The 2019 Korean drama When the Camellia Blooms starring Gong Hyo-jin and Kang Ha-neul was one of the most awarded K-dramas of 2019. The drama has become iconic โ a murder mystery, rom-com, and social issue drama rolled into one. Many of the filming sites are fantastic places to visit on their own.
When the Camellia Blooms follows the life of Oh Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin), a single mother who moves to the fictional town of Ongsan and opens a bar called Camellia. She then meets a kind policeman Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul), who declares his love for her. Additionally, Dongbaek turns out to be the sole witness to a murder that occurred years ago. Yong-sik does everything he can to protect her and her son Pil-gu (Kim Kang-hoon). When the Camellia Blooms is one of the most heart-warming K-dramas out there. If you planning a trip to Korea, here is a list of its filming locations that you might want to visit:
Com Com Play at Shin Heung Art Market
First on this list is the Com Com Play at Shin Heung Art Market. This is where Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul) and Kang Pil-gu (Kim Kang-hoon) play arcade games in episode 2 of When the Camellia Blooms. Com Com Play is just one of many good places to visit at Shin Heung Art Market, located in the old neighborhood of Haebangchon.
Com Com Play Address: 171-1 Ikseon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 12:00 AM - 12:00 PM Directions: From Jongro 3-Ga Station (Line 5, Line 3, & Line 1) take exit 4. Then, cross the road, turn right, and walk down the first alleyway. At the end on the alley, the arcade will be on your right.
History Book
In addition, Ongsan Books where Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul) falls for Dong-baek (Kong Hyo-jin) at first sight in episode 1 was filmed at History Book. Although the drama is set in Ongsan, History Book is actually located in Seoul. As its name suggests, this bookstore specializes in books about history.
History Book
Address: 24 Jahamun-ro 10-gil, Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: 11:30 AM - 09:30 PM
Directions: From Gyeonbukgung station (Line 3) Exit 3, walk straight 6 blocks and turn right. On the third block it will be on your right.
Dongbaekโs House
The house where Oh Dongbaek (Gong Hyo-jin), her son Pil-gu (Kim Kang-hoon), and her mother Jo Jeong-suk (Lee Jung-eun) live is located on the hillside of the Guryongpo in Pohang. It is near the Camellia Bar (Munhwa Masil). Fans can easily find it thanks to the sign outside the house with details about the drama.
Dongbeak's House Address: 19 Guryongpo-gil-117 beon-gil, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Guryongpo Park Stairs
The main image in the poster used to advertise the drama was taken at Guryongpo Park Stairs. It is here that in episode 4, Yong-sik confesses his feelings for Dongbaek, but she rejects him to avoid potential gossip that could affect her son. Guryongpo Park Stairs is located at the entrance of Guryongpo Modern Culture History Street in Pohang. The Korean drama Run-On is also filmed there.
Guryongpo Park Stairs. Address: 145 Guryongpo-gil, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Directions: From Guryongpo Japan Street bus station (Guryongpo 2, 9000) go left. Then, turn left down the curved street. The stairs will be located three blocks down on your right.
Camellia
Lastly, the real-life Camellia bar is now open as a cafe. This location appeared numerous times throughout the series and is where the title When Camellia Blooms comes from. Camellia takes full advantage of its status as a K-drama destination. Many of the items on its menu are based on the drama. They have latte art featuring the barโs iconic name and dalgona lollypops shaped as Camellia flowers with quotes from the movie stamped on the back. You can find this cafe along the Guryongpo Modern Culture History Street of Pohang.
Camellia Address: 2135-1 Guryongpo-gil, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Operating Hours: 09:30 AM - 08:00 PM Directions: From Guryongpo Japan Street bus station (Guryongpo 2, 9000) go left. Then, turn left down the curved street. The cafe will be located on your right, after the Guryongpo Park Stairs.
Pohang was also the main filming location for the K-Drama Hometown Cha Cha Cha. To read more about it >>Click Here<<.
