Top 5 Korean Dramas Set In The Serene Countryside: K-Obsessed

Countryside K-dramas often highlight the contrast between the fast pace of city life and the peaceful, light, and slower rhythms of rural areas. These dramas provide a picturesque view of Korea’s landscapes - lush green fields, serene mountains, and quaint villages. There are many Korean dramas that are set in bustling cities but Korean dramas that are set in the rural/ countryside part of South Korea have a different fanbase. Here are some of the best Korean dramas set in the countryside:

Top 5 Korean Dramas Set In Countryside

1. ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’

One of the most popular and most watched K-dramas that was released in 2021 was ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ starring Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, and Lee Sang-yi in the lead roles. It was also Netflix's most-watched non-English TV show when it was released. The plot of this drama revolves around, “A big-city dentist opens up a practice in a close-knit seaside village, home to a charming jack-of-all-trades who is her polar opposite in every way”, as per Netflix. It is a remake of the South Korean movie ‘Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong’ that was released in 2004. This popular drama exemplifies the charm of rural settings through its portrayal of a seaside village named Gongjin. The show is celebrated for its beautiful coastal scenery, stellar cast, and a beautiful community bond present in this small-town life.

2. ‘Reply 1988’

This nostalgic tvN series is set in the late 1980s and portrays the life of 5 childhood friends and their families. It is set in the neighbourhood of Ssangmun-dong, Dobong District, Northern Seoul. As per IMDb, the plot of the story revolves around, “Five childhood friends, who all live in the same Ssangmundong neighbourhood of Seoul in 1988, lean on each other to survive their challenging teen years and set a path for their futures.” It is one of the highest rated dramas in Korean cable television history. While the primary setting is urban, the drama occasionally takes the viewers into the rural areas, reflecting the broader social and cultural landscape of Korea during that era. The drama received a lot of appreciation for the depiction of family bonds, community spirit, and the contrast between the bustling city and the quiet countryside.

3. ‘When the Camellia Blooms’

If you are someone who likes to watch romantic thriller comedy drama then ‘When the Camellia Blooms’ can be a good option for you. Set in the fictional village of Ongsan, ‘When the Camellia Blooms’ offers a captivating look at rural life which released in 2019. According to IMDb, the plot is about, “The love story of the single-parent Dong-baek, the owner of Camellia Bar in a small neighbourhood, who is also being the next murder target of a serial killer case.” The drama combines elements of romance, mystery, and comedy, centering on Dong baek’s interactions with the quirky villagers and a charming police officer, Hwang Yong-sik. The picturesque setting and engaging story highlight themes of love, acceptance, and togetherness in the community. The series received a lot of praise and awards for its well-rounded characters, themes, and it's heartwarming portrayal of life in a small town.

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4. ‘Racket Boys’

‘Racket Boys’ is a sports Korean drama that takes place in a rural town, focusing on a middle school badminton team. The drama features a stellar cast and inspiring plot. The drama follows the team’s journey as they navigate challenges both on and off the court, highlighting the bonds formed within the team. The plot of Racket Boys is around, “A city kid is brought to the countryside by his father's new coaching gig: reviving a ragtag middle school badminton team on the brink of extinction”, as per Netflix. The drama’s blend of sports, comedy, and heartfelt moments makes it an engaging and uplifting watch.

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5. ‘When the Weather Is Fine’

‘When the Weather Is Fine’ stars Park Min-young and Seo Kang-joon in the main roles, it is set in Bookhyun Village, in Gangwon Province. “Drained from her life in the city, a young cellist moves to a quiet small town, where she encounters an old friend who helps her heal and remake herself,” is the plot of the story as per Netflix. The drama explores the themes of love, forgiveness, personal growth, and healing.

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Image credit: IMDb