Seoul Through the Lens of Hollywood Stars

The second installment of the sci-fi series Dune, Dune: Part Two, recently premiered in Korea and quickly became a major hit. With the film’s release, the Dune cast also came to Korea and drew considerable attention. Timothée Chalamet, in particular, arrived ahead of schedule and was spotted enjoying several parts of Seoul.

Today, Seoul has become an important destination even for internationally known stars. Hollywood celebrities visit the city to promote their films, and global pop artists also hold concerts here. Each time, stars from around the world discover Seoul’s many charms to the fullest, then depart having fallen in love with Korea.

So which Hallyu travel spots in Seoul have Hollywood stars actually visited? From beautiful nature and tradition to fashion and shopping districts that lead global trends, and food that captures stars’ appetites, Seoul is packed with Hallyu appeal. Let’s set out on a different kind of Hallyu trip in the Seoul chosen by the Hollywood stars we love.

A Little-Known Seoul Loved by Hollywood Stars

Seochon Village

At first glance, Seoul, a city at the forefront of the latest trends, can seem much like any other major metropolis. Towers rise in rows, bright signs and lights fill the streets, and traffic moves constantly from one place to another. Yet Seoul’s real character is found in its alleyways. Step inside them and you’ll discover another side of the city, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect balance.

Seochon Village, which literally means the small village west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, is made up of narrow lanes lined with small shops, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores housed in traditional Korean-style buildings. In this compact neighborhood with a nostalgic feel, you can find all kinds of places that carry a calm and gentle atmosphere.

Timothée Chalamet was not about to miss this popular spot either. He is known to have visited Seochon Village and enjoyed its cafes. Because Seochon has so many cafes, each with its own personality, it is also an ideal place for anyone who loves cafe hopping.

Seochon Village also connects easily to other parts of Seoul’s Jongno-gu, making it a great base for a retro-style Seoul trip. Why not round out your K-travel with a New+Retro Seoul Hallyu course through Gwanghwamun, Bukchon, Changdeokgung, and Euljiro, also known as Hip-jiro?

Location: 45 Pilun-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seoul’s Palaces Loved by Hollywood Stars

Changdeokgung Palace

Seoul offers many places where visitors can better understand and experience Korea’s history and culture. Among them, the city’s palaces are especially popular with Hollywood stars traveling in Korea, since they offer a chance to admire traditional Korean architecture and sense the roots of Hallyu. Elizabeth Olsen, known for the Marvel series, visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, while Will Smith and his son, one of Hollywood’s best-known actors, spent time together at Changgyeonggung Palace.

Of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces, Changdeokgung is often regarded as the one with the most distinctly Korean beauty, and acclaimed actress Juliette Binoche is among those who have enjoyed visiting it. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is especially praised for its irregular layout, harmony with the surrounding landscape, and thoughtful design. At Changdeokgung, Buyongji and the Secret Garden are also highlights, blending Korean architectural beauty with preserved natural terrain in a way that feels both understated and magnificent.

Changdeokgung is especially beautiful in spring, when brilliant royal azaleas bloom in full and welcome the new season with pink color. This spring, experience the spirit of a Seoul Hallyu trip at Changdeokgung, where you can encounter the essence of Korean beauty.

Location: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Dress in the Same Fashion as Hollywood Stars

Dosan Park

Apgujeong, one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods, is known for stage greetings by domestic and international actors as well as fan meetups. It was also at a cinema in Apgujeong that Hollywood actor Tom Holland, during his Spider-Man days, was praised for his warm fan service.

Among the places in Apgujeong closely tied to the footsteps of top film actors, Dosan Park is one you should not miss. The park itself is worth a visit, but it is also better known for its famous restaurants and flagship stores.

This area brings together a wide range of flagship stores, from globally recognized Korean designer labels such as Wooyoungmi and JUUN.J to streetwear and luxury brands, making it a lively shopping district often visited by celebrities and overseas actors. Timothée Chalamet, who is also known for his strong interest in fashion, was recently reported to have purchased and worn several outfits from Korean designer brands popular with Korea’s MZ generation.

If K-fashion interests you, head to Apgujeong, where Dosan Park is located. With its latest trends and polished sense of luxury, K-fashion will add another layer to your Seoul Hallyu trip.

Location: 20 Dosandaero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

A Food Lover’s Destination for Hollywood Stars

Bangi-dong Food Alley

Songpa in Seoul offers plenty to see, do, and eat. It is home to countless travel spots, including Lotte World theme park, Olympic Park, where culture, art, and nature come together, and Seokchon Lake, famous for its cherry blossoms. Another appeal of Songpa is the chance to enjoy a trip with a distinctly local feel.

Bangi-dong Food Alley is an old dining district known as a favorite after-work gathering place for office workers nearby. It is the kind of scene where people end their day and come together in small groups or larger teams to grill meat, drink beer, eat fried chicken, shake off the fatigue of work, or even begin a romance. If you enjoy Hallyu culture, you may remember seeing these company dinner scenes in K-dramas or K-films.

When top Hollywood star Tom Cruise visited Seoul, he was spotted strolling casually through Bangi-dong Food Alley, making headlines. So why not experience the food culture of Seoul residents at Bangi-dong Food Alley, one of the city’s traditional dining districts? The special feeling of becoming a K-office worker rather than a traveler may be possible only here.

Location: Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul

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