The Heirs (2013) — Filming Locations & Guide

Story

Synopsis

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

In "The Heirs," two teenagers from contrasting social backgrounds meet by chance in Los Angeles and later reunite at an elite high school in Korea, where the children of the wealthy attend. This 2013 drama explores themes of love, personal growth, and class conflict, set against the backdrop of the prestigious Empire High School, known for its affluent student body.

The story follows Kim Tan, the second son of a chaebol, and Cha Eun-sang, a girl from a humble background who struggles with the challenges of fitting in among the elite. As their relationship develops, they navigate the complexities of love, rivalry, and family expectations, all while facing the social hierarchies that define their lives. The series captures the essence of youth and romance, making it a defining work in the genre.

Filming locations

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

01
Balboa Park
발보아 공원
San Diego, CA, USA
Balboa Park is a large urban park in San Diego, known for its beautiful gardens and museums. It served as a filming location for 'The Heirs'.
On the way to the filming location of The Heirs.
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02S1E1
Huntington Beach
헌팅턴비치
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
In the drama 'The Heirs', Lee Min-ho is seen surfing at this beach, which is a popular spot for surfers.
This drama has already been over 10 years since it aired. The place where Lee Min-ho was surfing in episode 1 of The Heirs.
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03
Coronado Beach
코로나도 비치
Coronado Beach, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Coronado Beach is known for its beautiful scenery and the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
There is a hotel called 'Hotel del Coronado' here, and the colors of the sea and the hotel were a delight to the eyes.
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04
Botanical Building & Garden
보태니컬 빌딩&가든
1550 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
The Botanical Building & Garden is a well-known spot within Balboa Park, recently reopened after renovations. It is a beautiful place that offers a healing experience just by sitting and watching. / This spot is known for its beautiful Spanish-style architecture and is a popular photo location in 'The Heirs'.
Ta-da! This is the most famous spot in Balboa Park, the Botanical Building & Garden.
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05
Balboa Park
발보아 파크
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, USA
This is where Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye had a coffee date in the drama 'The Heirs'.
The scene where Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye have a coffee date in the drama The Heirs was filmed right here.
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06
Lily Pond
릴리 연못
Lily Pond, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
A peaceful pond where ducks play, it is recognized as a filming spot for 'The Heirs'. Couples often come here for wedding photos.
This point is the filming spot for The Heirs.
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Food guide

Food & places

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

01Restaurant
Phil's BBQ
3750 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Phil's BBQ is highly recommended for its delicious barbecue, making it a must-visit spot in San Diego.
A detailed review of the incredibly delicious Fields Barbecue below.
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02Other
Mukho Gift Shop
24-5 Deungdaeoreum-gil → Donghae-si → Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province강원특별자치도 동해시 등대오름길 24-5
A cute gift shop located near the lighthouse, known for its adorable souvenirs. /
They sell cute and charming little accessories.
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03Restaurant
Long Board Restaurant & Pub
Lobster Set
14892 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, USA
This restaurant is known for its delicious lobster set, which includes lobster, steak, and fries.
Anyway, this is a place that sells lobster sets for $50 per person, which includes lobster, steak, and fries. It's delicious with beer.
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04Restaurant
Fish Market Restaurant
750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
The restaurant offers seafood dishes with a stunning view of the ocean, making it a perfect dining spot.
I wanted to have dinner while enjoying a view of the sea, so I went to a restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes.
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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

Spoken languages

Korean, English

Production companies

Hwa&Dam Pictures
Seoul Broadcasting System

Creators: Kim Eun-sook김은숙
Directors: Boo Seong-cheol
Kang Shin-hyo
Writers: Kim Eun-sook김은숙

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

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

Cha Eun-sang
Park Shin-hye박신혜
Cha Eun-sang is a teenager from a less privileged background who unexpectedly crosses paths with a wealthy classmate in Los Angeles. Their reunion occurs at an exclusive high school in Korea, where she navigates the challenges of being among the elite.
Kim Tan
Lee Min-ho이민호
Choe Yeong-do
Kim Woo-bin김우빈
Yu Rachel
Kim Ji-won김지원
Yoon Chan-young
Kang Min-hyuk강민혁
Kim Won
Choi Jin-hyuk최진혁
Lee Bo-na
Krystal Jung정수정
Lee Hyo-shin
Kang Ha-neul강하늘
Jo Myeong-soo
Park Hyung-sik박형식
Lee Sang-woo
Choi Tae-hwan
Kang Ye-sol
Jeon Soo-jin
Kang Han-na
Hwang Bo-Mi
Moon Joon-young
Jo Yoon-woo
Hyo-joon
Yang Seung-Pil
Chairman Kim Nam-yoon
Jeong Dong-hwan정동환
Park Hee-nam
Kim Mi-kyeong김미경

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Park Shin-hyeas Cha Eun-sang

박신혜

1990-02-18 · Gwangju, South Korea

Park Shin-hye is a prominent South Korean actress, singer, and model, born on February 18, 1990. She grew up in the Songpa District of Seoul and began her career in the entertainment industry with a music video for Lee Seung Hwan's song "Flower." After formal training in singing, dancing, and acting, she gained recognition as a child actress in popular dramas like "Stairway to Heaven" (2003) and "Tree of Heaven" (2006). Park's ascent to stardom continued with her leading roles in hit television series such as "You're Beautiful" (2009), "The Heirs" (2013), and "Pinocchio" (2014-2015). Her film work includes the critically acclaimed "Miracle in Cell No. 7" (2013), one of Korea's highest-grossing films. Further solidifying her status, she has received numerous accolades, including the Baeksang Arts Awards' "Most Popular Actress" for "Cyrano Agency" (2010) and the "Directors Award" at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards for her role in "The Judge from Hell." In addition to her successful career, Park Shin-hye is known for her philanthropic efforts through initiatives like the Starlight Angel Project. She married actor Choi Tae-joon on January 22, 2022, and welcomed their first son on May 31, 2022. With her talent and dedication, Park continues to be a leading figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Lee Min-hoas Kim Tan

이민호

1987-06-22 · Seoul, South Korea

Lee Min-ho, born on June 22, 1987, is a renowned South Korean actor and singer whose career skyrocketed after his iconic role as Gu Jun-pyo in the hit television series *Boys Over Flowers* in 2009. This performance not only won him the Best New Actor award at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards but also established him as a leading figure in the Hallyu wave. His subsequent roles in popular dramas such as *City Hunter* (2011) and *The Heirs* (2013) further solidified his status, earning him multiple nominations at prestigious awards. In addition to his television success, Lee made his film debut in the action thriller *Gangnam Blues* (2015), showcasing his versatility as an actor. He has also ventured into music, releasing two albums, *My Everything* (2013) and *Song For You* (2014), although he has indicated that his primary focus remains on acting rather than pursuing a full-fledged singing career. Notably, Lee Min-ho became the first Korean celebrity to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds, with figures unveiled in Shanghai and Hong Kong, marking his impact on global pop culture. In 2022, he expanded his repertoire with a lead role in the Apple TV+ series *Pachinko*, based on the acclaimed novel, demonstrating his ongoing relevance in the entertainment industry.

Notable credits on this site

Kim Woo-binas Choe Yeong-do

김우빈

1989-07-16 · Seoul, South Korea

Kim Woo-bin, born Kim Hyun-joong on July 16, 1989, is a prominent South Korean actor and model, renowned as one of the leading Hallyu stars. He began his career in the fashion industry, making his runway debut during Seoul Fashion Week in 2008, followed by modeling for major magazines. His foray into acting commenced with the television drama "White Christmas" in 2011, where he quickly showcased his talent. Kim gained widespread recognition with his roles in the hit dramas "School 2013" and "The Heirs" in 2013, cementing his status in the industry. His performance in "The Heirs" earned him critical acclaim and a Teenage Star Award at the SBS Drama Awards. He continued to flourish in both film and television, starring in successful projects like "Twenty" and "Master." In 2016, he took on his first leading role in the romantic drama "Uncontrollably Fond," but his career faced a significant challenge when he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017, prompting a hiatus from acting. After a courageous battle, Kim made his return to the screen in 2022 with the drama "Our Blues," much to the delight of his fans. His journey reflects resilience and dedication, securing his place as a beloved figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Kim Ji-wonas Yu Rachel

김지원

1992-10-19 · Seoul, South Korea

Kim Ji-won is a prominent South Korean actress known for her versatility and captivating performances. Born on October 19, 1992, she first gained attention with her role in the 2012 television series "To the Beautiful You." However, it was her performances in high-profile dramas like "The Heirs" (2013) and "Descendants of the Sun" (2016) that truly established her as a leading actress in the industry, both of which were penned by renowned writer Kim Eun-sook. Building on her early success, Kim Ji-won continued to showcase her talent in a variety of roles, including notable performances in "Fight for My Way" (2017) and "Arthdal Chronicles" (2019). Her recent projects, such as "My Liberation Notes" (2022) and "Queen of Tears" (2024), further solidified her status, with "Queen of Tears" becoming tvN's highest-rated series at that time. Through these diverse roles, Kim Ji-won has become a recognized figure in the Hallyu wave, captivating audiences both in South Korea and internationally.

Notable credits on this site

Kang Min-hyukas Yoon Chan-young

강민혁

1991-06-28 · Ilsan, South Korea

Kang Min-hyuk, born on June 28, 1991, is a multifaceted South Korean musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He is best known as the drummer for the popular rock band CNBLUE, which has garnered a significant following both in South Korea and internationally. With his musical talents, Kang has contributed to the band’s success and has played an integral role in their evolution over the years. In addition to his music career, Kang Min-hyuk has made a name for himself in the acting world, showcasing his versatility across various genres in television dramas. His dual career in music and acting highlights his artistic ability and passion for performance, earning him recognition as a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Streaming

Where to watch

Availability is grouped by country and provider type.

JapanView on TMDB

Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Disney Plus
U-NEXT
Netflix Standard with Ads
Asia Premium Amazon Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
FOD

Free

Amazon Prime Video

Rent

Amazon Video

KoreaView on TMDB

Netflix
Watcha
Netflix Standard with Ads

United StatesView on TMDB

Netflix
Rakuten Viki
Netflix Standard with Ads
Kocowa

Buy

Amazon Video

Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

Ep 1Episode 1
2013-10-09 · 61 min
Choe Yeong-do and his father meet with Yu Rachel and her mother, but it doesn't go well. Cha Eun-sang is stunned by news about her sister in America.
Ep 2Episode 2
2013-10-10 · 62 min
With nowhere to go, Eun-sang accepts Tan's offer to stay at his palatial beachfront house, where Rachel shows up announcing herself as Tan's fiancée.
Ep 3Episode 3
2013-10-16 · 62 min
After getting a call from Seoul, Tan goes to meet his brother Won, who's not happy to see him. Tan and Eun-sang get stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Ep 4Episode 4
2013-10-17 · 62 min
Eun-sang and Rachel end up on the same flight back to Seoul. Irritated at finding Yeong-do waiting for her, Rachel provokes him by talking about Tan.
Ep 5Episode 5
2013-10-23 · 58 min
Tan is shocked to see Eun-sang again -- and living at his house. Tan is dismayed by news that Won has moved out. His father's latest order upsets Won.
Ep 6Episode 6
2013-10-24 · 58 min
Tan and Yeong-do have a tense reunion. Viewing Tan's aloofness as a personal affront, Rachel is furious about Eun-sang enrolling at their school.
Ep 7Episode 7
2013-10-30 · 59 min
Yeong-do tries to bait Tan, but he refuses to bite. Tan's mother asks Eun-sang to keep an eye on Tan but makes sure that Eun-sang knows her place.
Ep 8Episode 8
2013-10-31 · 58 min
Eun-sang is distressed that Tan keeps telling her what to do and can't fathom what he wants. Won sees Hyeon-ju getting out of someone else's car.
Ep 9Episode 9
2013-11-06 · 58 min
Eun-sang receives help from someone unexpected. The tension brewing between Tan and Yeong-do turns explosive, but Rachel takes it out on Eun-sang.
Ep 10Episode 10
2013-11-07 · 58 min
Tan apologizes to Yeong-do's father, but this makes Yeong-do's situation worse. Tan warns Yeong-do and wants to keep their families out of their fight.
Ep 11Episode 11
2013-11-13 · 58 min
Tan demands to know what Eun-sang is doing with Yeong-do, but she wants them to stop putting her in the middle of their feud. Eun-sang faces Yeong-do.
Ep 12Episode 12
2013-11-14 · 59 min
Tan hears the truth from Yeong-do. Yeong-do tries to comfort Eun-sang. The other students start to suspect that Yeong-do's feelings may be sincere.
Ep 13Episode 13
2013-11-20 · 58 min
Rachel and her mother are livid about what they learn. Yeong-do makes an unexpected move. Tan and Eun-sang spend the night at a friend's place.
Ep 14Episode 14
2013-11-21 · 59 min
Tan comes to blows with Yeong-do -- and Eun-sang is caught in the middle again. Eun-sang is forced to rummage through the trash because of Rachel.
Ep 15Episode 15
2013-11-27 · 58 min
Yeong-do has stern words for Rachel. Won and Yeong-do's father are called to school and told that Tan is ranked in 100th place and Yeong-do 98th.
Ep 16Episode 16
2013-11-28 · 58 min
Tan's father meets Eun-sang. Having witnessed the fierce battles over his grandfather's legacy, Won doesn't see the point of trying to understand Tan.
Ep 17Episode 17
2013-12-04 · 58 min
Tan goes to his father demanding to know what happened to Eun-sang. Yeong-do is overwhelmed and relieved to see that Eun-sang is safe and sound.
Ep 18Episode 18
2013-12-05 · 58 min
When Tan comes home bloody and beaten up, Won tries to talk some sense into him. Won runs into Yeong-do and wants to know why Tan's in such a bad state.
Ep 19Episode 19
2013-12-11 · 58 min
At Tan's party, Won meets his match -- for a marriage arranged by his father. Won and Tan discuss what their father's condition means for the company.
Ep 20Episode 20
2013-12-12 · 58 min
Hyeon-ju lets go of Won. Tan wants to know why Won has to make a sacrifice, but Won says it's necessary for the company and his responsibility to bear.