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6 K-dramas With Filming Locations by the Sea That are Perfect for a Summer Binge

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May 23, 2024 / 1268 Views

Capturing the beautiful vibe of close-knit communities, picturesque streets, and pristine beaches — some of the most heartwarming K-dramas are celebrated because of their filming locations. Whether you need a dose of vitamin ‘sea’ this summer or enjoy feel-good tales, here’s a look at shows with the best K-drama filming locations that are worth adding to your watchlist.

Besides good looks and swoon-worthy moments — it’s the picturesque settings of the stories that dominate conversations around Korean shows. Over the years, these K-drama filming locations have seen a flurry of tourists — some keen on living out their Kdrama dreams, others curious about all that went down behind the scenes of their favourite titles. These include Namsan Tower and Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul and Nami Island in Chuncheon-si. Over the past few years, some of the more laidback, romantic tales are set in seaside towns — offering the leads respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. These feature delicious seafood, offer insight into communities that rely on the ocean for their living, and come with the promise of plenty of romance by the beach. We can’t think of a better theme for the summer. Here’s our pick of a few titles to watch.

Best K-drama titles featuring filming locations in seaside towns

Welcome to Samdal-ri

Directed by: Cha Young-hoon
Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hye-sun
Release date: 2 December 2023
Episodes: 16

Synopsis: Stubborn and kind-hearted Cho Yong-pil (played by Ji Chang-wook) works as a weather forecaster on Jeju Island to protect the elders of his town — after an incorrect report leads to his mother’s death. His childhood friend and former sweetheart Cho Sam-dal (played by Shin Hye Sun) moves to Seoul to become a fashion photographer — being forced to head back home after a challenging time. When the two cross paths again, old feelings are stirred up.

Our Blues

Directed by: Kim Kyu-tae
Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Cha Seung-won, Lee Jung-eun, Uhm Jung-hwa, Han Ji-min, Kim Woo-bin
Episodes: 20
Release date: 9 April 2022

Synopsis: A set of people who work and reside in Jeju island cope with life’s several ups and downs — from the excitement of romance to the heaviness of depression.

Summer Strike

Directed by: Lee Yoon-jung, Hong Moon-pyo
Cast: Kim Seol-hyun, Im Si-wan
Episodes: 12
Release date: 21 November 2022

Synopsis: Lee Yeo-reum (played by Kim Seol-hyun) seemingly has it all — a good job, a loving boyfriend, and a happy family. However, life soon flips — her work begins to get stressful, her mother loses her life in a tragic car accident, and her boyfriend dumps her. She quits her job and moves to a seaside village to do nothing — until she meets a librarian with a tragic past. As the two navigate their separate journeys, they fall in love.

Warm and Cozy

Directed by: Park Hong-kyun, Kim Hee-won
Cast: Kang So-ra, Yoo Yeon-seok
Episodes: 16
Release date: 13 May 2015

Synopsis: Despite working hard for years, Lee Jung-jo (played by Kang So Ra) loses her job, apartment, and boyfriend in swift succession. Defeated, she moves to Jeju island to start anew. There she dines at the ‘Warm and Cozy’ restaurant run by the charming Baek Gun-woo (played by Yoo Yeon Seok). Despite being opposites, the two are drawn to each other.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

Directed by: Yoo Je-Won
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi
Episodes: 16
Release date: 28 August 2021

Synopsis: Big-city dentist Yoon Hye-jun (played by Shin Min-a) locks horns with small-town jack-of-all-trades Hong Doo-sik (played by Kim Seon-ho) after moving to the latter’s seaside town to set up her practice. Somewhere between lighthearted banter and hilarious misunderstandings — the two grow closer together and fall in love.

When The Camellia Blooms

Directed by: Cha Yeong-hoon
Cast: Kong Hyo-Jin as Oh Dong-baek, Kim Ji-seok as Kang Jong-ryul, Kang Ha-neul as Hwang Yong-shik
Episodes: 44
Release date: 18 September 2019

Synopsis: Single mother Oh Dong-baek (played by Gong Hyo-jin) moves to a small seaside town and opens a bar called Camellia. A few years later, she meets the good-natured police officer Yong-sik (played by Kang Ha-neul). The latter quickly declares his affection for her. However, a notorious killer is also on the loose.

(Main and Featured Images: Courtesy Netflix/Welcome To Samdal-ri)