How Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin Turned a Quiet Swiss Village Into a Global Hotspot

More than half a decade after a K-drama aired its final episode, its impact is still being felt far beyond Korea.

According to a recent report by The Washington Post, a small lakeside village in Switzerland continues to attract thousands of international visitors each year thanks largely to Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin.

A Drama Scene That Became a Real Destination

The village is located just outside Interlaken. It gained worldwide recognition after appearing in the hit tvN drama Crash Landing on You, which aired from 2019 to 2020.

In the series, Hyun Bin’s character is shown playing the piano on a wooden pier by the lake, a moment later echoed when Son Ye-jin’s character hears the music during her travels in Switzerland. What was once a quiet dock quickly turned into one of the most photographed K-drama locations in Europe.

Fans Still Lining Up—Six Years Later

Today, visitors from Korea, Japan, the United States, and beyond continue to arrive in Iseltwald with one goal in mind: recreating that scene.

Some tourists reportedly wait hours just to step onto the pier for a photo. Others play the drama’s soundtrack on their phones, turning the experience into a personal tribute to the series.

For many fans, the visit is less about sightseeing and more about reliving a romantic moment that left a lasting impression.

When Popularity Becomes a Challenge

The sudden fame did not come without complications.

Iseltwald is home to only around 400 residents, and after international travel resumed in 2022, daily visitor numbers reportedly surged to nearly 1,000 at peak times. Increased traffic, congestion, and privacy concerns quickly became issues for locals.

Residents shared stories of tourists wandering too close to private homes or gardens, prompting the local government to step in.

Managing the “K-Drama Effect”

To ease the strain, authorities limited tour bus access and introduced an entry fee to the pier. A small gate was installed, charging visitors a modest admission to step onto the dock.

These measures helped regulate the flow of tourists and generated new revenue for the village. Even so, officials note that many visitors now take photos from nearby areas without entering the pier itself.

More Than Just a Trend

What makes Iseltwald’s story remarkable is its longevity.

While many filming locations see a brief spike in interest, the continued attention six years later highlights the enduring global reach of Korean dramas—and the cultural influence of Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin as a screen couple.

Long after the final episode, their story is still guiding travelers halfway across the world.

For one small Swiss village, a single scene was enough to change everything.