“MASH” is an American drama show that premiered in 1972, starring Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers and an array of (now) famous guest stars. The show is based on a novel of the same title by Richard Hornberger (or the pseudonym Hooker). The series’ plot follows a mobile medical crew (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, to be exact) during the Korean War and has plenty of comedic relief to balance its serious tone and relatively family-friendly content.
The television show earned 14 Emmy awards and received a Peabody Award, which was bestowed due to the series’ ability to convey a unique depth and sense of humor. The show went on for 11 seasons and explored serious topics like PTSD. So where was “MASH” filmed?
Because of the show’s plot and setting, South Korea, the filming locations were integral to create a believable and complex setting. The filming locations of the show “MASH” can still be visited to this day and provide fun and engaging activities for travelers. Check out these destinations, their best features, the top things to do and their connections to the iconic show “MASH”.
Malibu Creek State Park
- Key Scenes: outdoor scenes and exterior tent shots in deployment location
- Best Time to Visit: spring or autumn for comfortable weather
- Transportation Options: public transportation, otherwise there is paid parking on site
Malibu Creek State Park is an 8,000-acre state park that contrasts the scenery of California’s more metropolitan areas. The park has woodland, grassy hills, hiking trails and is considered a thriving wildlife habitat. It is located in Calabasas and was a major site for the filming of the show, which required a location with plenty of space. Surprisingly, the set for the war show was created and filmed in Southern California. The mountainous regions of Southern California served as the perfect backdrop for the scenes that were set in Uijeongbu, South Korea. The natural landscape of the state park is enough to attract thousands of visitors per year. Hiking, biking, camping, photography and observing the rich wildlife of the park are some of the most popular activities for tourists. Fans of the show can even visit the TV show’s film set, which is located in the park and can be reached after about a three mile hike. The set pieces and displays at the site will remind fans of the plot turns from the riveting war-based show. Visitors even have photo opportunities in front of set pieces like the ambulance and signpost.
Tourists generally prefer to visit the park during the spring or autumn seasons so that the heat is not sweltering and the weather is clear, so they can enjoy viewing the surrounding mountains. Tourists can get to the site via bus or car fairly easily. The park is located around 30 to 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, so travelers flying in from LAX (the Los Angeles International Airport) can get to the park in around an hour with a rental car.
Things to Do: There are Malibu wine hikes at the Saddlerock Ranch Estate, with views of the nearby mountains and pastures. The Malibu Pier is another popular attraction, which has food, shops and views of the coast.
Where to Eat: Marmalade Cafe is a nice spot nearby that serves delicious (and affordable) breakfast as tourists prepare to hike. It is a local favorite and has popular menu items like the berry and banana topped French toast and many assortments of Benedicts. For a more luxury experience, travelers can indulge in the Saddle Peak Lodge. This restaurant offers new American cuisine in a scenic mountain setting. The lodge even offers fireplace warmed patio seats and meals with wild game.
Where to Stay in TK Location: There are many affordable hotels near Malibu Creek State Park, including the Hampton Inn and Hilton Inn. For travelers who want to get more in tune with the surrounding nature and desire a more immersive experience, camping out may be the best option. It is most convenient for tourists to stay at the Malibu Creek Campground which has showers and many other amenities. Reservations can be made online for both campsites and lodging, including same-day.
Santa Monica Mountains
- Key Scenes: Korean camp scenes
- Best Time to Visit: spring or autumn, for mild weather conditions
- Transportation Options: a car or bus are the most convenient options
The Santa Monica Mountains have a nearly 40-mile stretch on the northern shore of Santa Monica Bay. The site is conveniently located and is a popular tourist destination. Many travelers visit the mountains to complete the Backbone Trail, which extends for 67 miles and is a great challenge for avid hikers. The mountains have recreational areas that relieve visitors between their favorite activities like hiking, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding and climbing. The coastal mountain range set the scene for the show “MASH,” as it has a resemblance to the nature of Uijeongbu, South Korea. Both terrains are mountainous and grassy with deciduous and coniferous forests. So, it is no surprise that the Santa Monica Mountains passed as something similar to that of South Korea’s natural environment (like the popular Bukhansan National Park).
For travelers wanting to take in the natural landscapes of California (or experience a Bukhansan dupe), the Santa Monica Mountains is a perfect natural getaway. The best time to visit the mountain range is either spring or autumn. Although, autumn is the optimal time to visit since travelers will experience the coolest weather and some sun. Temperatures usually range from 60 degrees to 70 degrees around September and October.
Things to Do: Outdoor fun is definitely not in short supply at the Santa Monica Mountains. The famous Backbone Trail is a national recreation site that interacts with one of the best protected coastal habitats in the world. The ocean views, rock formations, woodlands and marshes of the mountain range are some of the most exciting attractions of the area. Travelers should not miss the natural beauty of the Santa Monica area.
Where to Eat: The Santa Monica Pier is a historical attraction that many locals love to spend time at. It has a carnival atmosphere and is a national historic landmark that dates back to 1909. The pier has restaurants like Bubba Gump’s and Seaside on the Pier, which both offer tasty seafood bites. There is no lack of delicious confections at the pier for visitors to enjoy.
Where to Stay: Just a few miles from the mountain range there are plenty of accommodations. The Westlake Village hotel is a romantic option with modern finishes. Another highly rated hotel is the Palm Garden, which is a resort-style accommodation with a rooftop pool.
