Follow the Path of the Underdog to Hidden Gems – A Look Inside the K-Drama’s Filming Locations

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

With Korean pop culture sweeping the globe, entertainment topics such as dramas and music always attract widespread attention. The K-drama “Path of the Underdog” recently aired its season finale, with the final episode scoring a viewership rating of 13.8%—a new record for the series. Below is a list of four filming locations in Busan featured in “Path of the Underdog.” Travel enthusiasts heading to Korea may want to add these hidden gems to their must-visit list and explore the secret spots alongside the show’s protagonists.

1. Hodong Village
The rooftop of an ordinary residential building in Hodong Village Mural Street served as the real-life filming location for the secret base bar—Namil BAR—used by the main characters in the drama. If you’re unable to access the rooftop, you can also visit the nearby Hodong Living Culture Center Café. From here, you can take in the panoramic view of the surrounding hillside houses, which becomes even more vibrant and colorful at night.

Location: 42, 495 Beon-gil, Yeomgwang-ro, Jung District, Busan Metropolitan City

2. Hannam Apartments
The colorful Hannam Housing Complex in Busan was the primary filming location for the apartments where the show’s protagonists lived. It appears frequently throughout the series. The area is covered in eye-catching pink-hued murals, and it remains an active residential neighborhood.
 
Location: 96-9, Manhyeon-dong, Nam District, Busan Metropolitan City

3. Esperance cafe
This well-known seaside café, which has also been featured in several other K-dramas, is not only a key location in “Path of the Underdog,” but also the site of the protagonists’ first kiss.

Location: 1322, Gijang Coastal Road, Namsan-myeon, Gijang-gun, Busan Metropolitan City
Business Hours: 10:00 – 22:00, Saturday 10:00 – 23:00