Welcome to Samdal-ri (2023)

A Slice of Korean Countryside Brilliance

Welcome to Samdalri, a 2023 K-drama that landed on my screen like a breath of fresh air, instantly weaving its way into my heart. It's more than just a romance; it's a love letter to family, community, and rediscovering oneself amidst the breathtaking beauty of Jeju Island. So, buckle up, drama lovers, because I'm here to gush about everything that makes this show a must-watch!

A Story That Resonates:

At its core lies Jo Sam-Dal (Shin Hye-sun), a once-celebrated photographer disillusioned by the cutthroat world of Seoul. Returning to her childhood home in Samdalri, she seeks solace in the familiar embrace of her family and the island's natural splendor. There, she reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, Han Kang-woo (Ji Chang-wook), a man as grounded as the earth he farms.

Their rekindled romance is a slow burn, simmering with unspoken affection and shared memories. It's not just about grand gestures; it's in the quiet moments, the knowing glances, and the unwavering support they offer each other. Their journey resonates with anyone who's ever questioned their path or sought refuge in the comfort of home.

A Celebration of Community:

Samdalri isn't just a backdrop; it's a living, breathing character. The vibrant community pulsates with warmth and humor, each resident adding their own unique flavor to the tapestry. From the haenyeo divers, strong and independent women who defy age and societal expectations, to the quirky yet endearing townsfolk, every interaction feels genuine and heartwarming.

A Feast for the Senses:

The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. Jeju Island comes alive in every frame, from the golden sunrises over the ocean to the lush green fields swaying in the breeze. The soundtrack seamlessly blends traditional Korean melodies with contemporary tunes, perfectly complementing the on-screen emotions.

Actors Who Shine:

Shin Hye-sun delivers a nuanced performance, capturing Sam-Dal's vulnerability and resilience with equal aplomb. Ji Chang-wook is equally charming as the stoic yet gentle Kang-woo. Their chemistry is palpable, making their every interaction a delight to watch.

More Than Just Romance:

While the central romance is undeniably sweet, Welcome to Samdalri tackles deeper themes. It explores family dynamics, societal pressures, and the importance of staying true to oneself. It reminds us that happiness isn't always found in the bright lights of the city but sometimes in the quiet whispers of the heart, amidst the familiar faces and comforting rhythms of home.

So, if you're looking for a K-drama that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, Welcome to Samdalri is your answer. It's a show that celebrates the simple joys of life, the power of community, and the enduring strength of love. It's a reminder that sometimes the greatest adventures are found not in faraway lands but in returning to the roots that nourish our souls.

Final Verdict: A must-watch for fans of heartwarming romances, slice-of-life dramas, and anyone seeking a feel-good escape. Just be prepared to fall in love with Samdalri, its people, and the beautiful story it unfolds.

I hope this review has piqued your interest in Welcome to Samdalri. Trust me, this show is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and prepare to be swept away to the enchanting world of Samdalri!

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Welcome to Samdal-ri 2023: A Heartwarming Escape to Jeju Island

Ah, "Welcome to Samdal-ri" 2023. The title itself evokes a warmth that lingers like the salty Jeju Island air, promising tranquility and whispered secrets. It wasn't just a drama; it was a portal to a simpler life, a refuge where I found myself returning week after week.

The characters became etched in my memory. The fiery photographer, Eun-ju, grappling with a hidden past, had me rooting for her journey of self-discovery. She's paired with the enigmatic Haebang, a talented weather forecaster who's not quite what he seems. Their chemistry? It simmered like the island's volcanic hot springs, building in intensity until it erupted in undeniable connection.

But "Welcome to Samdal-ri" wasn't just a love story. It was a vibrant tapestry woven with the lives of the quirky villagers, each with their own stories and genuine warmth. They welcomed Eun-ju like a long-lost family member, their laughter echoing in my living room, their struggles tugging at my heartstrings.

And the setting, oh the setting! Jeju Island was the star of the show. Lush green hills cascaded down to turquoise waters, painted with the vibrant colours of tangerine farms. It wasn't just a backdrop; it was a living, breathing character, whispering tales of resilience and the healing power of nature.

The narrative wasn't flawless. There were detours, moments of confusion, and even occasional frustration. Yet, like Eun-ju's arduous climb towards self-acceptance, the show found its rhythm, its heart. The finale? Let's just say I wept like a cleansing spring shower, leaving me hopeful and renewed.

"Welcome to Samdal-ri" 2023 wasn't perfect, but it resonated perfectly with me. It was a warm embrace on a cold day, a reminder that beauty and kindness can bloom even in the most unexpected corners. So, if you seek a show that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of second chances, set sail for Samdal-ri. Just pack your tissues, maybe a tangerine or two, and prepare to be swept away by the Jeju magic.

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charecters that will win your heart, a comfort drama

meanwhile everyone is hyping around my demon , this beautiful masterpiece got swept under the rag. Not many people are talking abthis drama. At first i was also very excited about my demon byt after episode 10 it got soo boring that I didn’t wanna watch it anymore, the story was soo cliche. on the other hand welcome to samdalri kept me hooked till the last episode. from the first glance it looks like homecha. well it is similar to homecha. but many simple slice of life kdramas often feel slow and boring eventually . Byt tahts the speciality of welcom to samdalri. the drama isn’t too slow, in the first few episodes it’s a bit slow but then it keeps getting better and better. What i liked the most about this drama are the side characters. each and every charecter is soo beautifully written. From young pil’s father to samdal’s parents and sisters, everyone’s own story was very intresting to watch. i think this one thing lacks in my demon which is good side charecters with their own story instead of revolving around the main leads. The message of this drama is absolutely beautiful as well. The last episode just feels like a warm hug of a cold day

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definitely worth my time

Sometimes I might find it hard for me to watch dramas that are still ongoing, but this drama is one of the exceptions.

They could make me feel the story. I cry, laugh, mad, fear, and relief; I find myself getting touched by this drama a lot. like I could feel the feeling and meaning from everything they do, even though it was not even related to me, nor did I ever get the situation that they got in the story.

and I always love stories that make the second couple go well, even though they have little time in each episode. This drama could make you more curious about the side couple since we know how the main lead story is going to go, but still, the main lead could make you feel like their story is their own life.

I love the third-child story; I love everything she said, and I admire her daughter so much. They are the cutest mom and kids, and I'm going to save them from this cruel world.

the story like happy dramas, but ISTG you're going to cry while smiling.

the good drama to start ur 2024🐉

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মন ছোঁয়ে যাওয়ার মতো একটা ড্রামা❤️‍?

বেশী কিছু বলতে চাইনা।
শুধু বলবো জীবন নিয়ে যদি হতাশ থাকেন।
সব কিছুতেই যদি আপনি ফেইল।
একবার ড্রামাটা দেখে ফেলেন। নিজের জীবনে নতুন করে চিনতে পারবেন। আপনার আসে পাশের খারাপ থেকে ভালো মানুষ সবাইকে চিনতে পারবেন।

জীবন নতুন করে শুরু করার অনুপ্রেরণা পাবেন ১০০%

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A Heartwarming Rom-Com

Welcome to Samdal-ri is a really beautiful and heartwarming romantic comedy. It's not just a love story; it's also about how people heal and grow from their experiences. The show takes place in a lovely and peaceful village, which makes it nice to watch. The way the story is told and how the characters change and help each other is very touching.

The show teaches an important lesson about life: when everything is going great, we might have a lot of people around us, but when times are tough, the ones who stay by our side are our true friends or family. This idea is shown well through the story and the characters in the show. It makes you think about who is there for you when you need them. Welcome to Samdal-ri is more than just a fun romance; it's a show that makes you think about relationships and what matters in life.

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Chaotic yet heartwarming story

The story of a small town called Samdal-ri where there are no secrets lol. Cho Sam Dal, the only successful Samdal ri native to make it big on the mainland comes back after a setback. What met her was her chaotic town people who welcomed her with open arms and warmed her already cold heart. Although being the gossipy town people they were, they protected their own. Although the story rotates around the Samdal-ri star cross lovers Cho Sam Dal and Cho Yong Pil, it also peeks into the beautiful lives behind the other town forks, their pain their love and their ordinary lives.
The entire 16 episodes don't let you get bored telling the story of their boring lives and instead make you laugh smile and sometimes even cry.
An absolutely beautiful story brought to us by an amazing cast, director, producers and writers.

And I personally feel that Ji Chang Wook finally found his perfect role after many long years. And Shin Hye Sun worked her charm into her character. Ji Chang Wook, Shin Hye Sun created the perfect chemistry between Cho Yong Pil and Cho Sam Dal. The Five Powers Rangers, the Haenyeos, the weather forecasters, and the entire Samldari town created a heartwarming yet chaotic story of Welcome to Samdalri.

The OST --> loved it!

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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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A healing story taking place in Jeju-do, a haven for the exhausted dragons.

“I’m going to become a dragon that rises from a small stream.” – Cho Samdal

A hometown (고향) is not just a place, it's a root, an identity, an experience, an memory. A hometown allows somebody to feel a sense of community and belonging. The story primarily unfolds in a hometown called Samdalri, nestled in the enchanting destination of Jeju-do.

“Yong-pil once told me no dragon can rise from a small stream by themselves. They get help from the loaches, mandarin fish, and frogs in the streams.” – Cho Samdal

This drama is about healing, forgiveness, family, friendship, love, and selflessness. Cho Samdal left behind her thriving career as a photographer in Seoul and moved back to Samdalri after 8 years of vacancy. By doing that, she also left behind her identity as Cho Eunhye, the workaholic tsundere, to find her true self as Cho Samdal.

“The migratory birds pursued their youthful dreams, but they eventually flew back to Jeju, their home.” – Cho Samdal

However, this drama doesn't only follow her path, but showcases the healing journey of all Samdalri's people.

- Ko Mija: A mainland lady who became the leader of the Haenyeo (해녀) mourns the loss of her old friend, Bu Mija.
- Cho Sangtae: A fool in love who saw his world shattered after the loss of his soulmate, Bu Mija. Since then, he is blinded by hatred towards Ko Mija, thinking everyone forgot the memory of his wife.
- Cho Haedal & Cha Hayul: Haedal was pregnant with Hayul at a young age and put a hold on her promising swimming career. She is also a widow. Hayul is a thoughtful and mature child who wants to protect her mother. The dynamics between them was my personal favourite.
- Cho Jindal: The eldest out of the three sisters. She married into a rich family and was mistreated. She always stands against unfairness and persecution, never failing to protect those weaker than her. At the price of her career, she denounced her family in law and their heinous actions.
- Cho Yongpil: The embodiment of selflessness. He always had a knack for helping and saving people. From decorating Ko Mija's buoy with a floral pattern, to pushing away his dream of joining the WMO in Switzerland, he always thought of his loved ones before himself.

“Your dream doesn’t always have to be a job. You two are my dream.” – Young Cho Yongpil

I mainly loved this drama because it tackles a topic that has rarely been addressed: Haenyeos.
Inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2016, Haenyeos belong to the heritage of South Korea. The soaring Hallyu (한류) Wave is a great opportunity to showcase the culture of Haenyeos to the world through media like Korean Drama.

You won't see vengeance. The female lead is not a proactive character hungry for revenge. She is passive and doesn't want to retaliate against those people who wronged her. Whenever Bang Eunju looks for more ways to stain Samdal's reputation, Samdal chooses not to react. She tried to tell everyone that it's not true when she was in Seoul, but everyone turned their back on her already. Her friends and family, however, can't stand seeing Samdal be wronged when she didn't do anything and will do everything to free her from the dungeon of malicious articles and comments.

Throughout her journey in Samdalri, Cho Samdal realized that there are people who loved her. This is why it is important to go back to our roots, to remember where we came from and who we were before. Dwelling in the past isn't a good thing for sure, but it's unhealthy to completely erase it from our memory. Nostalgia isn't a toxic feeling when moderately consumed; it is a proof that we have accomplished beautiful things in the past that should inspire us to accomplish beautiful things in the future.

This story moves us, much like the azure waves of Jeju Island, and reminds us that it's okay to not be okay.

“The sea is the best place to be when you’re troubled. It’s peaceful and no one bothers you there.” – Ko Mija

“As always, we’re going for only as long as our breath allows without being greedy. And whenever we’re out of breath, we’ll come back to that place. Our small stream, Samdal-ri. Having a place to return to is an incredible relief.” - Cho Yongpil and Cho Samdal.

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Looking for a Comfort Show? You've Found It

Welcome to Samdal-ri is a show that I couldn't help to look forward to every week. The story didn't have grappling cliff hangers or an intense conflict, but it was a drama that I could sit down, watch, and feel healed.

Story:
Welcome to Samdal-ri's storyline was nothing I haven't seen before. City girl goes back to small town and reunites with first love. Family conflict provides tension and drama. Side character storylines are short, but relevant. Did I think that all the conflict was necessary? No. However, I understand the need to drag things out to fit the 16 episode time frame. Overall, everything felt natural and concluded nicely.

Acting/Cast:
This drama has two of my favorite actors in it, so I am a little biased. Firstly, Ji Changwook did a great job. He's an especially emotive actor and really draws me into the story and world that he creates. Shin Hyesun continuously does a terrific job at making any character relatable and charismatic. Her performance is no less than what I thought it would be. I was not a fan of Yoo Ohsung's acting, but that could be blamed on his role.

Music:
My opinions for a soundtrack is that if you notice it, it's either terrible or terrific. Welcome to Samdal-ri's sountrack was for the most part unnoticeable, so I would consider it pretty good. The intro was so cute and cheerful, and the music in the last episode especially was a fantastic choice. If I ever rewatch this show, the music would be the number one thing to bring nostalgia.

Rewatch Value:
As a light and fluffy show, Welcome to Samdal-ri has a very high rewatch value for me. Nothing about this show stressed me out, if anything it did the opposite. It's the perfect drama to watch when you're feeling down. I'll definitely come back and watch this again.

Overall, I would suggest this drama to anyone who needs a little bit of happiness and bliss.

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It is a truly beautiful drama.

This was one of the dramas that make it feel close to real life.
-The casting is amazing, like literally the best. The actors did not dissapoint at all. They deliverd all the emotions that was needed.
-The story is pretty good. It is not bad, but could have been better. Especially with the time travel. but despite this it was was a very heartfelt and emotional story. I cried a lot bcos the characters were either relatable or had a very sad story. Especially the main character they had such a sad yet heart-touching romance.
~ Every actor and actresses did a very good job especilly Kim Mi-Kyung. I always love her characters. and Ji Chang-Wook. I
have yet any other dramas with the FL.
~ The only character I despised but ended forgiving is Young-Pil's father. Like it was just annoying seeing him hate everyone
becouse of his pain and grief. Like no one told not to mourn for his late wife, but dening others to mourn was just wrong. But at
the end of it all I was glad that he came around.
~ Don't even get me started with that b*tch Eun-Ju, I hate the character . The actor is good to portray the character for me to
despise this much. But to some extent I feel like she complemented the story, bcos without her Sam-Dal and Young-pil won't
have met each other that soon.
- The ost's were all so good. I particularly love the scene where there were fights and everything would be in slow motion and a song would be playing in the backgroung. It made so entertaining.

Overall this drama was one of the best releases of last yr.
I fell in love with the show. I also enjoyed it.
I would really recommend to others.

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