When a K-drama goes viral, the filming locations become popular tourist destinations for both domestic and international fans. Aside from national landmarks and restaurants, there is another type of location that may entice K-drama fans: libraries. That’s correct! These book-hosting spaces are on a whole new level of K-drama aesthetics, whether it’s a public library, a bookstore, or one that was specifically built to be part of the main character’s home study.
Here are eight stunning K-drama libraries where we’d love to study! (You wouldn’t, wouldn’t you?)
1-2. “The King: Eternal Monarch” – Hallim library and Lee Gon’s study,
Lee Gon (Lee Min Ho) and Jung Tae Eul (Kim Go Eun) meet in secret at Hallim library in “The King: Eternal Monarch.” This library is one of Suwon’s public libraries, located in the Gwonseon district’s Gokseon neighborhood. The library is “a space for nature, culture, and people to communicate,” as its motto suggests.
But wait, there’s more! Lee Gon’s marvelous private study, though fictitious, is another book-filled location in this drama. The architecture combines authenticity and wisdom, making every bookworm fall in love with its charms at first sight.
3. Seoul Book Repository’s “Hotel Del Luna”
If you’ve seen “Hotel Del Luna,” you’ll know that the residents of this establishment work on unfinished business within the establishment. One ghost’s dying wish is to read all the books she never got around to reading during her lifetime. The real-life Seoul Book Repository, also known as Seoul Book Bogo, is featured in the drama to satisfy this ghost’s thirst for knowledge. It is well-known for being Seoul’s first secondhand bookstore, and it is located in the Songpa district’s Sincheon neighborhood. It was previously a warehouse.
- Do Min Joon’s study “My Love From The Star”
Min Joon’s (Kim Soo Hyun) study is another perfect on-set design that we swear exists somewhere in Korea. In fact, this study (along with the drama) was so popular that it was displayed at an exhibition at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Many lucky fans were able to attend the exhibition and take memorable photos of the fascinating room that reflects intellect and poise, two characteristics that perfectly describe Kim Soo Hyun’s character.
5. “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” – Uijeongbu Art Library
Moon Kang Tae (Kim Soo Hyun), his brother Sang Tae (Oh Jung Se), and author Go Moon Young (Seo Ye Ji) visit this library to research children’s book illustrations. The mesmerizing place is labeled as an art library and aims to embrace culture, art, knowledge, and transgenerational experiences in an attempt to channel talent and make dreams come true. It is located in the Gyeonggi province.
6. “The Devil Judge” – Kang Yo Han’s chambers
Judge Kang Yo Han (Ji Sung) may not have filmed scenes in a library, but he sure knows how to own the class-act chambers. The library makes up the majority of the office’s decor, and its dark theme complements both the storyline and the protagonist’s strong personality, which sends shivers down the spines of both his defendants and the audience.
7. “She Was Pretty” – Forest of Wisdom
This filming location has undoubtedly hosted a long list of famous K-dramas, including Kim Hye Jin (Hwang Jung Eum), who gets lost in her book at this library in “She Was Pretty.” Forest of Wisdom is unique in that it is neither a library nor a bookstore. In fact, books in this location cannot be purchased or borrowed. Instead, visitors are welcome to come and read, drink coffee, organize events, and, of course, watch K-dramas. This literary site is in Paju, in a cultural complex called Paju Book City, which is dedicated to books from creation to publication and marketing.
8. “Chicago Typewriter” – Han Se Joo’s study
Let’s be clear: Han Se Joo (Yoo Ah In) doesn’t have a library; he lives in one. That’s right, our main character’s entire home is designed to look like a library. The framework screams vintage, which fits with the drama’s nod to the 1930s. Furthermore, all partitions and walls have been converted into bookcases. What a bibliophile’s ultimate fantasy!
