Korean dramas set in the countryside provide a pleasant experience for viewers to temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of urban life and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility that the countryside has to offer.
In Korean dramas set in the countryside, characters are often drawn to explore the countryside for various reasons. Some are looking for peace and a break from the busy life in the city, wanting tranquility and a simpler life.
However, regardless of the motivations of these characters, the countryside is not only the backdrop of the story but also an important element that shapes their journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
The appeal of a drama set in the countryside lies not only in its beautiful location but also in its ability to bring a sense of nostalgia and familiarity.
For those of you who want to ‘heal’ by watching dramas about village life, check out the following recommendations!
1. Chocolate (2019)
Chocolate tells the decades-old love story between Lee Kang and Moon Cha-young. The couple’s first meeting happened when Lee Kang grew up on the beach in the small town of Wando, dreaming of becoming a chef.
Back then, he cooked meals for Moon Cha-young when they were children, leaving a deep impression and inspiring Moon Cha-young to become a chef.
However, Lee Kang became a neurosurgeon, and life brought them back together decades later, working in the palliative care ward of a hospital.
Chocolate is visually stunning, with aesthetically pleasing beach settings and beautiful shots of South Korean cuisine. This Korean drama stirs the viewer’s emotions as the characters find happiness and healing amidst constant trauma and death.
2. Forest (2020)
The Korean drama Forest takes place in a rural setting and follows the story of Kang San Hyeok, a handsome and intelligent member of the 119th special rescue team. However, he experiences memory loss related to his mysterious childhood.
His life changes when Kang San Hyeok meets Jung Young Jae, a surgical resident who lives in a remote forest. Together, they begin to uncover the secrets hidden behind their own pasts as well as the mysteries that surround the forest.
The Forest drama offers a combination of an intriguing story with a stunning rural setting. Viewers are invited to dive into Kang San Hyeok and Jung Young Jae’s adventures in facing challenges and solving puzzles around them.
With a plot that arouses curiosity and deep dynamics of relationships between characters, this drama is an interesting choice for lovers of stories that combine elements of mystery and rural life.
3. My Liberation Notes (2022)
Korean drama My Liberation Notes tells the story of the lives of three brothers who live in the village of Sanpo. The eldest child has a temperamental nature and is often involved in arguments with their parents.
While the second child feels bored with his life that feels directionless and dreams of being free from the limitations at home. On the other hand, the youngest child always feels lonely in his life which he considers monotonous and boring.
My Liberation Notes offers a touching story for those who are feeling empty, sad, and tired of their routine life. With a focus on the dynamics of family relationships and each character’s struggle to find the meaning of their lives, My Liberation Notes is a great choice for those looking for an inspiring and heartfelt story, while showcasing the beauty and challenges of rural life.
4. When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
When the Camellia Blooms is one of the Korean dramas that offers an interesting rural feel. This Korean drama tells the story of the struggle of a single mother named Oh Dong Baek (played by Gong Hyo Jin) who moved to Ongsan Village to start a new life with her son.
Oh Dong Baek’s life undergoes many changes when she opens a cafe that becomes the center of attention in the village, not only because the cafe is crowded, but also because of her beauty that captivates many people.
Amidst her popularity, Oh Dong Baek also has to face gossip and scorn from competitors in the village who are unhappy with her presence.
When The Camellia Blooms not only presents a story about a mother’s struggle to deal with the stigma and challenges of rural life, but also explores themes such as love, friendship, and the courage to face prejudice from society.
The drama offers a warm and touching feel, and depicts complex relationship dynamics between characters in the beautiful setting of rural Korea.
5. Modern Farmer (2014)
Korean drama Modern Farmer tells an entertaining comedy story about life in the village after Lee Min Ki (Lee Hong Gi) finds himself having to manage his family’s inherited land to grow mustard.
The story follows the adventures of Lee Min Ki and his friends who have no experience in farming, but with various cunning tricks, they manage to persuade their friends to participate in the venture.
Aside from the fresh comedy, ‘Modern Farmer’ also showcases the soothing natural beauty of the countryside and is a feast for the eyes.
Each episode reveals the unique challenges the characters face in managing the mustard farm, as well as their interactions that are full of humor and silliness.
With a total of 20 episodes, this drama is a great choice for those looking for lighthearted yet entertaining entertainment. Modern Farmer not only presents a story about friendship and the struggle to manage a farm, but also presents a message about hard work and togetherness in facing various life problems.
Viewers can enjoy this story while enjoying the beautiful panorama of the Korean village in the background.
6. Once Upon a Small Town (2022)
In Once Upon a Small Town, a veterinarian from Seoul, Han Ji-yul, is deceived by her grandfather and forced to move to Huidong Village to take over his veterinary clinic.
There, she meets Ahn Ja-young, an aspiring police officer who grew up in Huidong Village and is always ready to help villagers in need. Ahn Ja-young is preparing to take the exam to become a police officer.
He helps Han Ji-yul overcome the difficulties of living in a rural village, which eventually leads to romantic feelings between them. The fresh rural life in Huidong Village gives viewers comfort and nostalgia for their hometown memories.
Once Upon a Small Town also features a beautiful, clean and pollution-free natural backdrop that is mesmerizing. In addition, there are the ahjumma who are meddlesome, warm and caring even if they sometimes cross the line.
With this combination, the drama not only entertains but also showcases the dynamics of life in rural Korea, while highlighting the relationships between characters and the values of warmth and mutual cooperation in village communities.
7. When the Weather Is Fine (2022)
In When the Weather Is Fine, cellist Hye-won decides to leave her life in Seoul and return to her hometown of Bukhyeon Village to start a new life.
There, she meets the owner of a bookstore, Eun-seob. Eun-seob is different from the people Hye-won knows in the city because he takes life more slowly, and their interactions slowly change Hye-won’s understanding of life and love.
When the Weather Is Fine follows their love story as they help each other in the process of healing and forgiveness. Viewers will experience the soothing serenity of a rural South Korean village with scattered houses, warm-hearted residents, and mesmerizing nature trails.
The slowly developing romance gives viewers a chance to appreciate the beauty of Bukhyeon Village. With this alluring backdrop, When the Weather Is Fine not only offers a moving love story, but also presents a picture of life in the quiet and peaceful countryside.
8. The Good Bad Mother (2023)
The Good Bad Mother is set in the village of Jou-ri Doldam, where Jin Young-soon is forced to move after the mysterious death of her husband in a dispute over a fire at their pig farm.
Jin Young-soon raises her son, Choi Kang-ho, alone, and the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death make her a strict mother, thus tightening their mother-son relationship.
Choi Kang-ho grows up to become a strict lawyer and disowns his mother, until a brain-damaging accident sends him back to his hometown.
The arguments between the ahjummas and ahjussi who either boast about their children or criticize others make Jou-ri Doldam feel like a typical real-life village.
The drama evokes feelings of dread for a hometown visit, while reminding the importance of maintaining relationships with parents. The village is surrounded by beautiful stone walls, creating the peaceful serenity of the South Korean countryside.
With a backdrop rich in local nuances and community life, The Good Bad Mother not only presents a moving dramatic story, but also depicts life in the countryside with an authenticity and warmth that invites viewers to reflect on family relationships and traditional values.
9. Racket Boys (2021)
Racket Boys follows the journey of the boys badminton team from Haenan Seo Middle School after the young and vibrant Yoon Hae-kang joins the team.
Yoon Hae-kang, his father, and younger sister move to Ttangkkeut Village in Haenam County when his father gets a job as the coach of the boys’ team.
Although Hae-kang opposed the move and was initially reluctant to join the badminton club, he eventually found camaraderie among the team members.
Moving to the village also reunites his family with his mother, who coaches the women’s badminton team in Haenam.
Racket Boys is a sports-related drama, which features the stunning rural scenery of Ttangkkeut Village. The presence of farmers, the use of herbs for medicinal purposes, and the scheduled bus timings complete the rural setting of the drama.
10. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2022)
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is a Korean drama that presents a charming coastal atmosphere.
The story centers on a beautiful small village on the coast of South Korea, where the main character, Yoon Hye-jin (played by Shin Min-a), a great expert in dentistry from the big city, decides to move to the village to start a new life.
This coastal village not only showcases its stunning natural beauty, such as white sandy beaches and calm blue seas, but also the warm and friendly lives of the people.
The villagers, with their unique and colorful characters, form close and warm relationships, creating a fun and entertaining atmosphere for the audience.
With a charming coastal backdrop, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha not only presents a sweet romantic story between Yoon Hye-jin and a convenience store owner named Hong Du-sik (by Kim Seon-ho), but also depicts the relaxed and harmonious daily life in a peaceful coastal village.
