding general locations, but Kakao Map or Naver Map is a must for actual navigation in Korea. They provide more accurate walking directions and real-time bus arrivals.
Transportation: Get a T-money Card at any convenience store. It works for subways, buses, and even many taxis across Seoul, Incheon, and Cheongju.
Best Time to Visit: For the Cheongju ginkgo tree (Central Park), visit in late October or early November. For the coast of Gangneung, early autumn offers the clearest skies and most dramatic waves.
Photography: Many of these locations are active businesses (cafes, churches). Always be respectful, order at least one drink per person in cafes, and avoid using flash in the church.