My Love from the Star was a big hit among K-dramas in Korea and other countries, especially China. It set viewership and streaming records in both of the countries and was placed first as “Korea’s most favorite program” in a poll conducted in February 2014. It also became the most expensive Korean drama sold in China at US$35,000 per episode! Moreover, American ABC (September 2014) decided to adapt this hot Korean drama for its next breakout hit.
For those who don’t know about the storyline here is a very brief introduction (we don’t want to spoil anything for the future viewers^^):The story is about an alien (Do Min Joon) who landed on Earth in the Joseon Dynasty and, 400 years later even though he holds a cynical view to human beings, falls in love with a top actress Cheon Song-Yi in the modern era.
So let’s move to some of the filming locations!
1.SBS Drama My Love from the Star exhibition
SBS (Seoul broadcasting Service) offers fans a special exhibition experience where you can visit the apartment where Do Min Joon and Cheon Song Yi lived (actual film set), shooting experience in balcony space (Chroma-Key), 3D Video Theater shooting with the cast (Chroma-Key), book of Do, clothing of protagonists and many more.
The exibition period is between 2014. 9.5 and 2015. 8.31 and location KINTEX2 Outdoor special exhibition (From Daehwa Station to KINTEX Exit No.6 -> Bus No.58 -> KINTEX 2 -> 5mins walk or Exit No.6 -> Bus No.39 or 82 -> KINTEX 1 -> 5mins walk.
For more information please visit their official website: http://lovefromstar.sbs.co.kr/main_english.html
2.Incheon National University
Incheon National University has ever since the drama aired, been enjoying a new-found popularity. Many fans are visiting the university to see the classroom where Do, a professor, gave a lecture in certain episodes. The seat where Cheon sat inside the classroom has become a particularly famous spot for a photograph. According to the university, about 16 campus locations were featured in the drama.
Location: Incheon, South Korea
(Courtesy of Incheon National University).
3.N Seoul Tower
The dating site featured in Episode 16 and 18 can be quickly identified by anyone who has ever visited the local landmark. In the episodes, top star CheonSong-yi also wanted to go there on a date, and create a special lock with Do Min-jun to attach to the fence. N Seoul Tower features a 300-meter high observatory as well as various restaurants and shops. Located on the highest floor of the tower is n.GRILL, a luxurious restaurant offering Michelin star-rated French cuisine. Reservations are required. Lunch starts at 45,000 won, and a couple set menu is 320,000 won.
To get there: From Exit 3 of Myeong-dong Station (Line 4), walk about 10 minutes. And then get on the Namsan cable car.
4.Petite France
In Episode 15, Do Min-jun kisses Cheon Song-yi by employing his supernatural powers. This romantic scene unfolds at Petite France in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do, which has since drawn considerable attention online. It was also a filming location of Korean dramas Secret Garden , Beethoven Virus , and variety program Running Men.
To get there: From Cheongpyeong Station (Gyeongchon Line), take a Gapyeong City Tour Bus.
5.Provence
In Episode 16, Do Min-jun faints after receiving a kiss from Cheon Song-yi. Cheon Song-yi grumbles and drives him home. The background of the scene changes from the Petite France in Gapyeong to Provence Village in Paju. Just like the Petite France, Provence Village also features French-style buildings. Following the opening of the first French restaurant in 1996, other restaurants, fashion stores, and cafes opened up, forming this village.
To get there: From Exit 2 of Hapjeong Station (Line 2 or 6), take a red bus No.2200 and get off at Seong-dong Samgeori. And the walk about 15 minutes
6.Ilsan Lake Park
Episode 17 features guest star Suzy, a member of K-pop group Miss A, whose presence causes Cheon Song-yi to feel jealous. The scene was shot at Ilsan Lake Park in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (a satellite city of Seoul). The park features an artificial lake, a walking trail, and a music fountain where people can rest and hang out. A variety of performances and festivals held at the park year round. Near the park are LaFesta, KINTEX, Onemount Snowpark & Waterpark.
To get there: From Jeongbalsan Station (Line 3), walk about 10 minutes.
7.Dongdaemun Design Plaza
In Episode 14, Cheong Song-yi shoots a scene where she performs a stunt, diving off the side of the building supported by wires attached to her body. This scene was filmed in the well-known Dongdaemun area of Seoul. Resembling a space ship and located across from the Dongdaemun shopping malls, Design Plaza & Park, which opened on March 21, 2014.
Location: Exit 1 of Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Line 2, 4 or 5)
8.The Flower Scented Cartoon Cafe
The cartoon café run by Cheon Song-yi’s friend Bokja that appears in Episode 3 is a real comic book café. Do Min-jun visits the café to get comic books for Cheon Song-yi, and she also later comes here to consult with Bokja (a fortuneteller) about her relationship with Min-jun. Visitors can also read comics and take pictures.
Location: B1, 50-6, Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (From Exit 3 or 4 of Sinchon Station (Line 2), go straight toward the Ewha Womans University, Hyeongje Galbi restaurant)
9.Korean Folk village
Episode 11 goes back to a scene in the Joseon Dynasty. Do Min-jun consults with Heo Jun, a noted Oriental medicine doctor of the time, and confesses that he came from a far-away star. This scene was filmed at the Korean Folk Village in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do inside a straw shoe workshop. The shop normally displays Korean traditional straw shoes. The Korean Folk Village offers a great harmony between traditional Korean homes called hanok and the surrounding landscape. Lucky visitors can also spot a traditional Korean wedding or shooting of a movie or drama. Photo zones have also been set up at areas where movies and dramas were filmed, so visitors can take pictures against an array of backgrounds.
To get there: Take a free shuttle bus from Suwon Station (Line 1)
