The Recruit Season 2 is premiering on January 30, 2025, and it’s creating a lot of excitement! Noah Centineo is returning as CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks, and this season brings a new storyline. The plot takes place in South Korea, and we’re here to share where it was filmed.
Among the filming locations, the busy city of Vancouver, Canada, hosted some of the most memorable scenes. But that’s not all! They also filmed in the lively city of Seoul, South Korea, using its streets and famous landmarks to make the show feel real. Teo Yoo is joining the already talented cast.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Some of The Recruit’s second season was filmed in the beautiful city of Vancouver, located in British Columbia. Vancouver is a popular filming spot because it has many different types of scenery and financial advantages for filming.
If you’ve seen the show’s trailer, you might have noticed the stunning snow-covered mountains in the background. Those mountains are not fake—they’re the real thing in Vancouver! The outdoor scenes weren’t the only ones filmed there. Some indoor scenes were filmed at North Shore Studios in North Vancouver. This studio is famous for hosting big productions. Vancouver offers both an urban setting and natural beauty, making it the perfect backdrop for The Recruit.
Seoul, South Korea
Since The Recruit Season 2’s story involves a secret mission in South Korea, the production team decided to film a large part of it in Seoul, moving away from the location of Season 1. Filming in Seoul allowed the team to capture the city’s tall, modern buildings alongside its charming, old-fashioned markets. This mix helped create an exciting setting for the spy thriller.
Hongdae & Itaewon Street Markets
Seoul’s busy street markets are a key part of the city’s energy, especially in setting the tone of the season. The show was filmed in the lively areas of Hongdae and Itaewon, known for their nightlife and shopping.

If you watch the trailer closely, you might spot the Ssal Tongdak restaurant in Hongdae’s busy streets. These places are full of neon lights, crowded streets, food stalls, and bars. They were the perfect choice for intense, action-filled scenes that keep viewers on edge.
Seoul Metropolitan Library
A memorable scene in the trailer appears to take place on the roof of a building, which is thought to be the Seoul Metropolitan Library. The library is located near Seoul City Hall and stands out with its glass dome. Its modern, eye-catching design fits perfectly with the high-tech, spy-driven world of The Recruit. The architecture adds to the show’s international appeal, making it relatable to viewers around the globe.
What Happened in Season 2?
The Recruit season 2 follows Owen Hendricks as he starts a new mission that takes him to South Korea, where he must help Jang Kyun (Teo Yoo), an agent from the National Intelligence Service, reunite with his kidnapped wife. However, things quickly become more complicated as several intelligence agencies, including the CIA, the Russian FSB, and the Yakuza, get involved.
Throughout the season, Owen faces more pressure, not just from outside threats but also from within the CIA. His moral challenges grow as he is forced to deal with changing alliances and betrayals, especially when Karolina, also known as Nichka, comes back with her own plans. As the mission continues, Owen’s role as a CIA lawyer changes, pushing him deeper into field operations.

The Recruit season 2 is an action-packed spy thriller that follows Owen Hendricks, a young CIA lawyer whose career takes an unexpected turn when he gets caught up in dangerous international conflicts. What starts as a simple legal job quickly turns into a high-risk mission involving former agents, intelligence leaks, and dangerous enemies.
The show has a large cast, with Noah Centineo playing Owen Hendricks in the main role. Laura Haddock plays Max Meladze, a former CIA asset whose secrets set off the events of season 1. Aarti Mann and Colton Dunn play Owen’s coworkers, Violet and Lester, who bring both humor and professional competition.
Fivel Stewart plays Hannah, Owen’s ex-girlfriend and trusted friend, while Vondie Curtis-Hall stars as Walter Nyland, the CIA’s general counsel. The second season of The Recruit introduces Teo Yoo as Jang Kyun, an agent from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, whose mission becomes connected with Owen’s.