It’s safe to say that It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, with its constant presence on Netflix’s Top 10, is one of the hottest K-dramas currently on air. It definitely helps that the show serves as Hallyu star Kim Soo Hyun’s much-awaited comeback since his military discharge. That said, much like true observant K-culture enthusiasts, we’re sure there are already a few scenic backdrops on the show that have particularly caught your eye. If you’re curious where to find them for your future SK trip itinerary, we’ve got you covered.
Below, we round up some of the show’s most memorable and famous filming locations.
1. Cafe Sanida
Where you saw it: The iconic "cursed castle" where Ko Mun-yeong (Seo Ye Ji) spent her childhood doesn't actually exist in real life. Believe it or not, the spooky mansion hiding in the middle of the forest was made entirely through CGI on the grounds of Cafe Sanida. The cafe posted about the show on its official website, revealing that the gate and the castle's main entryway were built by the show's crew.
Location: 992-12, Jusan-ri, Hojeo-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
2. IK Light House
Where you saw it: In the first episode we find Mun-yeong enjoying a meal alone until she's approached by a mother and daughter asking for her autograph. The quaint scene took place in the IK Light House, a cafe and showroom that opened in 2018. The establishment itself was once a 60-year-old obstetrics building renovated into a cafe by the light bulb company Ilkwang Lightings.
Location: 8-1 Chamoejeon-ro 174beon-gil, Dongincheon-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon
3. Secret Blue Cafe
Where you saw it: Recognizable as one of the main locations on the show, the OK Psychiatric Hospital where Moon Gang-tae works is actually another cafe in real life. Named the Secret Blue Cafe, the establishment stands on a seaside attraction that overlooks a breathtaking view of the Ayajin Beach.
Location: 226 Ayajin, Toseong-myeon, Goseong County, Gangwon Province
4. Triple Street
Where you saw it: Remember Moon Sang-tae's whimsical film sequence while on his way to Mun-yeong's fan sign event? Well, it was all shot on the walkways of Triple Street, a shopping complex built with three three different themes, plus other attractions including an entertainment plaza, a sports field, and an observatory.
Location: 33-1 Songdogwahak-ro 16-beon-gil, Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
5. Forest of Wisdom Library
Where you saw it: Meanwhile, the location itself for Mun-yeong's event was shot in the Forest of Wisdom Library. Famous for its towering floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, the library's a frequent filming spot for K-dramas, including The King: Eternal Monarch (2020), The World of the Married (2020), and Hotel del Luna (2018), among others.
Location: 145 Hoedong-gil, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
6. Juncheon Seopdali Bridge
Where you saw it: The quick flashbacks of the main characters seen in episode two were filmed on the Juncheon Seopdali Bridge across the Jucheon River in Panun village. The seasonal bridge, which is re-built each year come early winter, is made of logs, pine needles, and soil.
Closest Location: 2141 Songhakjucheon-ro, Panun-ri, Jucheon-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
7. Hangang Bridge
Where you saw it: We get to see South Korea's world famous Hangang Bridge on the first episode of the show when Gang-tae takes a ride home with his friend Jo Jae-soo. Bad luck soon strikes them as the latter's motorbike breaks down in the middle of the bridge and the two are forced to push it across. Funnily enough, as they do so, they end up passing a billboard advertising their own show. Talk about breaking the fourth wall.
8. Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge
Where you saw it: On the ninth episode of the show, Gang-tae takes Mun-yeong out to the Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge. Spanning a length of 200 meters, it's known as “the longest and largest pedestrian bridge” in South Korea. It may also alternatively be called as the Ganhyeon Rocking Bridge or the Wonju Rocking Bridge
Location: 12 Sogeumsan-gil, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
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