 |
| Where Was The Manipulated Filmed? Explore All Shooting Locations of the Hit K-Drama |
The Korean thriller The Manipulated (조각도시) isn’t just captivating for its revenge-fuelled plot and powerhouse performances from Ji Chang Wook and Do Kyung Soo — it’s also a visual treat for anyone who loves exploring Korea’s stunning cityscapes.
While the production kept many of its drama shooting spots under wraps during filming (to keep over-excited fans from interrupting the crew, naturally), several filming locations have now been confirmed.
From Seoul’s buzzing districts to historical sites in Gwangju and scenic corners of Gangwon-do, fans can actually trace Park Tae Jung’s journey across the country.
If you’ve been thinking of taking a K-drama-themed trip to South Korea, this list might just end up on your bucket list. Let’s dive in!
🏙️ 1. YTN News Square (상암산로 66, Mapo-gu, Seoul)
 |
Located in the media district of Sangam, this area is home to multiple broadcasting buildings and is instantly recognisable for its sleek, modern skyline.
The drama used this location to depict the bustling corporate world connected to An Yo Han’s (Do Kyung Soo) data empire.
The building’s sharp glass reflections perfectly complement the cold, manipulative energy of the series.
🏢 2. Conrad Seoul (Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu)
 |
One of Seoul’s most luxurious hotels, Conrad Seoul appears in several scenes showcasing high-level business meetings and the elite lifestyle of the show’s key antagonist.
Its sweeping views over the Han River and futuristic interiors make it an ideal setting for scenes that ooze power and wealth — perfectly matching An Yo Han’s calculated character.
🏪 3. GS25 Daeryung Post Branch (Guro-gu, Seoul)
 |
Yes, even convenience stores get screen time!
This unassuming GS25 branch in Guro Digital Complex was used for several day-to-day scenes involving Park Tae Jung.
It brings a slice of realism to the drama — after all, what’s a modern K-drama without at least one late-night convenience store moment?
🌳 4. Seosomun Historical Park (Jung-gu, Seoul)
 |
This tranquil park, located near City Hall, serves as one of the more emotionally charged backdrops of the show.
Known for its quiet pathways and memorial structures, it symbolises reflection and loss — a fitting choice for The Manipulated, where themes of guilt and redemption constantly overlap.
🏚️ 5. Samyoung Machinery Building (Euljiro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul)
 |
Once an old factory now closed down, this building provided the perfect raw and gritty atmosphere for The Manipulated’s darker scenes.
Its concrete corridors and aged textures mirror the decaying moral compass of several characters.
Industrial Euljiro, often nicknamed “Hipjiro,” is a favourite for filmmakers looking for that retro Seoul vibe.
☕ 6. Hollys Coffee Songpa Geoyeo Branch (Ogeum-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul)
 |
Fans might remember this one from a quiet yet intense confrontation scene.
Located just a minute from Geoyeo Station, this café blends everyday normalcy with underlying tension — the kind of “seems-casual-but-isn’t” moment that the series loves to pull off.
🎬 7. Joy Madang Studio (Paju-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do)
 |
This popular filming studio in Paju has hosted many drama productions, and The Manipulated is no exception.
Its flexible studio spaces were likely used for indoor sequences and controlled lighting setups, especially the prison interiors and high-tech office rooms.
🏢 8. Daehwa Plaza (Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do)
 |
A commercial complex that appears briefly in urban chase scenes, Daehwa Plaza gives off that suburban corporate aesthetic, contrasting with Seoul’s central districts.
Perfect for the moments where Park Tae Jung’s escape crosses into the outskirts of the city.
🏘️ 9. Jungang-ro 77beon-gil (Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do)
 |
This charming street in Chuncheon brings a calmer, small-town atmosphere — a stark contrast to the drama’s chaotic tension.
The scenes here represent fleeting moments of peace or flashbacks to life before everything went wrong.
⛓️ 10. (Old) Gwangju Prison (Munheung-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju)
 |
Arguably the most significant filming site, the old Gwangju Prison provides the grim, claustrophobic backdrop for Park Tae Jung’s imprisonment.
It’s no longer in operation and now serves as a heritage site, occasionally used for film and drama shoots.
The structure’s haunting stillness amplifies the emotional weight of Ji Chang Wook’s performance — truly one of the most memorable settings in The Manipulated.
✈️ Planning a Drama Tour?
The best part? Many of these spots — especially the parks, cafés, and exteriors — are open to the public.
Whether you’re in Seoul for shopping or sightseeing, it’s easy to include a few The Manipulated landmarks in your trip.
Just remember, not all filming spots were publicly announced during production for safety reasons, so treat these places with respect if you visit.
🎥 About The Manipulated
-
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Revenge
-
Episodes: 12
-
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
-
Main Cast: Ji Chang Wook as Park Tae Jung, Do Kyung Soo as An Yo Han
-
Directors: Park Shin Woo & Kim Chang Joo
-
Premiere Date: 5 November 2025
The series follows Park Tae Jung, an ordinary man framed for a violent crime he didn’t commit, and his pursuit of the genius manipulator behind it all — the enigmatic An Yo Han.
Expect mystery, betrayal, and more twists than you can count.
So, which location would you love to visit first — the luxurious Conrad Seoul or the eerie Gwangju Prison? Either way, it’s time to add The Manipulated filming tour to your next Korea itinerary