The Seoul of Ambition: An Itaewon Class Filming Location Guide (2020)

Title: Itaewon Class (이태원 클라쓰)
Year: 2020
Locations: Seoul, Jeju, Incheon
Director: Kim Sung-yoon
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jae-myung, Kwon Nara
Episodes: 16
Streaming: Netflix

Ever felt the electric pull of a K-Drama so strong you wanted to teleport into the screen? Itaewon Class, the 2020 hit, did more than just top Netflix charts; it turned the Seoul district of Itaewon into a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide. This isn’t just a revenge story; it’s a vibrant slice of life, entrepreneurship, and defying the odds, all set against the backdrop of one of Seoul’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

The drama follows Park Sae-ro-yi, played by the ever-charismatic Park Seo-joon, as he navigates life after tragedy, fueled by an unyielding spirit to take down the formidable Jangga Group. With a ragtag team and unwavering principles, Sae-ro-yi establishes his “Danbam” bar-restaurant in Itaewon, aiming to conquer the cutthroat world of Korean business. Our guide will take you through the pivotal filming locations that helped bring this underdog story to life, from the sun-kissed beaches of Jeju Island to the neon-lit streets of Seoul.

The Journey: Episode-by-Episode Locations

Our journey begins not in Seoul, but on the picturesque shores of Geumneung Beach (금능해수욕장) on Jeju Island. In the first episode, a young Sae-ro-yi shares a poignant moment with his father, Park Sung-yeol, as they enjoy a drink by the sea. The scene is bathed in sunlight, reflecting the optimism of youth, before the storm clouds of tragedy gather. This idyllic spot marks the genesis of Sae-ro-yi’s values, where he learns the bittersweet nature of life—a motif that resonates throughout the series.

1. Geumneung Beach (금능해수욕장)

• Scene: A young Park Sae-ro-yi and his father share a drink and a heartfelt conversation by the sea.
• Address: Geumneung-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

While most of the drama unfolds in Seoul, this Jeju location was chosen for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands, creating a stark contrast to the urban grit that Sae-ro-yi later faces. Visiting during the summer months is ideal, when the beach facilities are fully operational and the turquoise waters invite a refreshing dip. You can easily reach Geumneung Beach by taking Blue Bus 202, which stops right near the beach entrance.
Fast forward a few years, and Sae-ro-yi, fresh out of prison, is ready to make his mark on Itaewon. He opens his first bar-restaurant, which he affectionately names “Danbam” (Sweet Night). The original Unduk Restaurant (언덕), located at 57 Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, served as the first Danbam, the birthplace of Sae-ro-yi’s entrepreneurial dreams. Now rebranded as Seoul Bam (서울밤), the restaurant retains much of the original drama’s aesthetic, including some of the iconic “Danbam” neon sign.

2. Seoul Bam / The First Danbam (서울밤)

• Scene: Sae-ro-yi opens his first bar-restaurant in a quiet corner of Itaewon.
• Address: Seoul, Yongsan District, Itaewon-dong, 지하 KR 서울특별시 용산구 이태원동 454-1번지 1층

Getting here is a breeze: hop on Line 6 to Noksapyeong Station and take Exit 1, and you’ll be there in about a 10-minute walk. The atmosphere is palpable, as you soak in the same gritty, determined spirit that fueled Sae-ro-yi’s early ambitions. Inside, you can enjoy a variety of Korean dishes, with most menu items averaging around ₩15,000. It’s a popular spot, so arriving early is a good idea, especially on weekends.

Not far from the original Danbam is G Guesthouse (지게스트하우스), at 14-38 Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, which appears in Episode 3. This is where Jo Yi-seo, played by Kim Da-mi, boldly slaps a wealthy bully’s mother, marking her unapologetic entry into Sae-ro-yi’s life. While you can’t recreate the slap (nor should you!), standing outside this building gives you a sense of Yi-seo’s fierce personality.

3. G Guesthouse (지게스트하우스)

• Scene: Jo Yi-seo confronts a wealthy bully’s mother.
• Address: 14-38 Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul

Just a short walk from Itaewon Station (Line 6, Exit 3), this guesthouse is known for its rooftop parties and international vibe, reflecting Itaewon’s multicultural charm. Even if you’re not staying here, the surrounding streets are worth exploring for their eclectic mix of shops and eateries.

Perhaps the most iconic visual from Itaewon Class is the Noksapyeong Pedestrian Overpass (녹사평육교), located at 195 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. This overpass frequently appears in the series, most notably in Episode 6, as Sae-ro-yi gazes out at the traffic, the N Seoul Tower looming in the background, contemplating his journey and his ambitions.

4. Noksapyeong Pedestrian Overpass (녹사평육교)

• Scene: Sae-ro-yi contemplates his revenge with the N Seoul Tower in the background.
• Address: 4 Yongsan-dong 4(sa)-ga, Yongsan District, Seoul

Reaching this spot is incredibly easy: take Line 6 to Noksapyeong Station and Exit 1. Standing on this overpass, especially at dusk, you can almost feel Sae-ro-yi’s determination and loneliness. It’s a pilgrimage site for fans eager to capture their own “Sae-ro-yi profile shot” with the city lights twinkling behind them.

For a change of pace (and maybe a fancy cocktail), head to The Finest (더파이니스트), a bar at 3F, 41 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. In Episode 4, this rooftop venue provides the backdrop for Sae-ro-yi and Yi-seo’s first drinks together, where Yi-seo plants a “secret first kiss” on the passed-out Sae-ro-yi. It’s here that she decides to dedicate herself to making Sae-ro-yi’s “bitter” life “sweet.”

5. The Finest (더파이니스트)

• Scene: Sae-ro-yi and Yi-seo have drinks on the rooftop.
• Address: 41 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul

Accessible via Line 6 to Noksapyeong Station (Exit 2) followed by a 15-minute walk, this bar boasts stunning views of Namsan Mountain. Their signature cocktails, often featured on social media after the episode aired, range from ₩18,000 to ₩25,000. Reservations are highly recommended for window seats, especially if you want to recreate that romantic rooftop vibe.

When Chairman Jang orchestrates the eviction of Danbam from its original location, Sae-ro-yi doesn’t back down. Instead, he buys the entire building for his new bar, Oriole (오리올), located at 43 Sinheung-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. This spot, also known as the second Danbam, symbolizes resilience and expansion.

6. Oriole / The Second Danbam (오리올)

• Scene: Danbam relocates to this new spot in the Haebangchon area.
• Address: 43 Sinheung-ro 20-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul

Getting here requires a bit of an uphill trek from Noksapyeong Station (Line 6, Exit 2), followed by an 18-minute walk. Alternatively, you can hop on Village Bus 02 and alight at Sinheung Church. Owned by Jung Yup of the Korean R group Brown Eyed Soul, Oriole offers a relaxed atmosphere with prices around ₩20,000 for a meal and ₩10,000 for drinks. Note that it’s closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

While most of the action takes place in Itaewon, a rival Jangga Group pub makes an appearance, with its exterior shot at Manmankokoro Hongdae (만만코코로 홍대점), located at 34 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The exterior, adorned with cherry blossoms and traditional Korean architecture, serves as a visual contrast to the minimalist style of Danbam.

7. Manmankokoro Hongdae (만만코코로 홍대점)

• Scene: The exterior of a rival Jangga Group pub.
• Address: 34 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, 서교동 Mapo-gu, Seoul

This spot is easily accessible from Hongik University Station (Line 2/AREX, Exit 9), just a 5-minute walk away. While the drama is set in Itaewon, a trip to this flashy pub in Hongdae offers a taste of the opposing forces Sae-ro-yi had to contend with.

As the series reaches its emotional climax, the characters find peace and resolution at Baekbeom Square Park (백범광장공원), located at 231 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul. In the final episode, Sae-ro-yi and Yi-seo walk along the Seoul Fortress Wall, sharing a kiss that signifies the arrival of their long-awaited “sweet night.”

8. Baekbeom Square Park (백범광장공원)

• Scene: Sae-ro-yi and Yi-seo walk along the Seoul Fortress Wall and share a kiss.
• Address: 231 Samil-daero, Hoehyeon-dong, Jung District, Seoul

A 10-minute walk from Hoehyeon Station (Line 4, Exit 4), this park offers some of the best nighttime views of the Seoul city wall, which was specially lit for the series’ finale. It’s a romantic spot, perfect for reflecting on the journey of Itaewon Class and the triumph of perseverance.

Finally, for the dramatic outdoor scenes toward the end of the series, Itaewon Class moves to Triple Street (트리플 스트리트), a shopping complex in Songdo, Incheon. The final high-stakes confrontation takes place here, and the beautifully lit streets provide a modern backdrop for characters reflecting on their growth.

9. Triple Street (트리플 스트리트)

• Scene: The final confrontation and reflection scenes.
• Address: 33-1 Songdogwahak-ro 16beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

Reachable via Technopark Station on Incheon Line 1 (Exit 2), Triple Street is known for its “under the lights” aesthetic. Although slightly outside Seoul, its modern atmosphere provides a distinct contrast to the narrow alleys of Itaewon, marking the series’ transition to a broader stage.

Travel Tips for Fans

• KakaoMap is King: Google Maps is great for street views (as seen above), but for walking directions in Korea, it can be a bit wonky due to local regulations. Download KakaoMap or Naver Map for accurate navigation.
• The Hills of Itaewon: I cannot stress this enough—Itaewon and Haebangchon are mountainous. The TV show flattens the depth. Wear sneakers. Your feet will thank you.
• Transportation: Get a T-Money card at any convenience store (CU, GS25) upon arrival. It works for subways, buses, and even taxis.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April) for cherry blossoms or Autumn (October) for crisp air and clear views of Namsan Tower from the bridges. Summer can be humid and sticky, making that hill climb to Oriole miserable.