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글로벌 OTT 거물들이 한국을 촬영지로 선택하는 이유
Why Global OTT Giants Are Choosing South Korea as Their Ultimate Filming Destination

 


Why Global OTT Giants Are Choosing South Korea as Their Ultimate Filming Destination

Over the last few years, the landscape of global entertainment has been swept by the "K-Wave" (Hallyu). From the tense psychological battles of Squid Game to the gripping mysteries of Gyeongseong Creature, South Korea has proven that its stories can captivate global audiences.

Because of this boom, major global OTT platforms—such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime—are increasingly choosing South Korea as their premier filming location.

Particularly in 2025 and 2026, the number of international productions filmed in Seoul and other Korean cities has surged dramatically. Let's look at the numbers, the reasons behind this trend, and how these cities function as core characters in the stories themselves.

Part 1: The Surge in Filming Statistics

Data from the Seoul Film Commission and major municipal facility operators shows a massive upward trend in local and international productions:

1. The Seoul Statistics

  • 2025 Filming Volume: In 2025 alone, over 181 commercial film and drama projects were shot across major public facilities in Seoul, a continuous rise compared to previous years.

  • OTT Content Increase: Productions specifically supported by the Busan and Seoul Film Commissions showed a 27% year-on-year increase in 2025, largely driven by short-term, high-efficiency streaming series.

2. The Shift Toward OTT

  • While traditional, long-running feature films have slightly decreased, global OTT series shot in Korea have skyrocketed by over 40%, reflecting the shifting consumption patterns of global audiences.

Part 2: Cost Comparison

Filming Location / TypeAverage Production Cost (per series)Infrastructure & SupportTravel & Convenience
SeoulHighExcellent (High-speed internet, technical crews)Highly accessible; modern and traditional contrast.
BusanModerate to HighExcellent (Coastal scenery, cinematic locations)High-speed rail connections to Seoul (KTX).
Western Locations (US/UK)Very HighHighComplex logistics and high labor costs.

Part 3: Why Global Platforms Choose Korea

Why are global studios taking their cameras out of Hollywood and Europe to head to Korea?

1. Incredible Contrast of Traditional and Futuristic Architecture

  • Cities like Seoul offer a highly unique aesthetic: ancient royal palaces (like Gyeongbokgung) sit just minutes away from gleaming, futuristic skyscrapers and modern tech hubs.

2. Cost-Effective and Highly Skilled Production Crews

  • Korean production crews are famous for their speed, creativity, and technical efficiency, allowing studios to produce high-end visual effects at a fraction of the cost of US productions.

Part 4: Cities as the Core of the Story

In modern K-dramas, cities are not just a static backdrop; they serve as a core element of the plot:

1. Seoul: The City of Contradictions

  • Featured in: Squid Game and Itaewon Class.

  • Plot Function: It symbolizes the intense competition, wealth inequality, and vibrant youth culture of modern society.

2. Busan: The Cinematic Hub of Contrast

  • Featured in: Train to Busan and various noir thrillers.

  • Plot Function: Represents a dynamic escape, the clash between the ocean and the city, and a gritty, resilient atmosphere.

3. Jeju Island: The Mystical Haven

  • Featured in: Our Blues and Welcome to Samdal-ri.

  • Plot Function: Serves as an emotional sanctuary and a place of healing away from the fast-paced life of the mainland.

Part 5: Tips for Visiting Filming Locations

If you are planning a travel itinerary focused on K-Drama filming locations:

  1. Use Navigation Apps Efficiently: Use KakaoMap or Naver Map to find less-traveled, scenic back alleys in Seoul and Busan that appear in your favorite shows.

  2. Visit at Night: Experience the neon-lit atmosphere of Hongdae and Gangnam, which gives K-dramas their signature look.

Part 6: Useful Korean Phrases

  • "I-geu-seun mu-seun d-ra-ma-ye-yo?" means "What drama is this from?"

  • "I-gok-eun Yeohaeng-gi-ro-eun eottae-yo?" means "How is this place for travel?"



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Location: 대한민국

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