Follow Do Min-jun’s Footsteps: 3 Must-Visit Spots from “My Love from the Star” in Seoul

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The Korean drama “My Love from the Star,” which captivated all of Asia, may have reached its finale, but the craze continues. Many recent travelers to Korea are visiting specifically for the “My Love from the Star filming locations.” In addition to the fact that many filming spots are themselves popular tourist attractions, the tea house where Do Min-jun and his lawyer friend often drank tea and played chess, as well as the comic book store run by Cheon Song-yi’s friend, have also become super-popular pilgrimage sites.

▲ The place where Do Min-jun and his only friend, Lawyer Jang, often met — Hakrim Tea House. Many fans who visited said the coffee here is really delicious. The photo shows the seat where Do Min-jun sat. (Photo / FromKorea Tourism Organization’s Facebook Page)

The place where Do Min-jun and Lawyer Jang often met —Hakrim Tea House (Hakrim Chageunjeop)

Located on University Road, “Hakrim Tea House” is an old shop that has been around for nearly 60 years. In the drama “My Love from the Star,” it was the regular meeting spot where Do Min-jun and his only friend, Lawyer Jang, would drink tea and play chess.

Stepping into this tea house, which was established in 1956 and exudes a strong nostalgic vibe, feels like entering another time. It used to be a popular gathering spot for Seoul university students back in the day. From the decor to the furniture and even the coffee tools used, everything is a vintage item. Behind the counter, there’s also a full wall of out-of-print vinyl records that customers can request to play. Aside from “My Love from the Star,” other famous Korean dramas such as “The Heirs” and “High Kick Through the Roof” have also filmed here.

Address:2nd Floor, 94-2 Myeongnyun 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Business Hours:10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Open all year round)
Transportation:Exit 3 of Hyehwa Station, walk back toward the pharmacy and it’s located upstairs

▲ The restaurant where Professor Do kindly got takeout udon for Cheon Song-yi is a 50-year-old establishment frequently featured on Korean food shows. (Photo / From Korea Tourism Organization’s Official Website)

The pot-bowl udon that Cheon Song-yi loves —Yulim Noodles (Yulim Guho)

The 50-year-old “Yulim Noodles,” which frequently appears on Korean food programs, is located near City Hall Station and is currently in its third generation of management. Its most popular dish is the “pot-bowl udon” loved by Cheon Song-yi.

Although it’s already a well-known eatery, even greater fame came with its appearance in “My Love from the Star,” but the restaurant still maintains its simple interior style without putting up any drama-related posters. However, note that while in the show Do Min-jun picked up two orders of pot-bowl udon to go for Cheon Song-yi, the restaurant actually does not offer takeout. It’s also quite close to Deoksugung Palace—one of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces—so it’s recommended to visit both in the same day.

Address:139-1 Seogyeomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Business Hours:Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Weekends: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on public holidays)
Transportation:Exit 11 of City Hall Station, walk straight and turn left at the first alley (the alley entrance is next to Shinhan Bank)

▲ The comic book store that Cheon Song-yi loved to visit is tucked away in the alleys of Sinchon. (Photo / Screenshot from the internet)

The comic book store that Cheon Song-yi loved to visit —Hwajang Mameul Manjok Manjok Comic Bookstore (Hwajang Mameul Manjok Manjok Manhwa Jakseol)

The manga shop opened by Choi Bo-ra, the best friend of Cheon Song-yi in the drama, is hidden in an alley in Sinchon. It gained significant popularity due to *Goblin (My Love from the Star)*, and there are also posters from the drama posted outside the shop to help fans find it easily.

In addition to manga, the shop also offers drinks and snacks, allowing customers to read while they dine. Unlike typical rental comic bookstores in Taiwan, this manga café charges by the hour — KRW 2,000 (about NT$60) per hour, with a special rate of KRW 5,000 (about NT$145) for three hours.

Address:50-6 B1, Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Business Hours:Daily from 11:00 AM to midnight
Transportation:Exit 3 of Sinchon Station on Subway Line 2, walk straight past Hyundai Department Store U-PLEX, cross the street, then head right along the main road. Turn left at the alley after passing ARTBOX, and it’s located next to a Self Bar barbecue restaurant.
Transportation source: Well-known Korean travel blogger“Kathy – In Love with Korean Cities”