5 Real-Life Historic Sites Seen in "Perfect Crown"

For romantics, Perfect Crown hits the sweet spot of the tried-and-tested K-drama swoon formula, dashed with a fairytale turn. Set in an alternate present where South Korea is governed by a constitutional monarchy, the series naturally leans into history—not just through costume and court intrigue, but through real locations that carry centuries of stories.

From royal shrines to hanok stays that double as modern cultural spaces, the IU and Byeon Woo Seok-starring drama makes full use of Korea’s historic landscapes. Ahead, a look at five filming locations you can actually visit.

Address: 25 Goesan 4-gil, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

One of the earliest standout visuals in Perfect Crown is the Nakhwa Festival sequence, where embers fall like glowing rain against a pavilion setting. That scene was filmed at Mujinjeong Pavilion, a hilltop structure that overlooks its surrounding landscape in Haman.

Built in the late 16th century, the pavilion follows a restrained early Joseon architectural style, with a simple wooden structure elevated above ground and a gabled roof. Its design keeps the focus on the view rather than ornamentation, which is part of what makes it so effective on screen.

Address: 157 Jong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul

Brief but striking glimpses of Jongmyo Shrine appear in the trailer, particularly in scenes involving formal royal rites. A UNESCO-listed site, it is dedicated to the ancestral spirits of the Joseon dynasty and remains one of the most important Confucian shrines in Korea.

The shrine has stood in its current form since the 1500s and continues to host ritual ceremonies that combine music, dance, and chant. These rites have been preserved over centuries, giving the space a sense of continuity that naturally translates to the drama’s royal world-building.

Address: 1447 Yocheon-ro, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do

Gwanghalluwon Garden sets the scene for the queen’s outing with royal ladies. Located in Namwon, the garden dates back to the early Joseon period and has long been associated with Korean literary and folk tradition.

Beyond its historical roots, it’s also known as the setting for the love story of Chunhyang and Lee Mong-ryong from a Korean folk story, a tale that still shapes local festivals and cultural programming today.

Address: 67 Tap-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Some of the drama’s most romantically charged moments unfold against the quiet landscape of the Gyeongju Five Royal Tombs. These grassy mounds sit southwest of Gyeongju’s city center and are linked to early Silla royalty, though their exact historical attributions remain uncertain.

Address: 516-7 Songgwangsuman-ro, Soyang-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Several scenes featuring Prince I-An and his secretary unfold inside Awon Gallery & Hanok Stay, which doubles as the character’s private residence in the series. Located in Wanju, this restored 250-year-old hanok blends traditional Korean architecture with contemporary design.

Originally relocated from Jinju, the space now functions as both a boutique stay and cultural venue. Visitors can explore its gallery and café, or book an overnight stay for a more immersive experience. On screen, its layered interiors and open courtyards lend themselves to more reflective, character-driven moments.

Perfect Crown is streaming on Disney+.