Ritesh Sharma
In the immersive world of K-dramas, the line between fiction and reality is often beautifully blurred. Locations feel tangible, institutions seem credible, and it’s not uncommon for viewers to wonder if the setting of their favorite show actually exists. One such place that must have sparked curiosity among fans is Jongno Yulje Medical Center, the central hospital in the tvN’s Korean medical drama ‘Resident Playbook.’ Created by Shin Won-ho and Lee Woo-jung, a spin-off of the beloved ‘Hospital Playlist,’ this drama follows the lives of OB-GYN residents trying to find their footing amidst personal and professional upheavals.
Jongno Yulje Medical Center is a Fictional Yet Familiar Name
Despite how authentic it may seem, Jongno Yulje Medical Center is entirely fictional. The hospital doesn’t exist in real life, though it plays a key role in both ‘Hospital Playlist’ and ‘Resident Playbook.’ The original series was set at the Gangseo branch of Yulje Medical Center, and ‘Resident Playbook’ picks up in a different department — OB-GYN — at its Jongno branch.
The creators of the Korean drama have skillfully built an expansive fictional universe where the hospital feels as real as any major medical center in Seoul. That believability stems from excellent writing, immersive performances, and clever use of real-world locations for filming.
Real Hospitals Behind the Fiction From Gangseo to Jongno
While Yulje itself is fictional, the backdrops used for filming are very real. In ‘Hospital Playlist,’ the production team used Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital in Gangseo District as the main filming location. Its sleek architecture and well-lit interiors made it the perfect stand-in for the Gangseo Yulje branch.
For ‘Resident Playbook,’ the filming location for the Jongno branch has not been officially confirmed. However, it’s likely that, as with the previous series, the scenes were shot in a combination of actual medical buildings and meticulously designed sets. Many K-dramas follow this approach to maintain realism while also retaining full creative control.
What Makes Jongno Yulje Medical Center Feel So Real?
The authenticity of Yulje isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s in the way doctors interact, the language they use, the hierarchical dynamics, and the emotional toll of the medical profession. Even though the hospital is fictional, the lives portrayed within its walls are grounded in reality — from endless night shifts to difficult surgeries and personal growth. In ‘Resident Playbook,’ the Jongno branch becomes more than just a setting. It acts as a crucible, shaping the personalities of the first-year residents. Their chaotic journeys — be it delivering a baby in the hallway or clashing with a senior — feel raw, messy, and genuine.
Using a fictional hospital like Yulje allows the creators to explore bold, nuanced narratives without the constraints or ethical implications of real-world associations. It gives writers the freedom to build storylines, characters, and departmental dynamics from the ground up — whether it’s a power-hungry doctor or a professor with a tough-love teaching style. It also helps maintain emotional consistency across seasons and spin-offs. Fans who followed the gang at Gangseo Yulje now find comfort in the continuity of the Yulje name, even in a new branch with a fresh cast.
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