Many K-drama filming locations are ordinary streets or buildings where the connection to a show is easy to miss. Sunshine Studio in Nonsan is different. It was originally created as a set for Mr. Sunshine and is now open to the public as a dedicated attraction. VISITKOREA also lists it as a filming location connected with Pachinko and Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938.
What is Sunshine Studio?
The studio recreates an early-1900s streetscape intended to evoke Hanseong during Korea’s modernization period. Instead of hunting for one doorway from a drama, visitors can walk through a concentrated set environment with period-style buildings, signs and streets. For fans of Mr. Sunshine, that makes it one of the more immersive filming-location trips in Korea.
Current visitor information
According to the Korea Tourism Organization’s VISITKOREA listing, Sunshine Studio is located at 90 Bonghwang-ro, Yeonmu-eup, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do. The listed operating hours are 10:00–18:00, with last entry at 17:30, and the regular closing day is Thursday.
The current listed admission is KRW 10,000 for adults, KRW 8,000 for teenagers and KRW 6,000 for children. VISITKOREA estimates an average visit at about one hour. Parking is listed as available and free.
How long should you really spend?
One hour is realistic if you mainly want to see the major set areas and take a few photos. Fans who want to look closely at architecture, recreate drama angles or use costume experiences where available should allow closer to 90 minutes or two hours. Because this is a purpose-built attraction, it rewards a slower visit more than a quick photo stop.
Who should make the trip?
Sunshine Studio is most worthwhile for travelers who already have a reason to visit the central-western part of Korea or who are serious fans of historical K-dramas. It is not a convenient add-on to a tightly scheduled Seoul afternoon. Treat it as a regional day-trip component rather than another Seoul neighborhood stop.
Before you travel
- Recheck opening hours and the Thursday closure on the official studio site.
- Confirm transport back from Nonsan before staying until closing time.
- Do not assume every set or interior seen on screen remains unchanged.
- Check current costume-rental or special-program availability separately; these can change.
- Allow buffer time if you are connecting by intercity transport.
How it compares with other drama trips
Sunshine Studio offers a concentrated period-drama environment. By contrast, trips such as our Queen of Tears filming-location guide or Extraordinary Attorney Woo trip to Changwon involve real-world destinations spread across a region. Choose Sunshine Studio when the recreated production world itself is the attraction.
Avoid the common filming-location mistake
Do not expect a working set to look exactly as it did during production. Props, access rules and storefront details can change after filming. The reliable part of the trip is the location and its historical-set atmosphere, not a guarantee that every scene element remains in place.
Bottom line
If Mr. Sunshine is one of the dramas that shaped your interest in Korea, Sunshine Studio is a more substantial fan stop than a single exterior location. Build enough travel time around Nonsan, verify current operations before departure and give yourself at least an hour inside.
Last verified: September 14, 2026. Official tourism source: VISITKOREA — Sunshine Studio. Official venue: Sunshine Studio.