Above: Actors Lee Minho and Kim Minha in a scene from Pachinko
Set-jetting, or visiting filming locations, is a must for travellers who are avid series and movie watchers. From coming face to face with gruesome monsters to crossing paths with a first love, there’s nothing like standing in the exact spot where the lead character experienced a heart-pounding, pivotal moment. These filming sites are even set against picturesque backdrops, adding more visual allure for visitors.
Want to try set-jetting but not sure where to start? Get inspiration from KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines (SIA) in-flight entertainment system, where customers can enjoy award-winning Apple TV+ original series – such as Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Pachinko and The Reluctant Traveler – that are currently exclusively shown on SIA’s in-flight entertainment.
Start binge-watching these shows and take note of 10 locations worth including on your travel bucket list. These spots, chosen by SilverKris.com, are not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Based on Legendary Entertainment’s Monsterverse, this thrilling, action-packed series recounts the events that took place after the awakening of Godzilla. Whisk off to sites visited by heroes Cate (Anna Sawai), May (Kiersey Clemons), Kentaro (Ren Watabe) and Lee (Kurt Russell) or used as fighting grounds by MUTOs – short for Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms.
1. Tokyo, Japan: Haneda Airport
Pretend to be Cate walking through the halls of Tokyo International Airport’s Terminal 2 with your passport in hand. Though the Godzilla evacuation route markings no longer adorn the terminal, its open and luminous architecture will leave you in awe.
2. Tokyo, Japan: Tori Paiyu Tobushi
Have an authentic taste of Japan alongside Cate and Kentaro. Discover this quaint noodle shop within a lively street market selling discounted items and tasty street food. Just a half-hour drive from Haneda Airport, it is open daily from 11am to 12am. This Tokyo ramen restaurant serves halal dishes such as egg chicken paitan ramen and tsukemen.
Flight information: SIA flies from Singapore to Haneda Airport 21x weekly, as well as Narita International Airport 14x weekly.
3. British Columbia, Canada: Mount Breakenridge
Brave the elements and terrifying MUTOs atop this natural wonder located in the Lillooet Ranges of southwestern British Columbia in Canada. Said to be one of the most challenging locations on the show, viewers will appreciate seeing its top-of-the-world vantage point and snow-capped peaks.
4. Honolulu, USA: Lānaʻi Lookout
Head to this stunning coastal spot in this Hawaiian city to admire scenic ocean views while imagining the epic clash between titans Mantleclaw and Mother Longlegs. Covered in volcanic ash, the wave-battered cliffs stand out in stark contrast against the blue sky.
Pachinko
Sunja (portrayed by actresses Kim Minha and Youn Yuh-jung) embarks on a lifelong journey that begins with her forbidden relationship with Hansu (Lee Minho). Following Sunja’s journey with her family from South Korea to Japan, the series also jumps timelines to show Sunja’s grandson, Solomon (Jin Ha), as he seeks to build a business empire for himself in Japan.
5. Gyeongju City, South Korea: Yangdong Village
This traditional folk village is where young Sunja’s story unfolds. Around three hours away by public transportation from Busan’s Gimhae International Airport, the Unesco World Heritage Site features centuries-old houses, study halls and pavilions embraced by the mountains and the river. (Tip: if you get to visit Yangdong Village on a foggy day, attempt to recreate that iconic scene from episode four.)
6. Richmond, Canada: Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Looking dapper in an all-white suit, Hansu spots and locks eyes with Sunja inside a rural fish market set in Yeongdo, Korea. However, the scene was actually filmed inside a 1889 shipyard building found along Fraser River, Steveston. Visit this historic fishing village in Richmond, British Columbia to recreate their heart-stopping first encounter and, in the process, learn more about the town’s canning, fishing and boat-building heritage.
7. Busan, South Korea: Taewon Pebble Beach
Pachinko features multiple filming locations in this major port city. One hour and 15 minutes bus and train ride from Gimhae International Airport, look for Taewon Pebble Beach in Taejongdae where Sunja toiled as a child. See the rocky beach from the observatory or walk down the steps to get closer to the pebble coastline, rocky cliffs and clear emerald sea. Gamji Beach, a popular scuba diving spot, also makes an appearance in the show. Accompanied by her son, Sunja makes a bittersweet stop at this beach after returning to her hometown.
Flight information: SIA flies from Singapore to Busan 4x weekly.
The Reluctant Traveler
A self-proclaimed indoors man, funny guy Eugene Levy hosts this eight-part travel documentary where he visits extraordinary locations and immerses himself in the local culture. In each episode, Levy thinks he’s not the man for the job but somehow manages to prove himself wrong.
8. Rovaniemi, Finland: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Where else in the world can you eat reindeer meat, go husky sled riding and try ice floating? After Levy attempts these activities within the Arctic Circle, he finds refuge from the cold in the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel – beautifully designed accommodations with panoramic windows that showcase the northern lights.
9. La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Mistico Park
Just like Levy, conquer your fear of heights at Mistico Park by crossing its 16 impressive bridges. Walk through the 148-feet-high hanging Waterfall Bridge (Levy’s advice: “Don’t look down.”) while admiring the views of the lush rainforest and the majestic Arenal Volcano. At North Fields Coffee, a tour around the family-owned plantation will teach you about the coffee-making process and give you a chance to make your own coffee blend.
10. Venice, Italy: Squero San Trovaso
In the Floating City – just three hours from Milan and 5.5 hours from Rome, both by car – Levy bonds with a gondolier and observes families building and repairing gondolas at one of the oldest and most popular boatyards, Squero San Trovaso. He also savours cicchetti – bite-sized appetisers with delicious toppings – with red wine at Cantina Aziende Agricole, an osteria that sits on the edge of the city’s Jewish quarter.
Flight information: SIA flies from Singapore to Milan 7x weekly, as well as from Singapore to Rome 4x weekly.
Singapore Airlines customers can enjoy the first three episodes in Apple TV+ on board at no extra cost. New and eligible returning customers in Singapore can enjoy one free month of Apple TV+ that may be redeemed post-flight. The Apple TV+ subscription automatically renews at S$13.98 per month unless cancelled. Get more information here.
All flight frequencies are accurate as of 1 February 2025. To book a Singapore Airlines’ flight to some of the destinations mentioned above, visit singaporeair.com.
