Love Letter (2003) — Filming Locations & Guide

Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

"Love Letter" is a 2003 South Korean drama featuring Jo Hyun-jae, Soo Ae, and Ji Jin-hee. The story centers around Lee Woo-jin, who struggles with his feelings for his childhood friend Eun-ha while contemplating a life of priesthood.

After enduring a difficult childhood after losing his parents, Woo-jin finds solace and healing in a Catholic orphanage run by his uncle. There, he meets Eun-ha, who has also faced tragedy and hardship. As their relationship deepens, they both grapple with their emotions and the complexities of love, especially as Woo-jin's aspirations to become a priest conflict with his feelings for Eun-ha. The drama explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the search for personal identity amidst the challenges of their pasts.

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

01
Otaru
오타루
Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan
Otaru is famous for being a filming location for the movie 'Love Letter'. The quiet alleys and beautiful scenery evoke the film's emotional atmosphere.
Otaru, famous as the filming location for the movie Love Letter! To summarize the plot, it is an emotional story that unfolds against the backdrop of snow-covered Hokkaido, connected through memories of first love and letters.
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02
Otaru Canal
오타루 운하
5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan
The Otaru Canal is a picturesque spot perfect for taking photos and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
I took photos with my family at the Otaru Canal. Just standing there felt like it completed the atmosphere.
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03
Kato Coffee Shop
가토 커피점(可否茶館, 카히사칸) 사카이마치점
Japan, 〒047-0027 Hokkaido, Otaru, Sakaimachi, 5−３０カフェ/コーヒ
Kato Coffee Shop is a retro-style tea house located in a historical building. Its romantic exterior and stone structure reflect both Japanese and modern architectural history.
Another historical building is the retro-style teahouse 'Kato Coffee Shop (可否茶館, Kahisakan) Sakai-machi branch.'
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04
Otaru Shussemae Plaza
오타루 출세전광장(小樽出世前広場, 슛세마에 히로바)
2-12 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan
Otaru Shussemae Plaza is a nostalgic food court theme park located on Sakai-machi Street. It features a cozy alley that embodies a retro atmosphere.
This is a beloved alley! This narrow and cozy alley is located on Otaru Sakai-machi Street and is home to 'Otaru Shussemae Hiroba,' a retro-themed food court park.
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05
Ironai Pier Park
이로나이 부두공원
3 Chome-12 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
A park frequented by locals, featuring various green trees and a relaxing atmosphere.
Ilonae Budu Park felt like a place more frequented by local residents than by tourists.
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Food guide

Food & places

Restaurants, cafes, markets, and dishes tied to the drama or the reader's visit path.

01Cafe
Ginnokane Cafe
1-chōme-1-1-2 Irifune, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0021, Japan
Ginnokane Cafe is a cozy spot where visitors can enjoy coffee while taking in the beautiful snowy scenery outside.
Today's café is Gin no Kane.
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02Cafe
LeTAO
Cheesecake
7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan
LeTAO is famous for its delicious cheesecake, particularly the limited edition amignon, which is a must-try dessert.
As soon as I took a bite of the cheesecake, I thought, "Ah, this is why it's famous."
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Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

View all locations

View all food spots

Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country

South Korea

Original language

Korean

Episode runtime

60 min

Directors: Gyung-hoon Oh
Writers: Su-yeon Oh

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Ji Jin-hee
Ji Jin-hee지진희
Lee Woo-jin
Jo Hyun-jae조현재
Lee Woo-jin is a character in the drama "Love Letter," who faces a profound conflict between his aspirations for priesthood and his romantic feelings for his childhood friend, Eun-ha. He is portrayed by actor Jo Hyun-jae.
Joo Hyun
Joo Hyun주현
Jo Eun-ha
Soo Ae수애
Father Pedro
Son Hyun-joo손현주

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Ji Jin-heeas Ji Jin-hee

지진희

1971-06-24 · Seoul, South Korea

Ji Jin-hee, born on June 24, 1971, is a prominent South Korean actor celebrated for his compelling performances in various television dramas. He gained widespread recognition for his leading roles in iconic series such as "Jewel in the Palace," "He Who Can't Marry," and "Dong Yi." His versatility as an actor is further showcased in popular dramas like "I Have a Lover," "Second to Last Love," "Misty," and "Designated Survivor: 60 Days." Ji's career began in 1999 with a music video for Jo Sung-Bin's "Like A Trash Movie," followed by his first drama appearance in "Juliet's Man," alongside actress Ye Ji-Won. His talent and dedication have made him a staple in the K-drama industry, captivating audiences with his performances across various genres. In his personal life, Ji married his long-time girlfriend Lee Su-yon in November 2004, marking a significant milestone in his journey beyond the screen.

Notable credits on this site

D.P.
2021

Jo Hyun-jaeas Lee Woo-jin

조현재

1980-05-09 · Seoul, South Korea

Jo Hyun-jae, born on May 9, 1980, is a prominent South Korean actor who first entered the entertainment scene as a singer in the boy band Guardian in 1998. The group released a self-titled album before disbanding, after which Jo transitioned to acting. His breakthrough came in 2000 with a popular commercial for the sports drink Pocari Sweat, which helped him garner attention as a rising star. Jo is best known for his leading roles in several successful dramas, including the romantic series "Love Letter" (2003), "Only You" (2005), and the fantasy drama "49 Days" (2011). His performances have established him as a versatile actor capable of capturing a wide range of emotions and characters. Over the years, Jo Hyun-jae has built a solid reputation in the South Korean entertainment industry, continuing to engage audiences with his compelling portrayals.

Joo Hyunas Joo Hyun

주현

1941-03-01 · Hyesan, Ryanggang Province, North Korea

Soo Aeas Jo Eun-ha

수애

1979-07-25 · Seoul, South Korea

Park Soo-ae, known mononymously as Soo Ae, is a prominent South Korean actress born on September 16, 1979. She launched her career in the television industry, gaining recognition early on. Her breakthrough role came in the 2004 drama "A Family," which marked the beginning of her ascent in the entertainment world. Following her success on television, Soo Ae transitioned to film, where she solidified her reputation as a leading actress. Notable works include the critically acclaimed films "Sunny" (2008) and "Midnight FM" (2010), as well as the disaster movie "The Flu" (2013). In addition to her film achievements, she has also starred in popular television dramas such as "Emperor of the Sea" (2004), "A Thousand Days' Promise" (2011), "King of Ambition" (2013), and "Mask" (2015), showcasing her versatility and talent across various genres.

Son Hyun-jooas Father Pedro

손현주

1965-06-24 · Seoul, South Korea

Son Hyun-joo is a prominent South Korean actor born on June 24, 1965. With a career spanning over three decades, he has made significant contributions to both television and film since his debut in 1991. Son is best known for his roles in popular series such as "First Love" (1996), "My Rosy Life" (2005), "My Too Perfect Sons" (2009), and more recently, "The Good Detective" (2020–2022). His filmography includes notable performances in critically acclaimed works, particularly in the revenge drama "The Chaser" (2012) and the mystery thriller "Hide and Seek" (2013), both of which were unexpected hits. Son's talent has earned him recognition on international platforms, culminating in winning the Best Actor award at the 39th Moscow International Film Festival in 2017 for his role in "Ordinary Person." Through his diverse roles and powerful performances, Son Hyun-joo continues to be a significant figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.

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