One of the most talked-about Korean dramas of recent months, Made in Korea is a large-scale period series that traces South Korea’s turbulent industrial rise during the 1970s, following figures operating at the intersection of power, ambition and organised crime. Produced by Hive Media Corp and released on Hulu and Disney+, the series is rooted in Korean history but was filmed across multiple locations to recreate the era with precision. While parts of the production took place in Thailand, several key scenes were shot in one of Japan’s popular port cities.
To find out exactly where Made in Korea was filmed, keep reading below.
Also, check out our guide to the the best times to South Korea.
Made in Korea: Plot, cast and other details
Set against the turbulence of the 1970s, Made in Korea unfolds during a pivotal moment when South Korea was beginning its transformation from a war-ravaged nation into the economic and technological powerhouse it would later become. The series follows two men on a collision course with both history and each other.
At the centre is Kitae (Hyun Bin), a man living a carefully constructed double life. By day, he operates as an agent for the Korea Central Intelligence Agency; by night, he runs a dangerous drug-smuggling operation, fuelled by an insatiable appetite for control. As Kitae tightens his grip across both worlds, he encounters an immovable obstacle in Gunyoung (Jung Woo-sung), a prosecutor whose relentless pursuit of justice leaves no room for compromise.
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Made in Korea marks Hyun Bin’s long-awaited return to the small screen, his first drama role since Crash Landing on You became a global hit in 2020.Made in Korea also features Woo Dohwan, Lily Franky, Seo Eunsoo, Won Jian, Jung Sungil, Cho Yeojeong, Kang Gilwoo, Roh Jaewon, and Park Yongwoo. The series is directed by Woo Min-ho, and written by Park Eunkyo, alongside Park Joonseok.
The two-episode premiere of Made in Korea arrived on Hulu and Disney+ on December 24, 2025. A second season is already in production and is slated for release in the second half of 2026.
Exploring the filming locations of the K-drama Made in Korea
Kobe, Japan
For its 1970s Busan scenes, Made in Korea filmed in Kobe, Japan, for about a month, using the city’s well-preserved port districts to nail the period look.
The 3D Tunnel, Kanchanaburi
The series also headed overseas to Thailand, with production partner Mbrella Films confirming four international shoot locations. One of them was Kanchanaburi’s 3D Tunnel — an old tin-mining tunnel in Thong Pha Phum, known for its rugged rock walls, cave-like interiors and narrow, winding access roads that added texture to the show’s darker sequences.
Love K-dramas? Explore the filming locations of Doctor Slump.
Sangchuto Road, Kanchanaburi
The production was also filmed along Sangchuto Road, which runs through the centre of Kanchanaburi. Less tourist-heavy than nearby nightlife streets, it offered a more lived-in backdrop and more accessible settings.
Satthahip Beach, Chonburi
While the production didn’t specify the exact location, “Satthahip Beach, Chonburi” was listed as another filming location. There isn’t a single beach officially called ‘Satthahip Beach’; but the name is commonly used to describe the group of beaches in Chonburi’s Sattahip district. If you’re in the area, beaches worth checking out include Hat Sai Kaeo Beach, Nang Ram Beach, Toei Ngam Beach, Dongtan Beach and Bang Saray Beach.
Also, explore our guide to the filming locations of Love Next Door.
Royal Thai Marine Naval Base Corps, Chonburi
Located in Sattahip, Chonburi, the Royal Thai Marine Corps headquarters doubles as a real-world military hub and a filming spot for international productions, with the base and nearby coastal areas frequently appearing on screen.
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(Feature image credit: IMDb)
This article first appeared here
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
