“Kingderland”: A Tour of Glamorous Hotels Featured in the Drama
The drama “Kingderland” is set in a hotel, allowing viewers to fully enjoy luxurious hotels. Set against the backdrop of some of Korea’s finest hotels, the beautiful performances of the two main characters stand out.
The names of the two main characters are Sarang and Guwon in Korean, which have special meanings. Sarang means “Love,” and Guwon means “Salvation.”
In literature worldwide, love and salvation are inseparable and often emerge as themes. In this drama, the names of the main characters are explicitly chosen to be Love and Salvation to clearly convey the theme.
Loving someone is seen as the ultimate ideal, where the object of one’s love becomes a goddess of salvation, a vision everyone aspires to.
The drama showcases the ideal of love against the backdrop of luxurious hotels, crafting a dream-like love story. It invites viewers to dream of their ideal love within the splendid setting of the hotels depicted in the drama. Let’s dive into the luxurious hotels in the drama now.
Grand Hyatt Seoul In the Kingderland
The Beginning of Love
Grand Hyatt Seoul serves as the location where Sarang and Guwon first meet, signaling the start of a new romance in the drama, hinting at the unfolding of a glamorous story akin to that of the Hyatt Hotel. In the drama, the main filming locations, such as the hotel lobby and scenes where the staff are standing and talking, are at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. A fitness scene featuring comedian Lee Jin-ho as a cameo was filmed at this hotel.
Perched on the slopes of Namsan Mountain, the Grand Hyatt Seoul is a testament to luxury, offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline that are nothing short of cinematic. Its lush gardens and waterfall provide a serene escape, making it easy to see why it’s a choice location for “Kingderland’s” high-stakes meetings and clandestine rendezvous.
Getting There: A mere 10-minute drive from the heart of Seoul, it’s easily accessible, offering a tranquil retreat within the bustling city.
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam is where Sarang and Guwon have their awkward reunion and where Love, tired from entertaining an Arab prince, is provided a room to rest. The place offers a backdrop that aptly reflects the complex emotions and situations between the two characters. It is depicted as a place where Love can comfortably rest, suggesting that the hotel serves as both a place of reunion and a sanctuary for each other.
Elegance meets history at the Chosun Palace Gangnam, where traditional charm and modern luxury intertwine. Its majestic architecture and opulent interiors evoke the regality befitting of “Kingderland’s” royalty, making each scene shot here resonate with grandeur.
Getting There: Nestled in the vibrant district of Gangnam, it stands as a beacon of luxury amidst Seoul’s most dynamic and fashionable area.
‘Akira Back’ In Four Seasons Hotel Seoul :The Venue for the Welcome Ceremony
‘Akira Back’ for the welcome ceremony held after Sarang ascends to Kingderland. The elegant and luxurious atmosphere of Akira Back emphasizes the importance of the welcome ceremony, heralding Sarang’s glamorous and upscale new beginning.
Dining transcends into an art form at ‘Akira Back’, located within the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. This Michelin-starred restaurant, with its innovative dishes and sleek décor, serves as the perfect setting for “Kingderland’s” exquisite dining scenes, where characters plot their next moves over gourmet cuisine.
Getting There: Situated in the heart of Seoul, it’s a culinary jewel within the city’s crown of luxury accommodations.
Sono Calm Jeju Resort: The Setting for the Interview
One of the most talked-about scenes from “Kingderland” is the promotional video shoot at King Hotel’s dazzling outdoor swimming pool. The real star, however, is none other than the Sono Calm Jeju Resort, which has captured the imagination of fans and travelers alike. This resort, nestled amidst the lush greenery and pristine beaches of Jeju, offers a serene escape, making it easy to see why it was chosen as the setting for such a pivotal scene.
It’s a place where beautiful sunsets could be seen. Also, the female protagonist looked beautiful under the heart-shaped tree. You can see the splendid scenery of Hallasan Mountain and both sunrise and sunset, and it is famous for its night views.
Getting There: Located on the idyllic shores of Jeju Island, it’s a scenic escape from the mainland hustle.
Parnas Hotel Jeju: The Lobby of King Hotel
Appearing as the lobby of King Hotel in the drama, Parnas Hotel Jeju symbolizes glamour and luxury. This place serves as the central space of the drama, where major characters’ meetings, separations, and conflicts unfold. It acts as a condensed space of all the elements of the drama, serving as the entrance to the drama itself.
While the exterior scenes transport viewers to a realm of luxury and splendor, the interior shots of King Hotel reveal another gem on the island—the Parnas Hotel Jeju. Located in the bustling area of Jungmun, Seogwipo City, this five-star haven boasts a unique architectural marvel with its 30-meter high ceilings and octagonal façade. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a landmark that offers a glimpse into the opulence that defines Jeju’s hospitality scene.
Another gem on Jeju Island, the Parnas Hotel, offers a luxurious sanctuary with its elegant design and superior service. Its picturesque setting makes it an ideal locale for “Kingderland’s” romantic interludes and reflective moments, adding depth to the narrative’s emotional landscape.
Getting There: Easily accessible from Jeju International Airport, it’s a haven of luxury on this enchanting island.
Grand Hyatt Incheon: The Place of Waiting
Featuring as the location where Guwon waits for Love’s return from work, the Grand Hyatt Incheon beautifully portrays the poignant waiting of Salvation against the backdrop of the hotel.
Grand Hyatt Incheon is located only minutes from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 and 20 minutes from Terminal 2. It is the perfect place to shake off your jet lag, and enjoy a short stay for a quick departure. It is also the ideal hotel to plan a short trip with your family on weekends and holidays, or as a romantic getaway or honeymoon for couples.
The Hotel’s East Tower and West Tower are connected via a sky bridge, making Grand Hyatt Incheon the second largest Hyatt hotel outside North America with 1,024 guestrooms.
Grand Hyatt Incheon is an ideal venue for large-scale meetings and events, housing 26 individual event spaces totaling 4,566 square meters (49,109 sq ft) — 2,035 square meters (21,865 sq ft) in the East Tower and 2,531 square meters (27,244 sq ft) in the West Tower.
For a unique cocktail party and dinner outdoors, you can choose the alfresco venues that boast terrace gardens, trees, and a fresh ocean breeze. The Pool House is an outside environment with an open-kitchen facility for interactive buffets.
Strategically located near Incheon International Airport, the Grand Hyatt Incheon serves as a gateway to luxury for international travelers and “Kingderland’s” globe-trotting characters alike. Its sophisticated ambiance sets the stage for the drama’s thrilling arrivals and departures.
Getting There: Its proximity to the airport makes it a convenient first stop for visitors seeking to explore “Kingderland’s” world.
Mondrian Seoul Itaewon :Fitness with a View
Adding to the allure of Kingderland’s luxurious lifestyle is the King Hotel’s fitness center, portrayed by the stylish Mondrian Seoul Itaewon. Situated in the vibrant district of Itaewon, this fitness center breaks the monotony of routine workouts by offering state-of-the-art facilities against the backdrop of Seoul’s dynamic skyline. It’s a reminder of how “Kingderland” merges the best of both worlds—Jeju’s natural beauty and Seoul’s urban chic.
In the heart of Itaewon, the Mondrian Seoul is a vibrant fusion of culture and luxury, mirroring the eclectic spirit of the neighborhood. Its stylish interiors and pulsating energy make it a fitting backdrop for “Kingderland’s” trend-setting characters and their avant-garde exploits.
Getting There: Located in the dynamic district of Itaewon, it’s at the crossroads of culture, cuisine, and creativity.
Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju
Though not explicitly mentioned in the drama, the Jeju Haevichi Hotel is another destination that embodies the spirit of “Kingderland.” With its exquisite beachfront location and top-notch amenities, it represents the luxurious lifestyle and breathtaking vistas that have become synonymous with Jeju Island.
The Haevichi Hotel embodies the serene beauty and luxurious charm of Jeju Island. Its stunning vistas and elegant accommodations provide a picturesque setting for “Kingderland’s” moments of introspection and romance, enveloping characters and viewers in its spellbinding allure.
Getting There: A scenic journey across Jeju Island leads to this enchanting retreat, offering a slice of paradise on earth.
Embark on Your Own Kingderland Adventure
“Kingderland” is more than just a drama; it’s a gateway to discovering the hidden gems like hotels of South Korea. From the enchanting Sono Calm Jeju Resort to the architectural marvel of the Parnas Hotel Jeju, and the vibrant energy of the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, these destinations offer a unique blend of tranquility, luxury, and adventure.
So, why wait? Let the magic of “Kingderland” inspire your next journey and explore the wonders of Korea. Whether you’re a fan of K-dramas or a traveler in search of new experiences, these spots are sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime. And don’t forget to take pictures there, too as “Sarang” did in the drama.
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With years of experience in international aviation, coupled with a background in travel journalism, I offer a wealth of expertise in the field of tourism. As an avid traveler and enthusiast, I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and insights to help you embark on unforgettable journeys.
