LMGI COMPASS
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Fall 2024
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and outdoor exhibitions. Very popular
with locals and tourists, it is also a film-
friendly location.
Myeongdong Street. This shopper's
paradise with its many shops and
restaurants is the most touristic area
in Seoul. For big footprint film, it's only
doable on Sunday morning.
Gwanghwamun Square. Also known
as Gwanghwamun Plaza, this Seoul
landmark is a public space located next
to the main gate of Gyeongbokgung
Palace, and is most known for the
majestic statue of King Sejong, one of
Korea's most famous historical figures.
Although it's a busy location, as long as
production starts prep in advance, it's
not difficult to shoot.
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Yongsan—a district which includes Itae-
won, Nodeul Island and Namsan Moun-
tain Park. In Yongsan District, there are
my favorite places. It's the most dynam-
ic place in Seoul. (I cannot say it's film-
friendly as there is a presidential office
and US military base, but it is filmable.)
FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST:
IU, South Korean singer, songwriter and
actress. Her real name is Lee Ji-eun.
She is one of the most famous stars in
South Korea and is often referred to as
the "Nation's Little Sister."
BEST BAR/CLUB:
Itaewon, Myeongdong. Hongdae streets
have a lot of nice bars/pubs/clubs. If
you want to have a 'special place,' try
the Timber House Park Hyatt Seoul.
Although it's like a modern five-star
hotel, it has very Korean vibe. (It was a
location for Pachinko S1.)
BEST PLACE TO HEAR MUSIC:
Nodeul Island.
BEST VANTAGE POINT/SCENIC VIEW:
Naksan Park, Namsan Mountain Park,
Lotte Tower.
Naksan Park is named for its shape
which resembles a camel's back. The
park is a great spot to enjoy a beautiful
sunset or night view of the city. It's also
a popular filming location for K-dramas
like The Inheritors (The Heirs) and My
Lovely Girl.
Namsan Park has the Namsan Seoul
Tower Observatory. The tower is a
famous landmark where visitors can
enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul. It's also
a popular date spot in many K-dramas
and was featured in Boys Over Flowers,
The Legend of the Blue Sea, My Love
from the Star, The Last Empress, among
many other shows.
Lotte Tower is a 123-story, 555m super
tall skyscraper. It is the sixth-tallest
building in the world, the tallest in OECD
countries, and the first in South Korea
to be more than 100 stories tall. It has
retail, commercial, residential, hotel and
public spaces, including an observation
deck and restaurants.
