Welcome to Samdal-ri Review: A Tale of Roots, Romance & Redemption

Title: Welcome to Samdal-ri 

Episodes: 16

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Main Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hye-sun, Kang Young-seok, Kim Mi-kyung

Streaming Platform: Netflix 

Welcome to Samdal-ri Poster
Image Credit: Netflix

Welcome to Samdal-ri wraps you in the warmth of a coastal town where past lovers reunite and old wounds begin to heal. It's a slow-paced, emotional journey filled with heartfelt moments, strong characters, and stunning seaside visuals.


"Welcome to Samdal-ri" is a South Korean romantic comedy series aired from 2 December 2023 to 21 January 2024 on JTBC. The drama is written by Kwon Hye-joo and directed by Cha Young-hoon, starring Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun as lead actors. You can watch all 16 episodes of this comforting romance drama on Netflix. 


Plot Summary 


The story revolves around two childhood friends, Cho Yong-pil and Cho Sam-dal, who grew up in a small village called Samdal-ri, located in Jeju. Every child in Samdal-ri dreamt of going to Seoul and building a successful career, but eventually failed and came back, except Sam-dal.

Known professionally as Cho Eun-hye, she has become a renowned photographer in Seoul, currently at the peak of her success. However, her life takes a dark turn when her assistant, Bang Eun-ju, attempts suicide and blames Sam-dal for an abuse of power, jeopardizing her career. This unexpected event compels Sam-dal to return to her hometown of Samdal-ri.

Once childhood friends and later lovers who broke up, Sam-dal and Yong-pil find themselves reconnected once again. This reunion helps Sam-dal to overcome all the hardships in her and her loved ones' lives.




My Thoughts 


The plot and writing are strong, particularly in terms of character development and creating a comforting emotional story. The blend of past memories and present interactions is seamless. I appreciate how all the characters are portrayed realistically, making them relatable to a diverse audience. The actors delivered impressive performances, bringing each character to life and justifying their roles.

The cinematography was excellent, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Jeju. The depiction of countryside life in the drama added to its comforting and enjoyable atmosphere. I also loved how the story didn't solely focus on the main characters; the inclusion of side characters' stories contributed to a more wholesome experience for viewers.

The drama emphasizes the importance of not forgetting our roots and returning when life gets challenging. With the support of loved ones, we can overcome any setbacks and pursue our dreams once again.


The series is a perfect combination of romance, comedy, and, at the same time, emotional melodrama. If you are a fan of fast-paced dramas with multiple twists and turns, you may not find it that entertaining. But those who love such slow-burning romance stories and countryside healing life, this drama is for you. Overall, I liked this drama and would definitely recommend watching it. 


What is your take on Welcome to Samdal-ri? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. 

If you enjoy such healing romance dramas, check out my review of Twinkling Watermelon. 


My Rating: 7.5/10

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