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| Where Was The East Palace Filmed? Every Known 2026 Korean Drama Shooting Location Revealed. (Netflix) |
The haunting beauty of The East Palace (동궁) has become almost as popular as its ghost-filled story. While the Netflix fantasy horror series keeps viewers hooked with cursed palaces, restless spirits and royal intrigue, many fans have found themselves asking a different question after every episode: where exactly was all of this filmed? The answer is spread across some of South Korea's most stunning historical sites, mountain landscapes and purpose-built drama sets, although not every filming location was made public during production. Like many major Korean productions, certain locations were deliberately kept under wraps to prevent crowds and overly enthusiastic fans from disrupting filming.
Created by Choi Jung-kyu, Kwon So-ra and Seo Jea-won, The East Palace transforms real Korean heritage sites into a mysterious fictional kingdom where ghost-slayer Gu-cheon and court lady Saeng Gang battle supernatural forces lurking inside the royal palace. Although visual effects play an important role, much of the drama's rich atmosphere comes from authentic filming locations that provide centuries-old architecture and breathtaking natural scenery.
Principal photography reportedly began in December 2024 before wrapping around July 2025. Production travelled across several regions including Gyeonggi Province, North Gyeongsang Province and Gangwon Province, while additional scenes were captured in other parts of the country to create the expansive royal world seen throughout the series.
One memorable chapter behind the scenes unfolded in Misan-myeon, Yeoncheon County, where large-scale palace sets were constructed during the early stages of production. In December 2024, a fire destroyed one of the massive set buildings along with lighting equipment.
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Thankfully, nobody was injured and production continued after investigations into the cause of the blaze. While fans never saw this unexpected drama on screen, it became one of the biggest behind-the-scenes stories surrounding the series.
Many indoor palace scenes were also believed to have been filmed inside studio facilities in Yeoncheon County, allowing the production team to carefully control lighting, weather effects and the supernatural atmosphere that defines the series.
Mungyeongsaejae Open Set, Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang Province arguably serves as the heart of the drama. One of Korea's most famous historical filming complexes, the expansive open-air set regularly appears in period dramas thanks to its detailed recreation of Joseon-era streets, government buildings and palace structures.
For The East Palace, parts of the complex doubled as the cursed East Palace itself, particularly around the impressive Second Gate area, giving the series its unforgettable royal backdrop.
Seoraksan National Park, Gangwon Province contributes many of the show's dramatic mountain landscapes. Famous for towering granite peaks, ancient forests and mist-covered valleys, the national park provides exactly the kind of scenery where viewers would expect ghosts to quietly wait behind the next tree. Thankfully, hikers usually encounter much friendlier company.
Hoseo University Asan Campus Reservoir, Asan, South Chungcheong Province appears to have been used for peaceful outdoor sequences featuring reflective waters and tranquil surroundings. The reservoir offers a calm contrast to the increasingly sinister atmosphere inside the palace walls.
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Buan Image Theme Park, Buan, North Jeolla Province is another well-known filming destination designed specifically for historical productions.
Its traditional buildings and authentic period streets make it an ideal location for recreating life during Korea's royal past without needing to close down real heritage villages.
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Yongin Daejanggeum Park, Gyeonggi Province is one of South Korea's busiest historical drama studios. Countless Korean period series have filmed here, and The East Palace joins a long list of productions taking advantage of its impressive palace buildings, courtyards and noble residences that can easily transform into different kingdoms.
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Dobongsan Mountain, Seoul, particularly around the Manjangbong area, provides rugged mountain scenery that adds an eerie natural backdrop during several outdoor sequences. The rocky cliffs and dense woodland almost look as though they were designed for supernatural encounters.
Gaesimsa Temple, Seosan, South Chungcheong Province introduces viewers to one of Korea's most peaceful Buddhist temples. Surrounded by forest and filled with centuries of history, it brings a spiritual atmosphere perfectly suited to a story about ghosts and ancient curses.
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Dosolam Hermitage, Haenam, South Jeolla Province sits high among beautiful natural surroundings and offers another striking religious location. The peaceful mountaintop temple creates a visual reminder that even in a series filled with dark spirits, serenity is never too far away.
Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeonju, North Jeolla Province adds genuine royal history to the production. Built to honour the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, the beautifully preserved shrine naturally fits the regal atmosphere of The East Palace.
Gwanghallu Garden, Namwon, North Jeolla Province provides elegant pavilions, bridges and landscaped gardens. Long celebrated as one of Korea's most picturesque traditional gardens, it offers romantic scenery before the ghosts inevitably ruin everyone's peaceful afternoon.
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Seoil Farm, Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, believed to be one of the filming locations, is known for its seasonal landscapes and rural scenery. While not officially confirmed by the production, many fans believe several countryside sequences were captured here.
Gyeongju Oreung Royal Tombs, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province contribute ancient royal burial grounds rich in Korean history. Their quiet atmosphere and centuries-old heritage naturally complement a story built around royal bloodlines and forgotten secrets.
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Namsa Yedam Village Choi House, Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province showcases beautifully preserved traditional Korean architecture. Historic hanok homes within the village provide an authentic glimpse into noble life during earlier eras.
Hakwon Farm, Gochang, North Jeolla Province is famous for its wide-open agricultural fields that change dramatically with the seasons. These scenic landscapes help balance the series' darker palace interiors with brighter countryside imagery.
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Wanjaejeong Pavilion, Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province brings elegant lakeside architecture into the series. The quiet pavilion surrounded by water offers another visually striking setting for reflective conversations and mysterious encounters.
Oksancheon Stream, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province features flowing water and lush natural scenery that create a peaceful atmosphere before supernatural tension inevitably returns. It proves once again that beautiful locations rarely stay peaceful for long in fantasy thrillers.
ICYMI: Shows Like The East Palace
Mungyeongsaejae Second Gateway, Jogyokgwan deserves separate mention because several key palace entrances and ceremonial scenes were reportedly filmed around this iconic structure. Its towering stone gate gives the fictional East Palace much of its grand first impression.
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Busodamak Cliff, Okcheon, North Chungcheong Province offers one of Korea's most spectacular river landscapes, with dramatic cliffs overlooking calm waters. The location provides breathtaking panoramic shots that add scale to the fantasy adventure.
Fans have responded enthusiastically to the growing list of filming locations. Many viewers have already begun adding destinations like Mungyeongsaejae, Yongin Daejanggeum Park and Seoraksan National Park to future travel plans, hoping to recreate their favourite scenes.
Others have praised the production for choosing real historical landmarks rather than relying entirely on computer-generated backgrounds, saying the authentic locations give the series far more atmosphere and depth.
At the same time, plenty of viewers understand why some filming sites were never publicly disclosed during production. Korean dramas regularly attract passionate crowds whenever filming locations become known, and keeping certain sets private helps productions avoid interruptions. After all, nothing ruins an intense ghost-hunting scene quite like dozens of excited fans standing behind the cameras trying to spot their favourite actor.
Next: The East Palace Season 2.
As more behind-the-scenes information emerges, additional filming locations may eventually be confirmed. Until then, this collection already offers an impressive travel guide for anyone wanting to experience the real places behind The East Palace. Which location impressed you the most? Is there somewhere on this list you'd love to visit first, or did you spot another filming location that deserves to be added?