Gyeongsan's Bangokji reservoir gains recognition as film, drama filming location

Bangokji, a landmark tourist destination in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, has been drawing attention as a filming location for movies and drama series, the city announced Friday.

Built in 1903 as an agricultural reservoir, Bangokji is designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a green photography spot. The site is renowned for its scenic beauty, with weeping willows estimated to be 200 to 300 years old lining the water's edge.

The reservoir recently appeared in the Netflix drama series "Scandal," captivating viewers with scenes of horses galloping along the embankment path beneath the dense canopy of willows, set against the broad expanse of water.

Gyeongsan City has put up banners promoting the "Scandal" filming location and installed life-size character cutouts for visitors to pose with.

Filming is also currently underway at the site for "Family Force," a film set for release next year.

Bangokji has previously served as a backdrop for the film "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant," the drama series "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds," "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo," "Seven Day Queen," "Praise of Death" and the KBS drama series "To My Beloved Thief."

"Bangokji has consistently been used as a filming location for movies and drama series thanks to its beautiful natural scenery," a Gyeongsan City official said. "We will work to leverage this into broader tourism growth."