K-Drama Travel Guide: Explore the Filming Locations of 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'
The hit Netflix original When Life Gives You Tangerines (Korean title: 폭싹 속았수다) has won the hearts of global viewers with its touching story, breathtaking cinematography, and the incredible chemistry between leads IU (as Ae-soon) and Park Bo-gum (as Gwan-sik). Set across the changing seasons of Jeju Island, the series follows two people as they navigate life, love, and growth.
But here's the twist—some of the drama’s most iconic “Jeju” scenes were not filmed on the island at all! That’s right: several key locations were shot in other regions of Korea, thanks to brilliant set design and cinematic magic.
If you're a K-drama fan who’s fallen in love with this show’s heartfelt moments and stunning scenery, here are five top filming locations where When Life Gives You Tangerines was brought to life.
1. The Canola Flower Field from Ae-soon & Gwan-sik’s First Kiss
- Hakwon Farm, Gochang, Jeollabuk-do
One of the most romantic scenes in the series is Ae-soon and Gwan-sik’s first kiss, set against a backdrop of golden canola flowers. Many assumed it was filmed in Jeju’s famous flower fields—but the truth is even more surprising.
This scene was actually filmed at Hakwon Farm in Gochang, a peaceful rural area in Jeollabuk-do Province. Each spring, the farm bursts into color with vast fields of canola blossoms and barley, making it a popular spot for photographers and now K-drama fans, too.
In the series, Jeju’s ocean was added digitally to enhance the island feel—but you can still experience the full bloom of this dreamy landscape in person every April.
2. Ae-soon & Gwan-sik’s Hometown – Seongsan Ilchulbong, Jeju Island
- Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, is a real Jeju Island landmark that served as the fictional hometown of the two main characters. This dramatic volcanic cone surrounded by sea creates a spectacular backdrop for their childhood and coming-of-age story.
Designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, this area is famous for its sunrise views, grassy crater rim, and stunning contrast between sea cliffs and green pastures. Visit early in the morning for an unforgettable start to your day—just like Ae-soon and Gwan-sik would have seen growing up.
3. The Coastal Village Where They Raise a Family – Outdoor Set in Andong
- Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do
In later episodes, we see Ae-soon and Gwan-sik living in a seaside village with their children. While it looks like Jeju, this was actually filmed on a specially built outdoor set in Andong, an inland city in eastern Korea.
The boats, shoreline, and ocean views were all added using CGI, but the detailed design of the homes and alleys captured the couple’s domestic life beautifully. Although the set no longer exists, it remains one of the show’s most memorable and immersive settings.
* Note: The set has been dismantled and is no longer accessible.
4. The Traditional Market Scene – Daegu’s Gyesan Cathedral Neighborhood
- Gyesan-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu
Remember the lively market where Ae-soon and Gwan-sik sell cabbages and fish? That scene was filmed near Gyesan Cathedral in Daegu, a city known for its well-preserved early 20th-century architecture.
The area was transformed into a 1960s-style market, complete with vintage stalls and signage, capturing the era’s post-war hustle and the hard-working lives of the main characters. If you’re a fan of Korean history or retro drama aesthetics, this is a must-see location.
5. Geum-myeong’s Wedding Church – Gasil Cathedral, Chilgok
- 1 Gasil 1-gil, Waegwan-eup, Chilgok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
The charming red-brick cathedral where Ae-soon’s daughter Geum-myeong gets married is the real-life Gasil Cathedral, built in 1895.
With its Gothic-style architecture, lush gardens, and handcrafted stained-glass windows by renowned German artist Egino Weinert, the church is a peaceful place full of history and light. It has also appeared in several Korean films, including Love, So Divine.
Visit on a sunny afternoon to see the stained glass cast colorful patterns across the wooden pews—a moment just as cinematic as the wedding scene in the drama.
How About Taking a Trip to the Drama’s Filming Locations?
When Life Gives You Tangerines is more than just a love story—it's a heartfelt journey through seasons of youth, struggle, family, and hope. Ae-soon and Gwan-sik’s story gently reminds us of the beauty in ordinary moments, and the quiet strength of enduring love.
Now, imagine stepping into those moments yourself.
Standing in a golden field where their first kiss bloomed,
feeling the ocean breeze that carried their laughter,
walking through the markets and villages where life unfolded one simple day at a time.
Why not turn that feeling into a journey of your own?
Visiting these filming locations isn’t just about following a drama—it’s about tracing emotion, reliving tenderness, and creating memories inspired by their story.
Whether you're a K-drama fan or simply someone touched by Ae-soon and Gwan-sik’s story, a visit to these places could be the start of a special journey—one that’s yours to remember.