The 2015 drama, “She Was Pretty” was a huge hit in Korea. A romantic comedy, the plucky, freckled fashion magazine intern, Kim Hyejin (Hwang Jung Eum) won the hearts of viewers with her bright attitude and beautiful personality. Let’s explore Seochon and visit filming locations from the drama, including Hyejin’s house.
The name “Seochon” is a reference to its geographical location. Seochon is located to the east of Inwangsan Mountain and west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Even in the olden days of the Joseon Dynasty, the area was famous for its clean air and pure water so artists and literary types flocked here. There are also buildings here that have historical significance.
Tour Course
Seochon Village (Orgel 4757 -> Yeonghwaru Restaurant -> Yun Dong-Ju Literature House->Byeokchoji culture Arboretum->Yangpyeong Dumulmeori->Gangmun Beach)
Orgel 4757
Once at the three-way intersection leading to Suseong-Dong valley, if you turn slightly to the left, you will see small and adorable two story house. This is the house of two characters from “She Was Pretty,” Hyejin and Hari. This is the most popular of Seochon’s filming locations from the drama. In the drama, the two friends are often seen chatting or sitting here. The table outside the house is where the relationship between characters Shinhyuk and Hyejin blossomed during their late night talks. In real life, the building isn’t actually a home, but a store that sells music boxes. The owner of the store personally travels to flea markets in Europe and collects vintage products and also builds music boxes to sell.
Yeonghwaru Restaurant
Yeonghwaru Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant where two of the supporting characters in “She Was Pretty” had their first date. Junwu (Park Yu Hwan) and Han Seol (Shin, Hae Sun) are co-workers at Most magazine and they eat fire jjamppong (extra spicy seafood noodle soup) here. The restaurant has been a Seochon fixture for over 30 years. It is a beloved eatery and it has been used as a filming location for many dramas and movies for many years. The restaurant is a one-story building with a total of 10 tables. Because the indoor space is fairly small compared to the number of customers who frequent Yeonghwaru, you may have to wait a long time before you get a seat.
Yun Dong-Ju Literature House
The hill is called “Poet’s Hill” because the famed poet Yun Dong-Ju would frequently walk on this hill in order to get ideas for his poetry. At the bottom of the hill is the Yun Dong-Ju Literature Museum, established to commemorate Yun.
In episode 11 of “She Was Pretty” the character Shinhyuk comes here and takes in the views of Seoul. He had just put his affairs in order and was feeling all sorts of anguish as a result. In the drama, this scene took place in the daytime but it is at night when Poet’s Hill really shines. At night, enjoy the twinkling lights of Seoul with views of Namsan Seoul Tower from the wide, open spaces atop the hill.
Byeokchoji culture Arboretum
The Botanical Garden BCJ was established in 1965 on the belief that nature brings great joy into people’s lives. Located in a suburb of the Seoul Metropolitan area, it is a perfect natural getaway for urban residents, as well as an important habitat for a preservation of diverse plant species from home and abroad. Moreover, the BCJ offers exciting hands-on experience programs, and also serves food and drinks made with herbs at its restaurant and cafe.
In episode 8 of ‘She was pretty’, the character Shinhyuk and Hye Jin visited this botanical garden for an outside work. In this natural garden, Shinhyuk consoled Hye Jin who was unfairly dismissed from her post.
Yangpyeong Dumulmeori
Dumulmeori literally means ‘two water area,’ and refers to the place where Bukhangang River and Namhangang River meet. The dock for an ancient-style ferry and weeping willows add to the rustic beauty of this area. Another attraction at this site is the three 400-year-old Zelkova trees that appear as one giant tree. A privately owned place, Dumulmeori remains as a popular site for shooting Korean TV dramas, movies, commercials, wedding pictures as well as nature pictures.
In episode 13 of ‘She was pretty’, Ji Sung Joon promised to marry Kim Hye Jin with his eyes full of love at this Dumulmeori.
Gangmun Beach
Located in Gangwon-do’s coastal city of Gangneung, Gangmun Beach is separated from Gyeongpo Beach to the north by the stream flowing out of Gyeongpoho Lake. This beach holds the Gyeongpo Summer Beach Festival during the summer.
In episode 7 of ‘She was pretty’, Ji Sung Joon and Kim Hye Jin visited this beach as an outside work. The beautiful scene Ji Sung Joon photographed smiling Kim Hye Jin on the beach was filmed here.