Bollywood and Hollywood Hits Head to Seoul
Discover how global hits like 'Made in Korea' and 'XO, Kitty' are turning Seoul into a primary filming location. Learn the term λ‘μΌ.
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Discover how global hits like 'Made in Korea' and 'XO, Kitty' are turning Seoul into a primary filming location. Learn the term λ‘μΌ.
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EN brief: λ°λ¦¬μ°λ μνλ μΈκΈ° λ―Έλλ μμΈλ‘ μλ€[GOλ‘μΌ] (culture) + 1 glossary term.
Global content creators are no longer using Seoul as a mere background for a few seconds. Instead, the city is becoming a central stage that drives the narrative of major international productions. From Bollywood musical numbers in Han River Park to American high school dramas set in Lotte World, the shift is palpable.
Recent hits like the Indian film "Made in Korea" (released as "Again, in Seoul" in some regions) and the third season of the US series "XO, Kitty" have both reached the top of Netflix's global charts. These productions showcase iconic landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Bukchon Hanok Village to a worldwide audience.
While some critics in India noted that "Made in Korea" felt a bit like a tourism brochure, the film's success in the non-English movie category proves there is a massive appetite for Seoul-based stories. The film even explores historical connections, referencing the legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok, who is said to have come from India to Korea.
This trend highlights a growing cultural and historical synergy between Korea and the global film industry. As international directors find more similarities and inspirations within the Korean landscape, Seoul's role as a global filming hub continues to expand.
Last month, while BTS's Gwanghwamun comeback performance was being streamed globally, another Seoul-centric project was shaking up the charts. The Indian film "Made in Korea" (Korean title: λ€μ, μμΈμμ) climbed to the number one spot in Netflix's non-English film category during its second week of release. Despite having an Indian director and lead actors, the majority of the film was shot on location in South Korea.
The plot follows a young Indian Hallyu fan who travels to Seoul to overcome language and cultural barriers. The film features an extensive list of landmarks, including Hongdae, Namsan, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), and the Banpo Bridge. It even incorporates specific elements of "K-culture" like somaek (soju-beer mixes) and jjimjilbangs (Korean saunas) with a touch of wit.
True to the Bollywood style, the film doesn't shy away from music and dance. One notable scene features a Korean street musician at Cheonggyecheon playing Indian-style traditional music, while another shows a large-scale dance sequence at Han River Park. Director Ra Karthik mentioned that during filming, he discovered numerous cultural and historical similarities between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the American teen drama "XO, Kitty" has also returned for its third season, maintaining its status as a global top TV show. Set primarily at the fictional international school KISS in Seoul, the series follows the romantic adventures of Kitty (Anna Cathcart). The latest season continues to highlight popular tourist spots like Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village and Gwangalli Beach, further cementing Korea's status as a must-visit destination for fans of the show.
λ‘μΌroke is a shortened form of the English word "location." In the Korean entertainment industry, it specifically refers to filming on location rather than on a studio set. You will often see the phrase μ¬ λ‘μΌol roke (all-location) used for movies filmed entirely on-site.
μ΄λ² μνλ μ 체 λΆλμ μμΈμμ λ‘μΌλ‘ 촬μνμ΅λλ€.ibeon yeonghwaneun jeonche bunryaeul seoureseo rokero chwaryeonghaetseupnida.
β This movie was filmed on location in Seoul for its entire duration.
λ°λ¦¬μ°λ μ μμ§μ΄ νκ΅μ λͺ
μλ€μ λ‘μΌ μ₯μλ‘ μ ννμ΅λλ€.balriudeu jejakjini hangugui myeongsodeureul roke jangsoro seontaekhaetseupnida.
β The Bollywood production team chose famous Korean landmarks as filming locations.
Keep an eye out for these locations next time you watch a global Netflix hit! If you see a familiar Seoul landmark, try to identify if it was a λ‘μΌroke (on-location) shoot or a studio set. Understanding this term helps you navigate Korean entertainment news and "behind-the-scenes" content more easily.