I realized that I really need some Korean variety shows in my life and here's my most favorite so far: New Journey to the West. I know I'm so late on this one, but let me just take you back to almost three years ago until we get to the present so we can ID some of the New Journey to the West Filming Locations, which -let's admit- isn't too much (since the show is majorly filmed overseas).
1. English Level Test Venue
42 Dabang (Already Closed)
Address: 42-19 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
So in 2016, Season 2.5 began with a meeting in Sangam-dong, near CJ E&M Building. Back then, the coffee shop is called 42 Dabang and this Korean blog will show you how it used to look like. After a year, it was transformed into another kind of restaurant called Seusidai (2nd picture) and I don't think they're selling coffee anymore. I'm yet to figure out if it's still the same after another year.
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| 42Dabang is already closed and is replaced by this restaurant. |
For us to easily identify how to get there, let me show you the areas where the members were dropped off. From there, the building can be easily accessed.
Song Minho, Ahn Jaehyun and Cho Kyuhyun were the first members to arrive at the area. They were all dropped off beside the police station along the Sangam Crossroad (상암삼거리). From there, they walked to the meeting place and bumped into Kang Hodong and Lee Soogeun upon crossing the street.
If you're gonna see the second photo above, one just has to walk straight to that white building at the end of the street. There's a small alley leading to the coffee shop.
Now the question is: HOW DO WE GET TO THE SANGAM-DONG CROSSROAD? First, you just have to find your own way to the Digital Media City Station. If you're using the AREX Line, you'll just have to use EXIT 9. If you're using the Seoul Subway System, you'll have to exit on Exit 2. Using either exit will require you to walk, like, a few blocks to get to the area.
ICYDK, the Sangam-dong Crossroad is close to top media buildings like CJ E&M, YTN and MBC.
2. Sundae Restaurant
Hong Ban Jang (홍반장)
Address: Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Because Kyuhyun won the ball-bouncing game Hodong suggested, filming ended prematurely that they didn't even get to visit the 'training area' where other staff members were waiting. It was a very funny episode but Kyuhyun felt so guilty for doing what he was supposed to do; and so in order to console him, Na PD and the other staff members went to this famous sundae restaurant in Sangam-dong and called all other members again for a drink.
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| The restaurant is just along the highway, near CJ E&M too. It is in front of a bus stop. |
The Hong Ban Jang restaurant is seemingly famous as in its walls are numerous framed autographs of Korean artists. It's no wonder though, as it is located in a very strategic place near the bus stop and surrounded by media company buildings. Also, it's a 24-hour restaurant so... it's a kinda nice destination for dinners don't you think?
To see more pictures, you can visit this Korean blog and one of the photos will show you the corner the members and staff occupied that one fateful night. Fortunately, it's 2018 and the restaurant is still operating. Apparently, it has several branches around the district.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This post may not be 100% accurate.
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