You Who Came from the Stars: Heart-wrenching Moments Unfold Here

When “time-travel” meets “reincarnation,” and is paired with the seemingly absurd concept of an “alien,” the result is the Korean drama You Who Came from the Stars that swept across Asia. The settings where each thrilling scene unfolds are actually also travel destinations worth visiting for fans.

 

The old-fashioned teahouse where Do Min-jun chats with his friend is this Xuelin Teahouse located on University Road. Step up the stairs, push open the door, and you’ll find the 2F space styled quite retro—jazz music flowing from old records, a large bookshelf by the counter filled with vintage books, nostalgic vintage chairs and sofa seating, and an attic seating area full of wooden charm, all making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a teahouse from the 1950s or 60s. But if you think they only serve traditional teas, you’re very much mistaken. There’s a wide selection including coffee, hot chocolate, drinks, cakes, and ice cream. The herbal teas, such as those with pine nuts, red dates, and pomelo, have a nice flavor. The signature dessert, the cream cheese cake, has a sweet and tangy taste and pairs wonderfully with blueberry or orange jam—it’s surprisingly delicious.

The location where Cheon Song-yi attends a VIP cruise wedding, marking an important plot point in the story, is the Han River cruise, beloved even by local Korean tourists. The Yulin Noodle Shop is where even picky eater Do Min-jun gave praise. The manga shop run by Cheon Song-yi’s friend was filmed at Huaxiang Manyi Comic Bookstore in the alleys near Sinsa Station. In addition, the love lock wall at N Seoul Tower in Namsan Park has appeared in countless Korean dramas and variety shows and is a must-visit spot for Korean couples.

A short trip out of Seoul to Gyeonggi Province leads you to the Korean Folk Village, the Joseon-era filming location where Professor Do first arrived on Earth. The village authentically recreates traditional Joseon-era homes, making it a prime spot for period dramas. The wooden bridge where the male and female leads meet in Dae Jang Geum, and most scenes in Moon Embracing the Sun were filmed here. In addition to the quaint rural architecture, there are daily performances of traditional folk activities such as nongak (farmers’ music), seesaw jumping, rope climbing, and traditional weddings. If you’re lucky, you might even spot Korean celebrities filming new dramas.

The popular Baekhyeon-dong Cafe Street, which Professor Do rides past and overhears colleagues gossiping about him, and the Ilsan Lake Park, where college student Suzy (played by actress Bae Suzy) playfully clings to Do Min-jun, are both popular attractions. Among the most popular are the backdrops for Do Min-jun’s over-the-top use of superpowers and his deep kiss with Cheon Song-yi, followed by his fainting and her carrying him—the scenes filmed in Petite France in Gapyeong County and Provence Village in Paju.