Hotel de Luna Filming Locations Worth Visiting: A Self-Guided Korea Travel Guide
Hotel de Luna (호텔 델루나) was filmed across several locations in South Korea, primarily in Seoul, Mokpo, and the Incheon area. This guide does not list every reported filming location. It focuses only on places with real travel value — locations that are publicly accessible and worth visiting on their own terms.
One important note: the Hotel de Luna itself — the mysterious hotel at the center of the drama — was a purpose-built interior set and does not exist as a real building. However, the exterior of the hotel was filmed at a real historical landmark in Mokpo, and several other real locations across Seoul appear throughout the series.
Drama Info
| Director | Oh Choong-hwan |
| Writer | Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran |
| Genre | Fantasy, Romance, Drama |
| Episodes | 16 |
| Released | July 13 – September 1, 2019 (tvN) |
| Cast | IU (Lee Ji-eun), Yeo Jin-goo, Shin Jung-geun, Bae Hae-sun |
Spoiler-Free Synopsis
Jang Man-wol is the 1,300-year-old owner of Hotel de Luna — a mysterious hotel that exists between the living and the dead, serving as a resting place for ghosts before they move on. Gu Chan-sung, a young hotel manager, is bound by a deal made by his father to work for her. What begins as an arrangement gradually shifts into something more complicated as the hotel's secrets and Man-wol's past begin to surface.
Why This Drama Is Popular Among Travelers
The drama's visual identity — a grand, opulent hotel layered with centuries of history — made it one of the most visually striking Korean dramas of 2019. Its filming locations span from Seoul's atmospheric older neighborhoods to a colonial-era brick building in Mokpo that gave the hotel its distinctive exterior. For travelers who want to explore beyond Seoul, the Mokpo connection provides a reason to visit one of Korea's lesser-known port cities, which has its own independent travel appeal.
Filming Locations Worth Visiting
The locations below are associated with the drama and are widely listed by travel sources as filming sites.
1. Mokpo Modern History Museum (Hotel de Luna Exterior)
Korean: 목포근대역사관 1관
About this location: The red-brick building used as the exterior of Hotel de Luna is Mokpo Modern History Museum Building 1 (목포근대역사관 1관), a former Japanese consulate built during the colonial period. The building is listed by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea and multiple official sources as a Hotel de Luna filming location. It is the oldest and largest surviving Western-style building from the colonial era in Mokpo, and has genuine historical significance independent of the drama. The museum now operates as a history exhibition space covering Mokpo's modern history. A photo spot dedicated to the drama was installed in front of the building after the drama aired.
Region: Mokpo, Jeollanam-do
Can you visit? Yes. Admission fees and opening hours may vary — the museum is typically closed on Mondays. Check official information before visiting.
Worth visiting without a car? Yes — Mokpo is a compact city and the museum is reachable from Mokpo Station on foot or by short taxi ride.
Public transport access: From Seoul, take a KTX or intercity bus to Mokpo (approximately 2.5–3 hours by KTX). From Mokpo Station, the museum is reachable by taxi or on foot within the city center area. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Mokpo's mild climate makes it comfortable in most seasons. Combining with Mokpo's harbor area and nearby historic district makes for a full day.
Self-guided tip: The drama photo spot is in front of the building. The museum itself covers Mokpo's colonial-era history and is worth a visit for its historical content, not just the drama connection. Allow 1–2 hours for the museum and surrounding area.
Local food tip: Mokpo is known for ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab), hongeo (fermented skate), and freshly grilled seafood. The harbor area near the city center has restaurants serving these local specialties.
2. E Um The Place (Sanchez's House)
Korean: 이음 더 플레이스
About this location: A traditional hanok built in 1908, located in the Samcheong-dong and Bukchon area of Seoul. Listed by Visit Seoul's official travel guide and multiple travel sources as the location used for Sanchez's house scenes in the drama. The building is a private event and gallery venue — it operates as a rental space for weddings, exhibitions, and private events, not as a general visitor attraction. The hanok exterior and its views toward Gyeongbokgung Palace are what made it recognizable in the drama.
Region: Jongno-gu, Seoul
Can you visit? Limited access — the venue is a private event space and is not generally open to walk-in visitors. The surrounding Bukchon area is publicly accessible and offers a similar hanok neighborhood atmosphere.
Worth visiting without a car? Yes — the Bukchon and Samcheong-dong area is accessible by subway from central Seoul.
Public transport access: Take subway Line 3 to Anguk Station. The Bukchon and Samcheong-dong area is a short walk from Exit 2 or 3. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Spring or autumn for the most pleasant walking conditions in the Bukchon area.
Self-guided tip: As this is a private venue, do not attempt to enter without a booking. The surrounding Bukchon Hanok Village area offers a similar atmosphere and is worth exploring as a standalone destination. Combine with a walk along Samcheong-dong street.
Local food tip: The Samcheong-dong and Bukchon area is known for its cafes, traditional Korean dessert shops, and small restaurants. Tteokbokki, bindaetteok, and traditional Korean snacks are available near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
3. Paradise City, Incheon
Korean: 파라다이스시티 인천
About this location: A large resort complex located near Incheon International Airport, reported by multiple travel sources as the location used for the Royal Pacific Hotel scenes in the drama — including the lobby, outdoor pool area, and the indoor theme park Wonderbox. Paradise City has its own independent travel appeal as an entertainment and resort destination near the airport.
Region: Jung-gu, Incheon Metropolitan City
Can you visit? Yes — it is an operating resort. Access to specific facilities may require hotel stays, tickets, or reservations. Check current access conditions before visiting.
Worth visiting without a car? Yes — accessible by shuttle bus from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1.
Public transport access: From Incheon International Airport Terminal 1, take the Paradise City shuttle bus (approximately 5–10 minutes). Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Convenient to combine with an airport layover or as a stop when arriving or departing from Incheon.
Self-guided tip: Paradise City is a large resort with multiple entertainment venues. Verify which areas are accessible without hotel accommodation before planning your visit, as access conditions may vary.
Local food tip: Paradise City has multiple dining venues on site. The Incheon area near the airport also has seafood restaurants and Korean dining options.
The main interior of Hotel de Luna — including the iconic grand staircase, lobby, and guest rooms — was a purpose-built production set. This set does not exist as a permanent public space. Do not plan a trip expecting to find the hotel interior at any of the filming locations listed in this guide.
Hotel Seine — a vintage-themed multi-story café in Ikseon-dong, Seoul — was reported as a filming location for a period scene in the drama. However, as a café operating under its own name, hours and access conditions may change over time. Search "Hotel Seine Ikseon-dong" on Google Maps or Naver Map for current information if you are interested in visiting.
How to Watch Outside Korea
Hotel de Luna is available on Netflix in many regions. Availability, subtitle languages, and audio options may vary by country. If the title does not appear immediately, try searching by both the English title and the Korean title, 호텔 델루나.
Final Travel Summary
| Location | Region | Visitable? | Without a Car? | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mokpo Modern History Museum | Mokpo, Jeollanam-do | Yes (ticketed) | Yes | Year-round |
| E Um The Place | Jongno-gu, Seoul | Limited (private venue) | Yes | Spring / Autumn |
| Paradise City | Incheon Metropolitan City | Yes (check access) | Yes (shuttle) | Year-round |
Hotel de Luna gives travelers a reason to visit Mokpo — a port city in Jeollanam-do that is often overlooked on standard Korea itineraries but has genuine historical character and local food culture worth exploring. For travelers already planning time in Seoul, the Bukchon area visit combines naturally with other central Seoul destinations.
Sources and Notes
This guide was compiled using official tourism pages, Korean government cultural heritage resources, and reliable travel media. Filming location details may vary by source, so some locations are described as "associated with" or "reported as" filming sites.
- Visit Seoul — Hotel de Luna filming locations — Official Seoul tourism guide including E Um The Place
- Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea — Mokpo Modern History Museum and Hotel de Luna — Official government coverage of the filming location
- The Cinemaholic — Where Is Hotel de Luna Filmed? — Verified filming location overview including Mokpo and Seoul
Travel information such as admission fees, opening hours, venue access conditions, and public transport schedules may change. Please check Google Maps, Naver Map, and official tourism pages before visiting.
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