Mr. Sunshine Filming Locations Worth Visiting: A Self-Guided Korea Travel Guide
Mr. Sunshine (미스터 션샤인) is a 2018 tvN historical drama that gained wide international attention. This guide does not list every reported filming location. Instead, it focuses only on places that are actually worth visiting — locations that have real travel value for international visitors traveling on their own.
Drama Info
| Director | Lee Eung-bok |
| Writer | Kim Eun-sook |
| Genre | Historical, Romance, Action |
| Episodes | 24 |
| Released | July 7, 2018 (tvN / Netflix) |
| Cast | Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung |
Spoiler-Free Synopsis
Set at the end of the Joseon Dynasty in the early 1900s, Mr. Sunshine follows Eugene Choi — a Korean-born boy who escapes to America as a child and returns decades later as a United States Marine Corps officer. Back in his homeland, he falls in love with Go Ae-shin, the daughter of an aristocratic family who is secretly involved in the independence movement. The drama weaves together romance, history, and the struggle for Korean sovereignty against foreign powers.
Why This Drama Works for Travelers
Mr. Sunshine was filmed across a remarkable range of Korean locations — from the recreated late Joseon streets of Nonsan to historic pavilions in Andong and an aristocratic estate in Gurye. The filming locations are spread across the country, but each one has real cultural and historical value independent of the drama. For travelers interested in Korea's history and regional landscapes, this drama offers a compelling reason to venture beyond Seoul.
Filming Locations Worth Visiting
The locations below are associated with the drama and are real places that travelers can visit or consider adding to a Korea itinerary.
1. Nonsan Sunshine Studio (논산 선샤인스튜디오)
About this location: A large open-air period set in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do, associated with Mr. Sunshine and opened to the public after filming wrapped. The set recreates the streets of Hanseong (old Seoul) at the turn of the 20th century — Western-style buildings, the Glory Hotel facade, a French bakery, a streetcar, traditional Korean tile-roof houses, and Japanese-era storefronts all standing side by side. Visitors can wander the streets, take photos in period clothing rentals, and explore the sets where many of the drama's key scenes were filmed.
Region: Yeonmu-eup, Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do
Can you visit? Yes — open to the public. Admission required. Check current opening hours before visiting as they may change by season.
Worth visiting without a car? Possible, but a taxi from Nonsan Station is the most practical option.
Public transport access: From Seoul, take KTX to Nonsan Station. From Nonsan Station, a taxi is the most practical option to reach Sunshine Studio. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Spring or autumn. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a full visit.
Self-guided tip: Period clothing rentals are available on site — both hanbok and 1900s-style Western outfits. Scene reference photos are posted at key filming spots throughout the set.
Local food tip: Nonsan is known for its strawberries (spring season) and traditional rice dishes. Several local restaurants are available near Nonsan Station before or after the studio visit.
2. Manhyujeong Pavilion, Andong (만휴정)
About this location: A traditional Joseon-era pavilion nestled in a forested valley in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, associated with the bridge scenes where Eugene and Ae-shin's relationship develops. The pavilion sits above a stream with a small wooden footbridge — a setting that has become one of the most recognizable visual images from the drama. Andong itself is one of Korea's most important cultural heritage cities, home to Hahoe Folk Village (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and several well-preserved Joseon-era sites.
Region: Gil-an-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Can you visit? Yes — it is a public heritage site.
Worth visiting without a car? Difficult. A taxi from Andong city center is recommended.
Public transport access: From Seoul, take KTX or an intercity bus to Andong. From Andong, a taxi is the most practical option to reach Manhyujeong. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Spring for fresh greenery / Autumn for foliage along the valley stream.
Self-guided tip: Combine with Hahoe Folk Village, about 30 minutes from Andong city center — one of Korea's best-preserved Joseon-era villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An overnight stay in Andong is worth considering.
Local food tip: Andong is known for Andong jjimdak (braised chicken) and Andong soju. The city center has several well-regarded restaurants serving these local specialties.
3. Unjoru, Gurye (운조루)
About this location: An 18th-century aristocratic estate at the foot of Jirisan Mountain in Gurye, Jeollanam-do, associated with scenes depicting Ae-shin's noble household. The estate is known historically for an inscription on its rice storage vessel reading "anyone may take freely" — reflecting the family's tradition of sharing with those in need. With its sweeping tiled roofs, traditional courtyards, and mountain backdrop, Unjoru captures the atmosphere of refined Joseon-era Korea that the drama portrays. It pairs naturally with a visit to Jirisan National Park nearby.
Region: Toji-myeon, Gurye, Jeollanam-do
Can you visit? Yes — it is a public heritage site. Check current opening hours before visiting.
Worth visiting without a car? Difficult. A local bus or taxi from Gurye is recommended.
Public transport access: From Seoul, take KTX toward Suncheon or Gwangju, then transfer to a local bus or taxi toward Gurye. From Gurye, a local bus or taxi can reach Unjoru. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Spring for cherry blossoms / Autumn for Jirisan foliage.
Self-guided tip: Combine with Hwaeomsa Temple — one of Korea's most significant Buddhist temples — located nearby within Jirisan National Park. A weekend trip pairing Unjoru and Jirisan is well worth the travel time from Seoul.
Local food tip: Gurye is known for sannamul (wild mountain vegetables) dishes, acorn jelly, and fresh trout. The town has several traditional Korean restaurants near the Jirisan entrance area.
How to Watch Outside Korea
Mr. Sunshine is available on Netflix. Availability, subtitle languages, and audio options may vary depending on your country. Search by both the English title and the Korean title, 미스터 션샤인, if it does not appear in your local library.
Final Travel Summary
| Location | Region | Visitable? | Without a Car? | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonsan Sunshine Studio | Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do | Yes | Possible (taxi) | Spring / Autumn |
| Manhyujeong Pavilion | Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do | Yes | Difficult | Spring / Autumn |
| Unjoru | Gurye, Jeollanam-do | Yes | Difficult | Spring / Autumn |
Mr. Sunshine takes its audience deep into Korea's regional landscapes — from Nonsan in the central plains to the mountain valleys of Andong and Gurye. The filming locations are spread across the country and require more travel planning than a Seoul-based itinerary, but each one rewards the effort. For travelers who want to see a different side of Korea, this drama is one of the most compelling reasons to go.
Sources and Notes
This guide was compiled using Korean travel media, international travel platforms, and location-based travel resources. Filming location details may vary by source, so some locations are described as "associated with" or "reported as" filming locations.
- KContentGuide — Mr. Sunshine filming locations overview
- Creatrip — Nonsan Sunshine Studio guide
- KoreaByMe — Nonsan Sunshine Studio visitor guide
- Visit Korea — Andong travel information
- Visit Korea — Gurye and Jirisan travel information
Travel information such as opening hours, admission fees, and public transport access may change. Please check Google Maps, Naver Map, and official tourism pages before visiting.
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