Important Notice: Please note that I have stopped updating all South Korea-related content published before 2020 on this blog. You may find all updated South Korea travel content at my dedicated, new travel site here: www.thecalmchronicle.com 

In an online poll of  “Countries that Singaporeans want to have an Air Travel Bubble with” conducted by The Straits Times, South Korea scored 40.7 per cent of votes, claiming its place as Singaporean’s favourite destinations after the COVID.

So here are my insider tips of 10 hidden Winter Wonderland destinations you should consider post-pandemic. Who knows, maybe we’ll have a travel-bubble with South Korea someday!

1. Jeonju Hanok Village

If you are an avid foodie at heart and interested in Korean traditional culture, Jeonju (전주) in Jeolla-do province is where you should head to. It is arguably the culinary city of South Korea where a long list of mouth-watering food experiences awaits. And if you are lucky enough, the snow painted Jeonju Hanok Village ( 전주 한옥마을) will be a sight to behold during your trip. Check out our Jeonju Hanok Village Street Food Guide and our 3D2N Jeonju itinerary here.

2. Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm 

Pyeongchang county (평창군)  in Gangwon Province is a snowboard capital of South Korea. And Daegwallyeong (대관령)  is nested within this beautiful county famed of its sheep farms and snow-covered landscape in winter. These enormous sheep farms offer a rare opportunity for city kids to enjoy the beauty of mother nature. Read my dedicated post regarding Daegwallyeong Yangtte Sheep Farm, a delicious Tangsuyuk and Jjajjang Myun restaurant in the region, as well as my recommended accommodation in Degwallyeong at Queen’s Garden Guesthouse.

3. Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌 한옥 마을) in Seoul is a traditional Korean housing cluster inhabited by the elite Yangban Noble class during the Joseon Dynasty. It has developed into a tourist site packed with independent cafes, tea-houses, and interesting shops or museums in recent years. Experience the enchanted atmosphere of Bukchon Hanok village after the snow here.

South Korea, Seoul, Jongno-gu, Gahoe-dong | 서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37 

4. The Palaces

I love going to the palaces in Seoul after heavy snowfall. Gyeongbok Palace is one of my favourites. The frozen lake, blue sky and the red, green, yellow motifs of the traditional architecture make a striking contrast against the white snow. Complete your palace tour experience wearing a traditional hanbok here!

5. Jeongdongjin

Located in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Jeongdongjin (정동진)  is a picturesque town with a train station closest to the ocean in the world. The beach right behind the Jeongdongjin station is also a well-known sunrise spot. Sunrise spectators would take an overnight train to Jeongdongjin station on the new year’s eve for the first sunrise of the year. The nearby Jeongdongjin Sun Cruise Resort is a beach resort modelled after a cruise ship perched on top of a cliff!

Jeongdongjin Station:
Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, South Korea

Jeongdongjin Sun Cruise Resort:
950-39 Heonhwa-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea 

6.Hahoe Folk Village

Tucked away in a secluded valley in Gyeongsang Province, the Andong Hahoe Folk Village (안동 하회마을)  is an idyllic place to unwind and experience traditional Korean rural life. Visitors can immerse in a rich array of cultural traditions such as Korean Mask Dancing and enjoy a wide variety of ancient culinary delights such as Andong Gangodeungeo (Salted Mackerel), Heotjesabap (A type of Bibimbap for the nobles) and Andong Guksu (A local noodle delicacy). Sleepover at one of the traditional hanok within the village and enjoy the fuzzy, magical and ethereal view the next morning!

40 Hahoe, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea | 안동시 풍천면 하회남촌길 63

7. Gamaksan Mountain

This beautiful photo of winter at Gamaksan Suspension Bridge (감악산 출렁다리) located in Paju definitely warrant a mention on the list! It just feels straight out of the Disney “Frozen” to me. The bridge spans 150 meters across Silmari Valley, and is easily accessible from the car park area! (No hiking required!). Be early to enjoy this majestic winter view all to yourself!

365, Gisan-ro Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기 파주시 광탄면 기산로 365

8. Paju Heyri Art Village

Located just 1 hour away from Seoul, Paju is a heaven for any art and book lover. The Hyeri Art Village (파주 헤이리 마을) is home to filmmakers, publishers, book writers, and artists. Expect quirky museums & architectures, beautiful cafes, enormous book store and book cafes, interesting studios and art spaces in this village. Paju is the nearest South Korean city to North Korea. And the north’s winter is known to be harsher than the south, so you can imagine Paju to be a winter wonderland after a heavy snowfall.

There is a “Paju English Village” (파주 영어 마을) filled with European styled buildings to create an immersive environment for the students to learn the language. The space is open to the public so you may spot couples taking pre-wedding photos there too!

Paju Hyeri Art Village:
1652-239 Beopheung-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do |경기 파주시 탄현면 법흥리 1652-239

Paju English Village:
Paju-si Tanhyeon-myeon Uleumsil-ro 40  |경기 파주시 탄현면 얼음실로 40 

9. Seonunsa Temple

Seonunsa Temple (선운사) is one of the largest temples in the Southern part in Korea with over 1,500 years of its history. And winter is considered one of the best seasons to visit the temple as the camellia flowers bloom and the persimmons ripen. The fiery orange persimmons covered in snow, together with the blooming camellias from shrubs to shrubs make for an alluring sight in winter.

567, Samin-Ri, Asan-Myeon, Gochang-Gun, Jeollabuk-Do, Korea |전라북도 고창군 아산면 선운사로 250 선운사

10. Boseong Green Tea Field 

Located at Jeollanam-do Province, the Boseong Green Tea Field (보성 녹차밭) is another beautiful place to visit after a snowfall in Winter. Enjoy a tranquil walk and soak in the picturesque landscape at Daehan Dawon (대한 다원), the largest green tea plantation in the country as the snow turned the plantation white. Do note that the plantation closes at 5 pm daily during winter.

Daehan Dawon Greentea Plantation:
763-67, Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do | 전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 763-67 

All photos are provided by KTO unless otherwise stated.
Please note that information of the article is accurate at the time of publishing. 

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Li

Important Notice: Please note that I have stopped updating all South Korea-related content published before 2020 on this blog. You may find all updated South Korea travel content at my dedicated, new travel site here: www.thecalmchronicle.com 

1. The First Kiss: Hagwon Farm

This beautiful, blossoming buckwheat farm is a secret hideout for dokkaebi (Kim Shin), and it is also the place where Eun Tak and dokkaebi had their first kiss! This lush buckwheat farm is located at Hagwon Farm 학원농장, the country’s largest buckwheat farm located in Gochang county. Expect to see rapeseed flower in spring, sunflowers in summer and cosmos in autumn.

Address:
Hagwon Farm, 119-2 Seondong-ri, Gongeum-myeon, Gochang, Jeollabuk-do.
학원농장, 전라북도 고창군 공음면 학원농장길 158-6

 

 

 

 

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피곤하긴 했는데 세상에! 한시까지 꿈속에서 놀았어요 . . . #감성쟁이으니 #가을여행 #메밀꽃 Photo by @penetrar_u

A post shared by 감성쟁이으니 (@jeongeun_jo) on Oct 5, 2018 at 9:51pm PDT

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by 전라북도 (@jeonbukstar) on Jul 29, 2019 at 12:38am PDT

2. The First Summon: Jumunjin Beach

During the 1st episode, Ji Eun Tak inadvertently summoned Kim Shin for the very first time when she blows the candles on her birthday cake at a beautiful seaside. She then was gifted demanded Kim Shin’s buckwheat flower bouquet as her birthday gift. The beautiful scenery of Jumunjin 주문진 has become a popular tourist site after the episode went on air. People are flocking to the beach for photos that you may now need to queue before taking your photos.

Address:
81-32 Gyohyang-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwondo.
주문진, 강원도 강릉시 주문진읍 교항리 81-32

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by 27page (@___eun.ji___) on Oct 13, 2019 at 7:34am PDT

There was even a signpost that read “Muffler, flower and umbrella can be rented for KRW 1,000 each”, for visitors to recreate the drama scene. After much media attention, the signpost is nowhere to be seen.

 

A photo posted by KEVIN(JONGIN) PARK (@stoneheadboy) on Jan 4, 2017 at 6:47am PST

Apparently Jumunjin Beach has also become a popular K-pop destination after BTS filmed a photo in their album “You Never Walk Alone”. According to visitors, this place is so popular you might have to queue for your photos taken there.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ji Yeon 지연 (@bli2s_) on Aug 30, 2019 at 2:44am PDT

Jumunjin is also famous for its seafood dishes. Freshly steamed giant red crab (홍게), anyone? There are many good restaurants around the area, but Daeyoung Yoo Tong 대영유통 is the famous among all. I mean, look at that drumstick-look-alike crab craw, I am sure it is already making everyone salivate. Crabs eggs come in a dark green liquid form, and taste the best when fried together with rice.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by 대전 유성 봉명동 리턴청춘PT전문 (대전PT/유성PT) (@1st_returncc) on Aug 30, 2018 at 4:26am PDT

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hong_응구 (@iopaesr) on Oct 21, 2019 at 11:29pm PDT

Daeyoung Yoo Tong Crab House
312-341 Jumun-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung, Kangwon-do, South Korea
대영유통, 강원도 강릉시 주문진읍 주문리 312-341.

3.The Church Summon: Mirinae Holy Site

“What a beautiful church!” This came up my mind when I saw this scene in the drama. Eun Tak finally found the way to summon Dokkaebi and chooses this venue to see her beau. This scene is filmed at Mirinae Holy Site 미리내 성지, located at Anseong, Gyeonggi-do. This church was built in 1986 and was famed as one of the best church to visit during autumn as it is surrounded by a thick autumn foliage.

Address:
420, Mirinaeseongji-ro, Yangseong-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
456-932 경기도 안성 양성면 미리내성지로 420

4. Beautiful Night Walk: Cheongnaho Lake Park

Quite a few scenes were taken at Incheon, including this one, the Cheongnaho Lake Park 청라 호수공원 where the alcohol intoxicated Dokkaebi reveals his secret to Eun Tak. Surrounded by high-rise apartment, it is a perfect place to enjoy a romantic stroll at night.  

Address:
135 Cheongna Canal-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon.
인천 서구 청라커낼로 135

5. Eun Tak’s 2nd Part Time Job: Yongpyong Ski Resort

I was once again mesmerised by Korea’s snowscape at episode 9 when Eun Tak left Goblin’s place and started working at Pyeongchang-gun 평창군, a place famous for its ski resorts. Her arbiet (part-time job) was at Yongpyong Resort, one of the South Korean’s all-time-favourite ski resort. Pyeongchang is located at the north-eastern part of the country, which is considered the colder area in S.Korea. Expect to see an enchanted winter wonderland during winter, and enjoy the natural aircon here during summer.

Address:
715, Olympic-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
강원도 평창군 대관령면 올림픽로 715

6. Grim Reaper & Sunny’s Fated Encounter: Yeongdap Station Pedestrian Bridge

Team #JeoseungSunny would know this place best. The fated encounter between the eye candy couple is filmed at Yeongdap Station Pedestrian Bridge 용답역 육교. A place where you can get a glimpse of ordinary life of local commuters.

Address:
159, Salgoji-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. (Subway Line 2 Yongdap Station, Exit 2)
2호선 용답역 2번 출구. 서울시 살곶이길 성동구 159.

7. Goblin & Grim Reaper’s Home: Unhyeongung Yanggwan

The exquisite looking house where goblin and grim reapers stays is filmed at Unhyeongung Yanggwan (운현궁양관), or the Unhyeongung Western House, located within the Duksung Women’s University (Jongno Campus). It is currently listed under South Korean’s cultural property, hence it is unavailable for viewing. However, you may still access to the surroundings of the building via the main gate of the university.

Address:
464 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
운현궁양관, 서울시 종로구 삼일대로 464

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by @hoyul1052 on Jun 19, 2019 at 11:13pm PDT

8. Meeting For The First Time: Samcheongdong Doldamgil

All drama has its legendary, fated meeting-for-the-first-time between the protagonists. Eun Tak and Kim Shin’s was at Samcheongdong Doldamgil (삼청동 돌담길). There are many ways to reach Samcheongdong, and this doldamgil is located right at the usual route I would take to Samcheongdong. I like it because there are many things to see along the scenic route.

Address:
Taepyung-ro 1 ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Anguk Station Exit No.1)
서울시 종로구 태평대로 1가 

 

A photo posted by 김민희 (@chloechloekim) on Dec 26, 2016 at 6:08pm PST

9. The Accidental Summon: Mocca Bookstore

This yellow graffiti wall appeared in the drama where Eun Tak was blowing off the flames on her burnt squid snack and accidentally summoned the goblin. For those who’re wondering, this place is the same location where Kim Woo Bin filmed his Maxim coffee CF. It is called the Mocca Bookstore 모카책방 and was demolished after the filming. You may still see the graffiti at the location, though.

Address:
333-93 Seongsu-dong 2 ga, Seongdong Gu, Seoul. (Seongsu Station Exit No.4)
서울시 성동구 성수동 2가 333-93

 

A photo posted by 전농동 동아아파트 상가 102동 103호 (@moderneasy) on Sep 15, 2016 at 10:21pm PDT

10. Eun Tak’s School: Jungang Highschool

Eun Tak’s school is really beautiful, isn’t it? It is not a filming set, but a real, functioning high school located in Samcheongdong. I remembered visited the school a few times for model photo shoots, and the school looks exactly like what you saw in the drama. Visitors are not allowed during school hours, so be sure to come in a weekend.

Address:
Jungang Highschool, 164 Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
중앙 고등학교, 서울시 종로구 계동 164

 

A photo posted by June Soo Park (@laetus83) on Dec 14, 2016 at 6:14am PST

11. The Library: Duksung Women’s University Library

Remember the scene where Kim Shin was annoyed by Eun Tak’s summoned to the school library? The location of all the library scenes was filmed in Duksung Women’s University Library. The library is open since 1955, with a collection of over 600 thousand books. The library also appeared in another popular drama “Reply 1988” (응답하라 1988).

Address:
114 Unni-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
덕성여자대학교, 서울시 종로구 운니동 114

12. Eun Tak’s Part Time Work Place: BBQ Olive Chicken

Ever wondered where was the small fried chicken restaurant where Eun Tak works as a part-timer? It is located at Gangnam! I haven’t tried their chicken at their new Olive Chicken Cafe, as I am always just a call away from my forever-love Kyochon. But if you’re all out for a Goblin themed trip, chicken and beer at Dae Cheong outlet is a must. Because nothing feels like Korea without fried chicken and beer.

Address:
687-2 Ilwon 1 dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
올리브치킨 대청점. 서울시 강남구 일원1동 687-2

13. A Place Full of Memories: Hanmi Bookstore

I really like this bookstore with the quirky yellow colour facade. It is actually a 2nd-hand bookstore located at a hipster area in Incheon. It is so real and beautiful, you may want to recreate your own Goblin drama scene, just like the Korean couple below. Have fun!

Address:
Hanmi Bookstore, 14-5 Geumgok-dong, Dong-gu, Incheon City, South Korea.
한미서점.인천시 동구 금곡동 14-5

 

A photo posted by 럽스타그램/데이트코스 (@subongpark) on Jan 1, 2017 at 5:17am PST

 

A photo posted by 럽스타그램/데이트코스 (@subongpark) on Jan 1, 2017 at 9:59pm PST

14. Fall in Love Again: Woljeongsa Temple

I was once again mesmerised by Korea’s snowscape at episode 9 when Eun Tak left Goblin’s place and started working at Pyeongchang-gun (평창군), a place famous for its ski resort. Look at the screen grabs again! The shots taken there are so magical, they make me want to brave the snowstorm and visit Pyeongchang right now. Many of the snow scenes were taken at Woljeongsa Temple 월정사, where its snowscape is known to be one of the best in South Korea. If you’re thinking of doing a temple stay during winter, I believe Woljeongsa is a good choice!

Address:
63-1 Woljeong-sa, Dongsan-ri, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwondo.
월정사, 오대산 강원도 평창군 진부면 동산리 63-1.

 

A photo posted by @itplace on Dec 27, 2016 at 1:30am PST