1. Introduction: The Global Return of the “Bloodhounds”
Bloodhounds has officially bitten back. After its explosive debut, Season 2 has dominated Netflix, holding the rank of the #1 Non-English TV show globally for two consecutive weeks. Picking up three years after the events of Season 1, the story finds Kim Geon-woo and Hong Woo-jin having evolved from scrappy prospects to world-class athletes. However, their quest for justice is far from over as they are pulled into the orbit of the IKFC—a global illegal boxing league fueled by high-stakes betting and dark-web operations.
As a location scout, I look for more than just a pretty background; I look for spaces that breathe life into the narrative. Season 2 is a masterclass in “Noir Seoul,” utilizing real industrial zones and high-end retreats to ground its visceral action. This guide is your curated map to the gritty and luxurious world of the “Bloodhounds.”
2. The High-Stakes Map: Top 10 Essential Filming Locations
1. Grand Hyatt Seoul (Yongsan-gu) Used as the residence for chaebol heir Hong Min-beom (Choi Si-won), this hotel is the pinnacle of K-drama luxury. The production filmed in the legendary Presidential Suite, a 325-square-meter sanctuary that costs approximately 20 million won per night.
- Scout’s Note: We chose this suite specifically for its “spatial scale.” It features a private fitness room, a library, and a massive stone bathtub. This opulence emphasizes the isolation of the chaebol class compared to the narrow alleys where Geon-woo fights. It’s a room with history, having hosted world leaders like President Biden, Donald Trump, and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
2. Ilmin Museum of Art (Jongno-gu) Appearing in Episodes 2 and 3, this serves as the exterior for President Choi’s (Huh Joon-ho) dignified hideout. Located at the heart of Gwanghwamun Square, the building is the former home of the Dong-a Ilbo newspaper.
- Scout’s Note: The high-ceilinged, classical granite architecture acts as a visual shorthand for the authority and legendary status of President Choi. It feels immovable, providing a sense of security for the protagonists.
3. Kim Susa (Gangnam-gu) This is the setting for the late-season bloodbath where a former mob “blade” takes center stage. In reality, Kim Susa is a beloved 37-year-old traditional sushi restaurant in Sinsa-dong, run by two generations of the same family. It is a must-visit for fans who want world-class omakase alongside their K-drama history.
4. Aloha Boxing Gym Samsung Branch (Gangnam-gu) Considered “sacred ground” by fans, this real-life facility is where Geon-woo and Woo-jin perform their signature high-intensity training. The production used the gym’s actual equipment to maintain an authentic, visceral atmosphere that professional athletes would recognize.
5. Sector Coffee Roasters Euljiro Branch (Jung-gu) In Episode 3, Geon-woo meets Team Leader Min Kang-yong here for a high-tension strategic briefing. Located near the Myeongbo intersection, its industrial-chic interior fits perfectly within the “Noir Seoul” aesthetic of the series.
6. Golden Slumber (Seocho-gu) This sophisticated bar in Banpo-dong is where Hong Min-beom falls into the IKFC’s drug trap. The venue’s dim lighting and sleek interior reflect the dangerous high-end social circles the “Bloodhounds” must infiltrate.
7. Courtyard Marriott Seoul Times Square (Yeongdeungpo-gu) When the villainous Im Baek-jeong begins his hunt, the group retreats to this hotel, provided by Hong Min-beom. Serving as their “Strategic Base,” it offers the characters a momentary reprieve and a place to plan their counter-offensive.
8. Cafe Open Door (Cheongna, Incheon) Representing the emotional heart of the series, this is the real-life ‘Cafe Soom’ run by Geon-woo’s mother. It is one of the few locations in the series characterized by warmth and sunlight, standing in stark contrast to the dark betting rings of the IKFC.
9. Gimcheon University – Gimcheon Campus (Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk) This abandoned site serves as the backdrop for the final “Deathmatch” between Kim Geon-woo and Im Baek-jeong.
- Scout’s Note: To heighten the tension for the finale, we needed a location that felt forgotten by time. The desolate granite cliffs and decaying structures of this abandoned university campus provide a haunting, cinematic arena for the series’ most brutal fight.
10. Daejeon City Hall (Seo-gu, Daejeon) Utilized in Episodes 3 and 5, the modern, expansive exterior of Daejeon City Hall serves as the primary police station throughout the investigation. Its grand scale represents the institutional power that the characters often find themselves working alongside—or against.
3. Behind the Action: Production Insights
- Physical Transformation: The realism of Bloodhounds is anchored by actor dedication. Woo Do-hwan famously performed a 13kg bulk-up to portray Geon-woo’s evolution. As Do-hwan noted in a recent interview: “If Season 1 was a young person starting out, Season 2 is a more grown, adult version.” This wasn’t just aesthetic; the actors lived like athletes, training through four meals a day and intensive boxing drills to ensure every punch landed with weight.
- The Narrative Shift: Pink vs. Noir: While recent shows like XO, Kitty portray a “Pink Seoul” full of romance and landmarks, director Kim Joo-hwan intentionally pursued a “Noir Seoul.” By filming in real streets, industrial zones, and narrow alleyways, the production maintains a constant sense of tension and social realism that sets Bloodhounds apart from the standard K-drama landscape.
- Villainous Introduction: Season 2 introduces the lethal Im Baek-jeong, played by global superstar Jung Ji-hoon (Rain). This marks Rain’s first-ever villain role, where he portrays the mastermind behind the IKFC’s global illegal betting ring. His performance brings a new level of physical threat to the series.
4. Fans’ Checklist: How to Visit
| Location Name | Category | Accessibility | Metro Station / Note |
| Grand Hyatt Seoul | Luxury | Seoul (Metro) | Hangangjin Station (Line 6) |
| Ilmin Museum of Art | History | Seoul (Metro) | Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) |
| Kim Susa | Dining | Seoul (Metro) | Sinsa Station (Line 3) |
| Aloha Boxing Gym | Action | Seoul (Metro) | Samsung Central Station (Line 9) |
| Sector Coffee Roasters | Cafe | Seoul (Metro) | Euljiro 3-ga Station (Line 2/3) |
| Golden Slumber | Nightlife | Seoul (Metro) | Sapyeong Station (Line 9) |
| Courtyard Marriott | Strategic Base | Seoul (Metro) | Yeongdeungpo Station (Line 1) |
| Cafe Open Door | Sanctuary | Regional (Metro/Bus) | Cheongna International City |
| Gimcheon Abandoned Site | Final Action | Regional (KTX Required) | Gimcheon (Gumi) Station |
| Daejeon City Hall | Public | Regional (KTX/Metro) | Daejeon City Hall Station (Line 1) |
Pro-Tip: For the ultimate “Bloodhounds” experience, notice the contrast in your travel. Start at the peaceful Cafe Open Door in Incheon to see where the characters’ hearts lie, then make the trek to the Gimcheon Abandoned Site to feel the weight of the final confrontation. The regional sites offer a more immersive, cinematic atmosphere away from the Seoul crowds.
5. Conclusion: Reliving the Action
Visiting these locations allows fans to bridge the gap between the screen and reality, transitioning from the opulent suites of the 1% to the desolate campuses of the final “Deathmatch.” Each site was chosen to emphasize the show’s unique “Noir” identity, making a tour of these locations a journey into the soul of the series itself.
Before you set out, ensure you’ve caught all 7 episodes of Season 2 on Netflix to fully appreciate the significance of every stop. Happy scouting!
