Your travel guide to 'Perfect Crown' filming sites
The K-drama arena's current obsession is "Perfect Crown," a glossy fantasy rom-com series pairing two of Korea's most in-demand stars, Byeon Woo-seok ("Lovely Runner") and IU ("When Life Gives You Tangerines," "Hotel Del Luna").
Built around a contract marriage storyline, the series has surged out of the gate with the second-highest premiere score in Korean TV drama history, trailing only "The Penthouse: War in Life" (2020), according to Good Data Corp.
Set in an alternate Korea under a constitutional monarchy and centered on royal life, the series pairs its dopamine-filled storytelling with a striking visual showcase of the country's traditional landscapes, unfolding as a travelogue of real-world locations rich in history and natural beauty.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the series' universe, or simply take in Korea's distinctive cultural charm, these filming locations from the series are worth a visit.
As the series revolves around the lives of Korean royalty, its visual identity leans heavily into traditional aesthetics, notably in scenes set at Mujinjeong Pavilion in Haman, South Gyeongsang Province.
Featured in the opening episode as the place I-an stands for the young king's birthday celebration, the pavilion serves as the real-life backdrop for the Nakhwa Festival, a striking display of "nakhwanori" — a traditional Korean firework display in which charcoal-filled bundles are hung on strings and set alight, creating a cascade of falling embers. The display is seen as a way to ward off misfortune and pray for prosperity.
Held annually in May, the festival has become a viral draw for visitors across the nation, though the pavilion itself remains a year-round destination, prized for its serene hilltop setting and understated elegance.
One of the most memorable early encounters between Hui-ju (IU) and I-an (Byeon Woo-seok) unfolds at the Yecheon Jinho International Archery Field, located in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. The archery range showdown, charged with tension, was filmed at this real-life archery training ground that has produced elite Korean archers Kim Soo-nyung and Jang Yong-ho.
The expansive complex offers more than just a glimpse into the series, with facilities ranging from traditional Korean archery ranges to modern sports amenities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in both the sport and the setting that framed the characters' school years.
From there, the narrative shifts to a softer tone at Dangnamli Island, where Hui-ju and I-an share a light-hearted horseback ride in the second episode.
Situated along the Namhan River in Yeoju, the small island is known for its seasonal blooms. Spring brings fields of canola flowers and lavender, while fall transforms the landscape with pink muhly and cosmos. Its pastoral charm, combined with nearby tourist sites like the fortress Pasaseong, makes it an ideal destination for visitors seeking both scenic tranquility and cultural exploration.
Awon Museum & Hotel in North Jeolla Province, serves as I-an's private residence in the series. The property is a restored 250-year-old hanok that now functions as both a boutique lodging and cultural space.
With its fusion of traditional architecture and contemporary design, it has become a frequent filming location for Korean dramas. Guests can book an overnight stay for a full hanok experience on the site's official website, while day visitors can explore the site's gallery and cafe, making it an accessible entry point into Korea's architectural heritage.
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