Hallyu Diary Vol.4

Hi there! It’s me, Miru, back with another page for my diary!
Today, I spent the day living like the heroine of a K-drama.

Inspired by the styles and moods of various female leads,
I went on a journey to visit iconic K-drama filming locations.
Even just getting ready had me buzzing with excitement!

For my first stop, I headed to Irwol Botanic Garden in Suwon!
This arboretum appeared in Queen of Tears as the rooftop garden of Queens Department Store.
It’s where the lead character, Hong Hae-in, and the male lead shared playful banter
while realizing their feelings for each other were beginning to unfold.

Inspired by the chic, poised CEO Hong Hae-in,
I styled myself in classy all-black and pearl earrings before heading off for the garden.
With soft music playing in my ears, the path I was walking seemed straight out of TV,
and I found myself slipping into Queen Mode.

As I walked, I noticed how well-maintained the themed gardens and trails were,
and it was clear why this place was a true escape even on a weekday.
What’s more, the Garden hosts seasonal “planterior” exhibitions,
gardening workshops, and small concerts,
as well as other cultural events open to the public.

Irwol Botanic Garden is more than just a place to walk
but a space that awakens the senses.
For me, it was the perfect place to recharge both emotionally and spiritually,
and a lovely way to begin the day with a sense of calm.

After wrapping up my elegant tour of Irwol Botanic Garden,
I headed to nearby Namporu at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.
This time, I would be styling myself after Na Hui-do from Twenty-Five Twenty-One!

Just like Na Hui-do, I wore a striped T-shirt paired with shorts,
and held a refreshing can of soda in my hand!
It’s an effortlessly cool look that radiates the energy of youth.

As I arrived at Namporu, I couldn’t help but think of the last scene of the drama.
Hui-do and Ijin said a final, beautiful goodbye after a painful farewell.
Standing in the same spot, I felt I could hear their words echoing in my ear.

In fact, Namporu was built as a southern watchtower,
designed to defend the Hwaseong Fortress by firing cannons against approaching enemies.
But today, thanks to its peaceful surroundings and wide, open views,
it has become a beloved spot to pause and revisit fond memories.

The Chinese character for hwa in Hwaseong means "beautiful,”
which is why today’s Fortress lives up to its name as a wondrous work of architecture.

Visitors can try out gukgung, or traditional Korean archery,
and experience the elegance of tradition in a hands-on, unforgettable way.
The Fortress itself is also a popular picnic destination with nighttime openings,
which allow visitors to enjoy two very different atmospheres.

In such a beautiful place, I thought that instead of saying goodbye,
it would be better if the characters had fallen in love to share a sweet date once again.

Next up was Uljiro, where I headed to in search of location from Hotel del Luna!
Remember the scene where Jang Man-wol and Goo Chan-sung sat across
from each other at a porridge shop, engrossed in conversation?
That moment was filmed at Hyemindang, located in Jongno, Seoul.

In keeping with the drama’s blend of past and present,
I stopped by a costume rental shop in Ikseon-dong to pick out vintage clothes and accessories,
creating a chic and elegant Jang Man-wol-inspired retro look.

When I arrived at Hyemindang channeling my inner Man-wol,
I felt as if I were stepping into the world of the drama,
thanks to the time-honored charm and historically beautiful atmosphere!

The place sits on the site of Hyeminseo, an institution from the Joseon Dynasty
that provided medical care and relief to the people.
Today, the building has been renovated to keep much of its original structure and mood, and is run as a retro café.

Perhaps because of that, the grain of aged wood and the soft lighting
made it feel as if I weren’t just here for a visit but that I was transported back in time.

To become Kim Yu-mi, the heroine from Yumi’s Cells, I transformed into a career woman
who holds on to her dreams even in everyday life, before heading to Paju Book City.
To dress as a casual yet effortless career woman like Yu-mi,
I paired a comfortable blouse with slacks for a naturally polished look.

Home to numerous publishers, printing houses, and bookstores,
Paju Book City is South Korea’s flagship publishing hub, almost like a quiet city of books.
It hosts the Forest of Wisdom, a large, open library space accessible to everyone.
In the drama, it appeared as a book café run by a publishing company.

This was where Yu-mi, back when she worked in the accounting team,
opened up to the male lead, Yoo Babi, about her long-cherished dream of becoming a writer.
Thinking of that scene, I wondered to myself, "What do I really want in life?”

Just as Yu-mi slowly but surely began to pursue her dream after that moment,
being in this space inspired me to reflect on the possibilities and desires
inside of me. I’m so glad I made the trip out here!