Descendants of the Sun Travel Guide: The Dramatic Romance That Conquered Asia & K-Drama Pilgrimage
Aired on KBS2 in 2016, Descendants of the Sun is a massive human melodrama depicting the fateful love between a cardiothoracic surgeon saving lives in a foreign disaster zone and a special forces soldier protecting his country. Starring Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo as the male and female leads, this masterpiece recorded an overwhelming peak viewership rating of 38.8%.
Broadcasting rights were exported not only across Asia but also to the Americas and Europe, creating a massive syndrome that formed a global fandom. With its robust scale and writer Kim Eun-sook's uniquely charming dialogue, it has firmly established itself as an absolute masterpiece symbolizing the golden age of K-dramas.
The Absolute Scale of a 38.8% Rating: An Intense Clash of Love and Beliefs
This work goes far beyond a sweet romance between a handsome and beautiful couple. Set against the backdrop of an extreme disaster zone struck by earthquakes and epidemics, it provides an in-depth look at the fierce clash of values between two professions dealing with the "noble value of life".
The process in which a doctor who must save lives under any circumstance and a special forces soldier who must subdue targets under orders navigate their conflicts and narrow the gap between their worlds adds a profound persuasiveness to the melodrama. Blockbuster-level disaster thriller elements, such as rescuing lives from collapsed buildings, cross over at a rapid pace, not allowing viewers a single moment of boredom.
A Glimpse into Uniform Fantasy and Korea's Unique Military Culture
This drama perfectly maximized the strong appeal (uniform fantasy) provided by disciplined and sharp military uniforms and official attire on screen. At the same time, it indirectly depicts the unique 'Military' culture of South Korea, a country with conscription, sparking unique curiosity among foreign viewers.
Through the deep agony of characters who must prioritize the organization's strict discipline and the nation's mission over their personal, free emotions, viewers can intriguingly see the social context of why military stories serve as important narrative devices in many Korean cultural contents.
The Perfect Filming Location Tour Course for Travelers to Korea
Relive the overwhelming emotions the drama provided by traveling back and forth between Seoul's modern downtown and the majestic nature of Gangwon-do.
A Date at dal.komm COFFEE
Visit 'dal.komm COFFEE', the franchise cafe where the main 'Song-Song Couple' and the secondary 'Goo-Won Couple' met for serious conversations or casual dates. By visiting branches like Yangjae in Seoul or Jeongja in Bundang, you can find the actual seats the protagonists sat in, take photos, drink coffee, and directly experience the modern K-drama product placement (PPL) culture in everyday life.
Visit the Uruk Set in Taebaek, Gangwon-do
Visit the filming set (the site of the former Tongbo Coal Mine) in Taebaek, Gangwon-do, which was used as the horrific disaster site and military barracks of the fictional conflict-ridden country 'Uruk' in the drama. The massive skeletal remains of the collapsed Uruk power plant building are preserved as they were, allowing you to feel the magnificent scale of the drama with your whole body. You can enjoy a special immersive experience by wearing the military uniforms and doctor's gowns provided on-site and taking commemorative photos just like the main characters.
Camp Greaves Security Tour in Paju
Add 'Camp Greaves' in Paju, Gyeonggi-do, which was the main domestic filming location for the Uruk deployment troops, to your itinerary. In this place, which transformed former actual US military base facilities into a cultural space, you can experience making your own dog tags and enjoy South Korea's unique security tourism located within the Civilian Control Line.
Travel Precautions
Taebaek, Gangwon-do, where the main set is located, is quite far, taking about 3 hours or more one-way by train or intercity bus from Seoul. Rather than a rushed day trip, it is better for your stamina to plan a generous 2-day, 1-night course that includes a trip to nearby Gangneung or the East Sea.
Also, when visiting military border areas (near the DMZ) such as Camp Greaves in Paju, identity verification procedures are strict, so you must bring your physical Passport. Taking photos in the direction of actual military facilities is strictly prohibited by law, so you must thoroughly follow the instructions of local guides and information signs to avoid any penalties.
Key Summary
- Aired in 2016, this blockbuster melodrama starring Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo conquered all of Asia, recording a phenomenal 38.8% viewership rating.
- Set against the fictional disaster area of Uruk, it captures the different beliefs and noble love between a doctor who saves lives and a soldier who protects the country on a massive scale.
- Visit the downtown franchise cafe (dal.komm COFFEE), which was the main hangout for the protagonists, and get a glimpse of sophisticated K-drama culture while sipping coffee.
- We highly recommend visiting the Uruk set in Taebaek, Gangwon-do, putting on the provided military uniforms and gowns, and taking vivid photos against the backdrop of the dramatic disaster scene.
- When traveling to outer filming locations like Paju or Taebaek, consider the long travel times, and be sure to bring your passport and comply with military photography bans when visiting the Paju security tourist site.
▶ Check 'Descendants of the Sun' info on Wikipedia
▶ Visit Korea Official Travel Guide