“The Atypical Family”(Although I am Not a Hero) and its Filming Locations

The K-drama “The Atypical Family (Although I am not a hero)” is a beautifully woven tapestry of fantasy, romance, and the raw complexities of human emotions. At its core, it is a story about overcoming adversity, the power of love, and the eternal struggle to find one’s place in the world. The narrative cleverly juxtaposes the fantastical elements of superpowers with the all-too-human condition of facing and overcoming one’s limitations and fears.

The Enigmatic Transformation of Bok Dong-hee

Once gracing the runways with her unmatched charisma and defined abs, Bok Dong-hee’s life takes a dramatic turn as she confronts an unexpected transformation. Her journey from a top model to struggling with obesity symbolizes a battle with self-acceptance and the loss of her extraordinary ability to fly. This physical and emotional metamorphosis challenges Dong-hee to rediscover her confidence and redefine her identity beyond the superficial expectations of society. Her character represents resilience and the courage to embrace one’s true self amid adversity.

The Atypical Family
source:jtbc

The Arrival of Do Da-hee in “The Atypical Family(Although I am not a hero)”

Do Da-hee’s sudden intrusion into the Bok family’s life serves as the turning point in the narrative. Portrayed by Chun Woo-hee, her character is shrouded in mystery, sparking curiosity and suspicion among the family members, especially Bok Dong-hee. However, Da-hee’s presence unwittingly becomes the catalyst for the family’s journey towards healing and self-discovery. Her interactions with the Bok family members, particularly the matriarch Bok Man-heum, unravel layers of hidden emotions and secrets, setting the stage for transformative relationships and personal growth.

Bok Gyu-ju: A Time Traveler’s Quest for Redemption in “The Atypical Family(Although I am not a hero)”

Jang Ki-yong’s portrayal of Bok Gyu-ju, a time traveler haunted by depression and the loss of his powers, adds depth to the drama’s exploration of heroism and vulnerability. Gyu-ju’s ability to time travel to moments of happiness becomes a curse as he grapples with his inability to alter the past or save the ones he loves. His decision to become a firefighter, in a bid to use his powers for the greater good, underscores his struggle with the concept of heroism in the face of personal despair. Gyu-ju’s character arc is a poignant reflection on the pursuit of redemption and the impact of unchangeable past events on one’s present and future.

A Collaborative Masterpiece in “The Atypical Family(Although I am not a hero)”

“The Atypical Family(Although I am not a hero)” emerges as a collaborative masterpiece under the direction of Jo Hyun-tak and the creative minds of writers Joo Hwa-mi and Kang Eun-kyung. The drama’s unique premise—a superpower family battling a modern-day affliction—combined with relatable storytelling and compelling character development, offers a fresh perspective on fantasy romance. The synergy among the talented cast, including Suhyun’s transformative role as Bok Dong-hee and Jang Ki-yong’s emotional depth as Bok Gyu-ju, promises a narrative rich with humor, warmth, and introspection.

A Reflection on Heroism in the Modern World

At its core, “The Atypical Family(Although I am not a hero)” delves into the essence of heroism beyond the conventional. It challenges the audience to contemplate the significance of personal battles and the strength found in vulnerability. The drama is a testament to the fact that heroism is not always about grand gestures or saving the world but about overcoming one’s inner demons, embracing imperfections, and finding the hero within oneself. It invites viewers on a journey of self-discovery, love, and the realization that sometimes, being a hero means being true to who you are, despite the obstacles life throws your way.

Conclusion: A Tale of Human Resilience and Hope

The Atypical Family
source:jtbc

“The Atypical Family(Although I am not a hero)” is more than just a fantasy romance drama; it’s a compelling narrative of human resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love and acceptance. With its intricate character arcs, poignant storytelling, and a cast that brings each character to life with profound emotion and authenticity, the drama stands as a beacon of inspiration. It reminds us that in the face of adversity, the truest form of heroism is found not in the extraordinary, but in the courage to face one’s fears, to love, and to emerge stronger on the other side.

Filming Locations

O-World in Daejeon

The zoo filming location is Daejeon O-World Zoo in Daejeon.

The Atypical Family
Source:Screen Shot from JTBC

O-World in Daejeon, South Korea, stands as the largest theme park in the central region south of the Han River, offering a unique blend of entertainment spaces including “Zooland,” “Flowerland,” “Joyland,” “Birdland,” and the mesmerizing “Night Universe.” This comprehensive park invites families to immerse in an array of experiences that cater to all ages and interests.

At O-World, visitors can embark on an extraordinary journey through various safaris, such as the African Safari, Korean Wolf Safari, and Mountain Safari, where they can witness the vibrant stories of animals breathing life right before their eyes. The park doesn’t stop there; it also presents a beautiful world where flowers, water, and light converge, alongside thrilling amusement rides, and a magical bird experience blending rare birds with a tropical garden.

As night falls, O-World transforms into an enchanting space of digital media art, offering unique pleasures like hologram shows and music fountain water shows, all part of the “Night Universe.” This innovative area leverages digital media devices and engaging storytelling to create a captivating and mystical evening experience.

Key Attractions at O-World:

  1. Animal Exhibits: Home to 739 animals across 92 species, including lions, tigers, monkeys, and Korean wolves.
  2. Amusement Rides: Features 19 different types of rides, including a flume ride, giant drop, and super Viking.
  3. Night Universe: A digital media art theme park that comes alive at night.
  4. Safaris: Offers unique experiences with African Safari, Mountain Safari, and Korean Wolf Safari.
  5. Birdland: A haven for various rare birds and tropical plants, adorned with vibrant hanging baskets.
  6. Seasonal Facilities: Includes a water park for summer fun.
  7. Performance Venues: “Rainbow Stage” in Zooland and an outdoor performance area in Flowerland.

O-World in Daejeon is more than just a theme park; it’s a world of wonders waiting to be explored, offering unforgettable memories for its visitors through its diverse attractions and immersive experiences.

Conrad Seoul

The Atypical Family

Conrad Seoul: Luxury in the Heart of South Korea

Location:10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 07326, South Korea

Overview:

Conrad Seoul is a premier luxury hotel situated in the vibrant business district of Yeouido, offering unparalleled views of the Han River. Known for its sophisticated design and exceptional service, Conrad Seoul provides a haven of comfort and elegance for both business and leisure travelers.

Features:

  1. Luxurious Accommodations:Conrad Seoul offers 434 spacious guest rooms and suites, each designed with a modern aesthetic and equipped with the latest amenities. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline or the serene Han River.
  2. Dining Experiences:The hotel boasts a variety of dining options to suit all tastes. From the international buffet at Zest to fine dining at 37 Grill & Bar, guests can indulge in a range of culinary delights. Atrio offers Italian cuisine, while VVertigo provides a chic outdoor setting for cocktails and light bites.
  3. Wellness and Recreation:The Conrad Spa offers a range of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate. The hotel also features a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and a sauna, ensuring guests maintain their wellness routines during their stay.
  4. Business and Event Facilities:
  5. Conrad Seoul is an ideal venue for meetings and events, offering over 2,608 square meters of flexible event space. The Grand Ballroom, meeting rooms, and boardrooms are equipped with the latest technology to ensure successful business gatherings and memorable social events.
  6. Exclusive Executive Lounge:Guests staying in executive rooms and suites have access to the Executive Lounge, which offers complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails. The lounge provides a private space for relaxation and business meetings.

Nearby Attractions:

Conrad Seoul is conveniently located near several major attractions, including:

  • Yeouido Hangang Park: A perfect spot for leisurely strolls along the Han River.
  • IFC Mall: A premium shopping destination with a variety of international brands.
  • The National Assembly Building: The seat of South Korea’s legislative branch.
  • 63 Building: One of Seoul’s tallest buildings, featuring an aquarium, observatory, and dining options.

Getting There:

The hotel is easily accessible from both Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport, with various transportation options including airport limousine buses, taxis, and the subway.

Making a Reservation

Grand Hyatt Incheon

The Atypical Family
source:shooting shot from jtbc

Location:

208 Yeongjonghaeannam-ro, 321 Beon-gil, Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

Overview:

Strategically located just minutes from Incheon International Airport, Grand Hyatt Incheon stands as a luxurious and convenient gateway for travelers. This five-star hotel, part of the esteemed global Hyatt chain, offers an exceptional stay experience with its modern design, world-class amenities, and impeccable service. Whether you’re in South Korea for a business trip, a layover, or a leisurely vacation, Grand Hyatt Incheon ensures a comfortable and memorable stay.

Features:

  1. Elegant Accommodations:The hotel features 1,022 spacious rooms and suites across two towers – East Tower and West Tower. Each room is tastefully designed to provide guests with a peaceful retreat, featuring plush bedding, modern bathrooms, and panoramic views of the airport, sea, or city.
  2. Exquisite Dining:Grand Hyatt Incheon offers a diverse range of dining options. Guests can savor international cuisine at the Grand Café, enjoy authentic Chinese dishes at Restaurant 8, or indulge in Japanese specialties at Swell Lounge. The hotel also features a bakery and a bar for light snacks and refreshing cocktails.
  3. Wellness and Recreation:The hotel’s wellness facilities include a fully equipped fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a sauna. The luxurious Club Olympus Spa offers a variety of treatments and massages to rejuvenate the body and mind.
  4. Exceptional Event Spaces:With over 3,500 square meters of flexible meeting and event space, Grand Hyatt Incheon is an ideal venue for conferences, weddings, and special events. The hotel’s professional event planning team ensures every detail is meticulously catered to.
  5. Exclusive Services:Grand Hyatt Incheon provides a range of exclusive services, including complimentary airport shuttle service, a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, and extensive parking facilities.

Nearby Attractions:

The hotel is conveniently located near Incheon International Airport’s Sky City, featuring a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Other nearby attractions include Incheon Bridge, Yeongjong Island, and the scenic West Sea.

Getting There:

Grand Hyatt Incheon is easily accessible from Incheon International Airport via complimentary shuttle service. For guests arriving by car or public transportation, the hotel offers convenient access and parking.

Making a Reservation

Gochon Cafe Seolgordan Main Branch

The Atypical Family

Located near Gimpo Hyundai Premium Outlets, Seolgordan is a large bakery cafe where pets and babies are welcome. There is a kids’ zone where children and infants can safely play.

The first floor is divided into a bakery, ordering area, and cafe space. There are second floor and third floor rooftops where you can enjoy the atmosphere while eating bread.

There are various types of tables, including low tables for babies. It’s also a good place for group gatherings.

It is famous for its stylish interior and being pet-friendly. They also offer 12 different types of salt bread. are various coffees and teas, ice cream, shaved ice, frappes, smoothies, and aids, and the brunch menu includes a variety of pastas and cream soups.

Phone: 031-998-0889

Address: 13-4, Gimpo-daero 319beon-gil, Gochon-eup, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, 1st floor 1, 2nd floor 1, 2.

Google Maps location of Gochon Cafe

Bunam Beach in Samcheok

The filming location for the beach scene in episode 1 is the Bunam Beach in Samcheok. It was a filming location for the movie “Decision to Leave” and became well-known after appearing on the Korean TV program “I Live Alone”. Although it boasts beautiful scenery all year round, unfortunately, it is a special beach that is open only for 40 days a year.

Where to Stay in Samcheock

1. Sol Beach Samcheok

Features:

Sol Beach Samcheok is a luxurious seaside resort offering stunning views of the East Sea. The hotel features spacious rooms with modern amenities, multiple dining options, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa. It is known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and beautiful gardens.

How to Get There:

  • By Train: Take a KTX train from Seoul Station to Donghae Station, then take a taxi or local bus to the hotel.
  • By Car: Drive along the Donghae Expressway (Route 65) and take the Samcheok exit. Follow the signs to Sol Beach Samcheok.

Making a Reservation

2. Samcheok Beach Hotel

Features:

Located near the popular Samcheok Beach, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations with easy access to the beach. It features well-furnished rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is ideal for both leisure and business travelers.

How to Get There:

  • By Bus: Take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Samcheok Bus Terminal. From there, it’s a short taxi ride to the hotel.
  • By Car: Drive along the Donghae Expressway (Route 65) and take the Samcheok exit. Follow the signs to Samcheok Beach.
  • Making a Reservation

3. Samcheok Ara Pension

Features:

When you stay at Samcheok ara Pension in Samcheok, you’ll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Yonghwa Beach and Jangho Beach. This pension is 25.6 mi (41.2 km) from Mukho Port and 28.9 mi (46.4 km) from Mangsang Beach.

This pension offers designated smoking areas.

Free self parking is available onsite.

Make yourself at home in one of the 6 guestrooms, featuring kitchens. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and LCD televisions are provided for your entertainment.

Surroundings:

  • Yonghwa Beach : 100m from your search (straight-line distance)
  • Samcheok Ocean Rail Bike : 160m from your search (straight-line distance)
  • Yonghwa-haesuyokchang : 270m from your search (straight-line distance)
  • Samcheok Maritime Cable Car (Yonghwa Station) :590m from your search (straight-line distance)
  • Jangho Port :1.3 km from your search (straight-line distance)

Making a Reservation

The Spa at Paradise

The filming location for the spa where Doda-Hae and Bok Man-Heum meet in episode 1 is “The Spa at Paradise”.

This place was selected for the Beauty Spa Theme category of the 2021 Wellness Tourism Sites recommended by the Korea Tourism Organization and was the first in the spa industry to obtain the GBAC STAR certification, the international certification system for environmental disinfection by ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association). In other words, it means it is clean.

Address: 3rd floor, Paradise City Hotel Red Wing, 186, Yeongjonghaeannam-ro 321beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon

Website of the Spa at Paradise

Incheon Songdo Geumgang Yeokdol Jjimjilbang

The Atypical Family
Source:JTBC

Address: 510-5 Okryeon-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon Metropolitan City

If you are curious about what Jjimjilbang is in Korea, read an article about South Korea’s Top 3 Unique Cultural Gems: Jjimjilbang, KakaoTalk, and the Mystery of Number 4 here.

AK Plaza Gwangmyeong Branch Paul Bassett

The filming location of the department store in episode 2 is ‘AK Plaza Gwangmyeong Branch Paul Bassett.’

Nestled in the bustling heart of Gwangmyeong, a city known for its vibrant culture and thriving community, lies a gem that attracts both locals and tourists alike: the AK Plaza Gwangmyeong Branch. Among its many attractions, the Paul Bassett café stands out, a haven for coffee aficionados and those seeking a serene spot amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

The story of Paul Bassett at AK Plaza Gwangmyeong begins with its prime location. Gwangmyeong, strategically located near Seoul, is accessible by various modes of transportation, making it a convenient destination for shoppers and casual visitors. The AK Plaza, a part of this urban tapestry, is not just a shopping mall but a comprehensive lifestyle center that caters to a wide range of needs and preferences.

Paul Bassett, named after the world champion barista, prides itself on its commitment to quality coffee. The café in AK Plaza Gwangmyeong is no exception. It offers a selection of meticulously crafted coffee beverages, made from high-quality beans sourced from around the world. The ambiance of the café, with its modern and minimalist design, provides a perfect backdrop for the sensory experience of enjoying a cup of coffee.

What sets the Paul Bassett café in AK Plaza Gwangmyeong apart is not just its coffee but also its location within the mall. Situated in a spot that offers a respite from the shopping frenzy, it serves as an ideal meeting point for friends, a quiet corner for reading, or simply a place to relax and enjoy the moment.

For those interested in visiting, the AK Plaza Gwangmyeong Branch is located at:

  • Address: 902, Gwangmyeongsageori-ro, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

29Pub Tokyo Elegant Branch No. 4 in Yeoksam-dong

The place where Dong-hee and the doctor have a conversation is located at 29Pub Tokyo Elegant Branch No. 4 in Yeoksam-dong.

Gangwon Province Inje Gunchookgyo

Address: Namjeon-ri, Nam-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do

Along with Adeulbawi and Byeongpung Waterfall Rock, it is part of the third course of the Soyang River Trail in Inje, Gangwon Province, known for its beautiful surrounding scenery. It was also famous as a fishing spot for rice cake carp in Soyang Lake, but the upper stream has now been designated as a no-fishing zone. It’s also well-known for the Soyang River Trail.

Ilsan Lake Park Singing Fountain

The Atypical Family

This is the place where Bok Gwi-joo and Do Da-hae decided to meet, and it serves as the background for the filming.

Address: 595 Hosu-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

Other Fantasy Romance Dramas

My Demon

Wonderland

“All The Love You Wish For”:Netflix K-Drama

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Lynn Kim

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.