Goblin (도깨비, also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) is one of the most visually stunning K-dramas ever made. Director Lee Eung-bok chose filming locations with extraordinary care — from ancient Korean streets to the snow-covered heritage city of Québec.
Fans still make pilgrimages to these locations every year. Here's your complete guide.
Goblin (2016–2017) follows Kim Shin, a 939-year-old goblin cursed with immortality, who needs a human bride to finally die. When he meets cheerful high school student Ji Eun-tak — the only person who can see him — their fates become entangled. Starring Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun, written by Kim Eun-sook.
Korea locations
The colourful mural village in Incheon's Songwol-dong neighbourhood was used for several key romantic scenes between the Goblin and Eun-tak. The charming narrow streets painted with fairy-tale murals are instantly recognisable from the drama. This is the single most-visited Goblin filming location in Korea — easy to reach from Seoul as a half-day trip.
Take Subway Line 1 from Seoul to Incheon Station (about 70 minutes from Seoul Station). From Incheon Station, the fairy tale village is a 10-minute walk. Combine with a visit to nearby Incheon Chinatown and Jayu Park for a full day trip.
The historic late 19th-century buildings in Incheon's Open Port district appeared in several atmospheric scenes. The area still has beautiful Japanese and Western colonial-era architecture, making it one of the most unique neighbourhoods in Korea. The Incheon Art Platform, a complex of restored warehouses turned arts venue, is particularly beautiful.
10-minute walk from Incheon Station (same exit as Songwol-dong). The entire Open Port area, Chinatown, and Songwol-dong form one walkable district — easily explored in a single afternoon.
This small but beautifully preserved royal palace in central Seoul was used for Joseon-era flashback scenes showing Kim Shin's life as a general. Unhyeongung is less crowded than Gyeongbokgung but equally atmospheric — a hidden gem that most tourists miss. Free to enter on certain days.
Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 4). The palace is a 5-minute walk. Combine with nearby Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace for a full day of historical Seoul.
This beautifully restored traditional Korean village at the foot of Namsan Mountain appeared in several scenes throughout the drama. Free to enter, with five restored traditional houses, a pavilion, and a beautiful garden. Particularly magical in autumn when the leaves turn.
Take Subway Line 3 or 4 to Chungmuro Station (Exit 3 or 4). The village is a 5-minute walk. Open Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays). Free admission.
Canada location
Several iconic scenes — including the unforgettable snowy street scenes where the Goblin and Eun-tak reunite — were filmed on Rue du Petit-Champlain in Old Québec City. This cobblestone street in the Lower Town is already one of Canada's most beautiful streets, and after Goblin it became a major destination for Korean drama fans. The yellow door and stone walls are exactly as they appear in the drama.
Fly into Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, or take a bus or train from Montréal (about 3 hours). Rue du Petit-Champlain is in the Lower Town of Old Québec — accessible by the funicular from Upper Town or via the Breakneck Stairs. Best visited in winter for the snow that matches the drama's iconic scenes.
Planning your Goblin pilgrimage
- Incheon is a perfect day trip from Seoul — Songwol-dong, Chinatown, and the Open Port area all within walking distance of each other.
- Seoul locations can be combined — Unhyeongung and Namsangol Hanok Village are both near central Seoul and can be visited on the same day.
- Québec in winter is magical — The cobblestone streets look exactly like the drama when covered in snow (December–February).
- Take a Goblin fan tour in Seoul — Several tour companies offer dedicated Goblin filming location tours from central Seoul. Search "Goblin drama tour Seoul" for current options.
Read our guide to Crash Landing on You filming locations — Switzerland and Gangwon Province.