Netflix's "The Wonderfools" may be packed with superpowers, conspiracies and millennium-era chaos, but one of its biggest stars isn't in the cast list at all—it's South Korea itself. From windswept beaches and dramatic sea caves to old neighbourhood lanes and historic temples, the series turns real locations into vivid backdrops for its wonderfully eccentric story. As Park Eun-bin's Eun Chae-ni teleports across the country, viewers are treated to a travelogue of some of Korea's most beautiful coastal and urban landscapes, each lending its own personality to the drama's mix of comedy, fantasy and adventure.
Whether you're planning a Korean holiday or simply curious about the places behind the screen, these filming locations offer an opportunity to step directly into the world of "The Wonderfools." Here are seven destinations that capture the spirit, scenery and cinematic charm of one of 2026's most talked-about K-dramas.
Sambong Beach, Taean
One of the earliest and most memorable locations in "The Wonderfools" appears when Chae-ni unexpectedly discovers the strange extent of her powers. The scene was filmed at Sambong Beach in Taean, a sweeping stretch of coastline on South Korea's west coast. Fringed by pine forests and known for its wide tidal flats, the beach feels wonderfully untouched compared to some of the country's busier seaside destinations. At low tide, the shoreline stretches dramatically towards the horizon, creating the sort of cinematic landscape that perfectly complements the show's supernatural themes. Visit during sunset, and it's easy to see why the production team chose this location for one of Chae-ni's most pivotal moments.
Don't miss
Walk the expansive tidal flats during low tide
Stay for the spectacular west-coast sunsets
Explore the surrounding pine forest trails
Gyeongpo Beach, Gangneung
Few places embody Korea's beach culture quite like Gyeongpo Beach. In the series, it appears after Chae-ni gains greater confidence in her abilities, serving as a bright, open setting that contrasts with the uncertainty of earlier episodes. Located in Gangneung on the east coast, the beach is famous for its soft sand, clear waters and lively summer atmosphere. Just a short walk away lies Gyeongpodae Pavilion, one of the region's most celebrated historic landmarks. The combination of coastal beauty and cultural heritage makes this one of the most rewarding filming locations to visit. It also offers a glimpse into a city that hosted events during both the 2018 Winter Olympics and the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics.
Don't miss
Visit historic Gyeongpodae Pavilion
Try Gangneung's famous sundubu-jjigae
Explore the beachfront cafés and promenade
Homigot Sunrise Square, Pohang
The striking "Hand of Coexistence" sculpture rising from the sea became one of the drama's most instantly recognisable visual moments. Located at Homigot Sunrise Square in Pohang, this coastal landmark is already one of Korea's most photographed attractions. The giant bronze hand emerging from the water was designed to symbolise harmony between humanity and nature, and its surreal appearance feels perfectly at home in "The Wonderfools". During winter, thousands gather here to watch the year's first sunrise, creating an atmosphere that is both celebratory and deeply moving. The wide-open seascape and dramatic coastal scenery make this a must-visit destination for photographers and drama fans alike.
Don't miss
Photograph the famous Hand of Coexistence sculpture
Visit on New Year's Day for the sunrise festival
Explore Pohang's coastal walking routes
Jukdo Market, Pohang
One of the drama's lighter moments unfolds amid the lively chaos of Jukdo Market, where Chae-ni unexpectedly teleports into the middle of a seafood broadcast. The market is among the largest traditional markets on Korea's east coast and offers an authentic glimpse into everyday local life. Seafood dominates the stalls, with tanks overflowing with fish, shellfish and the live octopus featured in the series. The atmosphere is energetic and wonderfully unfiltered, making it a refreshing contrast to the polished settings often seen in television dramas. For travellers, it's one of the best places in Pohang to experience local flavours and regional food culture.
Don't miss
Sample freshly prepared seafood dishes
Watch vendors at work in the bustling fish market
Visit early in the morning for the liveliest atmosphere
Geunpo Village And Sea Cave, Geoje
Perhaps the most visually stunning location in "The Wonderfools" is the cave sequence filmed in Geunpo Village on Geoje Island. The scene, which shows Chae-ni gazing out towards the sea from within a cave, quickly became a favourite among viewers. The area is famous for its rugged coastline, hidden tunnels and dramatic rock formations carved by centuries of waves. While the exact cave used in filming remains undisclosed, visitors flock to Geunpo to capture silhouette photographs framed by the natural openings facing the ocean. The location feels mysterious and cinematic even without special effects, making it one of the drama's most evocative real-world settings.
Don't miss
Explore the coastal cave systems
Capture silhouette photographs at sunset
Combine your visit with a wider Geoje island road trip
Ulleungdo Island
When Chae-ni teleports to Ulleungdo, the series showcases one of South Korea's most extraordinary destinations. Formed by volcanic activity, this remote island sits in the East Sea and is famed for its cinematic cliffs, crystal-clear waters and rugged natural beauty. Far less visited than Jeju, Ulleungdo offers a wilder and more adventurous side of Korea. The island is also renowned for its squid, which features in one of the drama's memorable food scenes. Hiking trails, coastal roads and panoramic viewpoints reveal landscapes that feel almost otherworldly—an ideal setting for a series that thrives on fantasy and wonder.
Don't miss
Taste Ulleungdo's famous squid dishes
Hike coastal trails with sweeping sea views
Visit Jeodong Port and nearby fishing villages
Jeungsanseogil, Eunpyeong, Seoul
While the coastal locations steal much of the spotlight, the emotional heart of "The Wonderfools" lies in the residential streets of Seoul's Eunpyeong district. Much of fictional Haeseong City was created using the narrow lanes around Jeungsanseogil and neighbouring streets. Rather than relying on glamorous cityscapes, the production embraced a more lived-in Seoul, filled with modest homes, local businesses and alleyways that evoke the late 1990s setting. These neighbourhood scenes ground the story in everyday reality, making the characters' extraordinary adventures feel more relatable. Walking through the area today offers a fascinating glimpse into the quieter side of the capital, away from the city's more famous tourist districts.
Don't miss
Wander the residential alleys that inspired Haeseong City
Explore local cafés and neighbourhood eateries
Experience a less-touristed side of Seoul
FAQs
Q1. Where was The Wonderfools filmed?
The series was filmed across South Korea, including Taean, Gangneung, Pohang, Geoje, Ulleungdo and Seoul.
Q2. Which beach appears in The Wonderfools?
Sambong Beach in Taean and Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung are among the featured coastal locations.
Q3. What is the giant hand sculpture seen in the drama?
It is the Hand of Coexistence sculpture at Homigot Sunrise Square in Pohang.
Q4. Can visitors explore the sea cave featured in The Wonderfools?
Fans can visit Geunpo Village in Geoje, known for its scenic coastal caves and rock formations.
Q5. Which Seoul neighbourhood was used as Haeseong City?
Many neighbourhood scenes were filmed around Jeungsanseogil in Seoul's Eunpyeong district.
