While many aspire to move to the city from their small towns, there are also those who have grown tired and weary of the fast pace and pressure of big city life. Take the following small town K-dramas, for example. Set in small town South Korea, these titles are guaranteed to win you over — just as our Seoulites have found solace, answers, and new happiness in life beyond the city limits.
Get ready to flip those remotes and travel with our protagonists on each of their journeys to the outskirts of Seoul.
Also read: Korean Drama Bucket List: 17 K-Dramas That Will Take You Around the World
Small town K-dramas to add to your must-watch list
1. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Starring: Shin Min-ah and Kim Seon-ho
Fictional location: Gongjin | Shot in: Pohang, North Gyeongsang
See how big city girl, Miss Dentist, Yoon Hye Jin shakes up the quiet town of Gongjin while turning Hong Banjang’s world upside down. It is sometimes awkward, most times funny, and simply kilig as you witness both characters navigate their way from friendship to romance.
Stream it on Netflix.
Also read: 8 Reasons to Watch ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ on Netflix
2. When I Was the Most Beautiful (2020)
Starring: Lim Soo-Hyang, Ji-Soo and Ha Seok-jin
Story and actual location: Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi
Oh Ye-Ji’s fond memories of Yangpyeong as a young teacher prod her to return to fulfil her dream as a ceramic artist. Will making real of her dream be worth the price of coming between two brothers?
Stream it on Viu.
3. When the Weather Is Fine (2020)
Starring: Park Min-young and Seo Kang-joon
Fictional location: Bukhyeon Village | Shot in: Yeongwol County, Gangwon
Tired and frustrated with big city life, cellist Mok Hae-won decides to return to her hometown of Bukhyeon in the middle of winter. Her homecoming is also a reunion with former high school classmate Im Eun-seob, who now runs a quaint bookstore. Follow the story of two old friends and their road to healing, self-discovery, and finding love.
Stream it on Viu.
4. When the Camellia Blooms (2019)*
Starring: Gong Hyo-jin and Kang Ha-Neul
Fictional location: Ongsan | Shot in: Pohang, North Gyeongsang
Dong Baek didn’t care about getting the town ladies’ tongues wagging when she moved to Ongsan. All she wanted was to raise her child and make a living. Despite shunning love after her past heartbreak, Yong Sik constantly challenges her to open her heart again while vowing to protect her from the threat of a serial murderer.
*Award-winning drama at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards (2020)
Stream it on Netflix.
5. Beyond Evil (2021)*
Starring: Shin Ha-Kyun and Yeo Jin-goo
Fictional location: Manyang Town, Gyeonggi | Shot in: Chungcheon, Gangwon
A heinous serial murder shatters the silence of the sleepy town of Manyang. Follow the trail of Detectives Lee Dong Sik and ex-Seoul junior detective Han Joo Won as they embark on a series of earth-shattering revelations. Will they finally settle their differences and overcome the evil that has made them question themselves and everyone they trust?
*Award-winning drama at the 57th Baeksang Awards (2021)
Stream it on Netflix or Viu.
6. Racket Boys (2021)
Starring: Tang Jung Sang and Lee Jae In
Fictional location: Haenam | Shot in: Gangneung, Gangwon and Suncheon, South Jeolla
Forced by circumstances to move from Seoul to rural Haenam, Yoon Hae-kang gives up his spot as his middle school’s baseball ace and tries to find his place in Haenam Middle School. Here he finds a bunch of true friends and neighbours who are like family, while rediscovering his lost prowess in badminton. Racket Boys is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama that is a reminder that living simply doesn’t mean one can’t dream big dreams.
Stream it on Netflix.
Also read: 5 Feel-Good K-Dramas You Have to Add to Your Watch List
7. Autumn in My Heart (2000)
Starring: Song Hye Kyo, Song Seung Heon, Won Bin
Story and actual location: Sokcho and Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do
Go on a small town K-drama throwback with this classic — one of the first if not the K-drama that started the first Hallyu wave across Asia. Autumn in My Heart is an ill-fated love story wrought in the beautiful countryside of Gangwon. Go on a virtual tour of now-famous tourist spots that gained popularity through this cinematic masterpiece made for TV.
Stream it on Dramacool (alternate title: Autumn Tale).
Also read: 10 Kilig K-Dramas We Never Get Sick of Watching
What is not to love about the modern glory of Seoul? From the expanse of the familiar Hannam and Banghwa Bridges, its glorious skyline and cosmopolitan streets, buildings, malls, restaurants and bars, it is home to many and yet can be exhausting and overwhelming to others.
While it is not an everyday choice to downscale to small-town living, there are those who found the change challenging yet rewarding. Live and love vicariously while watching these small-town K-dramas on our must-watch list.
All images credited to IMDb.
