Surprising Korean spots that look just like Italy, Canada in ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’
A scene from "Can This Love Be Translated?" / Courtesy of Netflix
Netflix’s hit romantic comedy “Can This Love Be Translated?,” starring Kim Seon-ho as Joo Ho-Jin and Go Youn-jung as Cha Mu-hee, follows a romance that unfolds across languages and cultures.
The chart-topping series takes viewers on a globetrotting journey — but not every dazzling European villa or Canadian getaway is what it seems. While the show boasts memorable scenes filmed abroad, some of its “overseas” locations were actually shot in Korea, transformed by clever set design and scenery to double for spots in Italy, Canada and beyond.
Here’s a guide to the Korean locations standing in for international destinations — places that made the drama’s world-hopping romance possible and can be visited without ever leaving Korea.
"Can This Love Be Translated?" / Courtesy of Netflix
Peninsula Lounge, Lotte Hotel Seoul
The hotel where top star Cha meets interpreter Joo in Italy was actually filmed at the Peninsula Lounge inside Lotte Hotel Seoul. The hotel is known for its winter strawberry buffet featuring a selection of premium desserts. Visitors can also enjoy live jazz performances at the lounge.
Website: www.lottehotel.com/seoul-hotel/en
A scene from "Can This Love Be Translated?" / Courtesy of Netflix
Raum Art Center
The scene when Cha first meets Japanese actor Hiro Kurosawa (Sota Fukushi) at a party in Japan was filmed at the Raum Art Center in southern Seoul. It is a multipurpose cultural venue that hosts concerts and performances and is also popular as a wedding hall.
Instagram: @raum_artcenter
A scene from "Can This Love Be Translated?" / Courtesy of Netflix
Movieland
The cinema where Cha and Hiro watch edited footage together was shot at a small theater in Seoul's hip neighborhood Seongsu-dong called Movieland. Every month, a different guest curator chooses films. Reservations are available through its official website.
Instagram: @movieland.archive
A scene from "Can This Love Be Translated?" / Courtesy of Netflix
Sinheung Market
The alley where Joo walks with his friend is at Sinheung Market in the Haebangchon neighborhood, a popular date spot among locals. Located just below Mount Nam, Haebangchon started as a shantytown for refugees from North Korea and others displaced by the Korean War. In 2017, an urban regeneration project transformed the old market into a trendy spot that combines traditional charm with modern cafes and shops.
Instagram: @shinheungmarket
A scene from "Can This Love Be Translated?" / Courtesy of Netflix
Sanmeoru Farm
The Italian winery where Joo meets his mother was in fact filmed in Korea. Despite its European vibe, it was shot on Sanmeoru Farm in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, which is known for its Korean wild grapes. Visitors can take a winery tour, see the production process from grape cultivation to wine making and explore a wine-aging tunnel. The farm also offers hands-on experiences for children, including making grape jam and chocolate.
Website: seowoosuk.co.kr
A scene from "Can This Love Be Translated?" / Courtesy of Netflix
Hwiwoo Coffee
The restaurant that Joo and Cha visit every night in Italy was actually Hwiwoo Cafe in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Known for its iconic yellow exterior, the cafe features an outdoor garden and terrace and sits right next to a railway, allowing visitors to watch trains pass by as they dine.
Instagram: @hwiwoo_coffee
A scene from "Can This Love Be Translated?" / Courtesy of Netflix
Buyeo National Museum
The observatory scene in the final episode, where Joo and Cha meet and talk, was filmed at the Buyeo National Museum. The museum has one of the best collections of items related to Korea's ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.-660 A.D.) culture, housing around 15,000 artifacts. A recently opened gallery offers a contemplative setting to experience the Great Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje, while the Digital Immersive Exhibition Hall allows visitors of all ages to learn about Baekje culture and key artifacts in an interactive, engaging way.
Website: buyeo.museum.go.kr
A scene from "Can This Love Be Translated?" / Courtesy of Netflix
Cabin House, Woraksan Youth Hostel
The scene in Episode 6 when Joo opens the door for Cha was shot in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, not Canada. The Woraksan Youth Hostel in Jecheon was renovated in 2021 for a retro American vibe and its Cabin House serves as the hostel's signature space. This venue is popular for its laid-back vibe, making it a sought-after spot where reservations can be hard to secure. @woraksanyh
Ahn Seo-hyeon is a Korea Times intern.