The Glory Travel Guide: The Cold Revenge Thriller That Topped Global Charts & Exploring Daily Korean Life
Released across two parts in 2022 and 2023, the Netflix original series The Glory depicts the desperate and chilling revenge meticulously planned over a lifetime by a woman whose soul was completely shattered by horrific bullying during her high school years.
Starring Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, and Lim Ji-yeon, this drama dominated the #1 spot in Netflix's Global Non-English TV category for an extended period, thanks to its tightly woven script and the cast's explosive acting skills. Going beyond a simple revenge plot, it delves deeply into the universal social issue of school violence, drawing intense outrage and passionate solidarity from viewers all around the world.
The Prestige of Netflix's Global #1: A Narrative of Coldly Tightening Revenge and Healing
The power of this masterpiece that captivated the world lies in the fact that the protagonist does not explode in screaming rage. Instead, she coldly and meticulously designs her grand scheme over several years, much like placing stones on a Go (Baduk) board. The process of slowly shaking the things her abusers cherish the most and leading them to their ultimate ruin delivers a suffocating and thrilling tension.
Viewers are not merely anticipating what incident will happen in the next episode; they become fully immersed, calculating the butterfly effect of every single move the protagonist makes. Alongside the satisfying retribution against violence, the dazzling process of her reclaiming her own life through solidarity leaves a profound sense of comfort and healing.
The Power Structure of Korean Society and the Weight of 'Reputation'
While the subject of school violence might superficially seem like a problem unique to the Korean education system, its true essence is structural bullying that utilizes money and power to trample on others.
The drama sharply captures how one's educational background, parents' occupations, and 'reputation'—the conscious awareness of others' gazes—operate as powerful weapons in South Korean society. The closed networks that function like a microcosm of society and the absurd attitudes of the adults compel even foreign viewers from different cultural backgrounds to reflect on the dark sides of their own societies.
The Glory Tour Course for Travelers to Korea
Add the quiet, serene everyday spaces of Korea that evoke the cold and static atmosphere of the drama to your travel itinerary.
A Stroll at the Baduk Park and Cheongna Lake Park
Visit Cheongna Lake Park in Incheon, which served as the backdrop for the Baduk (Go) park where the protagonists silently explored each other's minds. You can appreciate the breathtaking vibe of an open urban lake along with the giant Baduk board structure (a set piece) installed for the drama's filming. As you calmly walk through the park, the chilling emotional lines of the characters from the drama will naturally come to mind.
Temple Exploration and Quiet Rest in Urban Parks
You can also feel the tranquil atmosphere of the temples used as crucial locations for revenge right in the heart of Seoul. By visiting urban temples like Bongeunsa in Gangnam or Jogyesa in Gangbuk, you can escape the noise of the glamorous city and enjoy a profound, peaceful rest.
Observing Korean Daily Life at a Local Cafe
Instead of glamorous tourist spots, sit inside a local cafe located in the Daechi-dong area of Gangnam or a quiet residential alley and observe the outside world. Through the sight of students fiercely shuttling between cram schools (Hagwons) and busy office workers, you can physically feel the intense 'education and relationship culture' unique to Korean society that the drama depicted.
Travel Precautions
Cheongna Lake Park is located in Incheon Metropolitan City, which means it takes over an hour by public transportation if you are departing from downtown Seoul. You must pay careful attention to time management when planning your route.
Additionally, when visiting temples like Bongeunsa, please remember that these are solemn religious facilities where actual Buddhists offer their prayers. It is extremely important to observe basic visitor etiquette, such as avoiding overly revealing clothing and keeping your voice down within the temple grounds.
Key Summary
- This is a meticulously crafted, highly absorbing revenge drama starring Song Hye-kyo that held the #1 spot in Netflix's Global Non-English category for a long time.
- Through the universal theme of school violence, it overwhelmingly portrays the absurdity of power structures and the process of victims' solidarity and recovery.
- Visit Cheongna Lake Park in Incheon, the main filming location for the Baduk match scenes, to admire the giant lake and the cool, serene scenery.
- Stop by Buddhist temples (like Bongeunsa and Jogyesa) located right in the middle of Seoul to take a peaceful break in the heavy, static atmosphere characteristic of the drama.
- When traveling outside the city to places like Incheon, allow plenty of time for public transit, and maintain a quiet, reverent attitude when visiting religious sites.
▶ Check 'The Glory' info on Wikipedia
▶ Visit Korea Official Travel Guide