[WEEKEND GETAWAY] 'XO, Kitty' shooting locations to visit if you're a true fan

A romantic comedy series, "XO, Kitty" released May 18 on Netflix, captures Korea through a pink-tinted lens. Thanks to the influence of K-pop and Korean dramas, the country has already gained recognition among many international fans, but this ...

Played by actors Anna Cathcart and Choi Minyeong, Kitty and Dae's library scenes at the Korean Independent School of Seoul were shot at the National Library of Korea, Sejong. [NETFLIX]

A romantic comedy series, "XO, Kitty" released May 18 on Netflix, captures Korea through a pink-tinted lens. Thanks to the influence of K-pop and Korean dramas, the country has already gained recognition among many international fans, but this teen romance shines a whole new light on the pretty yet unknown parts of Korea.

A spin-off series of "To All The Boys I've Loved Before"(2018), "XO, Kitty" shifts the focus from the former main character Lara Jean Covey to the little sister, Kitty, played by Anna Cathcart, who moves from Portland, Oregon, to Seoul to spend a year at a prestigious international school in Korea.

Follow these four shooting locations featured in the show. Aside from the most tourist-friendly spots, you may discover some places that have missed the spotlight as the locals took them for granted.

National Library of Korea, Sejong

Kitty, played by Anna Cathcart, spends a fair amount of time studying in the school library, shot at the National Library of Korea, Sejong. [NETFLIX]

Many curious viewers wondered whether the Korean Independence School of Seoul (KISS) existed in real life. Sadly, the high school is fictional. Its exteriors were based on an art university in Gyeonggi, while the interiors were shot at multiple locations. One frequently used spot was the fancy school library, with students spending their afternoons in detention or gathering for extra studying sessions.

This modern space that appeared a number of times in the series is the interior of the National Library of Korea in Sejong. The spiral staircases and the polished bookshelves give off a trendy and sophisticated feel.

Since it is a national library, you can chill and spend your time peacefully inside, free of charge. The building consists of six floors, two of them underground, and a massive book collection of about 900,000 books fills the space. Not only Koreans but also foreigners are eligible for loaning books with library accounts, which could be created by submitting the Alien registration card or the residence card.

48, Dasom 3-ro, SejongBusiness hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed on second and fourth Mondays of every month and on national public holidays) Phone number: 044-900-9055Website: https://sejong.nl.go.kr/eng/

Nodeul Island

Two characters from the Korean Independent School of Seoul from ″XO, Kitty" meet while jogging on Nodeul Island, Yongsan District, central Seoul. [NETFLIX]

Although the storyline of "XO, Kitty" might seem simple at first glance, it becomes complex later in the show. Actors Yunjin Kim and Peter Thurnwald play KISS principal Jina Lim and a new teacher Alex Finnerty, who exchange a critical conversation that opens up a new story plot. The river walkway where the two characters' major encounter takes place is Nodeul Island in Yongsan District, central Seoul.

Nodeul Island, a manmade island, hosts many art and music events. [NODEUL ISLAND]

Since the Han River's surface takes up a substantial amount of the city, there are many viewpoints where you can enjoy the riversides. However, this manmade island is still relatively fresh on the list, functioning as a cultural complex. Far-reaching grass yards, galleries, restaurants, a bookstore, cafes, and event venues welcome the newcomers. Spending an afternoon or an evening on the island with a picnic mat and a basket is a good weekend plan to relax. The sunset view from Nodeul Island is famous, as the light looms over the 63 Building and reflects off the water's surface.

@nodeul_island445, Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan District, central SeoulBusiness hours: Tuesday to Friday, open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)Phone number: 02-749-4500Website: https://nodeul.org/

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

The welcome party in the first episode of ″XO, Kitty″ was shot at DDP, or Dongdaemun Design Plaza, in Jung District, Seoul. [NETFLIX]

The KISS Welcome Party in the show was shot at DDP, or Dongdaemun Design Plaza, in Jung District, central Seoul. The blue lighting effects and the sensational atmosphere were a part of the shooting set, yet it is common to see the venue play around with different lighting. The dramatic scene where Kitty and her long-distance boyfriend Dae, played by Choi Min-yeong, reunite after a long time was shot in a space where many collaborations of different artistic brands happen.

DDP, Jung District, Seoul, functions as a space for art and culture exhibitions. [NETFLIX]

Designed by Dame Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-British architect, DDP's exteriors scream neo-futurism with its atypical architecture and silver aluminum linings. The venue hosts many fashion shows and art exhibitions, and you can check their website for information on the ongoing programs. On a side note, a global artist Alphonse Mucha's exhibition will soon begin at the museum exhibition hall, starting from July 22.

281 Eulji-ro, Jung District, central Seoul Business hours: 10 a.m.to 8 p.m. Phone number: 02-2153-0000Website: https://ddp.or.kr/?menuno=340

Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX)

Korea International Exhibition Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, appears in the last airport scenes in the final episode of ″XO, Kitty″. [KINTEX]

As Kitty travels across continents in the series, it is natural that numerous airport scenes appear in the background. Indeed, the first episode featured the famous Incheon International Airport. However, the longer sentimental airport scenes in the last episode were filmed at Kintex, or Korea International Exhibition Center in Ilsanseo District, Goyang, Gyeonggi.

Kintex is the nation's biggest convention center, spanning 100,000 square meters (25 acres). Multiple exhibitions are hosted at different exhibition halls, ranging from expositions to fairs. Some of the fairs held this month are the Dinosaur Expo from July 8 to 27 and Korea Theme Park and Amusement Fair from July 20 to 22.

After looking around the large building, you can stop by at other entertaining attractions at walking distance, such as Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, where you can experience fun activities related to cars, or the Ilsan Lake Park and the nearby cafes.

@kintex_korea217-60, Kintex-ro, Ilsanseo District, Goyang, GyeonggiPhone number: 031-810-8114Website: https://kintex.com

BY BAEK JONG-HYUN, KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]