Hotel Del Luna is a Korean Drama Series consisting of 16 episodes that aired in 2019. The cast consists of Lee Ji-eun(IU) and Yeo Jin-goo as the main cast and Shin Jung-geun as Kim Seon-bi, Bae Hae-sun , Pyo Ji-hoon, and others as the supporting cast to bring a fictional drama to viewers with involvement of Produced by GTist, written by the Hong sisters, and directed by Oh Chung-hwan.
From an architectural point of view, the entire concept of Design is fascinating. The entire plot begins with the hotel serving as a supernatural sanctuary for restless ghosts in Seoul. The perfect blend of historical Korean influences and fantasies with modern timeless elements through different phases and time helps the viewers to understand the change in the years.
The overall style is a fusion of Gothic opulence, Art Deco flair, and Korean traditional motifs, with a moody palette of deep jewel tones (emerald greens, royal blues, and golds) against dark woods to create an atmosphere of eternal twilight. This contrast is achieved through a combination of real historical buildings, practical modifications, and digital effects, underscoring themes of illusion and revelation.
Exterior Facade Design
The exterior facade poses two characters; one being a simple abandoned faded brick posing a neglected ghostly vibes during the day, whereas at night it turns into a majestic hotel with arch windows, cornices, patio, and soft ambient lights. The lighting acts as a metaphor to the supernatural aura to the moonlight, making the focal point of a supernatural aura.
A proper sign “Hotel Del Luna” captivates the passer spirits, and with the proper execution of CGI and lighting, the whole story that revolves around the hotel has a perfect blend of story to it.
At night, CGI and lighting transform it into a luminescent structure with warm golden hues, subtle ornamental carvings (e.g., motifs of the moon or the Wolryeongsu Tree), and glowing windows that hint at the opulent interiors. The colonial roots subtly nod to Korea’s historical layers, adding depth to the hotel’s “eternal” theme.
Interior
Reception
The Reception also poses two characters contrasted to Day and Night. At times, the reception consists of more welcoming vibes with a woody theme background, whereas during the day the whole environment has very dull and simple ancient wooden elements to help viewers notice the contradiction to those times. The small details are based on the beliefs of Ghosts being active at night and resting during the day.
Lobby
In the morning, the reception and lobby area is a dark and shabby kind of place with an elevator nearby. But at night, the place turns into a double height ceiling lobby with a grand staircase at the front , reception at the right, and seating space on the left. The whole black, white, and golden theme is well crafted. The lights all around with big chandeliers on ,middle and along, gives it a grand look to the whole hotel. This choice highlights the hotel’s shape-shifting nature, blending real-world luxury with supernatural twists.
Swimming Pool
A fictional show with signage to the swimming pool, the way opens to a sand beach with ocean view, giving it a grand value.
Sky Bar
There are many scenes that are shot in the bar area. The bar has a modern design theme with semi-segregated boards of metals and amazing ambient lighting all around. The color theme contradicts pink and blue with hints of gold through the lighting.
Balcony
The balcony is above 100 floors with a majestic and breathtaking view of the whole city of Seoul.
Gazebo with a Garden
Beautifully ornamented flowers all around a garden with walking space leading to the moon tree gives an aesthetic vibes to a whole new world. The gazebos type seating space gives it a look of fusion to the Korean ancient design with modern era.
Library
A ghost library with a beautiful arched entrance gives a cozy yet spacious library area. A proper seating area with personalized chairs around gives it a place for ghosts who want to study a place for it.
Owner Space
Jang Man-wol’s (IU) office is a highlight, with elegant wooden desks, antique Korean screens, and terrace views of the symbolic Wolryeongsu Tree (a recreated garden set). The design incorporates traditional hanok elements (like sliding doors) for cultural depth, contrasting with modern luxury.
The well designed wall with pictures of Man-wol’s through the phases that the whole hotel has passed. The pictures on the wall is a memory lane through which the story is built.
Overall Impact
The architecture acts as a character, mirroring Man-wol’s curse and the ghosts’ regrets through its liminal spaces. The sets excel in world-building, using color grading (desaturated flashbacks), diagonal lens flares, and aspect ratio shifts for dynamism. Cinematography frames doorways and elevators as motifs of transition, while practical effects like floating chandeliers enhance the supernatural feel. Reviews praise the “beautifully done” lighting and camera work, especially in flashbacks, for creating a dreamy, intricate atmosphere.
The whole filming was done in exact locations, with some places being exact there in Seoul, South Korea. To know more about their culture and legacy, these places are a must visit space, making a remarkable focus to attract tourists and make you fall in Love with South Korea.
References:
Luna, del (2022). Ashley Hajimirsadeghi. [online] Ashley Hajimirsadeghi. Available at: https://www.ashleyhajimirsadeghi.com/blog/hotel-del-luna [Accessed 21 Aug. 2025].
Meixian, L. (2019). Filming Locations for K-Drama ‘Hotel Del Luna’. [online] HallyuSG. Available at: https://www.hallyusg.net/2019/07/24/filminglocations-hoteldelluna/ [Accessed 21 Aug. 2025].
Park, H. (2019). The New Popular K-Drama, Hotel Del Luna – Korea (Creatrip). [online] Creatrip. Available at: https://creatrip.com/en/blog/5212/The-New-Popular-K-Drama-Hotel-Del-Luna [Accessed 20 Aug. 2025].
Weston, N. (2024). ‘Hotel Del Luna’ Filming Locations: Hold Onto Your Seoul. [online] Jetset Times. Available at: https://jetsettimes.com/in-crowd/celebrity/hotel-del-luna/ [Accessed 22 Aug. 2025].
Wikipedia. (2021). Hotel del Luna. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_del_Luna.
