DIARY

Hallyu Diary Vol.15

These days, binge-watching dramas every weekend has become part of my routine,
and often I find myself thinking, “I wonder where that scene was filmed?”
To satisfy that curiosity, I planned this next trip!
I headed to Paju, a city packed with filming locations
from shows both recently concluded and currently airing.

In fact, Paju has long been a popular filming destination,
thanks to its massive film studios and many picturesque spots.
Even today, multiple productions are being filmed in the city.
Today, let me introduce my highly memorable Paju “drama road trip”!

If you saw the tvN drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty which aired through last September,
you might remember the scene where the main character, Lee Heon,
tasted and judged the dishes presented during the cooking competition.
That scene was shot in Byukchoji Gardens.

When I stepped inside, I was greeted by dozens of themed gardens,
each thematically designed that it felt like walking onto a production set.
Blooming chrysanthemums covered some of the gardens in rich yellow hues;
no wonder this beautiful place is frequently used as a filming location
for dramas, variety shows, and TV commercials.
In fact, the dramas Vincenzo and Penthouse 2 were filmed here too!

From the botanical garden, I crossed the bridge and struck a pose inside the pavilion.
Snapping pics from the center of the pond and basking in the sun just like Lee Heon did,
the photographs came out looking like stills from the drama!

I couldn’t forget the view I saw beyond the Paju Arch.
The curved lines of the arch created such a striking pattern that it looked like a work of art.
I learned that this archway symbolizes peace,
and was built using Paju stone to represent Paju as the “Peace Capital.”
Standing before the archway inspired a sense of calm.

What’s more, the Garden of Lights Festival will begin in December.
The gardens will transform with countless colorful lights, creating an entirely different mood.
Byokchoji Gardens is charming in every season,
but it will feel like a magical cozy wonderland in the winter months.

After that, I headed to Heyri Art Valley,
which was featured as a main backdrop for the SBS drama Would You Marry Me?.
Specifically, the restaurant and café from the village appeared on the show.

The village was also featured in the drama Our Beloved Summer
and continues to be loved for its emotionally resonant charm.

Heyri Art Valley was selected as one of the 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots of Korea
for 2025 to 2026 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
and the Korea Tourism Organization.
It’s a unique community where creators and artists from many fields live and work together,
creating a space where daily life and art coexist.
It has become a favorite spot for both local and international visitors.

Since it happened to be lunchtime when I arrived,
I decided to eat at a restaurant that appeared in one of the dramas!
I chose the one featured in Our Beloved Summer and ordered pasta and pizza.
Each restaurant in the village has its own drama connections,
so it was fun trying to guess which scene was filmed where.

Once I was good and full, I was ready to properly explore Heyri Art Valley.
Walking slowly through the roads, I reached the ticket office inside Gate 1.
They were selling ticket packages with access to several galleries and spaces throughout Heyri,
making it easy and affordable to explore the area with a single ticket.

From the available options, I went with Course I and headed to Heyri Trick Art Museum!
Here, the illusions on the walls and floors made the photos look as if I’d stepped into a painting.
Next was the It’s Cola Museum, where I browsed Coca Cola cans from all over the world.
I even picked up a cute magnet as a souvenir to serve as a token of my memories.

After that, I took a walk down the same path taken
by the main character in the KBS2 drama Walking On Thin Ice.
The path was lined with galleries, workshops, cafés, and museums,
offering both art and vibes at the same time.
Heyri Art Valley also offers various hands-on programs like music box crafting
and leather bracelet making, so you should definitely put it on your list!

The quietly nestled Yakchunsa Temple often appears
in dramas as a place where the characters find peace of mind.
In the recently aired MBC drama To the Moon, the three protagonists visit this temple
to escape their complicated lives and clear their minds.

The JTBC drama My Liberation Notes also portrayed two characters sharing a heartfelt
conversation against the quiet temple grounds, leaving viewers with a lasting impression.
Moreover, the SBS drama The Fiery Priest 2 also featured Yakcheonsa Temple,
clearly demonstrating how this was a site chosen by many productions.

The temple itself felt wider and more tranquil than I had imagined.
The subtle scent of wood and the gentle sound of wind chimes created an atmosphere
completely removed from the noise of the city.
After turning off my phone and concentrating on my breathing, my mind slowly cleared,
leading me to understand what a digital detox feels like.

My experience trying out the Buddhist practice of 108 bows was especially memorable.
As I bowed slowly and focused on my breathing, the complicated thoughts
in my mind seemed to fall away one by one.
Physically, I was feeling exhausted, but afterward, my mind felt surprisingly light.

One of the most appealing things about Yakcheonsa is that the temple is dog-friendly.
Behind the temple is a nature trail where visitors often stroll with their pets.
It made me realize that this temple is not just a religious space,
but a place of rest that is open and welcoming to everyone.

These days, temple stays are becoming increasingly popular
among international travelers, and I could see why.
It offers precious time away from the digital world to focus entirely on yourself.
That is the true healing this place offers.
When life becomes overwhelming and you need to pause for a moment,
Yakcheonsa Temple is the perfect refuge.

In a scene from JTBC drama My Youth,
the two main characters are shown holding hands on the night of the first snow.
That scene was shot at Provence Village in Paju.

When I arrived at Provence Village after my trip to Yakcheonsa Temple,
I was greeted by rows of colorful buildings that made me feel
as if I’d landed in a village in southern Europe!
In addition to the filming site marker for My Love from the Star,
I spotted familiar scenes from other productions, proving why this was a drama hotspot hub.

As the sun gradually set and the lights came on,
the village was bathed in a warm, romantic glow.
With the Festival of Lights in full swing,
the illumination served as the perfect backdrop no matter where I stood.

Walking through the twinkling displays, I immediately understood why this place is known
as a great dating course and a popular nighttime destination.

After busily snapping a few photos at the many photo zones throughout the village,
I eventually found myself before a row of fashion boutiques and accessory shops.
Each store boasted stylish interior designs and charming little items,
making it fun just to browse.
Then my nose caught a whiff of freshly baked bread, and my feet naturally took me to a bakery.

I stepped inside, ordered a coffee and a freshly baked pastry, and took a moment to rest.
The blend of warm coffee aroma and freshly baked bread smelled heavenly,
and I could feel the fatigue from a full day of walking gently melt away.
Looking out the window at the gorgeous view,
I realized that winter in Paju might be lovely, too.