[HanCinema's Report] "Descendants of the Sun" filming in Greece

Upcoming series 'Descendants of the Sun' has been filming in locations all over Greece since late September. The drama starring popular actors Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo is about a UN peacekeeping troops captain and a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders falling in love while in a war-stricken country. Due to this premise, 80% of the pre-produced series is filmed outside of Korea. While the production has been mostly secretive in order to maintain audience suspense, some Greek news portals and blogs have followed the filming and acquired information. After contacting them, they have graciously shared their coverage with HanCinema. Filming has mainly taken place in Zakynthos, Arachova and Lemnos.

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Zakynthos

Zakynthos is an island located in the west part of the country in the Ionian Sea and it is a very popular tourist destination. The island is well known for its beautiful cliffs, caves and crystal clear beaches, one of which is used as a filming location. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) is named after a smuggling vessel which washed ashore and has been a permanent feature there since 1982. According to local news portal, Zante Press 24, writer Kim Eun-sook took a special liking to the island and this beach in particular during a past visit. The portal also reports that the Zakynthos municipality and its mayor, Pavlos Kolokotsas are in close contact and cooperation with the drama's production.

Left: Navagio Beach (photo by Salamouras Sp.)

Right: Mayor Kolokotsas and production manager Eleni Tsatsoula (photo by Zantes Press 24)

An amateur video of Navagio beach

Arachova

Arachova is a mountain town in mainland Greece. Due to its location near the capital city of Athens and its proximity to the Parnassos Ski Center, the town is a very visited location during winter. It is also only 10km away from the archeological site of Delphi, widely known as the site of the Pythia oracles, who were priestesses of Apollo. Local Arachova blogger Efi Stergiou covered the drama's filming in her blog Ntefi. According to miss Stergiou, the crew filmed there on the 5th and 6th of October and Greek actors were also part of the scenes. The blogger has shot an exclusive video of the drama's chosen locations, including a short clip from a scene filming.

Left: Α view of the bridge

Right: 'To Agnantio' tavern, where filming took place (photos by Jean Housen)

Filming for the series captured by Efi Stergiou

Lemnos

Lemnos is an island in the northern Aegean Sea. Due to its flat geography and volcanic origins, the island has many easily accessible beaches, rich soil and special local produce. Lemnos has great archeological importance and this includes the ruins of Poliochne, which is considered as one of the oldest organized settlements in Europe. Lemnos has a variety of unique locations, such as its salt lake, which attracts flamingos and other migratory birds. The sand dunes of Gomati is another point of interest, often earning it the title of 'Sahara of Lemnos'. According to local news portal and radio station, Limnos FM 100, 'Descendants of the Sun' will be filming there, as well as in other areas of the island, including its capital harbor town of Myrina. The municipality as well as local home owners are reportedly working with the production.

Left: Gomati sand dunes

Right: Myrina harbor (photos by Amateur Nikon)

The Gomati sand dunes, filmed by local site Atlas Visual

Sources:

Korean series films in Zakynthos - The Shipwreck has charmed the writer - Zante Press 24

Korean drama filmed in Arachova - Ntefi

Korean television crew in Lemnos for filming - Limnos FM 100

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'