Discover the charm of rural Korea through these engaging dramas set in picturesque countryside. Each story offers a unique blend of romance, mystery, and personal growth against the serene backdrop of village life.
From heartwarming tales of unexpected love to profound narratives of self-discovery, these dramas showcase the beauty and simplicity of rural living. They highlight the importance of community, family, and finding solace away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
These countryside dramas feature diverse characters and rich storytelling, making them a joy to watch. Whether it’s through laughter, tears, or moments of quiet reflection, they offer a refreshing escape into a world where nature and humanity intertwine.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the best countryside Korean dramas that celebrate life’s small joys and deep connections. These stories are perfect for those seeking heartfelt narratives in a serene setting.
1. Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021)
After a clash with her boss, dentist Yoon Hye Jin retreats to a seaside village she remembers from childhood. Discovering there’s no local dentist, she decides to set up her practice and make the town her new home.
Her arrival is met with resistance from the locals, who find her city ways and formal demeanour difficult to relate to. Enter Hong Do Shik, a charismatic and versatile handyman who takes it upon himself to help her adapt to village life.
Despite their initial friction, Hong Do Shik’s easygoing nature gradually helps Yoon Hye Jin adjust to her new surroundings. Their interactions start to soften the locals’ attitude toward her as well.
As Yoon Hye Jin settles into her role and forms new relationships, she discovers that the village has much to offer beyond her expectations. The journey from a city professional to a beloved community member becomes a path of growth and unexpected connections.
- Aired: Aug 28, 2021 – Oct 17, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Shin Min Ah, Kim Seon Ho, Lee Sang Yi
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
2. Summer Strike (2023)
Lee Yeo Reum’s life seems perfect—secure job, loving boyfriend—until a sudden tragedy strikes. Her mother’s unexpected death and a breakup leave her emotionally drained, prompting her to leave her high-pressure job and retreat to a peaceful seaside village.
In Angok, a quaint coastal town, she starts a new chapter, aiming to find solace and renewal. Here, she encounters An Dae Beom, a librarian whose own past is filled with regret and unfulfilled dreams.
An Dae Beom, once a math prodigy with promising prospects, now lives a quiet life far from his former ambitions. As Lee Yeo Reum settles into this new environment, their paths cross, revealing their shared struggles and hidden pains.
Their meeting sparks a connection that may help them heal. As they both seek to overcome their pasts and embrace the present, they discover if a break from their respective turmoil can lead to true recovery and renewal.
- Aired: Nov 21, 2022 – Dec 26, 2022
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Kim Seol Hyun, Yim Si Wan
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
3. When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
Dong Baek, a single mother in the small town of Ongsan, juggles running the Camellia bar-restaurant and caring for her son, Pil Gu. Despite the whispers and gossip from the townspeople about her past and her establishment, she strives to build a stable life for herself.
Local police officer Hwang Yong Shik harbors deep feelings for Dong Baek, providing her with a source of support and affection. However, her past complicates things when her ex-boyfriend, Kang Jong Ryeol—a well-known baseball player—unexpectedly reenters her life, revealing their previously hidden relationship.
As Dong Baek attempts to move forward and find happiness, she faces a new threat. A serial killer prowls Ongsan, and she becomes a potential target, adding fear and uncertainty to her already challenging life.
The intersecting dramas of love, past betrayals, and lurking danger create a tense atmosphere. Dong Baek’s quest for peace and security is overshadowed by the looming menace, forcing her to confront both her personal demons and the external threats that jeopardize her future.
- Aired: Sep 18, 2019 – Nov 21, 2019
- No of Episodes: 40
- Cast: Gong Hyo Jin, Kang Ha Neul, Kim Ji Suk
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
4. My Unfamiliar Family (2020)
Kim Eun Hee, the middle child in a drifting family, is about to discover if blood is truly thicker than water. Her older sister, a former patent attorney, and her sensitive younger brother each face their own struggles, while their hard-working father remains emotionally distant.
Her mother, on the verge of a new chapter in life, adds to the family’s tensions. Kim Eun Hee, yearning for closeness, hides her feelings from her family and confides instead in her close male college friend, Park Chan Hyuk, who is like a brother to her.
As Kim Eun Hee seeks love advice from Park Chan Hyuk and re-enters the dating world, unexpected events challenge her. The family’s cohesion is put to the test, questioning whether they can unite to face the impending storm.
In moments of crisis, Kim Eun Hee must find out who will truly support her. Will her family step up, or will her friends prove to be her strongest allies? The unfolding event unfolds the strength and bonds of her relationships.
- Aired: Jun 1, 2020 – Jul 21, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Han Ye Ri, Kim Ji Suk, Choo Ja Hyun, Jung Jin Young, Shin Jae Ha
- Streaming Platform:
5. The Light in Your Eyes (2019)
To save her father from an accident, 25-year-old Kim Hye Ja uses a mysterious watch to rewind time but fails. In her desperation, she rewinds too many times, accidentally aging herself into a 70-year-old.
Confused by her transformation, she embarks on a journey to restore her life. Along the way, she encounters her family and friends who no longer recognize her, including Lee Joon Ha, a young man she loved and who still yearns for her.
As the elderly Kim Hye Ja and the young Lee Joon Ha form an unexpected bond, their relationship reveals hidden truths. Together, they face the heart-wrenching reality of the time she has lost and the impact it has on their lives.
This newfound connection between past and present forces Kim Hye Ja to confront her choices. In the end, the journey becomes a profound exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time.
- Aired: Feb 11, 2019 – Mar 19, 2019
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Han Ji Min, Kim Hye Ja, Nam Joo Hyuk
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Disney+
6. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
Moon Gang Tae, a community health worker in a psychiatric ward, is gifted with intelligence, empathy, and remarkable physical prowess. Despite his talents, he denies himself the experience of love.
Ko Moon Young, a celebrated children’s author, suffers from an antisocial personality disorder, making her appear selfish and rude. Her difficult personality contrasts sharply with Moon Gang Tae’s nurturing nature.
Despite their differences, Moon Gang Tae and Ko Moon Young’s paths cross, leading them to an unexpected romance. As they fall in love, they begin to discover deeper truths about themselves and each other.
Through their relationship, they challenge fate and societal expectations. In the process, they find their souls and identities, proving that love can flourish even in the most unlikely circumstances.
- Aired: Jun 20, 2020 – Aug 9, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Yea Ji, Oh Jung Se
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
7. Our Blues (2022)
“Our Blues” interweaves the lives of various characters on the charming island of Jeju, each with their distinct narrative that connects in meaningful ways. The series reveals how their individual paths converge and affect each other’s lives.
Lee Dong Suk, a local vendor selling mainland goods from his truck, crosses paths with Min Sun Ah, a woman who has fled a difficult past. Her move to Jeju leads to significant changes for both, starting a new chapter in their lives.
Park Jung Joon, a dedicated ship captain, finds love with Lee Young Ok, a lively diver whose cheerful nature brightens his days. Their relationship infuses joy and positivity into their shared experiences.
Meanwhile, Jung Eun Hee, who owns a fish shop, reunites with her ex-lover, Choi Han Soo, who returns to Jeju after struggling to adapt to city life. Their reconnection on the island rekindles past emotions and opens the door to fresh opportunities.
- Aired: Apr 9, 2022 – Jun 12, 2022
- No of Episodes: 20
- Cast: Lee Byung Hun, Shin Min Ah, Cha Seung Won, Lee Jung Eun, Uhm Jung Hwa, Han Ji Min
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
8. When the Weather Is Fine (2020)
In a story centered around a quaint bookstore in the countryside, themes of forgiveness, healing, and love come to life. Hae Won, a kind-hearted woman who has played the cello since childhood, finds herself emotionally scarred by past experiences.
Exhausted by her life in Seoul, Hae Won returns to her hometown, Bookhyun Village, seeking solace. It is there that she encounters Eun Seob, the owner of “Goodnight Bookstore,” whose simple daily routine involves coffee, books, and blogging.
Eun Seob’s life takes an unexpected turn when Hae Won enters his world. Her presence brings new dynamics and changes to his previously routine existence.
As their paths intertwine, both Hae Won and Eun Seob set off on a journey of emotional healing and connection. Through their interactions, they discover the power of forgiveness and the possibility of new beginnings.
- Aired: Feb 24, 2020 – Apr 21, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Park Min Young, Seo Kang Joon
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki, Disney+
9. Good Bad Mother (2023)
Young Soon, a devoted single mother and pig farmer, raised her son Kang Ho on her own. Her strict ways, though rooted in love, led Kang Ho to see her as a harsh parent, pushing him to distance himself as an adult.
Now a stern and distant prosecutor, Kang Ho is forced to return to his hometown following a sudden accident. This return necessitates a new beginning with Young Soon, leading him to confront unresolved feelings from his past.
In his hometown, Kang Ho also reconnects with Mi Joo, a childhood friend known for her kindness and unwavering sense of justice. Her reunion with Kang Ho brings about a significant personal transformation.
Together, they face through their intertwined pasts, finding paths to healing and understanding. Through these reconnections, they all confront their own challenges and discover new possibilities for their futures.
- Aired: Apr 26, 2023 – Jun 8, 2023
- No of Episodes: 14
- Cast: Ra Mi Ran, Lee Do Hyun, Ahn Eun Jin
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
10. Welcome to Samdal-ri
After the tragic loss of his mother, a haenyeo, due to a weather forecasting error, Cho Yong Pil dedicates himself to becoming a weather forecaster. His commitment to preventing misinformation earns him a reputation as a persistent troublemaker in his profession.
Cho Sam Dal, who grew up alongside Yong Pil, dreams of escaping their small town, Samdalri. She moves to Seoul, rebranding herself as Cho Eun Hye, and climbs to success in fashion photography, only to face a sudden collapse of her career.
Returning to Samdalri after her professional downfall, Cho Sam Dal confronts her past as Sam Dal. Her return forces her to deal with the remnants of her old life and the expectations of her hometown.
Once inseparable friends, Cho Yong Pil and Cho Sam Dal drifted apart due to a past conflict. As Sam Dal comes back to Samdalri, their old connection is reignited, leading them to revisit their shared history and rekindle their deep-seated feelings for each other.
- Aired: Dec 2, 2023 – Jan 21, 2024
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Ji Chang Wook, Shin Hye Sun
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
11. Once Upon a Small Town (2022)
Han Ji Yool, a veterinarian in Seoul, gets an urgent call from his grandfather. Despite the seriousness in his voice, his grandfather’s message is vague, prompting Han Ji Yool to visit Heedong Village, where his grandfather runs an animal clinic.
Upon arrival, Han Ji Yool discovers that his grandfather is actually away on a European tour. A note left behind reveals that Han Ji Yool must manage the animal clinic for the next six months in his absence.
In Heedong Village, Han Ji Yool meets Ahn Ja Young, a local police officer who had always dreamed of working in her hometown. She is quick to assist him with the challenges of village life, offering help and support in numerous ways.
As Han Ji Yool settles into his new role and adapts to village life, his bond with Ahn Ja Young deepens. Their growing connection turns into a romantic relationship, enriching their lives and adding new dimensions to their time together in Heedong Village.
- Aired: Sep 5, 2022 – Sep 28, 2022
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Joy, Choo Young Woo, Baek Sung Chul
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
12. Behind Your Touch (2023)
Bong Ye Bun is a veterinarian in a tranquil, crime-free village, gifted with a unique psychometry ability. By touching people or animals, she can see through their pasts, a power she uses discreetly in her everyday life.
Moon Jang Yeol, once a prominent detective in Seoul, finds himself demoted to a small police station in Mujin. To secure a transfer back to the city, he collaborates with Ye Bun on local cases, only to be drawn into a complex serial murder investigation.
Amidst the unfolding drama, Kim Seon Woo arrives in the village, working part-time at a convenience store. With his innocent smile and genuine kindness, he hides a mysterious side that intrigues the villagers.
As Ye Bun and Jang Yeol work together to solve the serial murders, they uncover secrets linked to Seon Woo. The interplay of their lives reveals deeper connections and untangles a web of mystery that binds them all.
- Aired: Aug 12, 2023 – Oct 1, 2023
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Han Ji Min, Lee Min Ki, Suho
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
13. Racket Boys (2021)
In Haenam, a middle school boys’ badminton team faces challenges and growth under the guidance of Yoon Hyun Jong. Once a skilled player himself, Hyun Jong now struggles financially but eagerly takes on coaching a team on the brink of dissolution.
The team, consisting of only three players—Bang Yoon Dam, Na Woo Chan, and Lee Yong Tae—faces a tough road ahead. Their fortunes change when Hyun Jong’s son, Yoon Hae Kang, and newcomer Jung In Sol join, providing the team with enough members to compete and strive for success.
Parallel to their journey, Ra Young Ja, Hyun Jong’s wife, coaches a top girls’ badminton team at a nearby middle school. Her team features Han Se Yoon, the leading junior female player in Korea, and her best friend Lee Han Sol, making them a formidable force in their league.
As both teams work towards their goals, the dynamics in and between them illustrate the broader themes of perseverance and teamwork. The players and coaches confront personal and collective challenges, aiming to reach new heights in their badminton careers.
- Aired: May 31, 2021 – Aug 9, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Sang Kyung, Oh Na Ra, Tang Jun Sang, Son Sang Yeon, Choi Hyun Wook, Kim Kang Hoon
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
