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| Where Was The Judge Returns Filmed Full List of Korean Shooting Locations (Photo: MBC) |
The Judge Returns (판사 이한영) didn’t just win viewers over with its gripping redemption plot and powerhouse performances. It also turned real-life streets, bridges, universities, and hidden corners of South Korea into a living, breathing backdrop for Lee Han Young’s second chance. While not every filming location was publicly revealed during production to prevent over-enthusiastic fans from interrupting shoots, enough spots have surfaced to build a seriously tempting travel bucket list.
Adapted from the web novel of the same name, The Judge Returns follows Lee Han Young, a once-corrupt judge who mysteriously finds himself transported back ten years to his younger days. Played by Ji Sung, Lee Han Young uses this unexpected rewind as a chance to rewrite his legacy.
Alongside him, Park Hee Soon plays Kang Shin Jin, a judge operating under political shadows, while Won Jin A steps in as prosecutor Kim Jin A. Their morally tangled world unfolds across some of Korea’s most recognisable urban and scenic spaces.
The Judge Returns Filming Locations
Key filming locations used in The Judge Returns. Many of these places are open to the public, meaning fans can absolutely retrace their favourite scenes.
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| There are 170 filming locations for The Judge Returns |
Seoul – The Legal and Power Core
Teheran-ro, Yeoksam-dong, and Samseong-dong in Gangnam
These sleek financial district streets framed Lee Han Young’s corporate law firm days. The glass towers and fast-paced city vibe perfectly matched his morally grey present-life persona.
Trade Tower, COEX (North Gate), ASEM Tower Gate, ParnaStar Tower, Landmark Building.
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These skyscraper clusters were used for law firm exteriors and high-stakes meetings. The towering architecture visually reinforced the drama’s themes of power, ambition, and influence.
Yeoksam Station Intersection and Olympic-ro
Several tense street confrontations and dramatic phone calls were shot here, blending everyday traffic chaos with personal turning points.
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KT Gwanghwamun Building WEST and Sejong-daero area
Government-related scenes and political tension moments were filmed in this symbolic administrative district.
Anchor One Building, Daeryung Post Tower 7, Centerville Asterium Seoul
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| Anchor One |
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| Post Tower |
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| Centerville Asterium |
Modern office buildings used for prosecutors’ offices and corporate interiors.
Han River & Bridge Landmarks. Banpo Hangang Park, Seorae Island, Seorae Island Underpass.
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| Banpo Hangang Park |
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| Seorae Island & Underpass |
Quiet reflection scenes between Lee Han Young and Kim Jin A were set here.
The riverside sunsets added emotional weight to their conversations.
Olympic Bridge, Cheonho Bridge, Seogang Bridge, Jamsu Bridge
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| Olympic Bridge |
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| Cheonho |
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| Cheonho |
Bridges were repeatedly used during crucial transitional moments in the story, symbolising crossing from past to present, corruption to redemption.
Yeouido Park and Uisadang-daero
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These wide-open political landscapes strengthened the atmosphere of institutional power.
Namsan Park (Baekbeom Square)
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A softer setting that contrasted with the harsh courtroom drama, often appearing during reflective sequences.
Courtrooms, Police Stations & Hospital Sets
Dodamteo Studio, Paju (Office, Police Station, Hospital sets)
A major production base.
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Many indoor institutional scenes were constructed here, including interrogation rooms and courtroom interiors.
Joy Madang Studio (Hospital and Court Sets)
Medical emergency scenes and trial hearings were staged in this controlled studio environment.
Urban Works Studio, Goyang
Used for additional police station interiors.
Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Paju Hospital
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Featured in key hospital scenes connected to major plot twists.
MBC Dream Center and Sangam MBC
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Media coverage scenes inside the drama were filmed here, adding authenticity to news sequences.
Universities & Educational Campuses – Flashbacks and Youth Era
Jang'an University (Self-Realisation Hall, Social Science Hall, Main Building)
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Used to depict Lee Han Young’s earlier career period and flashbacks to formative years.
Sun Moon University Cheonan and Asan Campuses
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Several academic and public office scenes were filmed here, doubling as government institutions in the drama.
Korea Aerospace University
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Appeared in investigative scenes and background campus shots.
Sungshin Women’s University Mia Unjeong Green Campus
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Featured in youth-related sequences tied to supporting characters.
Next.. Incheon
Donggu and Michuhol District Areas (Modern Market, residential alleys, small shops, convenience stores like CU Mansu Sarang)
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These neighbourhoods grounded the drama in everyday life, especially for characters outside elite legal circles.
Manseok Pier and Maritime Centre
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Coastal scenes added visual texture during investigative subplots.
Roji Motel and small eateries like Gichatgil Pub
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These intimate, slightly retro spaces helped humanise side characters.
Hongje-dong and Hongji-mun Roads (Seodaemun)
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Narrow hillside streets and older housing areas created a raw contrast to Gangnam’s polished skyline.
Yongsan & Noryangjin
Noryangjin-ro alleys and Bon-dong residential streets
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Used during scenes showing Lee Han Young’s humbler beginnings.
Yongsan I’Park Mall Parking Area and railway crossing near Baekbin
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These urban transitional spaces added realism to pursuit and investigative sequences.
Restaurants & Lifestyle Spots Featured
Hotel Naru Seoul Restaurant Voisin
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A refined dining location for high-level discussions.
Daedo Sikdang Wangsimni
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Traditional Korean dining scenes reflecting old-school political conversations.
Various cafés in Ilsan and Paju such as Edelbaum Café and Cafe Ann
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Romantic and contemplative sequences unfolded here.
Busan Cameo Location
Mangyang-ro 689beon-gil, Busan
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A brief but visually distinct coastal hillside street added geographical depth to the storyline.
Reactions to the filming locations have been varied but mostly positive. Many viewers praised the production for using real, recognisable cityscapes instead of overly polished CGI environments. Some netizens even started mapping out self-guided “Judge Returns tours,” particularly around the Han River and Gangnam business district.
However, others pointed out that not all filming spots were disclosed during production, which was intentional. The team reportedly kept certain locations under wraps to avoid crowd build-ups disrupting shoots. Fans largely understood the decision, though some admitted they wished more behind-the-scenes location details had been shared earlier.
Still, the buzz has only fuelled curiosity. Social media discussions regularly highlight how the bridges and riverside parks became symbolic storytelling tools rather than just pretty backdrops.
The Judge Returns transformed everyday Korean locations into stages for redemption and reckoning. Whether you’re planning a Seoul trip or simply love spotting real-world drama settings, these destinations offer a new way to experience the story beyond the screen.
Which location caught your eye the most? Would you walk across Jamsu Bridge at sunset or stand outside the towering Trade Tower imagining a courtroom showdown?