Welcome to Samdal-ri

An Ode to my Hometown

I loved loved loved the character Cho Yong Pil. The man with the most Greenest flag!

The last time I loved a male lead was Hwang Yong Sik, the heart stealer from 'When Camellia blooms'. And here I was loving CYP, the same way for being a guy with the greenest flag. Who was the most kind hearted, sweet and patient human being I have seen in Kdramaland. I don't think I found any flaw with his character. He was flawless, like he couldn't be in a real world. Maybe that's why we only find men like him and Yong Sik only in dramalands.

Moving on, this drama was what it promised. A slow paced relaxing vibe with great cast and a fantastic view of Jeju with heart tugging characters who we can't help but root for. And this drama made me miss my hometown. For a hometown which is far in memory and wanting to move back and have a community which could protect you and where you can be you. This drama made me want a sense of protection in people like how Samdal had. The power rangers and the local ajummas. I wanted it. I wanted that sense of relief knowing people got my back.

For anyone wanting to dive into this drama, please do. It's a slow angst friendly neighborhood drama with loving and sweet characters. The FL did irritate me at times for being just a pushover but I guess I kinda get what she is going through and her point of view later on. The only negative drawback for me was, even though the drama had tied up all lose ends, I wish it showed more about our MC's life and all the other characters. It did show, but I still wished they showed a bit more...

I think whenever I will miss for a hometown, I would come back to this drama to feel that sense of relief and safety.

Rating - 9/10

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loved it, ost and all

Not too sure why the drama doesn't seem like it has many viewers with such stellar cast... I've been excited to watch it ever since I saw the trailer. I rush to watch this drama every week, and every time I catch up I just want more!

Plot
People might compare this with Hometown Chachacha with the seaside theme and the main lead going to there to escape from a scandal. Since people like to compare anyway, I think this drama has a better mix of happiness, sweetness and sorrow. While Hometown Chachacha was more heart-fluttering, Welcome to Samdalri is better at invoking emotions in my opinion. The sob story here is also better explained in my opinion. It's not just the main characters' lives you're interested in, you will want to know about everyone! Happy ending as per normal, but it's a nice closure. :)

Cast
You know it's a good drama when you see Shin Hyesun. Kim Mikyung has got to be everyone's favourite ahjumma. I do like Ji Changwook and his acting but I feel like his choice of dramas hasn't been the best ... UNTIL THIS. Good ol' Ji Changwook is back. :)

Music
Beautiful music. Will definitely listen to the OSTs and put them in a playlist. The tears,,, I convinced my friend to listen to the osts and she LOVES them (enough to want to watch the drama).

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Finding yourself

Originally picked this one up because of the cast - Ji Chang Wook, Shin Hae Sun, Kim Mi Kyung, and more, what an amazing cast! Special shout out though to the younger of the three sisters and her daughter, I loved some of their interactions, really well written and performed. I'm a massive fan of Shin Hae Sun's work so I'd have watched this regardless to be honest!

I recall there were fears online about it being a bit like Hometown Cha Cha Cha but honestly it's nothing like that at all, this is very much its own story.

Predominantly set in Jeju-do we see our three sisters return there after Sam-dal's career goes up in flames and they each go on a journey of reflection and growth to find their real path in the world. Sam-dal had been under a pseudonym while in Seoul and wasn't really being her true self, her elder sisters marriage had ended and she'd not really found her place or any direction following that and the younger sister who has a daughter, her husband had died.

Being set in Jeju-do means that you've just got non-stop beautiful scenery in this drama. It's also good to see the Haenyeo's (female divers) feature prominently in a drama too, it doesn't happen too often, but in this one they're fundamental to the whole story. Lots of fun banter and interactions, they're fun, fierce and loyal and will go to the ends of the earth to defend their own.

I never thought the story wandered, it always seemed to be continuing in a direction, and I didn't get bored watching it. For me, from the start this was a must-watch each episode that came up.

It's a pretty light easy going story on the whole, there's no violence (well, beyond what could only be described as comedic violence) or abuse, there's no murders, just people figuring out their path.

There are numerous moments that will dampen the eyes as things progress.

I think of all the journeys undertaken, the father of Yong pil is probably the most meaningful, dealing with bereavement for 20 years and never getting past it, creating a huge rift between two families that were closer than blood and how that all intertwines fundamentally in the whole premise of the story, as well as its conclusion. It's not an easy answer, there's no magic button moment, you're on this journey with him and his performance is superb throughout (even if you do kinda want to throw things at the TV sometimes...)

The daughter of the youngest sister is brilliant, she's going to be an amazing talent to watch develop as she gets older I think, the future is bright for the cast of dramas to come!

Definitely worth a watch if you're in the mood for something a bit lighter, some occasional tears (assuming you're wired that way, not all are!), some good laughs and a feel-good trajectory throughout.

The drama also does a fairly good job at supporting Jeju-do tourism - I really want to go do the Jeju Olle Trail now...

Is it entirely perfect without flaw? Well, the final bits of the ending where they cut to the various people in "The Power Rangers" (the name of their group) is a little silly, things that didn't work before suddenly work magnificently at the end, but, I'll allow it, it really doesn't matter to the story and fits with the up beat tie-a-bow-on-it ending.

Interestingly, I thought this was a much better "weather" drama than the "Forecasting Love and Weather" which just fell flat for me - this one has some actual weather-moments and you feel like you're a little more involved in the KMA's work. I really need to dig a little and see if anyone's actually managed to pull off a good drama based entirely around the KMA.

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A kdrama that created a space for it deep within my heart <3

I usually love childhood love troupe (also Second Chances) so this was exactly my cup of tea. And usually due to that same high expectations I usually get disappointed by this same troupe as it fails to be portrayed so well. But this?? OH WOW. It was beautiful. Powerful, healing and just.. soothing.

It felt like I watched a soothing landscape for 16 hours (oh yes Jeju!) I'm a very rare review writer so this one did impact me to write one. The story somehow healed a part of me!

(SPOILERS BELOW!!)

Story: 10/10

As I mentioned it might be my personal opinion but I am a sucker for childhood love troupe. And second chances! This kdrama grabbed my attention from both the aspects! This kdrama is actually the perfect example of two people destined to love each other despites all odds! Their story of healing, finding themselves in this busy world of rat race, the rawness and lastly never giving up on each other captured my attention and heart both! I loved the way side characters were significant in the story rather than just being fillers. Their stories had importance. Overall I loved the pacing, it was slow and refreshing. I m a slow burn romance preferring person so that worked for me. The unfurling of their feelings for a second time that they tried to bury for 8 years had the best pacing. The past unfurling was also at the right moment and at no point I was ever bored. I loved the humor. Especially the friends group! Small things they did were so wholesome that I went emotional all the time. It was so pure and beautiful. It had a good take in this kdrama and I enjoyed them so much!! I liked Sam Dal's family a lot as well! Overall definitely deserves a 10.

Characters and Actors: 10/10

I love Ji Chang Wook and it was refreshing to watch his character. It felt like he was way too natural for this role! he nailed it. I could actually see how naturally his character loved Sam Dal unconditionally. Same goes for Shin Hye Sun. I just adored her and her character. Usually I find male characters doing more than females and that their character only revolves around the male leads. Hers was different and had an unique take. I can't appreciate it enough. Their love story was so natural that it just healed something in me. I loved them throughout the whole time. I get it that Yong Pil took care of her deeply but at the same time he has his own individual personality, his likes and dislikes. Same went for Sam Dal. She was so raw, real and relatable as well. Shin Hye Sun nailed her role!

I loved the side characters! They were so adorable and had a meaningful presence. Each had their own role to fulfill and all seemed to nail their roles as well! It was refreshing to watch. I could not bring myself to dislike Yong Pil's father because it was his grief that held him back. I wouldn't justify the behavior but I couldn't dislike him either. Just like that I couldn't bring to dislike anyone (except for Jin Dal's in laws, they were annoying)

Music: 10/10

Music is something I particularly notice a lot in any drama so this one had amazing OSTs. They were so beautiful and refreshing to listen to!

Rewatch value: 10/10

It is obvious why it would have a 10/10 rewatch value. It was so refreshing to watch that for hours you can just forget about your real world and jump into the world of Sam Dal and Yong Pil, their story in Jeju hehe. It was refreshing experience so I would definitely rewatch whenever I need a recharge in life haha!

So yea here is an another review by me. Overall 10/10 recommendation if you love healing kdramas with second chances, top tier cast and romance hehe! (sorry if my review looks a bit shabby as I am not that used to writing them!)

Thank you. Happy reading and hope you have a great day ahead! :)

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Worst show for both the leads

This is definitely the worst show done by bothe shin Hye soon and jcw..
Story is beyond ridiculous with almost 40 years old Virgin ML pining for his ex girlfriend of 8 years back who is changing boyfriends every year..
In conclusion, ml is a loser as well as simp and fl is whiny, annoying, selfish and bratty who only drink and cry in the whole show..
There is some comic relief by side characters, that's the only good point..
The ridiculous story arc of ml father and fl mother adds insult to the injury of already crippled plot of the drama..
IF YOU ARE HUGE FAN OF LEADS AND TOO MUCH TIME TO WASTE, ONLY THEN THINK ABOUT WATCHING THIS WITH ATLEAST 2× SPEED WITH SKIPPING MOST SCENES OF SML AND ML'S FATHER..

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I love everything about it ?

i love welcome to samdalri sooo soooo much. haven't giggled and brainrotted over a show just 4 eps in since a long time.

Shin Haesun is so so excellent and the writing is gorgeous. one of my favorite things in ANY drama is well written characters and it really delivers on that front i love samdal's brashness and her vulnerabilities that she desperately tries to hide.

I love yongpil and his softness and how he cares so deeply about samdal that he would buy her ointment even after 8 years of their breakup. and i love how the actors portray them. so desr to me.

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This slow burn romance give you a healing time.

1st of all those who doesn't like slow burn , slow pacing , healing drama you can avoid this !

Okay , let me tell you this drama is giving me every aspect of life - ups , downs , family , friends , works , sufferings, happiness, sadness everything. Every single thing , we always face in our lives, our survival, hardship , our achievements, our failure, our emotions, our feelings were well put and expressed to us in a beautiful meaningful way. You can find various aspects of life through the journey.

And if I talk about acting , acting are mind blowing. Every emotions displayed very well mannered, nothing seems over powering as we all know Ji Chang wook and shin hye sun being the marvelous actors. So acting wise it's just top class. And the other casts did very well. For me acting was hundreds.

Story telling process is very good. I found it Little slow but I loved the slowness , you can enjoy the flavour when you watch every episode and have every bite of comfort. Emotional moments were also shown very emotionally. It's giving me a comfortable warmth as if a blanket around myself.

Overall I would say this is an epic drama you can enjoy in winter under your blanket, having a cup of tea or coffee, stress free one hour , enjoying country side view. 10/10

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One word: Warmth. That's what the drama made me feel. Love it (Second chance romance worth watching)

Jo Yong Pil (ML): The greenest flag of a character I have ever seen. Its impossible not to adore him. The actor does such justice to the character, i wonder if the writer wrote the script with Ji Chang Wook in mind.

Cho Sam Dal (FL): Very straightforward person, doesn't beat around the bush, which comes off as rude. This got her into trouble, leading to her loosing her career in the city. Bang Eun Joo (the villain) was smart to use that flaw in her character to her advantage. What I like about Cho Sam Dal are her faults, she can be pretty clueless at times and also slow to take actions, but despite them all she is a good person.

Sam Dal and Yong Pil complement each other so well. I am glad that Yong Pil got his happy beginning. While Sam Dal is a pretty impressive, Yong Pil steals the show and captures your heart, making you want to root for him. It impossible not to feel loved while watching this drama, that's how warm Yong Pil is. I'm more into enemies to lover tropes then best friend turned lovers, but this couple holds a special place in my heart. It shows us how relationships don't necessarily have to be the constant push-and-pull but can full of love and care.

Breakdown of allegations against Cho Sam Dal:
1. Bang Eun Joo intentionally went out of the way to get with Sam Dal's ex (Cheon Chung Gi ) just to prove that she could have him. (The guys is also utter crap) The only time Sam Dal said something intentionally harsh was when Eun Joo practically gloated to her that she slept with Sam Dal's boyfriend.
2. What Sam Dal said pissed off Eun Joo so much that she fabricated a suicide attempt and then claimed that she was driven to suicide because of Sam Dal bullying. Sam Dal on the other hand was so shocked to hear about the suicide attempt that she practically gaslit herself for a while, which had us all wondering did she really bully that woman?
3. That's not where it ends though, Eun Joo decided to steal Sam Dal's ideas and work as well. What did Sam Dal do when she discovered it, gave it away to the Eun Joo for free and decided to wash her hands of her.

Coming to Cho Sam Dal's family dynamics, watching the three sisters together is very fun. Ha Yool is also so damn adorable.
All the other couples were also pretty decent to watch. It was good to see all of them succeed in their careers.

I'm a bit unsatisfied with the ending because I just want more of the Samdal-ri's crowd, specially Sam Dal's and Yong Pil's relationship.

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comfort drama terbaik tahun ini

- akting semua pemerannya ga usah diraguin, bagus semua
- chemistry antar pemain juga bagus banget
- buat aku screentime haedal-jichan kurang, tp aku tetep suka sih
- aku penasaran apa hayul ga sekolah selama di jeju?
- aku ga lihat ada anak-anak (selain hayul) atau remaja di samdal-ri tapi bisa ngerti juga karena kalau terlalu banyak cast malah bikin makin pusing ke alurnya
- awalnya aku ngerasa kok bisa secepet itu ya tiba-tiba ngerestuin hubungan yongpil sama samdal, tapi aku pikir bapaknya yongpil pengen terus ingat tentang dia dan istrinya dari yongpil sama samdal karena bapaknya yongpil juga berusaha keras banget buat dapetin istrinya
- banyak yg bilang alur hubungan yongpil sama samdal itu lambat banget, emang iya sih tapi menurutku karena lambat malah kita jadi bisa ngikutin gimana perubahan karakter dari samdal sama yongpil. tentang samdal yang awalnya selalu takut dan sangat jaga harga diri biar ga kelihatan lemah di depan orang lain jadi samdal yang percaya diri dan berani buat mempertahanin apa yang dia mau. tentang yongpil yang selalu ngeduluin orang lain dibanding diri dia sendiri jadi yongpil yang berani buat perjuangin keinginannya sendiri. gitu juga sama karakter lainnya.
- selama nonton bisa ketawa dan tiba-tiba nangis, ga rela juga pas nonton episode terakhir

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Welcome-to -samdalri has my heart!

Every plot I watched was just so amazing. I didn't expect to come across such a fabulous drama that perfectly and beautifully describes the connection between a small village town and the mainland. what drama can do such an amazing job than this?
I see people saying somewhere it's boring, then it's not your genre simply because not a single second is weird or frustrating.
stories of every daughter and character in the story are so mesmerizing. the bond between the male and female lead are just wow! and the friendship between the group is just so heart touching.
totally recommending it

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