Seoul · 서울 · Course 1
Seoul landmark tour set to an upbeat rhythm
Fact Check · NCT 127
1 Gyeongbokgung Palace MV filming location
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the Joseon Dynasty's first royal palace, built in 1395 by King Taejo. It is the largest and most architecturally stunning of the five grand palaces (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace) constructed during the Joseon period (1392-1910).
As one of the most iconic structures representing the Joseon era, Gyeongbokgung Palace features the beautiful pavilions of Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong, built over ponds, with their original shapes remaining intact. Visitors can experience wearing traditional Korean hanbok and explore the palace, as there are many hanbok rental shops around the area.
- 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM) in January, February, November, and December; 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM) in March to May, September to October; 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM) in June to August.
- Closed: Tuesdays
You can dress up in beautiful hanbok like the members of NCT 127 and take photos around Gyeongbokgung Palace. It's also a great idea to snap pictures with the colorful dancheong (the intricate, colorful patterns on wooden structures that add a grand touch).
2 Nakwon Music Mall MV filming location
Nakwon Music Mall is a long-established shopping center specializing in musical instruments and music-related products, which opened in the early 1970s. With over 330 instrument shops, it is a popular destination not only for professional musicians but also for hobbyists and music enthusiasts. The shops are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and visitors can also explore the Nakwon History Gallery, which displays unique instruments, and a multipurpose hall showcasing a variety of music LPs and CDs from different genres.
- 428 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Closed: Sundays (with some stores open)
A powerful group dance scene was filmed at the intersection in front of Nakwon Music Mall. You can also snap photos with the Nakwon Music Mall building as a backdrop.
3 Sewoon Plaza MV filming location
Sewoon Daerim Plaza, a shopping center with a 40-year history, became a hub for computers and software in the late 1980s as personal computers began to gain popularity. Even today, you can find stores selling electrical and electronic components.
The building consists of commercial spaces on floors 1 to 4 and residential spaces above the 5th floor, making it the first mixed-use building in Korea. With retro shops like Horangi Coffee, Clock Coffee Shop, and Boom Box, which are popular on social media, it has also become a trendy date spot.
- 159 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Closed: Sundays and public holidays
Just like in the music video, you can take unique photos with old TVs, radios, and turntables displayed in the shop windows, capturing a nostalgic vibe.
4 Inhyeon Shopping Center MV filming location
Inhyeon Shopping Center is located in Chungmu-ro Printing Alley, which stretches across three areas: Inhyeon-dong, Eulji-ro, and Pil-dong. Within the alley, which is 2 m wide and 202 m long, lies Inhyeon Market, home to 110 shops.
Established in the late 1950s to early 1960s, the shopping center was once frequented mainly by printing workers, but today, it is popular among office workers in the area thanks to its many renowned restaurants. The space, filled with the scent of printing machinery and market goods, offers a nostalgic experience that feels like a journey through time.
- 72 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The interior of the old shopping center was used for the music video shoot, and the corridor, with its cool retro vibe, is a great spot for photos.
5 L'Escape Hotel MV filming location
This boutique hotel, located near Myeongdong, features 204 rooms designed by world-renowned interior designer Jacques Garcia. Inspired by Parisian boutique hotels, the elegant interiors leave a lasting impression and are popular for social media photos.
The hotel also offers fine dining options, including the Michelin Guide 1-star contemporary restaurant Lamant Secret, as well as a bar, spa, and other amenities.
- 67 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The music video was filmed in a corridor featuring argyle-patterned tiles. Just like Red Velvet members walking with gift boxes, you can bring one along to recreate a scene from the video.
6 Seongsu-dong Mural Street MV filming location
Seongsu-dong, once known for its shoe repair shops, has transformed into a vibrant hotspot, with abandoned warehouses and shops now housing cultural and artistic spaces. As you walk through Seongsu-dong, you'll be captivated by the colorful murals that adorn the walls.
Over 40 volunteers, including those from Seoul Arts High School and Soongeui Women's University, began painting murals in every corner of the old, dreary alleyways, turning them into bright and lively streets. You can enjoy the fun of seeing various murals, including one from the popular drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
- 28-9 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
As you stroll down the street, look for the tiger mural and the one featuring a hawk perched on a rock from the music video. These murals make for great photo backdrops, allowing you to capture unforgettable memories.
Source: Korea Tourism Organization, “Following Footsteps of K-POP MV: K-POP Landmarks Tour”, compiled December 2024; text reused, the guide’s photos are not. Hours and venues change, confirm before you go.
