Comforting watch with great setting
"Welcome to Samdal-ri" effortlessly combines two of my favorite romance tropes: childhood best friends and second chances, all set against the backdrop of a charming small town. The series offers more than just romance; it presents a heartwarming narrative filled with loveable, emotional side characters, strong acting performances, and a lovely soundtrack that perfectly complements the mood.Strengths:
The chemistry between *Shin Hye-sun* and *Ji Chang-wook* is undeniable, making their journey from past hurts to present healing a joy to watch. The setting of Samdal-ri is truly picturesque, capturing the essence of countryside life and making viewers yearn for a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. I was especially fond of the subplot involving the dolphin researcher and the youngest sister—an unexpected yet sweet romance that added layers to the story.
The narrative and the underlying message—that it takes a village to succeed in life—resonate deeply. What initially appears to be a simple tale of a city girl versus a village boy evolves into something much more profound, touching on themes of community, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
Weaknesses:
However, the drama isn't without its flaws. One of the main issues lies in the editing. While the back-and-forth flashbacks generally enhance the narrative, the repeated scenes from previous episodes can disrupt the pacing, making certain parts feel unnecessarily dragged out.
Another aspect that felt off was the portrayal of the characters' ages. Despite being almost 40, they often behave as though they're in their early 30s. This might be due to cultural differences, but it does create a slight disconnect. It’s also worth mentioning that the second lead didn't add much to the overall narrative and could have been omitted without losing any impact.
The final two episodes, while still enjoyable, could have benefited from tighter editing. They dragged on a bit too long, and while I appreciated the cheesy ending on the career spot, the separation of the leads for one to go abroad felt cliché. I would have preferred to see them together in Switzerland rather than the standard last-minute reunion scene. Additionally, I found the villain to be somewhat one-dimensional; a bit more depth to their character would have made the story even more compelling.
Conclusion:
Despite its minor flaws, *"Welcome to Samdal-ri"* is a comforting and delightful watch. The performances, particularly from *Shin Hye-sun* and *Ji Chang-wook*, are excellent, and their chemistry is extra sweet. The friendships portrayed are touching, and the series beautifully illustrates the importance of community. It’s a drama that starts with familiar tropes but evolves into something much deeper, making it a satisfying and heartwarming experience overall.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Welcome to Kdramal-ri--stay awhile, you will enjoy this!
This is what good Kdramas are all about. A well-written story full of delightful characters, all with their own stories to tell who take the viewer on an amazing experience. The main word I would use to describe it is heartwarming. As the main character returns to her hometown due to a scandal, she must confront a past tragedy and grief that influenced her decision to walk away from her one and only love. He too has to confront the past, the pain of losing her, and the influence his father's grief has had on his life. The two main leads did an exceptional job portraying the simultaneous emotions of heartache with attraction, and walking on eggshells with their parents. I don't think they could've gotten better actors than these two. They were so genuine with their roles and characters, with each other, and with family and friends. It was like two best friends who actually grew up together said to each other one day, "Hey let's make a movie!" Well done Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun!! And who could not help but fall in love with the Haenyeos?!! Set and filmed in both Seoul and Jeju Island, the cinematography will stir the traveler in you to get on a plane and visit these beautiful areas of South Korea. All of this wrapped in a good soundtrack and you've got the makings of viewer nirvana, which is actually what it was. Great story, good subplots, great acting, great locations, music, and a good ending. All that's left is to grab the popcorn, curl up on the couch, and watch!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
wholesome, heartwarming, tear jerking, adorable
I will never stop saying good things about this drama. I started on a whim and fell in love. Just one more episode turned into let’s binge all of this. Waiting every week for it gave it a certain charm that just made it all the more enjoyable.The best thing about this drama for me was the characters. They made everyone so damn likeable (except Cheungi, Eun Bi, and Yong Pil dad). Like genuinely, I would’ve watched a whole drama based on anyone of the characters. They’re all so wholesome, and the entire town is so cute. It’s such a close knit family, and they may be nosey at times but it’s because they care.
This was my Ji Chang Wook awakening. I have missed out. Then, I went to watch his other dramas, and I LOVE HIM EVEN MORE. He is so golden retriever coded. Lord bless me with a Cho Yong Pil.
The sisters were all so spectacular in each of their own way. I wish they gave more screen time for the other two sisters because their story was so worth it. THEYRE SO CUTE I SWEAR. The rich guy is such a puppy. He never did anything wrong. Hae-dal and Ha-yul are absolutely adorable. Hayul is a national treasure, and I can’t wait to see how the actress grows up.
The love story. IM DYINGGGGG. I thought I would be annoyed, but they did it so well. They’re very mature about it, and I love them so much. The Power Rangers are iconic, and I wish everyone could have friends like that.
THE MOM. Let me tell you, I love this woman. I love this actress too. I’ve seen here everywhere, and she ATEEEEEE.
This drama made me go through all the feels, and I feel so full from it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I LIKE VILLAGE BASED DRAMAS!!!
Good.. I loved it. The way ML cares for FL mother because he lost his mom and don't want to loose another mom. I liked every bit of this drama not sure how would Samdalri's love interest who is her friend would be okay after that convo with ML. I liked it, would suggest other's to watch it!!Was this review helpful to you?
BEST COUNTRY SIDE DRAMA!!
This drama is one of the best Kdrama I have seen in 2023 . I loved the whole idea of this Kdrama and The chemistry between Shin hye sun and Ji Chang wook literally made me overwhelmed I mean it was just so real and so beautiful. I also liked the two sister of Cho Sam dal so much ! They were so chaotic ✨ Overall I loved Welcome to Samdalri really a lot. It made me want to live in Jeju (I mean the place is so beautiful and looks really peaceful as well)Was this review helpful to you?
A true love never dies
Usually I am not that kind of guy who will let tears to fall because of some sweet emotions…BUT watching this drama….it totally got me.When everything is packed in one peace, like comedy, drama, intence and love, you got one emotional product that leaves you speachless. Not many actors can bring such a pure emotions, like these two and one hufe applause for director of this drama. I can’t recall when was the last time I watched so touching series.
On every scene I can connect a real life, every emotions, every pain…everything. I think you really need to be maked from a stone and not to feel anything (like most of the comments)
We cannot play with love, I tried and got hurt. It is painful. A true love never dies and remain to be a true love for a lifteime…
Was this review helpful to you?
WATCH IT OR NOT?!!?
Firstly I would say only try to watch this drama if you can keep watching multiple episodes as the drama is quite slowly paced and has its little sprinkle of laughter and romance.The drama mainly focuses of the ML and FL past and everything tied to that which made the whole storytelling quite enjoyable, some episodes did leave me a bit saddened when it came to how slow it was paced, but it was worth the watch as it kept on getting better. This drama isn't that one amazing drama of the year or something new, if that's what you are looking for.
I solely would recommend this drama as its a feel good drama to raise your spirits as you watch it and tends to make you happy when certain problems or obstacles the characters face are solved.
Don't watch if you cant keep up with the slow pacing as it is quite slow after the first few episodes and leaves you longing or a good plot twist or at least some satisfaction but it makes you wait a bit long. Other than that it was quite a good warm drama that brightened my mood. Loved the acting and enjoyed the storytelling and the music matched the vibes.
In my case it was definitely a good watch at it had a warm feeling as each obstacle was overcame by the MC's and all the issues were solved and especially I loved the side character stories as well.
I'd say its definitely a good watch for people who want something heartwarming to watch.
Disclaimer! Don't watch if you hate slowly paced dramas (some plot advancements even take up 3 episodes but the resolution makes it worth while)
Well that's it for this short review, hope it was helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
This drama had it all
I’ll be honest that it’s been a long while that a drama completely got a hold of me this much. After years and years of watching kdramas many have turned so repetitive that even the actors themselves seem to have hard time not treating them like products from convoyer belts. Not to mention the dramas that take episodes after episodes before you get attached to any of the characters - which was completely not an issue with this one. I think I felt hooked within the first 10 minutes.I’m not saying this drama was completely perfect what comes to its storyline but for me personally it came close. Of course it’s a huge bonus having changwook and hyesun in the cast, with wonderful chemistry, portraying every possible emotion and line perfectly and thus producing a very believable relationship between the characters. I found myself laughing, crying and squealing with them - something i don’t do very often.
But most importantly what comes to welcome to samdalri, that got my attention from the very first episode (in addition to cho yong pil’s ”short hair”), was the perfectly casted villagers and families in beautiful jeju setting, creating a wondeful sense of family, friends and home. I loved the complicated feelings and backstories we were provided combined with the island’s way of life. Not one character felt out of depth or boring and i’d have liked a deep dive into any of their backstories even more. (Why not have ten episodes more?). I would like to say much more but don’t want to hand out any spoilers. What could be an important lesson we learn is that life happens and we cope with it in very different ways.
The drama as a whole left a big spot in my heart, and i don’t think i’ll find another i’ll like this much very soon. That’s how much of a hold the story had in me.
Was this review helpful to you?
A love story in Samdal-ri village
Finally... after being annoyed with 3 Korean dramas that are the same and make you boring, such as the curse of the past (Korean drama A Good Day to be a Dog), the story of love that never ends (My Demon), and the story of a husband who died on his wedding night (The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract ), dramas that resolve problems hundreds of years ago in the present century.There is a Korean drama that makes you "smart", namely the Korean drama Welcome to Samdal-ri which tells the story of Korean culture and the daily lives of its people, especially rural communities. Similar to the Korean drama "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha", but it's better because the Korean drama "Welcome to Samdal-ri" captures Haenyeo's daily life more specifically.
The plot of the Korean drama "Welcome to Samdal-ri" is not adventurous. The advantage lies in the clever combination of scenes and dialogue, neat cinematography, and the actors who act very well.
Talking about acting, I'm surprised why I didn't like Shin Hae-Sun, who plays Cho Sam-Dal. 😀😀 I didn't like it so much, I didn't move when the actress who started her career as a supporting actor won Best Actress in the Korean drama "Angel's Last Mission" and just watched her acting again in the Korean drama "Mr. Queen” which is really awesome with a rating of 18.5%.
Together with Ji Chang-Wook, Shin Hae-Sun acted well. The chemistry between the two is adorable. It's not surprising that many people find it difficult to move on after watching this drama.
The acting of the supporting actresses/actors is no less stunning. That's the advantage of Korean dramas, right? Look at the acting of Baek Hyun-Joo who plays Oh Geum-Sool, one of the haenyeo.
The appearance of Baek Hyun-Joo as Wang Gyeong-Tae's mother, the main character's best friend, feels right. Typical village woman with a shrill voice who likes to gossip and sometimes gossip.
And of course the appearance of senior actress Kim Mi-Kyung who plays haenyeo Ko Mi-Ja, the life giver in this drama.
And finally, we must appreciate the writer's efforts to present scenes that trigger adrenaline. In the final episodes, confusion arises when journalists who want to "invade" Cho Sam-Dal's (Shin Hae-Sun) privacy, arrive at the same time as plans to hold an exhibition in Samdal-ri village.
Help comes from Cho Yong-Pil (Ji Chang-Wook) who mobilizes the haenyeo fleet with his signature vehicles, deceiving the existence of the exhibition from the reporters' coverage.
It's a bit over the top, but okay. Small explosions are often needed in dramas so that the audience changes their assessment, from boring to recommended.
The next review can be read here:
https://www.maria-g-soemitro.com/2024/02/welcome-to-samdal-ri-review-drama-korea.html
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Dramatic but not dramatic
Welcome to Samdalri is Ji Changwook's drama that I watched again after only managing to finish his drama entitled The K2.This drama doesn't seem to be very popular internationally compared to other dramas that also air in the same slot. This drama has a vibe like a mixture of the dramas Hi Bye Mama, When the Camellia Blooms, and Hometown Cha-cha-cha with conflicts that are much lighter than those three dramas.
All the characters in this drama are interesting and have their own characteristics. My favorite character is Cha Ha-Yul, the daughter of Cho Hae-dal, namely Sam-Dal's younger sister.
In my opinion, the plot of this drama cannot be called slow, because actually every episode always reviews and resolves problems, so every episode is worth watching or even needs to be watched to better understand the plot.
It is true that perhaps the nature of this drama which tends to be relaxed and not dramatic might make us a little bored, but in my opinion, this is not something that can reduce the point of this drama.
I like the development of each character which doesn't develop significantly, but looks like it will continue to develop in the future.
This drama is like a comfort zone when you don't want to think about very complicated things, theories, and secrets.
I also like the resolution of Bang Eun-Ju's conflict which is not made dramatic. This drama from the start always focused everything on Sam-dal's character, they didn't want the audience's focus to run to Bang Eun-ju when she finally got her karma.
Actually, this drama has many messages that can be taken away. But I don't think I need to explain it because everyone has their own perception.
In terms of flow, I think it's pretty good, but not so great that I can rate it more than 8.5. But this drama is really enjoyable and I always look forward to it every week. This drama feels like a friend, watching it makes us feel calm and comfortable.
I really appreciate all the actresses and actors who play in this drama, after a long time I finally really saw a drama where all the actors acted very well, especially the Hanyeo ladies who always entertained every scene they appeared in. Maybe because in this drama there are not many newcomer actors, and newcomer actors such as Cha Ha-yul and Gong Ji-chan also play very well. This drama also attracts the idol, Kang Mina. But Kang Mina's acting is one of the idols with good acting, so it doesn't matter what her real profession is, in this drama Kang Mi-na is Cho Hae-dal.
This drama doesn't seem like an interesting drama to rewatch because the conflict is simple but relatable. I think it will take a while to remember the plot of this drama because it is packaged in the easiest way to digest.
Apart from that, this drama is a good drama and I highly recommend it to be watched with friends, family, and all your favorite people.
Was this review helpful to you?
MUST WATCH!!
Ahhhhhhh what can i say....this drama was just so wholesome and the osts, acting, story, place was on POINNTTT! It just feels cozy, warm and healing. For those who are impatient, i would not recommend this series to you but regardless its very enjoyable.You think the story would get boring halfway but no there are many interesting elements in it. The casts are also my favourite, they were just so into their roles making it very fun. Also not forgetting JEJUUUU ISLANDDD!! So beautiful, the show has portrayed every corner of the island so beautifully and it looks as majestic and beautiful like I've heard from people. Every bit of this drama was like home to me idk why but i felt so connected, there were many times when it got so emotional for me. But overall i very much recommend to EVERYYYONEEEEE
Just so worth it!! THANKKKKKKKKKKKK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU "WELCOME TO SAMDALRI" for making my weekends wholesome!
Was this review helpful to you?
having a place to return to is an incredible relief
Honestly i fuck with this heavy. i watched this while on the verge of a slump and was in the mood for something more revenge-y, but i settled for it cuz it was the only thing i could find in my streaming service. first episodes might seem slow, but the overall storyline is worth pushing through. i connected HEAVY with samdal. her and yongpil truly were meant for each other. cho yongpil, the man you are. may a man like him find me in all my lifetimes. i just love when a man yearns for love. supporting cast was incredibly talented and diverse, enjoyed watching all of their stories and could not get enough of their character development. this is what i loved about this kdrama the most. everyone grew in their rightful way. for example, yongpil’s dad and samdal’s mom literally never smiled until the issue between them resolved. the scenery was so beautiful too. had me diverting our seoul trip to jeju isghowever, the love triangle was so unnecessary, especially that sangdo truly never stood a chance so it was just straight up boring to include it. moreover, samdal had a special friendship with the rest of the range rovers and it was so beautifully written, that i truly hated the writers for the unrequited love storyline. #budeservesbetter
anyways, overall healing watch. def def recommend
Was this review helpful to you?
