If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a live K-drama set, Ihwa Mural Village is a solid pick. The whole neighborhood clings to a hillside in Jongno, walls and staircases painted with murals, quirky sculptures, and hidden corners that feel made for slow wandering and surprise Instagram shots.

This place got a second life in 2006 when the Naksan Cultural Project brought in about 70 artists to repaint walls, stairs, fences, and drop in installations to revive the village. Some murals have faded or been replaced over time, but many are still there, and a few have been repainted to keep them fresh.

It’s also a favorite for drama fans — shows like Encounter, The Sound of Magic, Doctors, and Strong Woman Do Bong Soon have filmed scenes here. So when you’re walking up a painted staircase or past a colorful wall, you might recognize the shot from something you watched.

Naver map: https://naver.me/GzE92QXW

Tips while you’re there:

• Be respectful — it’s still a neighborhood with people living there. Don’t wander into private homes, and ask before taking photos of locals.

• Try to visit during the daytime when visibility is best and paths are safer.

• Bring comfy shoes — the walk is steep in parts, and mural-hunting means a lot of up and down.

Ihwa Korean Drama filming locations to visit

1. Cinemascope (씨네마스코프 레스토랑)
📍 Near entrance of Ihwa Mural Village (by Naksan Park parking lot)
🎬 You’re Too Much

2. Flower Staircase (꽃 계단)
📍 9-542 Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 이화동 9-542
🎬 Rooftop Prince

Naver map: https://naver.me/FkLtnETS

3. Stairs at Ihwajang 1-na-gil
📍 76 Yulgok-ro 19-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 율곡로19길 76 (이화동 9-549)
🎬 Because This Is My First Love (ep. 9)

Naver map: https://naver.me/x7jaFlbo

4. Ihwa Mural Village House Spot (이화동 벽화마을)
📍 57 Yulgok-ro 19-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 율곡로19길 57
🎬 Encounter, The Sound of Magic

Naver map: https://naver.me/xTsL3Lvh

5. Ihwa-dong Village Museum (이화동 마을 박물관)
📍 28 Naksanseonggwakseo 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 낙산성곽서1길 28 (이화동 9-442)
🎬 Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Doctors

Naver map: https://naver.me/FqZJBJ4p

6. 508 Shop (508샵)
📍 9-525 Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 이화동 9-525
🎬 The Sound of Magic, Two Cops

Naver map: https://naver.me/FzshthVM

7. Museum next to Cafe Gaeppul
📍 149-1 Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 낙산성곽서1길 14 (이화동 9-769)
🎬 Goblin

Naver map: https://naver.me/FlceseHq

8. Cafe Gaeppul (개뿔)
📍 18-2 Naksanseonggwakseo 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 낙산성곽서1길 2 (이화동 9-443)
🎬 Encounter, Undercover, Sensory Couple
Naver map: https://naver.me/x1Vv9ID6

9. Oh Cho Rim’s House / Backside of Cafe Gaeppul
📍 Same as Cafe Gaeppul (back side)
서울 종로구 낙산성곽서1길 2 (이화동 9-443)
🎬 Sensory Couple, The Girl Who Sees Smells

10. Lihuazhongxin / 이화중심 (梨花中心)
📍 18-4 Naksanseonggwakseo 1-gil, Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 낙산성곽서1길 18-4 (이화동 9-70)
🎬 Encounter (Boyfriend), Because This Is My First Love

Naver map: https://naver.me/5u9v8yVK

Cafes in Ihwa Mural Village

• Cafe reading cat 책읽는고양이 - https://naver.me/FSw75po2

• Changsin Sungin Quarry Observatory 카페 낙타 - https://naver.me/5pwsxOkZ