Bon Appetit Your Majesty: Cast and Filming Locations

If you love K-dramas that combine romance, history, and the art of cooking, “Bon Appetit Your Majesty폭군의 셰프)” should be on your watchlist. This unique historical drama tells the story of King Yeonhui, a tyrant with a refined palate, and Chef Yeon Ji-young, a culinary genius from the future. Together, they discover how food can transform not only taste but also politics, love, and destiny.

In this article, let’s explore the main cast and the breathtaking filming locations that bring this extraordinary drama to life.

Cast of Bon Appetit Your Majesty

King Yeonhui

The tyrant king whose cruelty begins to change when he experiences the sincerity of Ji-young’s dishes. His sharp tongue and unmatched palate make him a ruler both feared and fascinating.

Chef Yeon Ji-young

A passionate Michelin-star level chef from the modern era who finds herself transported to the Joseon dynasty. Her belief that “a heartfelt dish can heal people” becomes the drama’s central theme.

Supporting Royals and Courtiers

Ministers, palace maids, and rival chefs add tension, humor, and drama to the palace kitchen, weaving politics and gastronomy into one unforgettable story.

Main Cast & Actor Intros

Yeon Ji‑yeong (연지영) — portrayed by Im Yoon‑ah (formerly of Girls’ Generation), this Michelin-level chef from 2025 lands in Joseon-era Korea and navigates survival by appealing to a king’s palate—and eventually, his hear
King Lee Yi Heon (이현) — played by Lee Chae‑min, the feared tyrant with an impeccable sense of taste who becomes fascinated by Ji‑yeong’s bold flavors.
Kang Mok‑ju (강목주) — brought to life by Kang Han‑na, a passionate and ambitious royal concubine whose affection for the king is tinged with political ambition.
Prince Je Seon (제산대군) — Choi Gwi‑hwa plays this royal family member who, masquerading like a bandit to survive, secretly schemes to overthrow the king.

Supporting Cast Highlights

Seo Gil‑geum (서길금) — Yoon Seo‑ah, a perceptive palace maid who bonds with Ji‑yeong through faith and subtle rebellion
Eom Bong‑sik (엄봉식), Maeng Man‑su (맹만수), Sim Mak‑jin (심막진), Min Gae‑deok (민개덕), and Yoon Chun‑sik (윤춘식) populate the royal kitchen, each embodying tradition, ambition, discipline, youthful drive, or timeless wisdom .
Grand Queen Dowager Inju — the court’s matriarch, played by Seo Yi‑sook.

Together, they bring political texture, humor, loyalty, and the social complexities of Joseon’s royal kitchens to vivid life.

Filming Locations of Bon Appetit Your Majesty:

One of the strengths of this drama is its rich cinematography, filmed at some of Korea’s most iconic historical sets and natural landscapes.

1. Mungyeong Saejae Open Set (문경새재 오픈세트장)

Address: 84-2 Sangcho-ri, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong, Gyeongbuk
This large open set, often called “the Hollywood of Korea,” was used for the palace and village scenes. The traditional architecture perfectly recreates the grandeur of the Joseon era.

2. Hapcheon Video Theme Park (합천영상테마파크)

Address: 757 Hapcheonhosu-ro, Yongju-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongnam
Known for large-scale film productions, this park was used mainly for CGI scenes and dramatic palace visuals.

3. Gosanjeong Pavilion (고산정, Andong)

Address: 449-1 Gasong-ri, Dosong-myeon, Andong, Gyeongbuk
Famous from Mr. Sunshine, this cliffside location is where the two leads awaken after their dramatic fall, symbolizing rebirth and destiny.

4. Obongsan Madangbawi Cliff (오봉산 마당바위)

This is where King Yeonhui is shot by an arrow in Episode 1, falling off the cliff with Ji-young. The rocky backdrop amplifies the intensity of the opening scenes.

5. Busan Video Theme Park (부산영상테마파크)

Address: 309-64 Gyeokpo-ro, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk
Used for additional historical reconstructions, enhancing the drama’s authenticity.

6. Petite France Theme Park (쁘띠프랑스, Gapyeong)

Scenes: Ji-young’s return from a Michelin contest in France and her heartfelt conversation with her father.
This French cultural village in Gyeonggi-do has appeared in My Love From the Star, Secret Garden, and Running Man.

7. Jonhyeongak Set (존현각세트장, Damyang)

Address: 613-21 Hakdong-ri, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeonnam
Another beautiful traditional palace set used for indoor royal court scenes.

8. Other Shooting Sites

Yongin Daejanggeum Park – Historic palace reconstructions.
Korea Aerospace University (airplane set) – Modern futuristic shots.
Salgoji Village Forest – Traditional homes in natural surroundings.

These four drive the story’s emotional and political currents—food, power, attraction, and betrayal swirl together in every scene.

Why This Drama,Bon Appetit Your Majesty ,Stands Out

Bon Appetit Your Majesty isn’t just about royal romance. It highlights how food and politics are intertwined, showing that to feed is to love, to rule, and to survive. Through stunning settings and heartfelt performances, the drama reminds us that the act of sharing a meal is both the most intimate and the most political gesture of all.