Vincenzo Travel Guide: The Thrill of a K-Dark Hero and Seoul's Retro City Walk
Aired simultaneously on tvN and Netflix in 2021, Vincenzo is an exhilarating dark hero action comedy. It tells the story of an Italian mafia lawyer who flees to Korea due to a betrayal within his organization, teaming up with a veteran, cutthroat lawyer to wipe out villains using villainous methods. Starring Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-been, and Ok Taec-yeon, the drama recorded a peak viewership rating of 14.6% in South Korea.
By perfectly blending satisfying action with quirky comedy, it secured a spot in Netflix's Global Top 10 TV Shows, garnering immense popularity worldwide. Twisting the traditional formula of a righteous hero, the protagonist punishes corrupt power in a much more cunning and ruthless manner, delivering an explosive sense of catharsis to global audiences.
The 14.6% Rating and Netflix Hit: The Exhilarating Revenge of a Dark Hero
The greatest thrill of this drama comes not from brute force, but from meticulous 'strategy and design'. When a massive conglomerate and a corrupt legal system collude to slip through the loopholes of the law, Vincenzo, drawing on his mafia background, steps outside the boundaries of the law to utterly destroy his opponents' blind spots.
This process delicately balances between the brutality of the mafia and exaggerated black comedy, fitting together perfectly like a puzzle. Rather than a predictable ending where a "good protagonist" simply wins, flipping the villains' own game board upside down provided refreshing entertainment for viewers exhausted by conventional superhero tropes.
Korean-style Black Comedy and a Delightful Satire on Absurdity
To foreign viewers, the premise of an Italian mafia coming to Korea might seem somewhat bizarre. However, this is a deliberate device used to blatantly satirize the absurdities of certain segments of Korean society, where giant corporations and powerful institutions reign above the law.
The drama depicts the so-called 'Gapjil' (abuse of power), where those in authority manipulate the rules to their advantage, as being even more sinister than the mafia. This provokes anger, which is then delightfully crushed. Translating heavy, socio-critical messages into a highly entertaining genre comedy is the core secret of its massive success.
A Vincenzo City Tour Course for Travelers to Korea
Explore the multidimensional charm of Seoul by following the old shopping arcades and neon signs that served as the main stages of the drama.
Retro Exploration at Sewoon Shopping Center (Geumga Plaza)
Visit Sewoon Shopping Center in Jongno-gu, the actual filming location for 'Geumga Plaza,' where protagonist Vincenzo and the tenants formed a tight-knit solidarity to fight against the mega-corporation. This old electronics shopping complex has recently been revitalized into a hip cultural space, exuding a strong retro vibe. Looking down at the city from the plaza's outdoor deck will make you feel as if you are standing right in the middle of the drama.
A Stroll Along Cheonggyecheon and Euljiro Nogari Alley
Enjoy a leisurely night stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, which flows right below Sewoon Shopping Center. If you walk along the waterway and veer into Euljiro Nogari Alley (a street famous for local pubs), you can catch a glimpse of the vibrant daily life of ordinary people and the rough, black-comedy atmosphere unique to Korea, where towering skyscrapers and the neon signs of old, weathered signboards intertwine.
A Korean-style Espresso Bar with an Italian Vibe
Just like the mafia Vincenzo, who was absolutely serious about his espresso, drop by one of the hip 'Espresso Bars' springing up all over Seoul. We recommend visiting a standing cafe in or near Myeong-dong to drink a rich espresso from a small cup, elegantly enjoying Seoul's trendy coffee culture that beautifully combines Korean and Western influences.
Travel Precautions
Sewoon Shopping Center, the filming location, is a tourist attraction, but it is also a real, living workplace where countless merchants sell electronics and lighting fixtures for their livelihood. When taking photos, you must observe basic etiquette by avoiding taking unauthorized pictures of the merchants' faces or the insides of stores containing trade secrets.
Additionally, the back alleys of Euljiro and the pub streets become extremely crowded and noisy with office workers during the evening hours. If you prefer a calmer atmosphere, it is best to visit in the early afternoon.
Key Summary
- This is a thrilling black comedy action series starring Song Joong-ki and Jeon Yeo-been that recorded a peak rating of 14.6% in Korea and became a global Netflix hit.
- It features the narrative of an Italian mafia lawyer ruthlessly punishing Korea's corrupt conglomerates and powerful figures using their own villainous methods.
- Visit the main filming location, Sewoon Shopping Center (Geumga Plaza) in Jongno, to experience the retro atmosphere where old architecture meets hip shops.
- Enjoy Vincenzo's vibe by taking a walk along the Cheonggyecheon stream near Sewoon Plaza or drinking coffee at a trendy espresso bar.
- When visiting commercial arcades where actual merchants are working, please refrain from excessive photo-taking and be careful not to interfere with their business.
▶ Check 'Vincenzo' info on Wikipedia
▶ Visit Korea Official Travel Guide