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Season 1 – Welcome to Samdal-ri

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Welcome to Samdal-ri Dec 2023 Romance Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 3 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
After suffering a fall from grace, a photographer returns to her hometown and bumps into her childhood friend, rekindling an unfinished romance.
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Welcome to Samdal-ri — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Jae-Ha Kim Teen Vogue 12/19/2024
3/4
This K-drama explores the romance between childhood friends Yong-pil (Ji Chang-wook) and Sam-dal (Shin Hye-sun), but it’s their ongoing friendship that ties this series together. Go to Full Review
Pierce Conran South China Morning Post 02/09/2024
4/5
In the end Welcome to Samdal-ri is not about returning home. It is about overcoming obstacles with the tools that were always there right in front of you. Go to Full Review
Melissa Camacho Common Sense Media 01/11/2024
But Welcome to Samdal-ri still offers lots of expected semi-operatic twists and turns, as well as flashbacks that contextualize contemporary events, all of which makes it a fun, bingeworthy series. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Master e @Master451 01/26/2025 Assisti mais por causa da atriz e é uma série com uma história boa e comovente. See more Jaroslav K 01/19/2025 (NO SPOILERS) Welcome to Samdal-ri is a Korean drama set on the picturesque Jeju Island (제주도), following the story of Cho Sam Dal, a successful photographer who returns to her hometown after a string of life setbacks, and her childhood friend Cho Yong Pil, a meteorologist. The series pleasantly surprised me with its unique atmosphere, steering away from the typical urban settings of Korean dramas and placing the story amidst the stunning scenery of Jeju. The breathtaking locations added a fresh and soothing charm to the narrative, with their use greatly enhancing the show’s overall aesthetic. In terms of characters, their portrayals felt incredibly authentic. 신혜선 and 지창욱 in the lead roles delivered outstanding performances, and their chemistry was one of the show’s main strengths. Supporting characters, whether family members or friends, were also well-crafted and acted, adding depth and intrigue to the series. One of the highlights of the show was its humor. Though used sparingly, the comedic moments felt natural and provided a welcome balance to some of the more dramatic situations. The story focused not only on the romantic arc but also on themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery. While the pacing slowed at times—episodes like the tenth one felt like filler—the series maintained a consistently high standard overall. Occasional flashbacks were seamlessly integrated, offering valuable insight into the characters’ motivations. The music was another standout element, with carefully chosen tracks and scores that beautifully complemented the emotions of each scene, enhancing the overall experience. The finale provided a satisfying conclusion, tying up all the storylines in a way that left a warm and fulfilling impression. While Welcome to Samdal-ri doesn’t cross the line between very good and exceptional, it remains a well-crafted Korean rom-com that’s worth watching. For fans of the genre, it’s a clear choice, and for those seeking something light and heartwarming—or an intriguing introduction to Korean dramas—it’s an ideal pick. Overall, this series was a pleasant surprise, earning a solid |8/10| from me. See more Dianne H 08/17/2024 I loved this show because of Ji Chang Wook. Please stop hitting him. I know it has to hurt to be slapped open handed. Maybe he is padded. I hope so. See more Uba N 05/11/2024 For the first time ever, I have seen the most realistic relationship in drama. Very beautiful and makes me want love See more soobinie 04/30/2024 I love it so much 🩵it's so heartwarming and as it says i realised it again that it is such a relief that we have a place that we can go home to🩵 See more Telay 04/23/2024 I really love it! It made me cry many times. I especially love the locations. So beautiful! Gyeong tae's mom is adorable 😁. I recommend this show. 💕 See more Read all reviews
Welcome to Samdal-ri — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Dec 2, 2023 Tears of the Dragon After harshly rebuking her assistant, Cho Sam-dal becomes embroiled in a scandal and faces severe blowback, forcing her to return to her hometown. Details Episode 2 Aired Dec 3, 2023 The Soulmates' History While moping over her career downfall, Sam-dal awkwardly encounters Cho Yong-pil; she later runs into him again and must come to his rescue. Details Episode 3 Aired Dec 9, 2023 Like Wild Birds, Soaring, Dreaming, Descending Sam-dal avoids being seen in public, as more people find out about her arrival; she overhears a hurtful conversation, causing her to break down. Details Episode 4 Aired Dec 10, 2023 The Rotten Apple of My Eye As the townspeople talk, Sam-dal sets the record straight to her community; ashamed by the truth, Sam-dal lies to Yong-pil about her love life. Details Episode 5 Aired Dec 16, 2023 I See You As Yong-pil expresses concern for Sam Dal, she confronts him over his insistence; Sam-dal's friends stand up for her when a reporter visits her neighborhood. Details Episode 6 Aired Dec 17, 2023 The Dreams by Cho Yong-pil To win Sam-dal's love, Yong-pil faces competition in Bu Sang-do; Sam-dal travels to Seoul in search of the truth after learning about Bang Eun-ju's plan. Details Episode 7 Aired Dec 23, 2023 Breaking Up, With Love Sang-do confronts Yong-pil about their shared feelings for Sam-dal, whose mother begins to suspect something is happening between Sam-dal and Yong-pil. Details Episode 8 Aired Dec 24, 2023 The Bracken Rain of Jeju Ko Mi-ja experiences a frightening moment during a dive amid lingering health problems; after much encouragement, Sam-dal enters a photo competition. Details Episode 9 Aired Dec 30, 2023 The Story of the Two Mi-jas As Mi-ja's condition remains dire, Sam-dal learns she's been unaware about her mother's health and that Yong-pil's been more present than she'd known. Details Episode 10 Aired Dec 31, 2023 The Variables We Couldn't Predict After a drunken night, Sam-dal agonizes over a tender moment with Yong-pil; they are soon forced to take a trip around Jeju for the photo contest. Details Episode 11 Aired Jan 6, 2024 What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger A man from Cho Jin-dal's past angers her family with an ill-advised announcement; Sam-dal continues to agonize over her feelings toward Yong-pil. Details Episode 12 Aired Jan 7, 2024 Welcome Home Sam-dal worries about her mother's perception as her relationship with Yong-pil's grows; after uploading a video of Sam-dal, Eun-ju comes to Samdal-ri. Details Episode 13 Aired Jan 13, 2024 That Damn One-Sided Love Just as Yong-pil and Sam-dal get closer, his father rebukes them; amid the tension, Mi-ja finally stands up for herself. Details Episode 14 Aired Jan 14, 2024 When Your Tears Dry Out After becoming official, Sam-dal and Yong-pil go off on a shoot, but they're joined by guests; Sam-dal later attempts to win over Yong-pil's father. Details Episode 15 Aired Jan 20, 2024 It Takes a Village to Raise a Dragon Eun-ju plants a story about Sam-dal, complicating her role in the photo contest; however, Sam-dal's community bands together to aid in her exhibition. Details Episode 16 Aired Jan 21, 2024 Welcome to Samdalri As Eun-ju's lies catch up to her, Sam-dal hosts her exhibition; she later finds out about Yong-pil's secret dream and his hesitance about pursuing it. Details
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Season Info

Director
Cha Young-hoon, Kim Hyeong-joon
Screenwriter
Kwon Hye-joo
Network
Netflix
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Romance, Comedy
Original Language
Korean
Release Date
Dec 2, 2023
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