Showbox’s first Korean drama show, Itaewon Class, remains one of the most popular series the platform has ever made. Revolving around Park Sae-Ro-Yi, this show is a dramatic yet absorbing story of how a young man refuses to bend his dignity for an evil chaebol and, in the end, manages to become more than he could have ever imagined. Along with this, we also see various other issues being brought to light, such as those regarding LGBTQ+ people, discrimination against foreigners, and many more.
Its nature of storytelling, along with amazing character development, made Itaewon Class become one of the best Korean dramas of the year 2020. It was released on January 31st, 2020. Park Seo-Joon plays the main character, Park Sae-Ro-Yi. Other cast members of the Itaewon Class include Kim Da Mi (Jo Yi-Seo), Kim Dong Hee as the evil son, Jang Geun-soo, and Yoo Jae-Myung as the more evil father, Jang Dae Hee. Viewers have praised the show for its selection of actors, who seem to portray their roles with perfection.
Itaewon Class: The Storyline
A good revenge story is what everyone needs once in a while. Itaewon class is a great example of it, as it follows the story of Park Sae-Ro-Yi, a man who stands up to bullies and ends up losing three years of his life.
While at school, Sae-Ro-Yi comes across Jang Geun-soo and finds him bullying someone. He stands up against him, even when his classmates warn him. After a punch in the face of the bully lands Sae-Ro-Yi in the principal’s office, he finds Jang Dae Hee, Geun-soo’s father, asking him to kneel and beg for forgiveness.
Being the rightful person he is, Sae-Ro-Yi denies doing it. His father is later killed in an accident caused by Geun-soo. In a fit of rage, Sae-Ro-Yi beats him black and blue and goes to prison for three years. As if this wasn’t enough, his lover is recruited by Jang Dae Hee to work in his restaurant.
Sae-Ro-Yi later comes out of prison and promises to make a great restaurant so that he can be more successful than Jang Dae Hee. That’s how the new and better restaurant, DanBam, comes into existence.
Itaewon Class Filming Locations: The Complete List
Although it’s quite obvious that the show was filmed in Itaewon, most people, especially non-Korean viewers, aren’t aware of where the exact locations are based. The show features picturesque and cozy places that you shouldn’t miss out on, even if you haven’t watched the show yet.
Oriole – Bar & Restaurant
Ranking approximately 2,737 out of all the 30,000 restaurants in Seoul, Oriole is an Asian and Italian cuisine restaurant that’s very popular among locals. It’s also the place where the 2nd DanBam is opened later on in the series. The restaurant has a perfectly lit ambiance coupled with an amazing view of Seoul.
The ownership of Oriole belongs to Jungyup, the leader of a music group. Oriole’s most popular for its terrace area, which is where tables are mostly sold out. The restaurant is located in the Yongsan-gu district, more specifically, 43 Sinheung-ro 20 Gil.
Undukjib
The initial location of DanBam, Undukjib, is the place where most of the show takes place. Sae-Ro-Yi works hard to make that place the restaurant he starts his career with. We later see him shifting to a different location, the location of Oriole.
It’s a small eatery but has a very cozy and welcoming vibe. The place is located in the same district as Oriole and is situated at 57 Noksapyeong-Daero 40-Gil.
The place offers good food and has now gained more attention due to the series. You can easily spot it as it has a poster of the series in front of it, welcoming all the fans who visit the place.
Master Seoul:
Although this restaurant is featured in only one episode, it’s another good restaurant that could be a good place to visit if you’re in Seoul. But keep in mind that you won’t be able to eat at it as the restaurant reportedly closed in 2022.
There are no updates as to whether it opened again, but if you wish to check it out, the restaurant’s located in another district, Seocho-gu’s 62 Seochu-Daero 77-Gil.
SeoKyeong University’s Bus Stop:
This infamous bus stop has been featured in several series, such as Live On and Ex-girlfriends’ Club. The bus stop has witnessed the filming of many emotional scenes, and in Itaewon Class, it’s the place where Sae ro-yi realizes that Oh Soo Ah wasn’t the one who informed the police that his pub was hosting minors.
This place has a perfectly calming atmosphere and is located in Seongbuk-gu district’s 266-620 Seokyeong-Ro. It’s a 14-minute walk from SeoKyeong University Station, Ui LRT’s Exit 1.
G Guest House:
This is a place near Yongsan-Gu district and is where Jo Yi-Seo first sees Park Sae-Ro-Yi. They meet for the first time when Yi-Seo is confronted by her classmate’s mother, and the argument ends in a slap. As dramatic as the interaction was, G Guesthouse is a much more quiet place that offers good rooms with Wi-fi.
On the show, the place is referred to as Bogwang Kosiwang and is also the place where Jong Geun Soo seems to live. The guesthouse can be found at 14-38 Bogwang-Ro 60-Gil in the Yongsan-gu district.
Seoul Fortress Wall:
This place is featured in the show as well, being 18.6 kilometers long. This wall was built as a protection for Seoul but is now a scenic spot that deserves a visit at least once if you’re in Seoul. The wall is located at Jongno-gu.
The #Seoul Fortress wall, built in 1397 as protection from invaders. #travel #travelpics #Korea #travelphotography pic.twitter.com/Bq9tGUZ2sl
— Tey-Marie (@backpck_journo) July 31, 2014
Jamsu Bridge:
Covering the Han River, this bridge is the place that’s often seen in Itaewon class. An example is a scene where Yi Seo is picked up by Geun Soo. The bridge joins the two districts, Yongsan-gu and Seocho-gu, both of which are the places where most of the other scenes are filmed.
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Noksapyeong Bridge:
Another bridge that’s seen in the series, Noksapyeon Bridge, is the place where Sae-ro-yi goes out on a walk. It’s a popular place as well, that has been seen in many shows. This bridge’s exact location is Noksapyeong Daero 195, Yongsan-gu.
The station that’s near the bridge offers a good view of many towers, especially the N Seoul Tower, which is often filmed in the series.
Conrad Hotel Seoul:
Located at 10, Gukjegemyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, This 5-star hotel is the place where Sae-ro-yi makes a deal to bring down Jang Dae Hee’s enterprise.
Conrad Hotel is a place that offers classic luxury along with pools, spas, golfing areas as well as pristine rooms. The place is filled with restaurants like Zest and Atrio that offer world-class cuisine.
Manmankokoro:
This restaurant is the most Instagram-worthy place on this list. The place is where Jang Dae Hee’s pub operates in the show. Although Jangga Pub may make it seem different, the restaurant is known for the delicious Spicy Chicken it offers.
Manmankokoro-Hongdae branch "Itaewon Class drama series' Jangga Pub"… Glad to see this wonderful place from my last trip! Sparkling heart #takemebacktoseoul #visitkorea #iheartseoul #koreatrip @ Hongdae, Seoul pic.twitter.com/6NbooW7ooN
— Claudine Abalos (@clodenraech) May 18, 2020
This restaurant is easy to spot, as it lights up the streets of Hongdae. It’s located at 34 Yanghwa-Ro 16-gill, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu.
Ssangdaepo:
Another BBQ Restaurant seen in Itaewon Class, Ssandaepo, is known for its salt-grilled dishes. Due to the restaurant having the perfect vibe for any scene, Ssangdaepo has been seen in several k-dramas. The restaurant can be found at 30 Gukjegeumyung-Ro-6-Gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu.
The Finest Lounge:
This is the place the terrace scene from the episode takes place. We see both Sae-ro-yi and Jo Yi seo having a conversation here after they meet Oh Soo-Ah. The lounge is the perfect place for having a good time with your friends, and as seen from the show, the view it offers is priceless.
The lounge is 20 minute’s walk away from Noksapyeong Bridge and is located in the district of Yongsan-gu.
Where To Watch Itaewon Class?
If these scenic locations made you want to check the show out, you could stream Itaewon class on Netflix. The series has a total of only 16 episodes, but there’s nothing to worry about, as each episode is 70 minutes long.
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