Fantastic Studios

This afternoon I went to Bucheon Fantastic Studios, a location set where many Korean films and tv programmes have been filmed, such as Taegukgi, Low Class Life and Era of Opposition. Many of the streets are historical representations of old areas in Seoul such as Eujiro-gil and Myeongdong.

Buildings include the Hwasin Department Store built by the Japanese in the 1920s, Jongo Police Station where members of the independence movement were tortured and an old tram, the main means of transportation in Seoul before the subway system was built.

On a grey Tuesday afternoon, I pretty much had the place to myself and it was quite eerie wandering around the deserted streets. I had a peek through some of the windows, but was disappointed to find buildings filled with traffic cones and bits of old sets rather than fully furnished in the appropriate style! Many of the buildings were quite tatty and rundown, but somehow it added to the charm of the place. Once I paid 3,000 won (about £1.50) to get in, there were no more entreaties for cash - no souvenir shops or cafes, just a few vending machines.