[K-Drama Filming Location Trip] 'Hero Isn't Me' Filming Location ①

Among the new dramas starting in the second quarter, <Hero, But Not> was considered the most anticipated. It's a 12-episode drama, and half of it has already aired. I expected <The Queen of Tears> to pass its throne to <Someday or One Day, a Residency Life>, but due to an unexpected obstacle—a residency strike—its broadcast was postponed to the second half of the year. Currently, the viewership ratings are neck and neck, with no clear winner.

The 12-episode drama <Hero, But Not> is not based on a webtoon.

I was hoping to see the magic of <Sky Castle> recreated, the drama that swept Korea with the phrase "Mother, you must trust me entirely." The way the story unfolds, switching between the past and present due to the protagonist's time slip, was incredibly smooth.

The pairing of Jang Ki-yong, with his low voice and puppy-like charm, and Chun Woo-hee, a natural at romantic comedy, isn't bad either.

The storyline is familiar—a con artist (pretending) to get close to someone, but ultimately transcending everything and the two leads confirming their feelings for each other. 👆

However, the story of a family losing their superpowers due to common ailments of modern people—depression, insomnia, obesity, and smartphone addiction—which many households experience, piqued my interest.

Wasn't it an opportunity? Instead of just lining your own pockets, use your abilities for others.

Do you also want to believe in Do Da-hae? Do you want to save Do Da-hae? What are you hesitating for?

What if I ruin everything again?

I guarantee you, you'll definitely mess it up again.

Yes?

But it's possible to undo the past with Do Da-hae. We can go back and fix it.

Apologize, even if it's late, and correct the wrongdoings...

You can mess up and be foolish with Do Da-hae as much as you want.

Personally, I think these lines encapsulate the drama's core theme.

Ultimately, Da-hae reveals her true identity as a con artist and tries to distance herself from Gwi-ju. It will be exciting to see how fate intertwines them.

Bunam Beach

Address: Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

The beach where Da-hae saved Gwi-ju is Bunam Beach in Samcheok. Due to its slightly inconvenient access, it wasn't very well-known.

Now, it has become a hidden gem in Samcheok, known as the filming location for Park Chan-wook's film <Decision to Leave>.

It's recommended to visit during the off-season, especially after the beach closes for the summer.

-Nearby Restaurants & Cafes

· Ligabbro Cafe

Address: Deoksan Beach 1-gil, 15, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

A new, spacious, and tranquil 3-story cafe with a great view of Deokbongsan Mountain, Maengbang Beach, and Deoksan Beach.

You can tell they've put a lot of effort into the interior design, and the coffee and beverages are quite good.

The Spa at Paradise

Address: Paradise City Hotel Red Wing 3F, Yeongjonghaeannam-ro 321beon-gil, 186, Jung-gu, Incheon

Da-hae's workplace, the massage shop, was filmed at The Spa at Paradise, a luxurious Swedish massage shop in Incheon.

They offer professional programs provided by therapists with national licenses and promote genuine relaxation in a private and hygienic environment.

It's the first spa to receive the GBAC STAR accreditation, an international cleaning and disinfection certification from ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association).

Recommended by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Tourism Organization

Selected as a 2021 Wellness Tourism Destination in the Beauty/Spa Category

Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Tourism Organization

Selected as a 2020 & 2021 Incheon Wellness Tourism Destination in the Beauty/Spa Category

It's also accessible to non-hotel guests.

-Nearby Restaurants & Cafes

· Star Five Cafe

Address: Star Five Cafe, Gonghangseo-ro 133-1, Jung-gu, Incheon

A bakery cafe where you can enjoy views of Oseongsan Mountain and the vast Incheon Airport runway, located next to Incheon Airport.

It's situated along a scenic driving route and offers delicious pastries and coffee.

Heidi House

Address: Seongchon 4-gil, 11, Seocho-gu, Seoul

The gym that Gwi-ju and Dong-hee run was filmed at Heidi House, a 3,500-pyeong facility that includes a fitness center,

a spa with 12 European-style themes, saunas with 5 themes, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Pilates and yoga studios,

a screen golf practice range, a cafe, and a Mediterra restaurant.

Especially, if you like a rich and nutty latte, the cafe is highly recommended!

Fit & Bread Munjeong Branch

Address: 1F, AJ Building, Jeongui-ro 8-gil, 9, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Dong-hee's bread binge scene, where she eats bread to relieve stress, was filmed at a large (100-pyeong) bakery cafe in Munjeong-dong.

It's a comfortable space with a black and white interior.

In addition to organic bread and coffee, they also serve various brunch menus.

Paul Bassett AK Plaza Gwangmyeong Branch

Address: 1F, Yangji-ro 17, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do

It's a spacious and clean store with plenty of seating, which is rare for a department store location. It's a great place to relax and unwind while shopping.

Paul Bassett is a coffee chain named after Paul Bassett, an Australian barista who won the 2003 Barista Championship.

In South Korea, Maeil Dairy initially operated the brand under a licensing agreement before fully separating it into a subsidiary called 'M Seed' in 2013.

As a franchise operated by a milk company, the ice cream is exceptionally delicious.

29 Pub 4th Branch TOKYO Elegant

Address: Gangnam-daero 110-gil, 14, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

If you're looking for a whiskey bar with a nice atmosphere, this is the perfect place.

You can enjoy a variety of drinks at relatively affordable prices, making it a great spot for small gatherings.

Mapo Salt Grilled Pork

Address: Wausan-ro 32-gil, 32, Mapo-gu, Seoul

This is where Da-hae and Gwi-ju first had a drink and talked.

It's known for its old-fashioned pojangmacha (tented food stall) atmosphere and affordable, delicious food.

-Nearby Restaurants & Cafes

· Cafe Sallida

Address: Sinchon-ro 12da-gil, 8, Mapo-gu, Seoul

A brunch cafe with a beautiful hanok (traditional Korean house) interior, where tango music plays because the owner is a tango instructor.

The second floor has an ondol (heated floor) loft. Waffles are highly recommended for dessert!

Conrad Seoul

Address: Seoul International Finance Center, Gukjegeumyung-ro 10, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Dong-hee visits a hotel for a business meeting and witnesses her boyfriend's infidelity at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeouido.

https://www.conradseoul.co.kr/hub/ko/main.do

Ilsan Lake Park Singing Fountain

Address: Ilsan Senior Welfare Center, Hoseo-ro 731, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

A musical fountain located at Ilsan Lake Park in Janghaeng-dong, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. Its English name is Spectacular Musical Fountain.

It's one of the tourist attractions in the Goyang Special Tourist Zone, located at the eastern end of the lake park. It was completed in 2004 and opened on April 30th of the same year.

It's the largest and only musical fountain in Goyang City. It starts operating in late April when the Goyang International Flower Festival opens.