Queen of Tears, the South Korean TV series from 2024, is one of the country's most successful series and has delighted fans from all over the world on Netflix. The series tells the turbulent marriage story of Hong Hae-in, a wealthy department stores' heiress, and employee Baek Hyun-woo, who comes from a farming family. Their marriage is in crisis, but when Hong Hae-in falls ill, a new chance for their love presents itself.
Parts of the romantic series were filmed in Germany - especially in Berlin. In the opening credits, you can see a montage of the couple's honeymoon in Germany. Over the course of the series, they both return to Berlin. Many key scenes and precious memories of the main characters take place in the German capital. We introduce you to the Berlin (and Potsdam) filming locations , so that you can follow in the footsteps of Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woo.
1. Young marital bliss at the Neptune Fountain
At the beginning of the series, we see glimpses of what at first glance appears to be a fairy tale come true. Two attractive people who seem to want for nothing. A sea of flowers, bright colours and happy memories of their wedding trip to Berlin. The scene at Berlin's Neptune Fountain stands out in particular, in which the couple appear especially affectionate and in love. It will later stand in stark contrast to the present day.
The Neptune Fountain is located not far from Alexanderplatz, just a stone's throw from the television tower. In the centre of the fountain is the Roman god Neptune, who rules the waters of this earth. Did Hong Hae-in identify with his power?
More about Berlin's sculptures
2. A romantic Walk along the Spree River
In another flashback to their honeymoon, Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woo stroll along the Spree in the evening light, laughing and holding hands. This scene was shot at the edge of James Simon Park with a view of Museum Island. Everything is bathed in golden light as Baek Hyun-woo leans against the railing at the edge of the river and Hong Hae-in stands in front of him to kiss him. At this moment, the camera points towards the Bodemuseum.
The quickest way to get to James-Simon-Park is to get off at the S-Bahn station Hackescher Markt.
3. Pariser Platz and Brandenburg Gate in the Evening Sun
Of course, a honeymoon in Berlin would be unthinkable without a romantic stroll through the Brandenburg Gate. Here, too, the two main characters of the series share carefree moments in the evening sun. The scenes wonderfully convey the wow moment that all visitors probably experience when they arrive at the Brandenburg Gate. There are no cars on the Pariser Platz directly in front of the landmark, so people can linger and take in the impressive architecture.
The Brandenburg Gate has its own S-Bahn and U-Bahn station. Incidentally, the legendary luxury Hotel Adlon is located on the edge of Pariser Platz, which you have no doubt also seen in many films and series.
More about the Brandenburg Gate
4. Possible Cure at the Charité Hospital Berlin
The golden light and bright colours of the couple's happy memories fade into the present when Hong Hae-in has to travel to Berlin again for treatment of her serious illness. The fact that she is travelling to the Charité of all places is by no means out of the blue. The Charité is a renowned medical institution that conducts research in various fields of human medicine. It is also known for its huge campus, where the doctors of the future complete their training.
Of course, the Charité campus today comprises many modern buildings with functional, straightforward architecture. If you want to visit the historical part, walk five minutes from the main station or get off at the Tram station Invalidenstraße. The Museum of Medical History is also located on this section.
5. Without worries on the Steps of Sanssouci Palace
"A palace without worries?" Hong Hae-in asks sceptically when she learns the meaning of the name during a guided tour of the palace grounds on her honeymoon. Sanssouci means "without worries". The rich heiress of a department store, who knows the power games of her wealthy family, is aware of the spitefulness that can take place within luxurious walls.
Nonetheless, as the series progresses, it becomes clear that she must have particularly liked the palace and the park. Because it is the place where Baek Hyun-woo finds her after she has endured the examinations at the Charité. Watch out: German actor Didi Hallervorden has a brief guest role as a park ranger at this location in episode 6.
Sanssouci Palace is located in Potsdam and is easy to reach from Berlin for a day trip.
Day ticket for Sanssouci Palace
6. Instant Noodles on the Roof Terrace of Hotel de Rome
Lavish rooms with a view over the centre of Berlin, exquisite culinary offerings and an in-house spa - no wonder Hong Hae-in spends her stay in Berlin at the Hotel de Rome of all places.
The couple can be seen in the series sitting on the rooftop terrace of the hotel, while only a fine orange stripe in the sky over Berlin betrays the dusk that has fallen. Although the two of them would be served exquisite food in a 5-star hotel, they are pouring hot water over instant noodles.
The hotel's roof terrace is not just for hotel guests. There is a public bar on it and food is also served. It is advisable to book in advance.
7. A Prayer in Berlin Cathedral
After Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woo have become close again during their second stay in Berlin, we see Baek Hyun-woo praying for his sick wife inside the Berlin Cathedral. However, the cathedral is not only seen at this point, but also in the background of the walking scene at the edge of James Simon Park and in another flashback towards the end of the series.
The Berlin Cathedral is open regularly. You need a ticket to visit it. It is also possible to climb up to the dome on over 270 steps. The church is located in the centre of the city, on the edge of Museum Island and is within walking distance of many bus and train stations.
More about the Berlin Cathedral
8. Jealousy in the Nikolassee S-Bahn station
Another scene shows the couple waiting on a platform. It was filmed at Nikolassee S-Bahn station. It is one of Berlin's older train stations from the turn of the century, which is reflected in the typical historicist style mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau elements and the use of red brick. The little tower with the station clock is particularly picturesque. The façade of the station can be seen in a short interlude.
Nikolassee is not a typical interchange station in Berlin. The station was certainly chosen for series production because of its beautiful exterior. If you would like to visit it, you can combine this with a trip to Wannsee Lido.
9. Lucky Symbols at the Winterfeldtmarkt
The scenes in which Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woo are at the weekly market on Winterfeldtplatz are particularly popular with fans of the series because of the behind-the-scenes footage created here.
In the series, Hong Hae-in comments thoughtfully on the relaxed market hustle and bustle, reminding them that their lifespan could be very limited. The two main characters' visit to the market is also combined with a mini-lesson on German lucky charms such as four-leaf clovers and chimney sweeps.
If you would also like to visit the weekly market, you need to get off at the Nollendorfplatz underground station. Market time is always Wednesday and Saturday.
Weekly MArket at Winterfeldtplatz
10. Meaningful moment: Old St Matthew's churchyard
We encounter the Berlin cemetery in another flashback in episode 14 of the Korean hit series. Baek Hyun-woo doesn't quite understand why his newlywed wants to take a walk through a cemetery on their honeymoon. In fact, she would have had every reason to do so - this is of course not explained in detail in the series. Many gravestones of important personalities can be found here. For example, the Brothers Grimm, who compiled the famous collection of European fairy tales.
The Old St Matthew's Churchyard is located near S-Bahn station Yorckstraße . Visitors can enter the cemetery. However, please note that it is a place of rest and devotion.
How does the fairy tale of Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woo end? If you don't know yet, watch "Queen of Tears". And maybe you too will soon be following in the footsteps of the characters.
