From Reel To Real, Descendants of the Sun stars Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo tied the knot on October 31. The wedding happened at Shilla Hotel. It was a private event for close friends.
(Image Source: AsiaOne)
Some of the famous celebrities that went to the special occassion were Chinese actress Zhang Zi Yi, their best friends Lee Kwang Soo and Yoo Ah In, Running Man family – Yoo Jae Suk, Kim Jong Kook, Ji Suk Jin, HaHa and many popular celebrities.
Did you know? The two fell in love on filming Descendants of the Sun. Maybe that’s one of the reason why their chemistry on screen is overflowing that got them over 40 % in tv ratings and took over International fans. Descendants of the Sun is really a phenomenon worldwide.
(Image Source: KBS2)
If you follow the colorful world of K-dramas at all, you will have noticed that the epic TV show, Descendants of the Sun hit big worldwide and is still the talked about drama anywhere you go. No wonder, really – between the mesmerizing charisma of the two leads, Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo, and dramatic plot twists, there was a lot to love about the award-winning drama. One of the most intriguing aspect of the show were the stunning and diverse filming locations where the intense action took place. If you were ever curious about retracing the footsteps of the show’s protagonists and reliving your own Descendants of the Sun adventure, here is a list of places you might want to check out.
1. Sorae Galmegi
(Image Source: KBS2)
Sorae Galmegi, one of the beloved Korean BBQ joints in Seoul is the perfect dining option for drama lovers who wants to try out delicious local food. In the show, this is where the epic drinking session of the army occured. Song Hye Kyo joined 72 hours non stop drinking in Seoul too. This should come as no surprise, as drinking soju + eating mouthwatering pork cuts is one of favorite Korean pastimes.
Name : Seorae Galmaegi (서래 갈매기)
Address : 191-5 Hwigyeong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. Dal.komm Coffee
(Image Source: KBS2)
There are several scenes in the show that feature this cozy Korean coffee chain. Arguably the most memorable one is from the second episode in which Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo’s characters break up. You can find this branch of Dalkomm Coffee in the vicinity of Incheon Central Park, a lovely area in its own right. Done with the Descendants of the Sun pilgrimage (clearly marked inside the café!), treat yourself to a nice stroll in the nature.
Name: Dal.komm Coffee @ Songdo
Address: 23-5 Songdo 2(i)-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
3. Enter-6 Park Avenue
(Image Source: KBS2)
This European-style shopping mall lies in east Seoul, appearing n the show as a date spot for the two leads in episode 13. As you glide through the lavishly decorated avenues, you can reenact the show and do a little shopping on the side.
Name: Enter 6 Park Avenue
Address: 168-151 Haengdang 1(il)-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
4. Subway
(Image Source: KBS2)
The food chain is well known worldwide, have you been to the Subway? You know, the one where Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo munch on their own tailor-made sandwiches? Pay a visit to the filming location and grab a quick bite! Many recent K-dramas are sponsored by Subway too!
Name: Subway
Address: 707-11 Banpo 1(il)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. Bplusm
(Image Source: Bplusm)
This lush furniture shop doubled-up as a shooting location for the home of a character of Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye Kyo’s character). Between the clean lines and bright interior, no wonder someone wanted to transform this store into a dream house.
Name: Bplusm
Address: 245-63 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
6. Sanjang Bar
(Image Source: KBS2)
This hip bar is located in the artsy area of Hongdae in Seoul. It’s a cool place to hang out, and it was featured in a scene where Jin Goo goes down memory lane with his girlfriend, for which the retro atmosphere of the bar provided the perfect setting.
Name: Sanjang
Adress: 143-30 Seogang-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
7. Songdo G Tower
(Image Source: KBS2)
This modern architectural wonder is located in Songo, Incheon. Its sleek, state-of-the-art appearance is one of the reason why it appeared in a lot of drama. Tourists can climb up the tower to witness some of the most spectacular views of the Incheon Central Park and the surrounding area.
Name: Songdo G Tower
Address: Northeast Asia Trade Tower, Songdo 1(il)-dong, Incheon
8. Taebaek Hanbo Mine
(Image Source: KBS2)
Wondered if the Urk camp base was shot at Greece? You got it wrong! The abandoned coal mine served as the military barracks of Urk (the fictional country) featured in the drama was shot in Korea. The filming set no longer exists, the site will be developed into a tourist attraction aimed for fans of the drama.
Name: Taebaek Hanbo Exhausted Mine(한보탄광)
Address: 140-8, Tong-dong, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do, Korea(강원도 태백시 통동 140-8번지)
9. Samtan Art Mine
(Image Source: KBS2)
It was used as filming location for several Korean TV shows and programs, the abandoned coal mine has been revitalized and turned into a vibrant art hub. Today, it hosts works by thousands of artists from worldwide. You may recognize this site from the show in the famous earthquake scene. It’s not only the filming location for ‘Descendants of the Sun’ but also various tv show and movie such as Running Man, Movie ‘The Spy’ and a photo shoot of brand ‘BOY LONDON’.
Samtan Art Mine has diverse facilities such as art gallery, art experience center, restaurant, cave gallery and accommodation for tourist and artist. This art center supports local artists and makes exhibition for them. Also, the art center was awarded the Korea Public Design Award 2013. This award is proof of success for the art project that turned the exhausted mine into an energetic site for art.
Don’t forget to check out the super nice restaurant space, at an altitude of 832 meters! Artists have changed the once machine-filled building into a vintage restaurant.
Name: Samtan Art Mine
Address: 1445-44, Hambaeksan-ro, Gohan-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do(강원도 정선군 고한읍 함백산로 1445-44)
Website: http://www.samtanartmine.com/
Operation Time:
– [Summer] 9:00 ~ 18:00
– [Summer Peak Sseason] 9:00 ~ 19:00 (July 18 ~ August 23)
– [Winter] Weekdays) 10:00 ~ 17:00 / Weekend) 9:30 ~ 17:30
※Closed on Mondays.
– 832L Restaurant : 10:00 ~ 20:00(After 19:00 or in case of group visiting, you should book in advance.)
– 850L Cafe : 9:00 ~ 20:00
– Art shop and Art experience : 9:00 ~ 18:00
10. Camp Greaves DMZ
(Image Source: Korea Tourism Organization)
Located just two kilometers away from the notorious ➡Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, Camp Greaves used to be a US Army Force Camp. Nowadays, it serves as a facility for promoting peace and security with an adjoined youth hostel. Visit the site, to get the full experience of the military life as featured on Descendants of the Sun.
Name: Camp Greaves DMZ Experience Center
Website: http://www.dmzcamp131.or.kr/
Address: 137, Jeok Sib Ja ro, Gun Nae Myeon, Paju, Gyeonggido, Korea(파주시 군내면 적십자로 137)
11. Zakynthos, Greece
(Image Source: KBS2)
If you find yourself in southern Europe or have money to spare, make sure to visit Zakynthos, the ultimate Descendants of the Sun pilgrimage spot. The lush Mediterranean island provided the perfect backdrop for the fictional country of Urk in the show.
