This is not the actual filming location for “Dae Jang Geum” (“Jewel in the Palace”). However, it remains South Korea’s largest open set, meticulously reconstructed to depict historical periods from the Three Kingdoms era to the Joseon Dynasty. It serves as a versatile filming location for various productions, including MBC historical dramas such as “Jumong,” “Yisan,” “Dong Yi,” “Rebel,” and “The Monarch.” Visitors are captivated by the opportunity to explore the set and experience historical costumes, making it a popular destination for Hallyu fans.
The palace is modeled after the main hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, but with a twist; its roofs are adorned with the architectural style reminiscent of the Three Kingdoms or Goryeo Dynasty, lending it an exotic ambiance. Moreover, unlike the typical double-roof structure of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, the palace features a unique roof design with a protruding center, resembling the saddle-shaped roofs of the Goryeo era. This architectural blend sometimes gives it a feel more akin to the Goryeo period than the Joseon Dynasty. Consequently, it’s suitable not only for dramas set in the Joseon era but also for those set in other historical periods like the Goryeo or Later Three Kingdoms era. This palace structure is the Manwoldae set created for filming the drama “Shin Don.”
The commoners’ area, represented by the market street, is also faithfully recreated and has been a popular filming location for various productions. However, the backdrop of the mountains behind the buildings sometimes gives it the appearance of a small village nestled in the hills rather than a bustling urban market.
One notable feature is the presence of a prison facility designed in a unique manner. Unlike typical high-walled prisons common in Korea, it resembles a traditional round structure akin to those historically built by aristocrats. This distinct design has made it a sought-after backdrop for numerous productions.