If you are a K-Drama fan, then you must have noticed the beautiful setting of your favorite show. While most series are filmed in Korea, there are some that take viewers overseas, venturing to foreign filming locations. Although the United States is a popular destination, not all filming locations are based in America.
Production crews also look to Europe for possible filming locations. As a whole, Europe is extremely large, with a wide variety of people. Many dramas filmed there spanned the various cultures and landscapes that Europe had to offer. Central and Eastern Europe is popular, with “Descendants of the Sun” being filmed in Greece and “Are you human too?” filmed in the Czech Republic. However, production crews and staff also filmed throughout Western Europe, showing love and interest for the entire continent. You’ve probably watched a drama filmed in Western Europe and you might not even know it!
So here is a list of K-Dramas filmed in Western European countries.
Note: the terms Western, Central and Eastern Europe have different delimitations depending on the concepts.
1. “King Louie Mall” – France
MBC
“Shopping King Louie” was a hilarious drama starring Seo Inguk, Nam Jihyun, Yoon SanghyunIt is Lim SeMi. The MBC series followed the romance story between Kang JiSung/Louie (Seo InGuk) and Ko BokSil (Nam JiHyun). Louie learns about the meaning of true love after meeting BokSil.
The iconic drama was filmed in the romantic country of France. Although many might immediately think of the capital Paris, filming for the drama takes place outside.
MBC
Instead, the production team decides on a castle outside Paris called Château de Bourron. The location is a charming castle hotel, surrounded by white water moats, and classified as a historic monument! The filming location may not be in Paris, but the vibes are immaculate and convey an air of elegance and grace.
JTBC
This JTBC drama stars the likes of Lee Yeon Hee, CNBLUE’s Jung Yong Hwa, Choi Woo Shik, Park YooNaand Yoon Park. It tells the story of a tour guide in France, leading a group of tourists on a package tour. All travelers have their own stories and they don’t want to get close. However, they begin to open up to each other and let their walls down as they travel more together.
JTBC
“The Package” was filmed in France for most of the drama. The production team toured various locations and showed viewers the charm of Paris and the north of the country. They passed through locations such as Auvers-Sur-Oise (in connection with the painter Van Gogh), Mont Saint-Michel, Honfleur, Deauville, Saint-Malo, etc. The country of France is featured in this romantic comedy.
3. “The K2” – Spain
tvN
“The K2” was a memorable K-Drama featuring Ji Chang Wook, Girls’ Generation’s YoonA, Song YoonAhIt is Cho Seong Ha as its main clues. The drama follows Kim JeHa (Ji ChangWook), a former soldier for hire known as K2. The tvN series is filled with an endless amount of action you might need to check high blood pressure.
tvN
tvN
But for some parts of the exciting drama it’s the beautiful scenery of Spain. The drama was partially filmed in the Western European country, with some scenes being filmed in the streets of Barcelona. There were moments of relief between all the action scenes to appreciate the beauty that Spain had to offer.
4. “The Legend of the Blue Sea” – Spain
SBS
“The Legend of the Blue Sea” starred the legendary Jun Ji Hyun It is Lee Minho. The SBS drama depicts a mermaid’s long-lasting love story. The drama draws inspiration from and borrows motifs from an old folktale about a mermaid. The series is touching as the two protagonists confront the past and work to build a future together.
MYM entertainment
SBS
“The Legend of the Blue Sea” was filmed partly in Spain, mainly in Barcelona, Girona and A Coruña. The backdrops for these scenes were absolutely beautiful, taking viewers on a literal journey abroad and into the world of SBS drama. After the series ended, the featured locations became hot spots for fans of the cast, and especially the show.
5. “Saimdang, Memories of Colors” – Italy
SBS
“Saimdang, Memoirs of Colors” is a historical novel that transcends time and space. The Stars of the SBS Series Lee YoungAe It is Song Seung Heon as its main clues. The story depicts a Korean art history professor’s discovery of a diary belonging to historical figure Shin Saimdang (Lee YoungAe). As she reads the diary, she discovers the secrets behind a mysterious portrait.
Note SBS PD
Note SBS PD
For some parts of “Saimdang, Memoirs of Colors”, scenes were filmed in Italy, specifically Bologna and Tuscany. Through these parts, we follow lead actress Lee YoungAe as she travels the streets of Italy. The backdrop to these scenes is breathtaking and makes you want to hop on the next flight to Italy.
Netflix
“Memories of the Alhambra” had its original run on Netflix and tvN. The iconic drama starring Shin Hye Park It is hyun bin as its main clues. It portrayed the story of investment company CEO Yoo JinWoo (HyunBin). He visits Granada, Spain on business and ends up staying at the hostel run by Jung HeeJoo (Park ShinHye). They become involved in a strange but exciting case.
tvN
tvN
Overseas filming for the drama took place in several cities, including Granada, Barcelona, Girona and Terrassa. The characters not only posed in front of panoramic views, but the production team took viewers to small street cafes and cozy hidden streets. “Memories of the Alhambra” make Spain look magnificent and a prime travel destination!
Where was your favorite drama filming location? Let us know in the comments!
