Ji Chang-wook, left, and Shin Hye-sun in a scene from 'Welcome to Samdal-ri,' a South Korea series mostly filmed in Jeju Island. Screenshot from video on Netflix Philippines' YouTube channelWhile most South Korean dramas are set against the vibrant metropolis of Seoul, there exists a whole world of narratives unfolding beyond the capital, offering viewers a glimpse into the country’s scenic landscapes and coastal areas, all without the need to visit the country in person.

Below is our selection of K-dramas that take viewers outside of Seoul, showcasing the beauty of Korea beyond its famed capital city.

The Good Bad Mother (2023)

Starring: Ra Mi-ran, Lee Do-hyun, Ahn Eun-jin, Yoo In-soo

“The Good Bad Mother” follows a mother (played by Ra Mi-ran), who reconnects with her son (Lee Do-hyun) after a life-changing accident, painting a narrative of reconciliation. According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, the family drama is set primarily in a village in Gunwi County, once part of North Gyeongsang Province and now a part of Daegu, capturing its location’s tranquil ambiance and notable stone walls.

Welcome to Samdal-ri (2023)

Starring: Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hye-sun

“Welcome to Samdal-ri” revolves around a fashion photographer (Shin Hye-sun), who returns to her hometown in Jeju Island after getting embroiled in a controversy. There, she reunites with her childhood friend and former beau (Ji Chang-wook).

Apart from showcasing the beauty of Jeju, often called “South Korea's Hawaii” for its temperate climate and captivating sceneries, the series also highlights the “haenyeo,” a community of women who dive beneath the sea to harvest a variety of seafood for a living.

Summer Strike (2022)

Starring: Im Si-wan, Kim Seol-hyun

Based on a popular webtoon of the same title, “Summer Strike” is a romance series featuring people who leave the busy city for a beautiful seaside village named Angok. It stars K-pop stars-turned-actors Im Si-wan of ZE:A and Seolhyun (formerly of AOA).

Our Blues (2022)

Starring: Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Cha Seung-won, Lee Jung-eun, Han Ji-min, Kim Woo-bin, Uhm Jung-hwa

Boasting a star-studded cast, “Our Blues” follows multiple stories about people who live and work in Jeju Island. It even earned praise in a Teen Vogue review for its exploration of profound themes, including child abuse, debts, teen pregnancy and bullying, among others. 

Once Upon A Small Town (2022)

Starring: Park Soo-young (Joy), Cho Young-woo, Baek Sung-chul

Lush green fields and mountains adorn Heedong Village, the rural setting for “Once Upon A Small Town.” The rom-com series follows a veterinarian (Cho Young-woo) who relocates to the countryside and meets a policewoman (Park Soo-young) described as a “town insider with a friendly secret.”

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

Starring: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi

“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” charmed viewers with its story of a big-city dentist (Shin Min-a), who returns to her seaside hometown of Gongjin, only to find herself at odds with a jack-of-all-trades (Kim Seon-ho). Although Gongjin is fictional, the series was largely filmed in Pohang City, North Gyeongsang province, which has reportedly seen a surge in tourism following the show’s broadcast.

REVIEW: ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ offers refreshing rustic romance

Racket Boys (2021)

Starring: Kim Sang-kyung, Oh Na-ra, Tang Jun-sang, Son Sang-yeon, Choi Hyun-wook, Kim Kang-hoon, Lee Jae-in, Lee Ji-won

In this coming-of-age sports drama, a city boy (Tang Jun-sang) relocates with his family to the countryside, where he crosses paths with members of a middle school badminton team on the brink of disbandment. 

When the Weather is Fine (2020)

Starring: Park Min-young, Seo Kang-joon

“When the Weather is Fine” is a romantic tale following a cellist (Park Min-yoing), who quits her job in Seoul to return to her hometown, and falls in love with her old classmate who runs a bookstore (Seo Kang-joon).

READ: 8 K-dramas to watch if you love Park Min-young

When the Camellia Blooms (2019)

Starring: Gong Hyo-jin, Kang Ha-neul, Kim Ji-seok

“When the Camellia Blooms,” honored with multiple awards at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards, follows the journey of a single mother (Gong Hyo-jin) navigating societal prejudices after moving to the fictional town of Ongsan, where she also finds the possibility of new love.

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