Hwaeomsa and Cheoneunsa Temples in Gurye: The Secret Stage of the Drama The Queen Who Crowns
The recently aired historical drama The Queen Who Crowns centers on the life of Queen Wonkyeong, who rose to power alongside King Taejong Yi Bangwon, the third monarch of the Joseon Dynasty.
The drama ’s captivating backdrop also drew significant attention, with Hwaeomsa and Cheoneunsa Temples in Gurye, Jeollanam-do, at its heart.
The majestic temple scenes blended with nature that appear in Episode 10 were filmed at Hwaeomsa, while other locations including Saseongam Hermitage, Ssangsanjae House, and Cheoneunsa were used to enrich the show’s tone and atmosphere.
Hwaeomsa itself is a treasure trove of cultural heritage.
The temple houses numerous National Treasures, including the Four-Lion Three-Story Stone Pagoda, Gakhwangjeon Hall, Hanging Painting of Hwaeomsa Temple (The Vulture Peak Assembly), the Wooden Seated Vairocana Buddha Triad of Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye, and Stone Lantern at Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye, among others.
Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye
Unified Silla period
Height: 6.4m
Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye
539 Hwaeomsa-ro, Masan-myeon,
Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Admission: Free
Inquiries: +82-61-783-7600
Cheoneunsa Temple, Jirisan
209 Nogodan-ro, Gwangui-myeon,
Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 11:00–16:30
Closed every Tuesday
Admission: Free
Inquiries: +82-61-781-4800
Another filming location, Cheoneunsa, was founded in the third year of King Heungdeok of Unified Silla(828 CE) and today consists of more than 20 buildings. The Geungnakbojeon Hall and its Hanging Scroll Behind the Amitabha Buddha are considered invaluable examples of late-Joseon temple architecture and buddhist art.
After touring the temple, take a walk along the “Gurye Temple Meditation Trail,” which follows the ridgeline of Mount Jirisan.
As you walk the path once taken by monks, you’ll find your mind naturally calming—offering a moment of deep reflection away from the routines of daily life.
in Geungnakjeon Hall of Cheoneunsa Temple
A Stage for a Survival Scam: Travel Back in Time at a Joseon-Era Hanok Time Travel with The Tale of Lady Ok and Ildu House in Hamyang
One of the most talked-about recent historical dramas is The Tale of Lady Ok.
This gripping tale of survival tells the story of Ok Tae-young, an outsider with a fake name, identity, and husband, and Cheon Seung-hwi, an entertainer who risks his life to protect her. It unfolds a fierce account of a female servant’s fight to survive and a man’s profound love for her.
As the drama rose in popularity, its filming locations also gained attention and soon became tourist attractions.
A prime example is Ildu House in Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do—a site where the history of the Joseon Dynasty still lives and breathes.
Located in Gaepyeong Village, a 500-year-old clan village of the Hadong Jeong and Pungcheon Noh families, the house showcases the upper-class architecture of the Joseon period—complete with a sotdae-mun (ceremonial gate), commemorative plaques, sarangchae (men’s quarters), anchae (women’s quarters), and haengnangchae (servants’ quarters). In 2013, it was designated a luxury traditional house, with some areas now open for overnight stays.
The surrounding area is ideal for year-round hiking and valley exploration, with wellknown mountains such as Daebongsan (1,227m), Gibaeksan, Geumwonsan, and Hwangseoksan nearby.
For those seeking even higher peaks, Jirisan is just a short trip away.
Ildu House, Hamyang
50-13 Gaepyeong-gil, Jigok-myeon,
Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Opening Hours: Apr–Nov 09:00–18:00 /
Dec-Mar 09:00–17:00
Inquiries: +82-55-962-7077
A Journey Through Time — Relive the Magic of Mr. Sunshine at Haemieupseong and Manhyujeong
Manhyujeong Pavilion
42 Mukgyehari-gil Giran-myeon, Andong-si,
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Opening Hours: 09:30–17:30
Admission: Adults KRW 2,000 / Children KRW 1,000
Inquiries: +82-50-807-5333
Dosanseowon Confucian Academy
154 Dosanseowon-gil Dosan-myeon, Andong-si,
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Opening Hours: Feb–Oct 09:00–18:00 /
Nov–Jan 09:00–17:00
Admission: Adults KRW 2,000 / Children KRW 1,000
Inquiries: +82-54-856-1073
Nakgangmulgil Park
423 Sanga-dong, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Opening Hours: Year-round
Admission: Free
Inquiries: +82-54-850-4203
Haemieupseong Walled Town, Seosan
143 Nammun 2-ro, Haemi-myeon, Seosan-si,
Chungcheongnam-do
Opening Hours: Mar–Oct 05:00–21:00 /
Dec–Feb 06:00–19:00
Admission: Free
Inquiries: +82-41-661-8005
Gaesimsa Temple
321-86 Gaesimsa-ro, Unsan-myeon, Seosan-si,
Chungcheongnam-do
Opening Hours: Year-round
Admission: Free
Inquiries: +82-41-688-2256
The 2018 historical drama Mr. Sunshine left a lasting impression and continues to resonate with audiences to this day. Centered on a young boy who, after being taken to the U.S. during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo (U.S. expedition to Korea), returns to Joseon, the drama interweaves themes of love and historical trauma. Its breathtaking filming locations also played a vital role in its popularity.
Among the many featured locations, two particularly stand out: Haemieupseong Walled Town in Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do and Manhyujeong Pavilion in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Manhyujeong gained fame as the romantic backdrop for the lead couple’s love scene in Episode 6.
The quiet pavilion nestled in nature was designated a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2011.
It recently drew renewed attention after emerging unscathed from a major wildfire.
Haemieupseong Walled Town, featured in the training scenes of Joseon soldiers, was constructed between the 17th year of King Taejong’s reign and the 3rd year of King Sejong’s reign.
With its 4.9-meter-high stone walls and peaceful walking trails, the fortress vividly conveys Joseon’s military traditions and way of life.
While in Andong, consider visiting Dosanseowon Confucian Academy and Nakgangmulgil Park, and in Seosan, make time for Ganworam Hermitage, Gaesimsa Temple, and the Rock-Carved Buddha Triad.
