Gyeongbuk Province’s ’21st Century Great Army Wife’ Film Shoot Boosts Yecheon as Rising Filming Destination
Yecheon County in North Gyeongsang Province has emerged as a prominent filming location following the recent shoot for the historical drama ’21st Century Great Army Wife,’ drawing attention from both local officials and entertainment industry observers. The production, which utilized various scenic spots across Yecheon’s rural landscapes and historic sites, has highlighted the region’s potential as a cost-effective and visually rich alternative to more established Korean filming hubs. Local authorities report increased interest from production companies seeking authentic Joseon-era settings, with several locations featured in the drama now being promoted through Yecheon’s official tourism channels.
The drama, which premiered on KBS2 in early 2024, tells the story of a woman navigating complex social hierarchies during the Joseon Dynasty while managing her family’s estate. Filming took place over three weeks in March and April 2024, utilizing key sites including the Yecheon Hyanggyo Confucian Academy, the Nakdong River floodplains, and traditional hanok villages in the Gunwi-myeon area. These locations were selected for their well-preserved architectural integrity and minimal modern intrusion, allowing the production to achieve period authenticity without extensive digital cleanup.
Yecheon County officials have actively leveraged the drama’s exposure to boost local tourism initiatives. Since the drama’s broadcast, visitor numbers to featured filming locations have increased by approximately 35% compared to the same period in 2023, according to data released by the Yecheon Tourism Organization in May 2024. The county has responded by installing directional signage at major sites and developing guided tour routes that connect multiple filming locations, complete with informational placards detailing scenes shot at each spot.
Beyond tourism, the filming activity has generated measurable economic benefits for local businesses. Restaurants and accommodations near filming sites reported a 22% increase in revenue during the production period, with several establishments noting specific requests from cast and crew for traditional Korean meals served in authentic settings. The county’s economic development office estimates that the production contributed approximately 1.2 billion KRW (around $900,000 USD) to the local economy through direct spending on lodging, food, transportation, and location fees.
The success of ’21st Century Great Army Wife’ has positioned Yecheon as a emerging contender in South Korea’s competitive location scouting market. Industry analysts note that the province offers advantages including lower production costs compared to the Seoul metropolitan area, diverse natural landscapes ranging from mountainous terrain to river valleys, and a cooperative local government willing to facilitate permits and provide logistical support. Similar successes have been observed in other rural Korean regions that have strategically marketed their filming potential, such as Suncheon in South Jeolla Province and Bonghwa in North Gyeongsang Province.
Looking ahead, Yecheon County has announced plans to establish a dedicated film commission office by late 2024 to better coordinate with production companies and streamline the permitting process. The office will maintain a database of available locations, provide location scouting assistance, and offer incentives for productions that commit to extended shoots in the region. County officials emphasize that their goal is not merely to attract one-time shoots but to develop sustainable partnerships that bring recurring production activity and long-term economic benefits to the community.
For visitors interested in exploring the filming locations featured in ’21st Century Great Army Wife,’ Yecheon County offers self-guided tour maps available at the Yecheon Tourist Information Center near the train station. The most popular route connects the Hyanggyo Confucian Academy, the Nakdong River viewing platform, and the Gunwi-myeon hanok village, covering approximately 8 kilometers of scenic walking paths. Guided tours are also available on weekends through local tour operators, with reservations recommended during peak tourism seasons.
As Korean historical dramas continue to gain international popularity through streaming platforms, Yecheon’s strategic positioning as an authentic filming destination could yield sustained benefits for the region’s tourism and cultural preservation efforts. The county’s approach demonstrates how rural communities can leverage cultural assets to drive economic development while maintaining the integrity of their historical sites.
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