Where was Aema shot? Revisiting key filming locations of Netflix's latest K-drama?

Aema, the recent Netflix K-drama, has utilized some iconic backdrops from Seoul, South Korea, to depict a city from the 1980s. The filming of the show principally started in September 2023 and concluded in late March 2024. The production was halted for some time, which further extended the overall schedule.

Filming for most of the action in Aema is done around the Chungmuro district, which is like the historic hub of South Korea's film industry. The area serves as the home of many studios, agencies, and theatres. Therefore, choosing Seoul complemented the narrative and was also logistically feasible for the makers. Read on to know the complete filming locations of Aema.

Revisiting key filming locations in Aema

Seoul, Chungmuro is the heart of South Korea's mid-20th-century film industry. In the show, it served as the central setting known for its Korean version of Hollywood. This historic district is full of film studios, agencies, and theatre houses, most notably the old Dansungsa cinema. The show's production design recreates the street’s vibrant yet oppressive studio environments with remarkable realism.

The location also provides a backdrop that suits the era in the story. The series vividly evokes 1980s Chungmuro through its costume styling, signage, props, and set detailing. The designers have used retro marquees to old-fashioned cameras, creating an immersive period atmosphere.

It also features a significant moment in South Korean history when President Chun Doo-hwan's regime ushered in the "3 S policy". The 3 S here refers to Sex, Screen, and Sports. This policy indirectly empowered the rise of erotic cinema like Madame Aema, while still enforcing censorship and deep societal control.

The production utilized both on and off-location spaces during the filming of Aema

The city offered modern architecture and a vibrant cityscape, making it the ideal backdrop for different kinds of projects. As mentioned, the production designers also redesigned several parts of the street with retro looks, carefully recreating the neon-lit streets, theatres, and offices of the bygone era.

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The city's Chungmuro district, known as the heart of cinema, perfectly depicts the industry struggles and power shifts. Moreover, production likely utilized both real locations and studio sets across Seoul, blending authenticity with cinematic staging to transport viewers back in time.

The six-episode limited series was released globally on Netflix on August 22, 2025.

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