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| Where Was XO, Kitty Season 3 Filmed? Inside the Real Seoul Locations Behind Netflix’s 2026 Hit. (Credits: Netflix) |
Netflix’s XO, Kitty Season 3 returns with its most grounded chapter yet, and while the plot remains tightly guarded, the real-world backdrop is doing just as much storytelling as the cast. Seoul once again anchors the series—not as a postcard, but as a lived-in city where quiet alleys, neon districts and riverside pauses shape Kitty’s final year.
Production kept several locations undisclosed during filming to avoid disruption, but enough has surfaced to map out where the story unfolds—and what viewers can realistically visit.
The third season tracks Kitty’s final year at KISS, pushing her into decisions about identity, relationships and what comes next. The emotional stakes are higher, with the dynamic between Anna Cathcart, Sang Heon Lee and Minyeong Choi evolving beyond impulsive romance into something more deliberate.
Meanwhile, Lana Condor steps in with a more prominent role, linking Kitty’s journey back to the wider To All the Boys universe with a steadier, more reflective tone.
Seoul remains central, and the production leans into contrast. The fictional Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) continues to be filmed at Kaywon University of Art & Design, whose glass-heavy, open-plan architecture gives the show its polished international-school aesthetic.
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It’s a setting that visually reinforces the transitional phase Kitty is in—between adolescence and adulthood.
N Seoul Tower returns as a symbolic anchor. Positioned on Namsan Mountain, it’s long associated with “love locks”, and the series uses it for emotional turning points—confessions, uncertainty, and quiet closure.
It is one of the most recognisable locations in the show and remains fully accessible to visitors, making it a clear pilgrimage spot for fans retracing key scenes.
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The futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza adds a different layer. Its sweeping curves and illuminated nightscape create a contrast against the show’s emotional core, often appearing in party scenes or transitional moments.
It reinforces the series’ visual identity—romance set against a city that feels both hyper-modern and slightly unreal.
Lotte World brings in a more chaotic energy. The indoor amusement park setting allows for tonal shifts, where light-hearted dates sit alongside more introspective moments.
In narrative terms, these scenes often mark emotional peaks—where characters either confront or avoid what they’re feeling.
To balance that gloss, the series dips into Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets. These scenes ground the story, focusing on food, routine and cultural identity.
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It’s where the show slows down, offering texture beyond the central romance and reminding viewers that Kitty’s experience in Korea is also about connection and belonging.
Beyond the headline locations, Season 3 quietly expands its footprint. Nodeul Island, set along the Han River, appears as a quieter refuge—used for reflective moments where characters step away from the noise of school and relationships.
Its understated presence has already drawn attention from viewers looking for less crowded filming spots.
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The production also makes use of everyday Seoul—residential neighbourhoods, narrow alleys, and low-key cafés. These aren’t always officially confirmed locations, but they form the backbone of the show’s atmosphere.
Rather than staging the city, the series lets it breathe, which is why Seoul feels less like a backdrop and more like an active presence.
Additional filming has been linked to areas such as Sahmyook University’s Sports and Culture Centre in Nowon District, as well as Yeouinaru Station bus stop near the Han River.
These locations add variety to the visual landscape, blending campus life with the rhythm of the wider city. Areas like Yeouido Hangang Park and surrounding riverside paths are also consistent with the show’s visual language, suggesting a broader use of central Seoul’s public spaces.
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Not all locations have been confirmed, and that is deliberate. Production teams limited public disclosures during filming to prevent disruption, a growing trend for high-profile streaming series.
As a result, some of the most memorable scenes may remain intentionally vague—part of the show’s appeal, and part of its controlled production strategy.
Audience reaction has been notably split. Some viewers praise the series for turning Seoul into a character in its own right, arguing that the locations add emotional depth and authenticity. Others, particularly online, have pointed out that the polished presentation risks idealising the city, creating a version of Seoul that feels curated rather than fully real.
There is also growing interest among fans attempting to track down exact filming spots, with discussions ranging from detailed location breakdowns to speculation about unconfirmed scenes.
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| Netflix |
For many, however, the appeal is simpler. The series offers a version of Seoul that feels both aspirational and accessible. It invites viewers to imagine themselves in those spaces—walking the same streets, standing in the same quiet corners, or placing a lock at N Seoul Tower.
As XO, Kitty Season 3 moves into its final-school-year arc, the city around Kitty becomes more than scenery.
It mirrors her uncertainty, her growth, and the sense that time is running out to decide what matters. That balance—between spectacle and intimacy—is what keeps the series quietly compelling.
And if you’ve been watching and thinking about booking that trip, you’re not alone. The real question now is not just where it was filmed, but which of these places you’d actually visit first—and whether the reality matches the version you’ve been seeing on screen.