'Serendipity's Embrace' and its Filming Locations

The drama ‘Serendipity’s Embrace’ brings back memories of clumsy and awkward first loves. This romance series tells the story of two individuals who unexpectedly meet again after ten years and fall in love once more. Based on a popular Naver webtoon of the same name, the drama ,’Serendipity’s Embrace’, the journey of nineteen-year-old teenagers reuniting as twenty-nine-year-old adults, finding their destiny amidst countless coincidences in an exciting and heartwarming way.

Casts of ‘Serendipity’s Embrace’

Kim So Hyun will star as Lee Hong Joo, an animation producer who is afraid of love due to painful memories from her previous relationship—and who undergoes an unexpected change after running into Kang Hoo Young (Chae Jong Hyeop), who witnessed some of her lowest moments from her past.

Chae Jong Hyeop will star as Kang Hoo Young, a handsome and highly intelligent financial planner living in the United States who never needed to work hard to achieve great results. Bored with his dull and meaningless life, Kang Hoo Young finds his heart fluttering again when he returns to Korea for the first time in a long while and unexpectedly reunites with Lee Hong Joo, his first love from high school, after 10 years.

Although Kang Hoo Young has never experienced failure, the one thing in his life to which he could never figure out the correct answer was his first love. In one still from the upcoming drama, the teenage Kang Hoo Young looks puzzled as he holds a love letter he’s just received at school, seemingly experiencing an unfamiliar emotion for the first time.

In contrast to his innocent high school self, the 29-year-old Kang Hoo Young exudes a slightly cynical aura in his sunglasses and stylish clothing. However, his softening gaze as he looks at someone suggests that he will once again undergo a major change after his forgotten first love finds him once again.

Recalling his initial impression of the script of ‘Serendipity’s Embrace’, Chae Jong Hyeop remarked, “While reading the script, I was curious about and entertained by the idea of coincidentally running into your first love again. I think the drama’s charm is how these bubbly and vivacious characters happen to discover and experience the emotion of love.”

The actor went on to describe his character of ‘Serendipity’s Embrace’ saying, “The character of Hoo Young may appear bland and prickly. But Hoo Young is just someone who’s bad at expressing his feelings and doesn’t show his emotions to other people.”

He added, “I spent a lot of time pondering how to portray the transformation in Hoo Young as he gradually comes to discover the feeling of love.”

‘Serendipity’s Embrace’ : Rekindling First Love

Directed by Song Hyun-wook, known for his meticulous and sensory direction in dramas like ‘The Beauty Inside’ and ‘Another Miss Oh’, and written by emerging writer Park Geu-ro, Serendipity’s Embrace’ offers a delightful blend of romance and comedy. The drama evokes the freshness of first love through the memories that crisscross in the same spaces, unknown to each other during their nineteen-year-old moments. The narration, “Memory is imperfect,” unfolds the story of their first love.

However, the twenty-nine-year-old Hong Joo has changed significantly. She now considers her once fresh and honest first love as pathetic and childish, showing a skeptical attitude towards love. Her remark, “First love is just something anyone can have, like a dog or a cow,” reveals how much she has changed. As she reunites with Hoo-young, who remembers her as a nineteen-year-old, she begins to experience a thrilling transformation. Hoo-young’s comment, “You are thinking about me now,” makes Hong Joo’s heart race.

Hong Joo remembers the nineteen-year-old Hoo-young as “a smart but inhumane pre-schooler.” However, Hoo-young had always been looking at one person throughout his school years. Keeping a photo of the youthful Hong Joo in her school uniform, Hoo-young’s actions pique curiosity about his first love. His confession, “I like you,” retrieves the memories of their nineteen-year-old selves that neither of them can recall.

Serendipity’s Embrace’ evokes the memories of first love, bringing excitement and laughter to the viewers. Now, let’s embark on a journey to the filming locations of this enchanting drama.

Exploring the Filming Locations of ‘Serendipity’s Embrace’

Nonsan Girls’ Commercial High School

Location: 197 Simin-ro, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea

Features:

Nonsan Girls’ Commercial High School is a significant location that captures the nostalgic high school days of the drama characters Hongju and Hyeji. The school’s classic architecture and familiar surroundings provide a perfect setting for scenes depicting youthful romance and friendship.

The High School Corridors and Playground: Key scenes of the drama, where Hong Joo’s bold confessions take place, were filmed in a picturesque high school renowned for its scenic beauty. Walking through these corridors and standing in the playground where love letters were exchanged can vividly bring back the nostalgia of first love.

How to Get There:

The school is accessible via local buses from Nonsan Station, which is on the Honam Line.

Google Maps Link

Everland Theme Park

Location: 199 Everland-ro, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Features:

Everland is South Korea’s largest theme park, offering a variety of attractions including thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and exciting parades. It’s not only a favorite spot for families and tourists but also a popular filming location for many dramas. The park’s vibrant and lively atmosphere makes it a perfect backdrop for romantic and adventure scenes.

How to Get There:

You can reach Everland by taking the subway to Giheung Station (Yongin Everline), then transferring to the shuttle bus that goes directly to the park.

Google Maps Link

Kkotji Beach in Anmyeondo, Taean

One of the highlights is Hong Joo handing a love letter to Kang Hoo-young in various locations such as corridors, playgrounds, and in front of bathrooms. The nineteen-year-old Hong Joo that Hoo-young remembers is an earnest, quirky, and headstrong girl. Her bold declaration, “I’m here to confess. Let’s go! For love,” perfectly encapsulates the pure, straightforward nature of first love at nineteen.

Location: Haesuyokjang, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, South Korea

Features:

Kkotji Beach, located on Anmyeondo Island in Taean, is known for its stunning sunsets and serene environment. The beach’s natural beauty and tranquil setting have made it a sought-after location for filming beach scenes in various dramas. The expansive sandy shore and clear waters provide a picturesque backdrop that enhances the storytelling.

How to Get There:

From Taean Intercity Bus Terminal, take a local bus to Anmyeondo and get off at Kkotji Beach.

Google Maps Link

Introduction to Hotels Near Kkotji Beach, Anmyeondo

If you want to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Anmyeondo, we recommend the hotels near Kkotji Beach. Here, you can enjoy stunning ocean views and comfortable accommodations.

Taean Oaten Pool Villa

Taean Oaten Pool Villa provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors. Stay connected with your associates, as complimentary Wi-Fi is available during your entire visit.When arriving by car, you’ll be grateful for the on-site complimentary parking at pension.

Making a reservation : Taean Oaten Pool Villa

Taean Todamgil Pension (태안 토담길 펜션)

Located in Taean, Taean Todamgil Pension is a 2-minute drive from Anmyeondo Jurassic Museum and 7 minutes from Anmyeondo Harbor. This property is 27.2 mi (43.8 km) from Daecheon Beach and 5.1 mi (8.3 km) from Mongsanpo Beach.

Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.

Free self parking is available onsite.

Make yourself at home in one of the 4 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms with bathtubs or showers are provided.

Making a reservation : Taean Todamgil Pension

Badawapureunsol (바다와 푸른솔)

Badawapureunsol provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors. Remain linked during your visit by utilizing the complimentary internet access available.Parking is accessible, supplied by the pension for guests who arrive by car. During your stay at pension, an array of engaging activities and amenities guarantees a delightful experience. During your stay, the pension provides direct access to a beach, ensuring you remain near the sea throughout your visit.

Making a reservation: Badawapureunsol

Dolce Cafe in Baekhyeon-dong, Pangyo

Location: 565-2 Baekhyeon-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Features:

Dolce Cafe is a charming spot in the bustling district of Pangyo. Known for its cozy ambiance and stylish decor, the cafe offers a perfect setting for intimate and casual scenes in dramas. It’s a popular spot not only for filming but also for locals who enjoy its delicious coffee and desserts.

How to Get There:

Take the subway to Pangyo Station (Shinbundang Line), and from there, Dolce Cafe is a short walk away.