Travel

Travel to the Stunning Lovely Runner Shooting Locations Across Korea

Published

2m ago

May 13, 2024 / 1372 Views

Quickly climbing the charts among K-drama fans, Lovely Runner is a romance drama with a sci-fi twist involving time Travel. Adapted from the web novel The Best of Tomorrow by Kim Bbang, the story revolves around Ryu Sun-jae, a K-pop idol, and his biggest and most ardent admirer, Im Sol. A childhood accident leaves Im Sol paralysed, shattering her dreams of becoming a film director. Yet, she finds solace in Ryu Sun-jae’s music. But tragedy strikes when Ryu Sun-jae dies. Miraculously, Im Sol Travels back in time, determined to save her idol and prevent her own accident. Will love blossom between them, and can they rewrite their destinies for a happy ending? Only time will tell! But until then, we are here to give you a glimpse of some of the filming locations of Lovely Runner in Korea.

For those planning a visit, here’s our beginner’s guide to unlocking K-wonders – getting a South Korean tourist visa for Indians.

Lovely Runner: Cast, release date, and more

lovely runner filming locations — Image credit: IMDb

Originally from the tvN network of South Korea, the series stars Byeon Woo-seok as Ryu Sun-jae and Kim Hye-yoon as Im Sol. The drama boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Lee Seung Hyub as Baek In-hyuk, Seo Hye-won as Lee Hyun-joo, Song Ji-ho as Im Geum, and Kim Won-hae as Ryu Geun-deok. The show also features a cameo by Korean singer-songwriter Kwon Yuri, playing herself. Directed by Yoon Jong-ho with a screenplay by Lee Shi-eun, Lovely Runner premiered on April 8, 2024. Indian viewers can catch the series on the Rakuten Viki platform.

With two new episodes each week (Monday-Tuesday), Lovely Runner will have released eight episodes by the end of this month. The last episode is scheduled to be aired on May 28, 2024.

Lovely Runner shooting locations

Lovely Runner was filmed entirely in South Korea, showcasing various locations across Gyeonggi-do, Seoul, and Gongju.

Gyeonggi-do

Episode 4 features a scene with Kim Tae-sung and Im Sol at Sihyang, a Pet-friendly restaurant in Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do. This popular spot offers separate menus for Pets and even provides Pet beds near tables. Another scene in episode 5 shows Ryu Sung-jae teaching Im Sol how to ride a bicycle at the Banghwasuryujeong pavilion inside Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. The fortress seems to be a favourite filming location for Lovely Runner, as several other scenes were shot at Hwahongmun Gate.

Shop the best Travel experiences here

Episode 5 takes viewers to Hwahong Mart, a local grocery store where Ryu Sung-jae and Im Geum bond over South Korea’s victory at an Olympic event. Mongted, a dessert cafe in Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, serves as Im Sol’s house in the show. Episode 2 features Im Sol visiting the Geumchon branch of CanMore, a local coffee and cake shop, with Lee Hyun-joo. Another Gyeonggi-do scene featuring Ryu Sung-jae, Kim Tae-sung, Im Sol, and Lee Hyun-joo, was filmed at Caffé Bene’s Mangpo Station branch.

Explore more with our selection of the most beautiful places in South Korea.

Key attractions: Hwaseong Fortress, Bukhansan National Park, and Icheon Ceramic Village

Things to do: Explore Everland Theme Park, visit Donggureung royal tomb, and immerse yourself in Korean culture at the Korean Folk Village.

Best time to visit: April to June and September to November

How to reach
By air: Seoul Gimpo Airport is approximately 38 km away.
By train: Gyeonggi Gwangju Station is located within the city.

Seoul

Several scenes of Lovely Runner were filmed in various Seoul locations. One scene shows Ryu Sung-jae and Im Sol enjoying dinner and TV at the Ikseon branch of Namdo Bunsit, a popular Korean restaurant. Another scene shows Ryu Sung-jae having drinks with his father at Bamnoeul, another local restaurant in Seoul. Lovely Runner filming locations also feature Soegojip, a popular Seoul restaurant specialising in grilled dishes, which, according to the show’s timeline, is run by Ryu Sung-jae’s father.

Explore our selection of the most overrated destinations in Seoul and their alternatives.

Key attractions: The War Memorial of Korea, N Seoul Tower, and Changdeokgung Palace

Things to do: Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, spend time at Bukhansan National Park, and shop for the perfect souvenirs at Myeongdong Shopping Street.

Best time to visit: April to June and September to November

How to reach
By air: Incheon International Airport is located within the city.
By train: Seoul Station is located within the city.

Book your stay at Lotte Hotel Seoul via Booking.com

Book your stay at Lotte Hotel Seoul via Agoda.com

Gongju

In episode 1, Im Sol stops the ghost of Ryu Sung-jae from crossing a bridge, the Geumgang Bridge in Gongju. This bridge, built in 1932, is the longest bridge crossing the southern part of Han River and connects Gongju-up with Jangji-myeon.

Key attractions: Tomb of King Muryeong, Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress, and Seokjangni Museum

Things to do: Visit the Jeonju Hanok Village, explore the Gongju National Museum, and spend time at the Gyeryongsan National Park.

Best time to visit: March to May

How to reach
By air: Chongju Airport is approximately 44 km away.
By train: Gongju Railway Station is located within the city.

(Feature image credit: IMDb)