Introducing Romance is a Bonus Book (2019), the beloved K Drama starring Lee Jong-suk and Lee Na-young. The story centres around Cha Eun-ho (Lee Jong-suk), a gifted writer and the youngest editor-in-chief in publishing, who becomes enmeshed in the life of his friend and former copywriter, Kang Dan-ee (Lee Na-young.) However, if you’re reading this article, you’ve probably already seen the series and fallen in love with it. And so, let’s take a look at some Romance is a Bonus Book filming locations you can visit right here in Seoul!
If you’re heading out on this filming location tour, why not bring along a friend who loves reading? Most of the scenes from Romance is a Bonus Book were filmed in — you guessed it — book stores and libraries. Therefore, a bookworm friend who hasn’t seen the drama will still love going on a bookstore crawl.
First up is Arc N Book, location for episode 11 of Romance is a Bonus Book. Illustrator Ji Seo-joon (Wi Ha-joon) comes to this bookstore to take a look at the book covers he designed. In real life, Arc N Book is a unique cultural space that combines a bookstore with a lifestyle shop. What’s more, visitors can come and connect here through their love of books.
Arc N Book Address: Floor B1 Douzone Eulji Tower, 29 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm everyday Directions: Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Subway Line 2) Exit 1-1
Next we have Blue Square Book Park, another stunning bookstore and cafe that Ji Seo-joon visits to browse for books in episode 3. Blue Square is a cultural hub in its own league, with huge sections designated to academic genres like science and art, as well as lecture halls, a gallery and cafes. In fact, there’s a cafe on every floor! So grab a coffee, a good book and relax.
Blue Square Book Park Address: Floor 2, 3 Blue Square, 294 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 11:00am - 9:00pm Tues - Sun, closed Mon Directions: Hangangjin Station (Subway Line 6) Exit 2
A smaller book store on the list is Byeolcheck Bookstore, a hidden gem that Ji Seo-joon and Kang Dani visit on their date in episode 7.
Byeolcheck Bookstore Address: 7 Sinheung-ro 16-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 1:30pm - 7:30pm Tues - Sun, closed Mon Directions: Take Bus YongsanO2 to Namsan Church Entrance stop.
Moving away from bookstores, Duksung Girls’ High School is a popular filming location of several K Dramas. Cha Eun-ho and Kang Dani visit here in episode 4, after the latter teaches the former how to drink. Curious to know what other dramas were filmed at Duksung Girls’ High School? Click >> here <<
Duksung Girls' High School Address: 50 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Directions: Anguk Station (Subway Line 3) Exit 1. Turn right and walk straight for approx. 5 minutes
Another outdoor location, we see Cha Eun-ho and Kang Dani visit Hongik Cultural Park in episode 5, to celebrate her first pay check. The park is found in Hongdae, which you may already know has plenty of fun things to do, check some of them out >> here <<
Hongik Cultural Park Address: 19-3 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul Directions: Sangsu Station (Subway Line 6) Exit 2
That’s right. More bookstores. I mean it’s right there in the title! At House in Mind, we see Song Hae-rin (Jeong Yoo-jin) try to reconcile with Ji Seo-joon in episode 13… sorry, spoilers!
House In Mind Address: 21 Changgyeonggung-ro 35-gil, Hyehwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 10:00am - 6:00pm Tues - Sat, closed Sun, Mon Directions: Take bus no. 100, 109, 150, 160, 109, 273, 301 or N16 to Hyehwa Station.Dongseong Middle & High School stop. Walk straight until you reach the rotary, cross over towards the SK gas station and walk straight again for approx. 3 min.
Libraries are often the most stunning buildings, both inside and out, in many cities across the world. Naturally, Seoul is no exception. In episode 2, Cha Eun-ho and Kim Jae-min (Kim Tae-woo) meet for the first time at Kyunghee University Central Library. Just look for the building reminiscent of Notre Dame, Paris, France!
Seoul Campus Library of Kyung Hee University Address: 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 8:30am - 9:00pm weekdays, 9:00am - 5:00pm Sat (semester); 9:00am - 5:30pm weekdays only (vacation) Directions: Take bus no. Dongdaemun01 to Kyung Hee University Medical Centre stop. Walk straight up the main path for approx. 8 min until you reach the library.
Soba Sikdang is a frequent location in Romance is a Bonus Book, appearing in episode 5, 6 and 10. The restaurant serves the Japanese version of naeng-myeon (cold noodles) called soba.
Soba Sikdang Address: 6 Yeonmujang 7ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 11:00am - 9:00pm everyday (break time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm) Directions: Seongsu Station (Subway Line 2) Exit 4. Turn around and take the first right, walk straight for 3 min. Turn left at Udang Pharmacy, walk again until you reach Soba Sikdang.
The stunning exterior of Yonsei University, one of Korea’s oldest and most prestigious universities, has also served as backdrop to many K Dramas. In Romance is a Bonus Book, it plays the role of the fictional ‘Hanguk University’ where Cha Eun-ho lectures as a professor.
Yonsei University Address: 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Directions: There are several bus routes to Yonsei University. Alight at Yonsei Univ. Front (ap), Yonsei Univ. Main Gate, Severance Hospital Front (ap) or Severance Hospital stops.
Okay so this isn’t technically in Seoul, but its not far. Besides, we couldn’t make a list of Romance is a Bonus Book locations without mentioning the iconic location from the first episode! Cheonga Sparex is a special Korean sauna, or jjimjilbang, with spa facilities, swimming pool and even an indoor forest walk! Therefore, it is a very popular location for families to visit with children.
You’ll recognise it as the location of the flash mob dance that Kang Dani joins in episode 1. If you’ve ever been to jjimjilbang, you’ll notice how accurate the clothing is!
Cheongna Sparex Address: 15 Cheongna Canal-ro 260beon-gil, Seo-gu, Incheon Directions (from Seoul): Take the Airport Railroad Subway Line to Cheongna International City Station Exit 1. Transfer to express bus no. 91 and alight at Homeplus stop. Take the first right and walk straight for 5 minutes.
