Where Was 'The Eighth Sense' Filmed?

Happy Pride, fancy travelers all across the SOGIE spectrum! 

In this post, let's refract some light on Korean boys’ love (BL) dramas. Even though they haven't achieved the same dominance as their Thai or Taiwanese counterparts, they’re surely gaining ground and legions of fans, all thanks to thoughtful storytelling, high production values, heart-fluttering chemistry, and, of course, adorable leads. 

One of the best ones to have come out (no pun intended) is "The Eighth Sense," the 2023 K-BL series that made audiences everywhere swoon with its slow-burn romance and moody visuals. The show follows Ji-hyun (Oh Jun Taek), the boy from the countryside who moves to Seoul and finds himself falling for the city boy with the heart of a soldier. 

Although the beach is a central motif in the series—the boys share a love for surfing—some of "The Eighth Sense's" most intimate, emotionally charged scenes were filmed by the mighty waterway flowing through Seoul: the Han River.

One of the show's most romantic moments occurs near the Banpodaegyo (Banpo Bridge), where Ji-hyun opens up and confesses his feelings to Jae-won (Lim Ji Sub). The bridge, famous for its Moonlight Rainbow Fountain (the world’s longest bridge fountain, we might add) adds an eye-catching ambiance to an already spectacular scene. 

The whole setting is part of Banpo Hangang Park, a popular spot among tourists and locals alike. Fans of the show will also recognize it as the place where Ji-hyun quietly sketches and ponders on his growing connection with Jae-won. 

Jae-won and Ji-hyun bridge the gap, so to speak, by the Han River

How to get there:

To reach Banpo Hangang Park, take Seoul Subway Line 3, 7, or 9 to Express Bus Terminal Station. Use Exit 8-1 or 8-2 and walk for several minutes towards the river. The park should be well-signposted. When you reach Banpo Bridge, look out for a boat anchored to the riverbank with a bollard nearby; that could be the spot where Ji-hyun and Jae-won turn casual hangouts into PDA central.

Banpo Hangang Park features many attractions, so if you're not chasing BL drama realness, the area still makes for a great day out or evening stroll. 

"The Eighth Sense" might take its sweet time to build, but its emotional depth and beauty linger long after the credits. The riverside filming locations are integral to its appeal. They're less backdrops than emotional currents, flowing through you like waves before you realize it. 

With "The Eighth Sense," you won’t be saying “I see dead people.” You’ll be saying, “I see surfers catching feelings.”