Itaewon Class (이태원 클라쓰) is one of the most inspiring K-dramas ever made — a story about persistence, revenge, and building something from nothing. And unlike many dramas, most of it was filmed in real, visitable locations across Seoul.
Here's your complete guide to walking in Park Sae-ro-yi's footsteps.
Itaewon Class (2020) follows Park Sae-ro-yi, an ex-convict who opens a small bar-restaurant called DanBam in Itaewon, determined to take down the giant food corporation that ruined his family. Based on a hit webtoon, starring Park Seo-joon. A story about never giving up.
Itaewon locations
DanBam — Sae-ro-yi's bar and the heart of the entire drama — was filmed in the Itaewon and Noksapyeong area. The actual storefront used for exterior shots is in a backstreet near Itaewon. After the drama aired, fans flocked here for photos. The surrounding neighbourhood has the same gritty-but-charming character you see in the show — small bars, international restaurants, and steep alleyways.
Take Subway Line 6 to Itaewon Station or Noksapyeong Station. The DanBam filming area is between the two stations. Search "이태원 클라쓰 단밤 촬영지" on Naver Maps for the exact storefront. Best explored in the evening when Itaewon comes alive.
The overpass and elevated walkways around Noksapyeong appeared in many of the drama's reflective night-time scenes — where Sae-ro-yi looks out over the city he wants to conquer. The view of Itaewon's hillside lights and the distant Namsan Tower is exactly as shown on screen, and it's genuinely beautiful at night.
Take Subway Line 6 to Noksapyeong Station (Exit 2). The overpass area is a short walk. Combine with a walk up to the DanBam area and Itaewon's main street.
Other Seoul locations
The headquarters of the villainous Jangga Group — Sae-ro-yi's corporate enemy — was filmed using office buildings in Seoul's Gangnam business district. The contrast between gleaming Gangnam towers and the gritty Itaewon backstreets is part of the drama's visual storytelling. Gangnam itself is worth exploring as the modern, wealthy face of Seoul.
Take Subway Line 2 to Gangnam Station. The area around Teheran-ro has the corporate skyscraper look used in the drama. Combine with shopping at COEX Mall and the famous Starfield Library.
Several emotional flashback and turning-point scenes — including moments tied to Sae-ro-yi's father and his time before Itaewon — were filmed along the east coast of Korea in Gangwon Province. The dramatic coastline and quiet seaside towns provide a striking contrast to the busy Seoul scenes.
The east coast is reachable by KTX to Gangneung (about 2 hours from Seoul). From there, local buses reach the coastal towns. A worthwhile overnight trip if you want to combine drama locations with a relaxing seaside escape.
Make it a full Itaewon day
Itaewon is one of Seoul's most international and characterful neighbourhoods. After visiting the filming locations, you can easily fill a whole day here:
- Itaewon main street — international restaurants from every continent, vintage shops, and bars.
- Gyeongnidan-gil — a trendy hillside street full of cafés and independent boutiques, near Noksapyeong.
- Leeum Museum of Art — one of Seoul's best art museums, a short walk from Itaewon.
- Namsan Tower — visible from Itaewon, walkable or a short bus ride for the city's best views.
Explore our guides to Crash Landing on You, Goblin, and Squid Game filming locations.