Hapcheon Image Theme Park — From 1920s Gyeongseong to 1980s Seoul, the Capital of Period Dramas
Hapcheon Image Theme Park in Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongnam, is a large open-air set that completely recreates Korean streets from the 1920s to the 1980s. With sections spanning from the Gyeongseong streets during the Japanese colonial era, the old Seoul Station and Bando Hotel, to the bustling Seoul streets of the 1970s-1980s, hundreds of films, dramas, and music videos such as 'Taegukgi', 'Sunny', and 'The Attorney' have been filmed here. For period drama fans, it is Korea's most concentrated pilgrimage site.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Location | Yongju-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do |
| Type | Large open-air set recreating 1920s-1980s |
| Key Works | Hundreds of works including Taegukgi, Sunny, The Attorney |
| Adjacent Facilities | Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) set (upper part of theme park) |
| Recommended Time | Around 2 hours |
| Features | School uniform/modern costume rental, numerous period drama photo zones |
Highlights by Era
- Gyeongseong Street (1920s-1940s): Colonial-era Gyeongseong with tram tracks, modern shops, and Japanese-style wooden buildings. A frequent filming location for period dramas.
- Old Seoul Station & Bando Hotel: Modern landmarks realistically recreated. The area in front of the building is a prime photo zone.
- 1970s-1980s Seoul: A retro street with cafes, dress shops, and theater signs. The best area for 'Sunny'-style school uniform photos.
- Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) Set: The main building set of Cheong Wa Dae, built to actual proportions, is located at the upper part of the park, making it fun to explore together.
How to Enjoy Your Visit
- Costume Rental: If you rent and wear school uniforms or modern costumes, the entire street becomes your photoshoot background.
- Work Comparison Game: Before your visit, capture scenes from a few representative works and then find the same spots to double your immersion.
- Generous Schedule: The site is large, so even a quick tour takes 1 hour 30 minutes; if you enjoy taking photos, half a day is appropriate.
Getting There & Tips
- By Car: Around 20 minutes from Hapcheon downtown. About 1 hour from Daegu or Jinju. Free parking.
- By Public Transport: County bus or taxi from Hapcheon Intercity Bus Terminal. Due to infrequent service, a private car is recommended.
- Combined Course: Morning theme park → Afternoon Haeinsa Temple/Gayasan Mountain course completes a day trip to Hapcheon.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an admission fee? Yes, it is charged (a small fee for adults). Please check on-site for whether the Cheong Wa Dae set is included.
- Can I visit when filming is in progress? On days when actual filming is taking place, some areas may be restricted. However, you might also be lucky enough to observe the filming site from a distance.
- Is it suitable for visiting with children? Yes, it's mostly flat, so stroller movement is not difficult. In the midday summer, shade is scarce, so bring a hat.
- Which season is best? Spring and autumn are ideal for walking. The snowy Gyeongseong street in winter also creates an authentic period drama atmosphere.
One-line Summary
From 1920s Gyeongseong to 1980s Seoul all at once — 2 hours walking through the capital of Korean period dramas.
Also Recommended
K-Drama Filming Locations · Gyeongsangnam-do · Geoje
Recommended search keywords for foreigners: Hapcheon Image Theme Park, Korea period drama set, Gyeongseong street set, Korean movie filming location