The big Korean period drama series "Daejanggeum," also known as "Jewel in the Palace," broke ratings records when it aired in 2004 in South Korea. The show is based on the true story of Jang Geum, who in the 16th century was the only woman to ever serve a king, first as a kitchen assistant and later as the court's head physician. In male-dominated Joseon-dynasty society, Jang Geum's accomplishments were unimaginable.

"Daejanggeum" also broke ratings records in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and is credited with sparking China's recent Korean-restaurant boom.

Jang Geum is played by Lee Young Ae, who is currently on the drama "Fireworks" and is also known for her appearance in the movie "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance," which is getting rave reviews on the film-festival circuit.

The success of "Daejanggeum" has spilled over to tourism — fans from the countries neighboring South Korea are flocking to series film locations, many of which are easily accessible. Here are some that are in and around Seoul.

North of the Han River in Seoul is the walled compound of Changdeokgung Palace. Designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the palace appeared in episodes 1, 3, 51 and 52.

South of Seoul in Gyeonggi-do province is the Korean Folk Village, the re-creation of a Jeoson-dynasty village set on 243 acres. People actually live and work here. Episode 54's scene of Jang Geum giving birth was filmed here, as was episode 51, when Jang Geum treats patients with smallpox.

The village makes a good day trip combined with Hwaseong Haengung Palace, where Jang Geum received her training in episodes 3 and 4. The famous cooking competition in episode 8 took place here and served as the location where women were trained to become medical doctors.

Another location for the series was Jeju Island, which I wrote about last week. The Jeju Folk Village was the location for episodes 27 to 32, in which Jang Geum learns medicine as a maidservant for the Jeju local government. Jeju plays up its role in "Daejanggeum" — you'll find a lot of references to the series all over the place.

Hyeopjae Beach is where Jang Geum leaves by boat and also where she runs toward her cottage home. At the bay of Oedolgae, you'll find spectacular views and the location where Jang Geum spends time in episodes 30 and 31. Man-made Jeju Jinjigul cave is where Jang Geum helps a woman in labor, saving mother and child.

Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD, which televises all of these K-dramas. If you have a K-drama question or comment, call KBFD at 521-8066 or write him at jeffchung@kbfd.com.

YOUNG-HOON DOES TV ADS, PLANS TO DO INDIE FILM

'TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE'

EPISODES 13 AND 14

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Young-hoon does commercials for cable TV. Soo-min asks Eun-young to leave Young-hoon to pursue his career. On her birthday, Eun-young finds out that Young-hoon's father has stomach cancer.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Young-hoon is devastated when he finds out his father has cancer, and persuades him to have the surgery. Jung-sun, (Eun-young's stepmom) asks Young-hoon not to make Eun-young lonely. Young-hoon decides to do a low-budget indie film. Young-hoon's former agency sues him for damages.

'KNOCKED OUT BY LOVE'

EPISODES 3 AND 4

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Still in the hospital, Min-koo responds only to Eun-seok's name. Bok-koo goes to Eun-seok's house only to confirm that Min-koo was dumped for money. Joon-sung hires bodyguards for Eun-seok — and finds a surprise.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Eun-seok believes Min-koo used her for the past five years for money, and is overcome with betrayal. Bok-koo gets a call that Min-koo is in critical condition while he's with Eun-seok.

'SWEET SPY'

EPISODES 15 AND 16

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Soon-ae is offended at Porcupine's offer to join them as a spy. Soon-ae asks Yoo-il and Porcupine to tell her the truth about their identities. Soon-ae is called to Kang Joon's house to attend a secret meeting. Soon-ae tells Kang Joon about the Black Dragons.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Kang Joon asks Bum-koo and his gang about the connection between the pen and Soon-ae. Yoo-il gives Soon-ae a watch for Christmas, and Porcupine starts "spy" lessons for Soon-ae. Song Hyun-chul pays a visit to Bum-koo and his gangs, furious that they have fooled him. He threatens Bum-koo to find the pen or he'd ruin his daughter's life.