Itaewon, Namsan & Yongsan: Walking Through Itaewon Class, HYBE K-Pop Landmarks & Seoul Skyline Filming Spots

Why Yongsan & Namsan Deliver the Ultimate Seoul Panorama

Rising 243 meters at the geographical center of Seoul, Namsan Mountain and the surrounding neighborhoods of Yongsan-gu (Itaewon, Haebangchon, Gyeongnidan, and Hangangjin) create dramatic multi-level streetscapes. Steep hillside stairs, pedestrian overpasses framing Namsan Seoul Tower, and rooftop terraces overlooking the Han River make Yongsan a visual signature of modern K-Dramas.

In Itaewon Class, almost every pivotal turning point in Park Sae-royi's journey was filmed along the ridge connecting Noksapyeong Station, Haebangchon (HBC), and Huam-dong's Namsan Park Fortress Wall trail.

Top Verified Filming Spots in Yongsan-gu

1. Noksapyeong Pedestrian Overpass (녹사평역 육교 — 195 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul): Step out of Noksapyeong Station (Subway Line 6, Exit 3) and walk 150 meters onto the steel pedestrian bridge. Looking north, the avenue curves uphill directly toward Namsan Seoul Tower—the exact frame where Park Sae-royi stands deep in thought throughout Itaewon Class.

2. Oriole & The Finest Rooftop Line in Haebangchon (해방촌 루프탑 거리 — Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul): Climb the hillside road toward Namsan Sowol-gil to find the real-life rooftop pub buildings featured as the second Danbam location and finale kiss viewpoint.

3. Namsan Seoul Tower & Locks of Love Terrace (남산서울타워 — 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul): Featured in Boys Over Flowers, My Love from the Star, True Beauty, and Legend of the Blue Sea, the Namsan Cable Car and Namsan Observation Deck remain Seoul's #1 romantic landmark.

Combining Namsan with HYBE Insight Cafe District in Yongsan

Ten minutes southwest of Noksapyeong by subway or bus lies Hangang-daero near Sinyongsan Station (Line 4, Exit 2), home to the HYBE Headquarters building. The blocks behind HYBE are packed with fan-favorite specialty coffee shops, birthday event cafes, and traditional Korean barbecue restaurants frequented by K-Pop artists and choreographers.

Best Time to Visit: Start at Sinyongsan / HYBE in the early afternoon, ride Line 6 to Noksapyeong Overpass & Haebangchon around 4:30 PM for golden hour, and take the Namsan Circular Bus (#01A or #01B) up to Namsan Seoul Tower just as the city lights switch on.