Goblin: 939 Years of Waiting
Goblin: The Lonely and Great God (2016), written by Kim Eun-sook, is a fantasy romance that captivated audiences with peak ratings over 20%. The drama became a cultural phenomenon, spawning countless fan pilgrimages to its filming sites and turning quiet corners of South Korea into must-visit destinations.
The love story between the immortal Goblin Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) and the Goblin's bride Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun) is set against stunning filming locations across South Korea and Canada. Each location was carefully chosen by director Lee Eung-bok to reflect the emotional weight of each scene, blending real-world beauty with the show's supernatural atmosphere.
Iconic Korean Filming Locations
Jumunjin Beach in Gangneung is arguably the most famous Goblin location. The production team scattered buckwheat flowers across the shore to create the dreamlike first encounter between Kim Shin and Eun-tak. Today, a statue and signboard mark the exact spot, and visitors flock there year-round to recreate the scene. The best time to visit is autumn, when the nearby buckwheat fields are in full bloom.
Banghwa Bridge's pedestrian walkway, affectionately called "Bogum Bridge" by fans, served as the backdrop for the Goblin and Grim Reaper's memorable walks together. The bridge offers sweeping views of the Han River and is especially photogenic at sunset. Incheon Grand Park's tree-lined avenue, where the Goblin opens his magical door, remains a peaceful spot perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Quebec City Locations
The drama also filmed extensively in Quebec City, Canada. Key locations include Petit Champlain Street, Chateau Frontenac, and the old town area. The narrow cobblestone streets and European architecture of Old Quebec doubled as the Goblin's otherworldly portal destinations, giving the series its distinctive fairy-tale aesthetic. Fans visiting Quebec can walk the same paths Gong Yoo strolled along, from the iconic red-doored entrance on Rue du Petit-Champlain to the grand terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
Travel Tips
If you plan to visit the Korean locations, consider starting from Seoul. A day trip to Incheon Grand Park and Banghwa Bridge is easy using the subway, while Jumunjin Beach requires a trip to Gangneung, roughly two and a half hours by KTX. Combining a Goblin location tour with the broader Gangneung coffee street scene makes for a satisfying weekend getaway.
