Beyond Utopia Filming Locations

Beyond Utopia filming locations

Where was Beyond Utopia filmed? Beyond Utopia was filmed in 7 locations across South Korea, China, Laos, Vietnam and North Korea in the following places:

Beyond Utopia Filming Locations

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a huge metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets. Notable attractions include futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a convention hall with curving architecture and a rooftop park; Gyeongbokgung Palace, which once had more than 7,000 rooms; and Jogyesa Temple, site of ancient locust and pine trees.

Shenyang is the capital and largest city of China’s northeast Liaoning Province. It was the site of the 17th-century Manchu capital Mukden, and the imposing Mukden Palace (Shenyang Imperial Palace) is a blend of Manchurian and Tibetan architectural styles. Mausoleums of Qing dynasty emperors can be found at Zhaoling Tomb, amid the pine forests and lakes of Beiling Park, and at Fuling Tomb in the city’s east.

Vientiane, Laos' national capital, mixes French-colonial architecture with Buddhist temples such as the golden, 16th-century Pha That Luang, which is a national symbol. Along broad boulevards and tree-lined streets are many notable shrines including Wat Si Saket, which features thousands of Buddha images, and Wat Si Muang, built atop a Hindu shrine.

Hai Phong is a major port city in northeastern Vietnam, across from Cat Ba Island. Its leafy boulevards are lined with French colonial–era landmarks such as the neoclassical Opera House and Queen of the Rosary cathedral, dating to the 19th century. Hai Phong is also home to Du Hang Pagoda, an elaborate Buddhist temple, and Hai Phong Museum, which explores the city's long history.

Incheon, a South Korean city bordering the capital of Seoul, has long been a transportation hub. The ultramodern, massive Incheon International Airport, with railway connections to Seoul, features a casino, spa and golf course. Yeonan Pier, close to the popular Incheon Fish Market, is the starting point for many boat tours. Incheon is also known for its beach-lined islands, including Yeongjong and Muui-dong.

North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the northern half of the Korean Peninsula and borders China and Russia to the north at the Yalu and Tumen rivers, and South Korea to the south at the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade. There are many little temples, including Bach Ma, honoring a legendary horse, plus Đồng Xuân Market, selling household goods and street food.

Beyond Utopia (2023)
Runtime: 115 minutes
Rating: 7.9
Release year: 2023
Plot summary

The story of several families as they attempt to escape oppression in North Korea, revealing a world most of us have never seen.

Genres
Documentary
Biography
History
Cast
Hyeonseo Lee
Sung-eun Kim
So-yeon Lee
Sue Mi Terry
Directors
Madeleine Gavin
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Beyond Utopia filming locations