'Head Over Heels': Filming Locations, Cast & Plot

The 2025 South Korean supernatural romance drama “Head Over Heels” (견우와 선녀) has captured audiences worldwide with its enchanting blend of modern-day high school life and mystical shamanic practices. This comprehensive guide explores the series’ authentic filming locations, star-studded cast, and captivating storyline that made it one of tvN’s most talked-about dramas of 2025.

Plot Synopsis: A Tale of Love and Destiny

“Head Over Heels” presents a compelling fantasy romance that transcends the boundaries between the ordinary and extraordinary. The story centers on Park Seong-ah (Cho Yi-hyun), a seemingly typical high school student who leads a remarkable double life as a shaman by night. Armed with the supernatural ability to glimpse into the future, Seong-ah discovers that her first love, Bae Gyeon-woo (Choo Young-woo), is destined for misfortune and an untimely death.

Determined to rewrite the threads of fate itself, Seong-ah embarks on a dangerous journey to alter Gyeon-woo’s predetermined destiny. The series explores themes of love transcending time, the weight of destiny, and the lengths one will go to protect those they cherish. Based on the popular webtoon by Ahn Su-min, the drama masterfully weaves together elements of Korean shamanic traditions with contemporary teen romance, creating a unique viewing experience that resonates with both domestic and international audiences.

The narrative unfolds across multiple timelines and realms, showcasing how ancient spiritual practices intersect with modern Korean society. Viewers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as Seong-ah navigates her dual existence while battling supernatural forces that threaten to tear her and Gyeon-woo apart.

Star-Studded Cast and Characters

Main Cast

Cho Yi-hyun as Park Seong-ah Rising star Cho Yi-hyun delivers a powerhouse performance as the complex protagonist Park Seong-ah. Known for her previous work in critically acclaimed productions, Cho Yi-hyun brings depth and authenticity to her portrayal of a teenager burdened with supernatural responsibilities. Her character serves as both a relatable high school student and a formidable shaman, creating a compelling duality that drives the series forward.

Lee A-rin portrays young Seong-ah in flashback sequences

Choo Young-woo as Bae Gyeon-woo / Bongsu Choo Young-woo takes on the challenging dual role of Bae Gyeon-woo and his supernatural counterpart Bongsu. His character represents the innocent victim of cosmic injustice, plagued by inexplicable bad luck and marked for tragedy from birth. Choo Young-woo’s nuanced performance captures both the vulnerability of a cursed young man and the strength required to fight against predetermined fate.

Kim Hee-seong appears as young Gyeon-woo

Cha Kang-yoon as Pyo Ji-ho Supporting the main narrative, Cha Kang-yoon brings charisma and depth to the role of Pyo Ji-ho, adding layers of complexity to the story’s romantic dynamics.

Choo Ja-hyun as Yeom-hwa Veteran actress Choo Ja-hyun lends her considerable talent to the mystical character of Yeom-hwa, representing the spiritual world that intersects with the protagonists’ lives.

Supporting Cast

The series features an ensemble of talented supporting actors who bring the supernatural world to life:

Yoon Byung-hee as Kkotdoryeong
Kim Mi-kyung as General Dong-cheon (Seong-ah’s spirit mother)
Kim Min-joo as Gu Do-yeon
Lee Young-ran as Grand Aunt (Heaven and Earth Fairy Shrine)
Lee Soo-mi as Aunt (Heaven and Earth Fairy Shrine)

Detailed Filming Locations Guide

Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province

The production team strategically chose Goyang City’s Ilsan-seogu district as a primary filming location, perfectly capturing the essence of contemporary Korean suburban life that forms the backdrop for Seong-ah’s everyday existence.

Yugane Black Pork Restaurant (유가네흑돼지)

Address: 424-8 Daesan-ro, Ilsan-seogu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province

This authentic Korean barbecue restaurant specializes in black pork dishes including grilled black pork assortment, gochujang pork ribs, kimchi stew, and soybean paste stew. The restaurant serves as a crucial filming location for several intimate dining scenes between the main characters, representing the ordinary moments of teenage life that contrast with the supernatural elements of the story. The warm, familial atmosphere of traditional Korean dining perfectly complements the series’ themes of connection and community.

Coffee Factory Ilsan

Located in the bustling Ilsan area, this contemporary coffee shop provides the perfect backdrop for casual meetings and contemplative moments between characters. The modern aesthetic and youthful atmosphere capture the essence of Korean café culture, serving as a neutral ground where supernatural and mundane worlds intersect.

Ilsan Hospital

The inclusion of a medical facility as a filming location adds realism to the drama’s more intense moments, particularly scenes involving Gyeon-woo’s mysterious ailments and accidents. Hospitals in Korean dramas often symbolize vulnerability and mortality, themes central to the series’ exploration of fate and destiny.

Choeundang (초은당): Traditional Korean Architecture

This location represents the spiritual and traditional aspects of the story, likely serving as a setting for shamanic practices and ancestral ceremonies. Traditional Korean buildings like Choeundang provide authentic backdrops for the series’ supernatural elements, connecting modern characters to their cultural and spiritual heritage.

Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원): Nature’s Mystical Beauty

Address: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do Official Website: Morning Calm Arboretum

The Garden of Morning Calm, nestled against the splendid backdrop of Chungnyeongsan Mountain, is a horticultural haven that blends the essence of Korean beauty with a diversity of themed gardens. Designed by Professor Han Sang-kyeong from Sahmyook University, this arboretum, which opened in May 1996, offers a tranquil retreat with forest paths and a dense pine nut grove.

Production Excellence and Creative Vision

Directorial Leadership

The series is helmed by Kim Yong-wan, whose impressive portfolio includes acclaimed works such as “If You Wish Upon Me” (2022) and “The Whirlwind” (2024). His expertise in handling both intimate character moments and large-scale dramatic sequences ensures that each filming location serves the story’s emotional and narrative requirements.

Writing and Adaptation

Yang Ji-hoon skillfully adapted Ahn Su-min’s webtoon, maintaining the source material’s mystical elements while expanding the story for television. The adaptation required careful consideration of how different locations would support both the contemporary and supernatural aspects of the narrative.

Production Powerhouse

The collaboration between industry giants CJENM, Studio Dragon, Dexter Studio, and EO Contents Group resulted in high production values that maximize the visual impact of each chosen location. This partnership ensures that every scene, whether filmed in a humble neighborhood restaurant or a mystical garden, receives the cinematic treatment it deserves.

Broadcasting and Accessibility

“Head Over Heels” aired on tvN from June 23 to July 29, 2025, every Monday and Tuesday at 20:50 KST. The series is also available for streaming on:

TVING (South Korea)
Amazon Prime Video (selected international regions)

This multi-platform approach ensures that international audiences can experience the beauty of these Korean filming locations alongside the compelling narrative.

Conclusion: A Perfect Marriage of Story and Setting

“Head Over Heels” succeeds not only as a compelling supernatural romance but also as a love letter to Korean culture and landscape. The careful selection of filming locations—from the humble charm of Yugane Black Pork Restaurant to the mystical beauty of the Garden of Morning Calm—creates a rich tapestry that supports and enhances the series’ exploration of love, fate, and spiritual awakening.

The series demonstrates how authentic locations can elevate storytelling, providing viewers with an immersive experience that goes beyond entertainment to offer genuine cultural insight. Whether you’re drawn to the romantic storyline, fascinated by Korean shamanic traditions, or simply appreciating beautiful cinematography, “Head Over Heels” offers a visual and narrative journey through some of Korea’s most compelling locations.