“Is This Really Korea?” Kim Go-eun’s Romance Cells Awaken in Busan: Must-Visit Filming Sites for ‘Yumi’s Cells 3’

In the latest season of the TVING original drama Yumi’s Cells, starring Kim Go-eun, the story delicately captures the heroine’s shifting emotions against the vibrant backdrops of Busan. From high-end seaside resorts to historic book alleys and pastel-toned hillside villages, the city is portrayed as a destination that feels both exotic and comfortingly nostalgic. For viewers moved by the series, these real-life filming locations offer a chance to experience the same "healing" atmosphere that softened Yumi’s heart.

Exotic Coastal Getaways: The Perfect Staycation

Yumi’s Cells 3 follows Kim Go-eun as Kim Yumi, now a successful author, whose dormant "romance cells" are revived when she meets producer Shin Woong-nok (played by Kim Jae-won). A pivotal workshop in Busan serves as the setting where their flirtation begins to bloom.

A standout location is Ananti at Busan Cove, where sweeping coastal views create a romantic atmosphere. In a memorable scene, Yumi watches Shin Woong-nok from her terrace as he strolls along the resort’s walking path—a quiet moment that signals her growing affection.

Visitors can replicate this experience by exploring the Gijang coastline, visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, or taking a moonlit walk along the resort’s promenade. With an infinity pool fed by natural hot springs, alongside various restaurants and shops, the resort has become a popular "staycation" hub for both couples and families.

Retro Nostalgia: Bosudong Book Alley and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market

For those seeking a more analog side of Busan, Bosudong Book Alley is an essential stop. The narrow corridors are lined with secondhand bookstores and vintage signs that preserve the city’s history. In the drama, this serves as the backdrop for a comedic moment where Yumi, feeling self-conscious about her age gap with Shin Woong-nok, pretends not to recognize "Gukjin-ppang"—a popular 90s snack—featured in a vintage magazine.

The alley dates back to the Korean War when Busan served as the provisional capital, beginning as a collection of stalls selling magazines from U.S. military bases. Today, it remains a sanctuary for intellectuals and nostalgia-seekers alike.

Just a short walk away is Bupyeong Kkangtong Market. While not featured directly in the show, it is a culinary mecca known for its signature energy. Originally named for the American canned goods sold there after the war, it now serves as Korea’s first permanent night market. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies like tofu-skin hot pot or browse the everyday goods at the adjacent Gukje Market.

The “Santorini of Korea”: Gamcheon Culture Village

No Busan itinerary is complete without Gamcheon Culture Village. The hillside community, famous for its terraced, pastel-toned houses, earns its nicknames as the "Machu Picchu of Korea" or "Santorini." In the series, Yumi explores the village with her writing group, with the colorful rooftops providing a striking visual contrast to the story..

Once a hillside shantytown, a 2009 art project transformed the area into a cultural landmark filled with murals, galleries, and sculptures. The most iconic photo spot features The Little Prince and the Desert Fox perched on a railing. Following the Little Prince’s gaze offers a panoramic view where the colorful village meets the blue sea, perfectly capturing why this location remains one of Busan’s most atmospheric destinations.