K-dramas Gwanghwamun Square

BTS Army, this one’s for you! The biggest K-pop group is finally back after military service, and they’re choosing the most iconic spot in Seoul for their comeback concert — Gwanghwamun Square. But here’s what makes this location extra special: it’s been the backdrop for some of the most beloved K-dramas we’ve binged over the years.

Gwanghwamun Square isn’t just any public space. Sitting majestically in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, it’s basically South Korea’s Times Square meets historic landmark. The government restored this cultural gem in 2009, and since then, it’s become a favorite filming location for K-drama directors who know how to make Seoul look absolutely stunning on screen.

Look, I’ll be real with you — when I heard BTS was performing their first post-military concert here on March 21, 2026, my K-drama heart did a little flip. This square has witnessed some of the most iconic romantic and dramatic moments in Korean television. Let me walk you through the k-dramas shot at Gwanghwamun Square that made this location legendary way before the boys announced their comeback.

The Historic Significance Behind the Drama

Before we dive into the shows, context matters. Gwanghwamun Square represents the soul of Korean history — from King Taejo’s Joseon Dynasty era to modern Seoul’s bustling energy. This isn’t just a pretty filming location; it’s where past meets present, making it perfect for the fantasy and romance genres that Korean television does so brilliantly.

The restored square spans a massive area and offers directors everything — historic architecture, modern city views, and that quintessentially Korean blend of tradition with contemporary life. No wonder producers keep coming back here, yaar.

5 Must-Watch K-Dramas That Featured Gwanghwamun Square

The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

Lee Min Ho’s return to K-dramaland after his military service was massive, and the producers knew exactly how to showcase Seoul’s grandeur. This fantasy romance alternates between parallel universes, and Gwanghwamun Square becomes the perfect backdrop for those mind-bending dimensional crossings.

• Why watch it: Lee Min Ho’s charisma meets high-concept fantasy storytelling
• Best for: Viewers who love romance with a sci-fi twist
• Time commitment: 16 episodes × 70 minutes

Goblin: Guardian of the Lonely and Great God (2016)

Honestly, this drama put Gwanghwamun Square on the international K-drama map. Gong Yoo’s immortal Goblin wandering through this historic space created some of the most visually stunning sequences in Korean television history. The contrast between ancient curses and modern Seoul? *Chef’s kiss*

• Why watch it: Genre-defining fantasy romance with unforgettable cinematography
• Best for: Anyone new to K-dramas or fantasy romance lovers
• Time commitment: 16 episodes × 80 minutes

Love Scout (2024)

This mature romance took a different approach to showcasing Gwanghwamun Square. Instead of fantasy elements, the series grounded the location in contemporary Seoul life — perfect for showing the professional world of headhunting and modern relationships. Han Ji Min’s character walking through the square during her career struggles hit different.

• Why watch it: Realistic portrayal of modern Korean workplace and romance
• Best for: Viewers who prefer slice-of-life over fantasy
• Time commitment: 12 episodes × 60 minutes

Temperature of Love (2017)

This romantic melodrama used Gwanghwamun Square during some of its most emotionally charged scenes. The series follows an aspiring screenwriter and a Michelin-star chef whose relationship spans years and career changes. The square becomes a meeting point for their past and future.

• Why watch it: Mature exploration of love, ambition, and second chances
• Best for: Fans of emotional, character-driven stories
• Time commitment: 40 episodes × 35 minutes

Secret Garden (2010)

Before Lee Min Ho’s parallel universe adventures, this body-swap romantic comedy established Gwanghwamun Square as a K-drama staple. The contrast between the square’s grandeur and the characters’ identity confusion created some genuinely hilarious and touching moments.

• Why watch it: Classic K-drama that defined the body-swap romance trope
• Best for: Those who want to understand K-drama history
• Time commitment: 20 episodes × 65 minutes

Why Directors Keep Returning to This Location

The magic of k-dramas shot at Gwanghwamun Square isn’t accidental. This location offers something most filming spots can’t — instant gravitas. Whether you’re shooting a fantasy sequence, a romantic confession, or a career-defining moment, the square’s historic weight elevates every scene.

Plus, the visual versatility is unmatched. Directors can capture intimate character moments against the palace backdrop, wide shots that showcase Seoul’s skyline, or crowd scenes that demonstrate the energy of modern Korea. It’s like having multiple locations in one.

The BTS Connection Makes It Even More Special

What makes BTS choosing this location for their comeback even more meaningful is the cultural continuity. This square has been telling Korean stories for years through K-dramas, and now it’ll witness one of the biggest moments in K-pop history.

Remember when BTS performed here for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2020? That was just a preview, honestly. Their upcoming concert will probably become as iconic as any K-drama scene filmed here.

So, Worth Your Binge Time?

If you’re planning to watch BTS’s concert and want to appreciate the location’s cultural significance, definitely check out these K-dramas first. Goblin remains the must-watch if you only have time for one — it’s the gold standard for how to use Gwanghwamun Square cinematically.

For those diving deeper, The King: Eternal Monarch and Love Scout show how the location works for different genres and time periods. Temperature of Love proves that sometimes the most ordinary moments in extraordinary places create the most memorable television.

March 21, 2026, is going to be historic for multiple reasons. But knowing the K-drama legacy of this location? That just makes the BTS concert even more special, doesn’t it?