Hello (안녕하세요), Goblin fans! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably rewatched “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (Goblin) countless times, dreaming of stepping into Kim Shin and Ji Eun-tak’s world. Well, guess what? You can! And the best place to do it is in the enchanting Quebec City, Canada, which served as the stunning backdrop for many of their iconic moments.

Join me as I relive my unforgettable journey through the real-life Goblin filming locations in this charming, historic city. Get ready to feel all the feels as we revisit some of the most memorable scenes!

What is “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (Goblin)?

Before we dive into our tour, for those who might be new to the magic (or need a quick refresher!), “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,” commonly known as “Goblin,” is a beloved South Korean fantasy romance drama.

The story centers around Kim Shin, an immortal goblin and protector of souls, who has been cursed to live forever, witnessing the deaths of his loved ones. To end his immortality, he needs a human bride who can pull out the sword embedded in his chest. Enter Ji Eun-tak, a bright and optimistic student who can see ghosts and is destined to be the Goblin’s bride. Their intertwined fates lead to a poignant, humorous, and heartwarming tale of love, sacrifice, and destiny, all beautifully woven with elements of Korean folklore and stunning cinematography.

It’s a drama that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in true love!

My Personalized “Goblin” Walking Tour

To start the tour, I recommend starting in Lower Town (Petit Champlain) to beat the crowds and then working your way up the hill (or should I say mountain?).

1. The Magic Portal (The Red Door)

Location: 68 Rue du Petit Champlain, Québec, QC G1K 4H5

Seeing that iconic red door in person was a total “pinch-me” moment. In the show, this is the magical portal Ji Eun-tak follows Kim Shin through to enter Canada for the first time. In reality, it’s actually an emergency exit for the Théâtre Petit Champlain, and because it’s a working door, you have to be careful not to block it!

Interestingly, because this spot is so popular, there is actually a recreation of the red door just a little further down the street. It’s perfect for those who want to take their time posing for the perfect “stepping through the portal” shot without worrying about being in the way. It really shows how much the city embraces its K-drama fame!

2. The Big Declaration (Escalier Casse-Cou)

Location: Côte de la Montagne & Escalier Casse-Cou (5 Esc. Casse-Cou, Québec, QC G1K 9L9)

Just steps away from the red door are the “Breakneck Stairs” (Escalier Casse-Cou). This is where Eun-tak famously shouts, “I’ve decided! I’m going to marry you!” to a very stunned Kim Shin.

Walking up these stairs is a bit of a workout, but I recommend stopping halfway to look back. The view of the cobblestone street below, lined with boutiques and lights, is honestly breathtaking. Standing on the landing where they filmed, I could almost feel the youthful energy Eun-tak brought to that scene.

3. The Overpass (Porte Prescott)

Location: Côte de la Montagne

Once you reach the top of the stairs, follow the road to Porte Prescott, a beautiful pedestrian bridge that spans the street below.

This is where Eun-tak skips along, soaking in the Canadian air and marvelling at the fact that she’s actually travelled abroad. It’s a wonderful spot for photos because you get the city walls on one side and the view of the lower town on the other. It really bridges the gap between the historical “fortress” feel of the upper city and the quaint charm of the shops below.

4. The Goblin’s Estate (Château Frontenac & Terrasse Dufferin)

Location: 1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC G1R 5J5

Next, I would recommend visiting Le Château Frontenac. This is Kim Shin’s hotel in the K-drama, and it really does loom over the city just as majestically as it does in the show.

The Mailbox: I went inside the lobby—which is pure luxury—to find the golden letter box near the elevators where Eun-tak sends her letter to her future self. It’s a real, working mailbox!

The Boardwalk: Afterward, I strolled along the Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk. This massive wooden boardwalk is featured in almost every episode set in Quebec. I spent a long time here just leaning on the railing, looking at the amazing views of the St. Lawrence River.

5. The “Graveyard” View (Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine)

Location: Near the Citadel of Quebec (1 Côte de la Citadelle, Québec, QC G1R 3R2)

At the end of the boardwalk, you can follow the designated pathway up the hill toward the Citadel to find Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine!

There are no actual tombstones here (those were all props), but this is the hill where Kim Shin visits the graves of his past servants and the family he’s outlived. The view of the Château Frontenac and St. Lawrence River from this vantage point is arguably the best in the city.

6. A Stop for Christmas (Boutique de Noël de Québec)

Location: 47 Rue De Buade, Québec, QC G1R 4A2

Heading back toward the center of the Old Town, I visited the Boutique de Noël de Québec.

This shop is pure Christmas magic. It’s Christmas 365 days a year inside! Stepping into the shop, I actually found a few ornaments that looked just like the ones in the drama. Even if you aren’t looking to buy anything, walking through the store is a must!

7. The First Love Fountain (Fontaine de Tourny)

Location: Near the Parliament Building (Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale, Québec, QC G1R 3V9)

I then walked out of the old city walls toward the Quebec Parliament Building to see this ornate fountain.

This is the site of the “Physics of Love” scene. Standing there, I imagined Kim Shin sitting by the fountain, reading his book, while Eun-tak bounded across the street toward him. It’s a very open, grand area compared to the tight alleys of the Old City, and it perfectly captures the moment Kim Shin’s world expanded because of his love for her.

8. The Final Leaf (Samuel-Holland Park)

Location: 1275 Ch Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4S5

To finish the day, I hopped on a bus (the 800 or 801) for a 15-minute ride to Samuel-Holland Park.

It’s a bit of a trek out of the tourist center, but for a die-hard fan, it’s worth it. This is the “Fairies Park” where the famous “falling leaf” scene took place. It’s a beautiful, quiet park with towering trees. I have visited during the fall (and winter too!), and yes, I definitely tried (and failed several times) to catch a falling maple leaf.

It was the perfect, quiet end to my Goblin journey!

From K-Drama to K-Food

To round out your Goblin-inspired journey, you can dive into the local flavours that echo the culture of the show. While Quebec City is famous for its French-Canadian roots, it also has some fantastic spots for authentic Korean comfort food, ranging from BBQ to quick street snacks.

1. Sakura BBQ Coréen (Sainte-Foy)
   • A lively, all-you-can-eat BBQ experience where you grill your own meats at the table.
   • The marinated Galbi (short ribs) and Bulgogi are fan favourites. It’s the perfect place for a celebratory “wrap party” after your tour.
     
2. Chicken & Bap (Beauport)
   • A cozy, top-rated snack bar specializing in the ultimate comfort duo: Fried Chicken and Rice (Bap).
   • Their Korean Fried Chicken is widely considered the best in the city—crispy, double-fried, and glazed to perfection.
     
3. Madang (Quebec City)
   • A modern yet traditional sit-down restaurant that balances classic Korean flavours with a refined atmosphere.
   • Their Bibimbap and hearty Jjigae (stews) are exactly what you need on a cool Quebec autumn day.

Final Thoughts on Goblin in Quebec City

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just appreciate the stunning cinematography of the show, exploring Quebec City through the lens of Goblin adds a unique layer to an already beautiful destination. Walking these streets makes it easy to see why the producers chose this city to represent a bridge between worlds; there is a tangible sense of history and atmosphere in every stone.

Even if you aren’t looking for a portal to another country, these locations offer some of the best views and most interesting corners the city has to offer.

Safe travels,

Carina

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