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

When Life Gives You Tangerines: The Ultimate Filming Location Guide (2026)

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Title: When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다)
Year: 2025Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Period Drama
Cast: IU (Lee Ji-eun), Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-joon
Network: Netflix
Episodes: 16

If there is one drama that has captured the collective heart of Hallyu fans this year, it is undoubtedly When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다). Reuniting the powerhouse duo of director Kim Won-seok (My Mister) and IU, this visual masterpiece sweeps us away to 1950s Jeju Island. It chronicles the rebellious, poetic life of Ae-sun and the steadfast, iron-willed Gwan-sik. But beyond the tear-jerking performances, the true star of the show might just be the scenery.

From the wind-swept oreums of Jeju to the nostalgic red-brick alleys of the mainland, the production team spared no expense in scouting locations that breathe life into the “four seasons” of the characters’ lives. Whether you are a die-hard UAENA planning a pilgrimage or a traveler seeking the retro romance of Korea, this guide traces the footsteps of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik.

Pack your bags and your T-money card—we are going on a journey through time across the Korean peninsula.

The Journey: Episode-by-Episode Locations

1. Gimnyeong Beach (김녕해수욕장)

The drama opens with the roar of the ocean, establishing Ae-sun’s “salty” destiny immediately. The filming location for these childhood scenes is Gimnyeong Beach (김녕해수욕장). Famous for its cobalt-blue waters and stark black basalt rocks, this beach provided the perfect, untouched canvas for the 1950s setting. Unlike the more commercialized beaches like Hamdeok, Gimnyeong retains a raw, rugged beauty that mirrors Ae-sun’s untamed spirit.

When you visit, try to go during low tide when the moss-covered rocks are exposed—it’s the exact spot where young Ae-sun sat kicking the water. It’s located on the northeastern coast of Jeju, easily accessible via the coastal bus line 201. Just be warned: the wind here is no joke (hence the abundant wind turbines nearby), so hold onto your hat!

2. Jeju Stone Park (제주돌문화공원)

Remember that mystical, foggy forest where Ae-sun hides from the neighborhood bullies, and Gwan-sik silently watches over her? That wasn’t a set; it was the atmospheric Jeju Stone Park (제주돌문화공원). This ecological park creates a fantasy-like vibe with its dense gotjawal (volcanic forest) and massive stone sculptures.

The park is massive, so if you want to find the “forest path” seen in the drama, head towards the Gotjawal trails near the entrance. It’s a place that feels distinctively Jeju—mythological and slightly eerie. It’s closed on Mondays, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

3. Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉)

This is the money shot. The promotional posters featuring IU and Park Bo-gum laughing amidst yellow flowers were filmed near Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉), also known as Sunrise Peak. In Episode 2, this location represents the blossoming “Spring” of their romance.

While the peak itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and requires a ticket for the hike, the canola fields are usually privately owned plots scattered around the base. Farmers charge a small fee (usually 1,000 KRW cash) for photos. To get the drama’s look, visit in March or April when the yellow blooms contrast perfectly against the volcanic crater in the background.

4. Hagwon Farm (고창 학원농장)

Here is a travel writer’s secret: not all “Jeju” scenes were filmed in Jeju. The breathtaking green barley field where Gwan-sik finally confesses his feelings is actually Hagwon Farm (고창 학원농장) on the mainland in Gochang. K-Drama veterans might recognize this spot from Goblin (2016).

The production used this location because the scale of the barley fields here is unmatched. If you visit in late April to May, you get the green barley waves; come September, and it transforms into a white buckwheat flower wonderland. It is a bit remote, so renting a car or taking a taxi from the Gochang bus terminal is your best bet.

5. Jeju-mok Government Office (제주목관아)

Ae-sun’s dream of becoming a poet takes center stage at the regional writing contest, filmed at the historic Jeju-mok Government Office (제주목관아). Located right in the heart of Jeju City’s old town, this site served as the administrative center during the Joseon Dynasty.

The production team did a fantastic job dressing the set to hide modern skyscrapers, but when you visit, you will see it’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. It is within walking distance of the famous Dongmun Market, so you can grab some tangerine snacks immediately after your tour.

6. Gwangju Theater (광주극장)

When the couple takes a rare trip to the mainland, they visit a grand “Cannes-style” cinema. This is the Gwangju Theater (광주극장), the only single-screen theater remaining in South Korea. Built in 1935, it exudes an authentic retro vibe that no studio set can replicate.

The theater still screens indie and art films today. The exterior, with its hand-painted movie posters (a dying art form), appears in the drama almost exactly as it does in real life. It’s located in the trendy Chungjang-ro shopping district of Gwangju, making it an easy stop for coffee and culture.

7. Keisung Middle School (계성중학교)

For the flashback scenes of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s school days, the production moved to Daegu. Keisung Middle School (계성중학교) is famous for its stunning red-brick architecture and 50-step staircase, which has appeared in NewJeans music videos and other dramas like Ditto.

The European-style buildings provide a distinct contrast to the rural thatched-roof aesthetic of the Jeju scenes, symbolizing the “modern” education Ae-sun yearned for. Note that this is an active school. You cannot enter the classrooms, and visitors are generally restricted to the exterior grounds on weekends. Please be respectful and quiet!

8. Gasil Catholic Church (가실성당)

As the characters enter the “Autumn” of their lives, they attend a friend’s wedding at this breathtaking church. Gasil Catholic Church (가실성당) in Chilgok is often cited as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Korea. Its neo-Gothic architecture and the “Anna’s Door” made for a melancholic yet beautiful backdrop for the scene where Gwan-sik contemplates the passage of time.

It is a bit of a trek from major cities (closest to Daegu), but the peaceful grounds are worth it. It is an active place of worship, so avoid visiting during Mass times (usually Sunday mornings) if you want to take photos.

9. Songak-san Walkway (송악산 둘레길)

Approaching the finale, we see an older Gwan-sik riding his bicycle along a cliffside path with stunning ocean views. This is the Songak-san Walkway (송악산 둘레길) on the southwestern tip of Jeju. The path offers views of Marado and Gapado islands and played a key role in Jewel in the Palace decades ago.

The wooden boardwalk makes for an easy walk, even for beginners. The wind here carries the scent of the ocean, and the view at sunset is exactly as portrayed in the drama—golden, wistful, and enduring.

10. Cheongsim International Ocean Youth Retreat (청심국제해양청소년수련원)

The story concludes with the older characters looking back on their lives. Interestingly, this modern-day framing sequence was filmed at a youth retreat center in Yeosu, not Jeju. The architecture here blends modern lines with the sea, fitting the “Winter” theme of looking back from the present day.

While it is a youth facility, the surrounding coastal roads of Yeosu offering calm, southern sea vibes are open to the public. It’s a quiet place to reflect on your own journey, just as Ae-sun did.

Travel Tips for Fans

  • Navigation: Google Maps works for general searches, but for walking directions and bus schedules in Korea, Naver Map or KakaoMap are essential. Google Maps does not provide walking navigation in South Korea due to local laws.
  • Transport: Buy a T-money card at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) upon arrival. You can use it for buses in Jeju, subways in Seoul/Daegu/Gwangju, and even taxis.

Best Time to Visit: To capture the “Spring” vibe of the show, visit Jeju in late March to early April for the canola flowers and cherry blossoms. For the moody “Autumn” scenes, October is perfect for silver grass (pampas) viewing on the oreums.

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