Misaeng: Incomplete Life captured the hearts of the working class due to its accurate depiction of the hardships encountered by office workers in Korea.

It took on new topics and angles that aren't usually seen in Korean dramas. It became very popular for its cinematography and introduced the viewers to several breathtaking locations in Seoul.

Please remember that this series did air in 2014, so some of the locations mentioned here may have been bought out or changed in some way. 

SEOUL SQUARE (서울광장)

Address：서울중구한강대로416서울스퀘어

How To Get There: Exit at Seoul Station, located on Lines 1, 4, and the Airport Railroad Line. There is an entrance directly connected to the building at Exit 9

The most impactful building in this skyline is One International, a company where the main character, Gray (Yim Si-wan), works. The office is located in Seoul Square right in front of Seoul Station.

The building is typically occupied by actual office workers during the week, so filming had to take place during the weekends.

Certain offices were retrofitted for the shoot and production did not actually take place inside offices being used by citizens. Some scenes meant to seem like they took place in the office were actually filmed in Gangnam. 

Company Cafeteria

Apparently, One International's cafeteria, which appears in the first episode, is actually a food court called "momchoi" located in the basement of the building, and is only available during lunch time on weekdays.

This is one of many delicious food courts located near Seoul Station, so head there if you're interested in trying delicious food in the area.

The Courtyard

Outdoor terrace located on the 5th floor

The courtyard, which often appeared in the drama, actually exists in Seoul Square. This is definitely one of the more interesting and scenic vistas shown in the drama, but can be quite difficult (maybe even impossible) for normal people to visit.

Also, there is a garden on the terrace on the fourth floor.

Grilled Gopchang (불타는 곱창)

This restaurant appeared several times in the series (episodes 2, 4, and 9).  

Unfortunately, this particular branch has since closed. But it is a chain restaurant, so you'll still be able to try it. Here, you can recreate all the drinking scenes involving the sales team.

Godaepo (고대포)

Address：서울 용산구 원효로 197-1

Hours: 11:30-22:00

How To Get There: Hyochang Park Station on the Gyeongui Jung Line and Line 6. Six minute walk from Exit 4

This is Godaepo, a bbq restaurant that appeared in the fifth episode where the section chief and Gray drank.

This style of restaurant is extremely popular in Korea. The food and atmosphere are second to none.

The restaurant serves different kinds of bibimbap, BBQ, samgyeopsal, and of course alcohol!

Wonjo Mapo Kkeopdegi (원조마포껍데기집)

Address：서울 마포구 효창목길 9

How To Get There: Located near exit 6 of Gongdeok station, located on lines 5, 6, and the airport railroad.

Featured in episodes 7 and 19, this restaurant was really popular even before it appeared in the drama. The key feature of the menu is the grilled skin, but there are other options. The grilled mackerel is really delicious!

This is recommended for those who really want to experience the true Korean dining style.

 But be careful. The air conditioning is not plentiful (borderline completely absent). So the heat from the grills can be become overbearing in the summer.

Yoogane Dakgalbi (유가네닭갈비)

The actors ate at this popular chain restaurant several times in the series (lucky them). Several scenes took place here across episodes 11, 13, and 14. 

The actors didn't have to pretend how delicious it was. That's genuine enjoyment on their faces.

Dakgalbi is one of the most popular Korean foods available among foreigners. It's unfortunate that the Shinrim/Daehak-dong store, which was used as the shooting location, is closed now, But since it's a chain store, so there are many stores all over the country!

There are 4 chains located within walking distance of Myeongdong alone.

Rooftop Obongja Salon (옥탑방 오봉자싸롱)

This is another chain with several franchise locations all around Seoul. It is a very cheap place to hang out and drink a wide variety of domestic and foreign beer with our friends or coworkers. 

Unfortunately, the one used for filming -- located in Suwon -- has closed. However, all of the franchises are designed the same and decorated with similar paraphernalia. So the atmosphere of all the locations is consistent.

Gray's House

How To Get There: Exit 1 of Changsin Station on line 6

Gray's house in the series is located Changsin-dong in the northern part of Seoul. It's well known for its rustic and authentic quality coupled with views from hilltops and steep staircases.

The filming location is actually really close to the station and can be walked to within a few minutes (depends on how well you handle the hills).

The house is connected to the road via these stone steps that carve through the houses. Several other dramas have filmed scenes in this location including "Goblin!

Hopefully, you've enjoyed learning about some of the filming locations in Misaeng. Since it is a somewhat older drama, several of the locations have closed, unfortunately. But you can still visit most of the larger set locations or visit one of the chains.

So if you thought that something looked delicious or you enjoyed the panoramic views, it is certainly worth your time to visit these locations!