Welcome to Samdalri (2023– ) User Reviews

A slow start but picks up steam

[dknightonapple · 8/10 · 1 January 2024]

Note: this is an incomplete review as the series is still running.

Admittedly I almost checked out of this show after the first couple of episodes. Between the flashbacks and some painfully slow character development, you'd be forgiven if you lost interest early on. But if you manage to get past some of the more forgettable background-setting you'll be rewarded with a much better story that lies beneath a very superficial beginning.

I think a lot of K-drama series that originate with Netflix are hurt by the typical 12-16 episode series order. The first few episodes of "Welcome to Samdal-ri" are focused on the events that bring Sam-dal back to her home on Jeju. It's a catalyst that gets the story into its primary setting, but it's not the main focus of the overall arc. The relationships between Sam-dal, Yong-pil, and her family and friends is where the real heart of the story is. A half an episode focused on the abuse of power scandal would have been enough to propel the story where it needed to be.

Once you get to the root of the story, though, "Welcome to Samdal-ri" begins to shine. The multi-layered relationships are very smartly woven together and facets revealed at a good pace. The comedy provided by the haenyeos and the sisters (particularly the relationship between the older sister and her ex-husband) are evenly balanced with the tragedy that underlies the main story arc. By the end of "The story of the two Mi-jas", the series is hitting all the right emotional notes.

Upcoming episodes will return us to the abuse of power story, but I hope it doesn't linger too long there. The real heart of "Welcome to Samdal-ri" is, like all good K-dramas, in the relationships of its characters. Revenge stories have their place, but this series is so much bigger than a revenge story.

Trust me. You'll be eagerly waiting for next weeks episodes.

[debajitch · 9/10 · 12 December 2023]

This one didn't made it into my list as i don't follow much kdrama headlines or review articles but man oh man i got hooked after the 2nd episode. God this one will go down in history of the best KDrama Production,Acting and Visuals. Its a must watch for those who loved Reply 1988 and Twenty One Twenty Five.

I haven't seen other show of any of the cast members but these actors and actresses are very well fitted in their respective roles. Thanks for producing a high quality show like this. Looking forward to the next weeks delight.

For me i think my December and start of a New year will be great because of this show & fingers crossed for a great run and finale in January.

Sweet Love Story

[PalmBeachG · 8/10 · 21 January 2024]

Have been a Ji Chang-wook fan since I saw him in "Do You Believe in Magic?" so definitely had to watch it. Also seemed to be a little reminiscent of Cha Cha Cha the first couple of episodes (successful female moves back home to JuJu island from the city (Seoul) and runs into the local boy who never left. That drama was the 2nd one I ever watched and got me hooked on k-drama so got a good feeling about this one. True, was a little slow in the beginning, as others have suggested, but it is a sweet love story - soul mates that are destined from the beginning. I took off a few stars for the final because the one thing I don't care for is when loves get back together after being separated for so long and then they have to/or chose to be separated again for one reason or another - can't the ones that love each other just be together?

A delightful rom-com with a colorful small-town backdrop!

[blahblahfriend · 10/10 · 3 December 2023]

This rom-com is a contemporary take on classic romantic tropes set in a charming town on Jeju Island. The two charismatic leads, Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun, carry this story, owning every moment they're on screen.

For Korean drama buffs, the themes are familiar. They are soulmates born within minutes of each other (à la The Good Bad Mother) who break up although they still have feelings (Our Beloved Summer). They reunite in the setting of heartwarming friends and endearing locals in a beautiful small town (Hometown Cha Cha Cha; Our Blues). Amusing twists and turns (and slapstick comedy), not to mention challenges, abound. Those who love these themes are likely to find this show delightful as well!

On the other hand, the exaggerated problems and crises that punctuate the storyline could be viewed as flaws. It might be helpful to keep in mind that Korea has an especially harsh cancel culture. It's not unheard of for baseless accusations to stymie careers (Tablo of Epik High comes to mind).

Enjoy this journey of two inseparable friends rekindling love, supporting each other, and helping each other grow!

At a time when Korean media and police have blood on their hands

[pan-53737 · 10/10 · 1 January 2024]

I lovely warm hearted story of life in a village on Jeju. Sadly the the first episode is a reflection of what has happened this last week to a persecuted man much loved Korean actor (Lee Sun-kyun). Showing a side of Korea we could all do without. Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun have incredible chemistry that it's hard to imagine another couple in these roles. They come here from action (Healer) and hilarious (Mr. Queen). The supporting roles are all well developed. Kim Mi-kyung as Sam-dal's mother as always is excellent. The connections between the parents and the sisters add another dimension to a well written series. As for Kim Do-eun, a star of the future.

It's not the kind of love you choose to forget - soulmates

[kinscalf · 10/10 · 28 December 2023]

Take your time to appreciate this beautiful, delicate and slowpaced story of two soulmates who were meant to be but were separated by cirucumstances.

Romance is not all about physical intimacy, in this drama its a beautiful relationship of belongingness, unconditional friendship, love and support for each other despite the time lapse.

This drama will suit those who really try to understand and savor the story, empathize with the characters while relating to People, Place, and Time. Different people in different parts of the world would have different lifestyles, ordeals and constraints, the boundaries of actions, traditional mindset and manners. International audience should approach this story with a broader mindset, then they will truly enjoy the characters in this drama. Not ideal for those who sift through fast paced dramas to finish and compare.

Special appreciation for the friends group, samdalri community who is always there for Samdal. Even the strongest of successful people would feel fragile when walls cave in and left alone. We all need moral support of our loved ones, and the community that recognizes you for your roots to spring back. The message is simple, sweet and well taken.

Love the OST(In My Heart, Beautiful Day), cinematography and my favorite Leads' acting.

AREUMDAWO STORY + CAST

[yusmahanis · 10/10 · 12 December 2023]

Not disappoint at all! And the chemistry is chemistrying. Overall satisfied 🔥💯

Fighting fighting fighting fighting fighting

I just want to know why they breakup and who broke the relationship first cause it's too hilarious 😂 i also hope they will grow on each other again.

By the way, 😀 sang-do shi, nothing but i hope you not get hurt and become the third-wheel in this drama just that it look like someone have a crush.

Eun-jo 😌 really hope she get the ending she deserves and that is in hell. Well, i don't think that her photography (?) filming (?) or whatever they called will turn out lucky enough with that attitude she has.

GREAT CAST ! GREAT ACTING ! GOOD DRAMA ! CLEAN ROM-COM ! Finest Dramaic Experience.

[Lee_SJK · 31 December 2023]

The beauty of Healing rom kdrama Visual aesthetic of Jeju Island ..

REMINDER:- Let's put aside comments and low ratings aside. This is one of the best drama in kdrama land placed All time top 50 kdramas in South Korea also worldwide.. I enjoyed every episode, highly recommend to every kdrama lover. Don't let negative reviews negative comments ruin your drama.. just go and watch and enjoy the show, if you haven't started watching it yet you're literally missing out, its so good every episode has the perfect balance of laughter, sadness, romance and friendship..the cast is so good and the mains have chemistry!

Let's dive into Samdalri's review

After suffering a fall from grace, a photographer returns to her hometown and bumps into her childhood friend - rekindling an unfinished romance.

In this drama Apart from the main protagonists, multiple characters have their own narratives, and each relationship is sophisticated and dynamic. Relationships that ranged from neighbors who seemed to be around me to friends who seemed to have been with me when I was a child to sisters who are always by my side to past lovers attempted to connect with viewers.

Personal thoughts/review :-

_THE BEST PART OF THE DRAMA_

• best siblings trio
• best friendship/support system
• best romance
• great family dynamics
• best moms!!!

• great hometown people
• great life lessons
• great story unfolding

Story progression, acting.

In Welcome to Samdalri Emotions are sparked by characters heartful that make you great emotional feel. Viewers who are sick of the harsh realities of modern society find comfort in this story of growing up after losing everything in Seoul and escaping to Jeju in particular. And the story gives equal importance to all characters in this drama, mostly in healing dramas the plot/story mainly focuses on main protagonist stories but what I like in Welcome to Samdalri is how it's given more important story scope to side characters in the story, every frame refreshing with nature view. Unlike some other life & healing dramas this drama is mainly focuses on the story more than rom.

The structure of the story, which has been densely stacked since the beginning, is showing its light toward the second half and showing its backside properly. This is because the story that have been sprinkled slowly are recovered one by one in an unimaginable way, giving a pleasant feeling.

_BEST SUPPORTING CAST ( ACTING )_

Kim Mi-kyung( Samdal mother ) who is stimulating the tears of numerous daughters in the small screen with her deep maternal love like a "people's mother," portrays various aspects of the character by enthusiastically playing Go Mi-ja, the mother of Jo Sam-dal (Shin Hye-sun), the chairman of the Haenyeo.

Yoo Oh-sung ( Young Pil father) the owner of the inaccessible acting inner workings, is showing a heavy presence by exuding a different aura in every scene that appears as Yong-pil's father, Jo Sang-tae, who has been missing his late wife, Boo Mi-ja, for decades in his heart. He is a very friendly father to his only son, Yong-pil, but he stands upright like a huge mountain that can't be crossed when it comes to three months. At the same time, the complex state of mind that sometimes softens due to the past times we have been close has been revealed everywhere.

On the other hand, Seo Hyun-chul plays Ko Mi-ja's husband, "Cho Pan-sik," showing the charm of Samdal-ri's other pure man and cute younger man. Having lived as a "mija" for more than 40 years, he is taking care of his wife, who is suffering from heart pain, until the middle of the day. His presence as a father also shone.

Cho Jin-dal (Shin Dong-mi) and Cho Hae-dal (Kang Mi-na), the first and third of Samdali's official "Three Sisters of Horror," are their own distinct characters, and they have perfectly built up the chemistry of the three sisters, which is not common on the small screen. In addition, Ha-dal's daughter Cha Ha-yul (Kim Do-eun), who sends a fact bomb with sharp insights that are not like a nine-year-old child, joined the team, completing the invincible laughter hunting combination.

The best slice of life & healing drama with deep message

The series perfectly balances multiple stories. Excellent storytelling, well-developed characters, and heavy emotional depth, also this drama masterfully connects themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring power of friendship. I would like to say, This series holds the viewer's interest, promising a captivating narrative journey that explores the complexities of love, destiny, along with family relationships. Life in a city is intertwined with people. Countless people who are so involved seem to be "my people," but it is when they face difficulties that the substance is revealed. There's a scene the title of the photo exhibition, which was canceled due to controversy over power abuse, is "Human, My Person." Cho Yong-pil, who came to the exhibition, which was considered to be my person but was eventually canceled, leaves his name in the guest book that the exhibition staff is about to throw away. The drama is trying to convey the warmth of a person who stays by their side until the end even if everyone leaves, such as a hometown.

DIRECTION, WRITTING, and OTHE DEPARTMENTS:-

-- Well directed Despite with some flaws writting is impressive, Quality cinematography. I will 10/10 to direction, director well known for his previous projects, but this work of his standout from his previous projects. His work brandish on every character role, succeeded in using actors potential work.. -- Soundtrack, It remastered 10 colorful tracks across all generations with comprehensive emotions such as dreams, hometowns, youth, and friends, words that often appear in Cho Yong-pil's music, giving viewers warm empathy and deep lingering feelings.

-- Cinematography provides quality framework, each frame adds more beauteous to scenes. Especially Jeju Island view just wow.. -- Well-formed SCREENPLAY and superb EDITING i loveeee them..i love how the flashbacks are shown...at the exact moment when its needed.. -- Bonus plus point is " EPILOGUE" story telling section, they show perfect short stories in Epilogues at the end of Episodes.

-- Writting is impressive but writter failed in to create more dynamic characterization of ML & FL. Except this flaw, his work shines in every scene, especially the Second Half grandstand as his best work, the dialogues and conversations between main characters helps to get emotional from Watchers. It will be best of best drama if the writer concentrate more on subtle plot like choosing emotional not as comdey track..

FILMING LOCATION JEJU ISLAND:-

Jeju Island provided a quaint countryside setting that contrasted the bittersweet life and love story of each character. And it has been memorable. Welcome to Samdal-ri' stands out not only for its engaging storyline but also for its beautiful cinematography capturing the charm of Jeju Island.

MORE :-

As a Ji Chang-wook fan I'm proud of him for accepting Young Pil role, because as we see his filmography this character role is different from those shows his versatility.. Power house of acting like Ji Chang-wook & Shin Hae Sun the kdrama fans expected more rom from them but sadly they disappointed i think, what I'm trying to say here is nothing to be disappointed because this is not a complete Romance drama, it's a slice of life/healing drama with romance sub-plot. But scenes between Ji Chang-wook & Shin Hae Sun gives us pure rom vibes that's enough to fill those as rom . :)

Due to low marketing & promotions by Production house JTBC Welcome To Samdalri failed to create buzz in kdrama Watchers, But what more surprising is Welcome to Samdalri placed #1 on Netflix in some countries only because of the masterclass acting of Ji Chang-wook & Shin Hae Sun, other actors performance and good content of drama. This reveals how quality is drama, no need to promote it's self. Yes, i accpet there's some flaws in writing but writter and director succeeded to bring what they want to show us perfectly.

FINALLY:- Every detail is connected to the story. Its like a big ball of puzzle unfolding and solving itself. Every single Actor is award worthy. Subtle emotions of Ji Chang-wook & Shin Hae Sun make you swoon! A journey to healing and self discovery. Must kdrama for everyone kdrama fan.

Brought by :- Shinnosuke_Lee.

Lackluster and Ultimately Disappointing Series With Cowardly Characters!

[spasek · 6/10 · 22 January 2024]

By the time you reach the last few episodes, the series becomes like a plate of mushy carrots. You choke them down just to get through them, so you can move on to something better.

I'm going to start this review by saying that Shin Hye Sun is one of my favorite actresses, and I started watching this series because I saw that she was in it. However, I will say that this is the worst series that I've seen with her. It's not her fault, however. As always, she gives an illustrious performance, given the lackluster and convoluted story and a very unappealing character in Cho Sam Dal.

The series is pretty solid through about the first eight episodes or so, but then it's all downhill from there. No, it's actually more like dropping off a cliff because the lack of story, quality, and direction, are suddenly nowhere to be found.

Cho Samdal is a prominent photographer, rising to near the top of stardom as one of the most sought-after photographers in the business. She photographs model and celebrities. Her protégé torpedoes Samdal's career, forcing her to retreat to Jeju Island, where she is from. She hates the island, viewing it as a primitive locale where no one can possibly succeed in anything. What we end up having is a character who whines, drinks, and cries-often in that order too! At heart, she's a true coward and unable to deal with her thoughts, feelings, or desires as well as her inability to stand up for herself. There is very little that is actually appealing about Cho Samdal.

Cho Young-Pil is a weather man based on Jeju Island and Samdal's former boyfriend. Young-Pil is a man dealing with the tragic death of his mother-a haenyeo diver (women who dive for mollusks and other sea life) eight years prior. At the start, all we know is that Young-Pil and Samdal broke up, leaving the viewer to question why the breakup occurred as well as who instigated it. We find that one of the most cowardly characters of the entire series is Sang Tae, Young-Pil's father.

A drowning man will always try to pull someone down, and Sang Tae is the spitting image of a man so lost within his own grief, that he sabotages Young-Pil and Samdal's relationship. He holds Samdal's mother responsible for the death of his wife, despite the two women being the best of friends. What is sad is that Young-Pil never really confronts his father about his irrational and self-destructive behavior. Even when Sang-Tae is verbally abusing Samdal, Young-Pil simply stands there without offering any defense or attempt to pacify. Sang Tae is a man who can't see anything beyond his own pain, which literally mars and threatens to destroy the true memory and love of his wife. However, nobody bothers to even bring up this point with him. He spends his time drinking and sulking. The ultimate coward is the one who won't let go.

In the midst of this, Go Mi-ja (Samdal's mother) is suffering from a heart condition, which we might well connect with her own grief and guilt. I found her character the most appealing, and I wished the story had focused more on her and the friendship she shared with Young-Pil's mother.

One side-story that was also far more appealing than the main one, involved Hae Dal Cho, the youngest sister and widow of Samdal. Her interactions with Ji Chan-a dolphin expert-were sweet and far sweeter than anything between Samdal and Young-Pil. I would have preferred a story surrounding her than Samdal.

By the end of the series, we have a cast of characters who are largely cowards at heart. Samdal is unable to deal with her past or even truly fight for her future. Doormats are only appealing because you can wipe your feet on them, and yet Samdal allows her protégé to use her as one three times throughout the course of the story. Samdal only wags her finger at her protégé, which does absolutely nothing. And I'm not entirely sure why Samdal would allow her ex-boyfriend to work with her after he betrayed her. So many things in this series made absolutely no sense at all.

It's sad how everyone believes that a "better life" must be in Seoul rather than in Jeju. I would have preferred seeing everyone make a success in Jeju, rather than treating it as the hindquarters of Korea where success goes to die. Who said you have to go to a big city in order to be successful? Not only is this deluded thinking, it's also untrue. Samdal only succeeds in revealing her level of immaturity by how much disdain she has for her hometown.

Also, are you seriously going to tell me that someone with her wealth and notoriety doesn't have an attorney on retainer?! That was about the most ridiculous thing of this series as if the writer had no clue!

The writer and director clearly had no idea where to take the story, and we have everything magically being resolved within the last few episodes without any viable explanation. Samdal doesn't bail herself out. Everyone else does it for her, leaving the viewer to realize that she's still never grown up or known how to take care of herself. True strength isn't as much about helping someone out of trouble as it is about helping them figure out how to get themselves out of trouble! The story would have been far better served had they chosen that road.

Despite having some truly hilarious moments-especially the seaweed fight-Samdal is just a very annoying and largely unlikable character. She acts like a 14-year-old child most of the time. She gets angry with Young-Pil over the smallest things. She peeks at him through her bedroom window, and then gets angry when he confesses his feelings for her. She then runs off like a scared child and barricades herself in a shed because she can't deal with any challenges or forms of confrontation. She's about as big of a coward as you will ever find! I also lost count of how many times she hits Young-Pil. It was supposed to be humorous, but by the tenth or eleventh blow, it just becomes silly and tiresome.

Given the great cast and acting performances that this series had, it's a real shame that it was all wasted on this unappealing story, which lacked both charm and sophistication.

I went back and watched "Our Beloved Summer" again just to get the bad taste of this series out of my mouth. I wanted to revisit a series that was well written with smart, likeable characters, because this series just doesn't have either one. "Welcome to Samdal Ri"? More like, stay away!

love this drama rom-coma ep 1-3

[hayaalgeva · 10/10 · 18 December 2023]

I think that this drama (rom-com), beyond the two main actors who are amazing and versatile actors, as well as the secondary characters, and the love story, has a depth far beyond what you see, and it touches on the point - how unbearably easily celebrities can fall and be destroyed because Whim, jealousy and rumors of others (actors, singers, models, etc.), without even giving them the opportunity to explain themselves or defend themselves, the first step is to cancel contracts with them, which is really sad. Another point is to show the huge difference between city life (Seoul) and village life, in the big city everything is disconnected, workers are based, jealous competition and achievements at the expense of others, in the village there is warmth, caring "one for all and all for one" (it is true that sometimes it is suffocating , because everyone knows everything about everyone, but that's how it is to live in a small village and that's what's beautiful about it. Another point is the soul-searching we do after something happens to us that shocks us (recalculating the course of our lives) I hope the drama will continue to be deep in the plot ( again beyond what we see) and achieve high ratings. Aim for both drama and actors Ji Chang Wook, Shin Hye Sun totally deserve it.

Yet another poorly written Kdrama

[mauryvan13 · 6/10 · 23 January 2024]

I agree with many of the reviewers who gave this a lower rating. We watch it for the stars and are then are disappointed when we hang on for episode after episode hoping it will payoff but it never does.

Yes it looks like Hometown Cha Cha Cha - and most of us tuned in because we loved Shin Hye-sun in Mr. Queen (haven't watched 19th LIfe yet). The ML Ji Chang-wook, is a boy-next-door type who I can't get too excited about - he's just kinda 'meh' but that's OK. (I hear they're dating in real life - that's neat, we always like it when our Kdrama couples become a real couple - we like to forget they're acting.

But their characters are so poorly written, especially Hye-sun's, that this really isn't very good. I know with romantic comedies you can't be hyper realistic, but at least can give not only the leads, but the supporting cast some depth. Have them behave more or less like real humans and not just a two-dimensional caricature. Maybe they have to act too cute sometimes (which we like) but at least give them logical reasons for their actions. Don't have them behave in a way that no one else ever would.

As others have already stated Cho Sam-dal does not behave consistently and only does what the immediate scene needs her to do whether it's logical and real or not. Her two sisters are real people and their stories are infinitely more interesting. Although to be fair, the older sister would never fall in love with the spineless buffoon played by Yang Kyun-won from Crash Landing and Vincenzo. You could have made him a real person and not just a clown.

As some reviewers wrote, Yong-pil's father is awful. No reason is given why he blames Sam-dal's mother for the death of his wife. Given what we know about them, their is no way his grief could turn into this kind of hatred that lasts twenty years.

I do disagree with those who liked the character of Sam-dal's mother. I did not like her one bit. First of all she is played by Kim Mi-Kyung who has literally played one of the lead's mother in 75% of Kdramas for the past 10 years. It's almost comical. Give someone else a job for crying out loud. And her character is always crochety and often, especially in this case, a real bully. She stubbornly refuses to take care of herself without considering how devastated her family would be if she wasn't there to yell and hit them over and over.

The rest of the cast are not developed at all - even Mr. Lonely Heart - the guy in the gang who longs for Sam-dal but has absolutely no chance of being with her - another guy who should have moved on.

Other than the sisters there are only two other positives: 1) they didn't throw in a serial killer like everyone else does 2) it wasn't as bad as My Demon - which is a much more poorly written show than this, if you can believe it.

I'm only in episode 4 but I'm loving it

[hawkinsuhc · 8/10 · 12 December 2023]

Honestly it seems lone of the many K-dramas I've watched before. Different actors same premise. Nevertheless, it's quite enjoyable. To be quite honest my only pet peeve, because I can see the ending my mind, is the fact that their supposed to be pushing 40, yet they're behaving like 20 somethings. I recognize that's the script, unfortunately, the childlike behavior is the only thing throwing me off. Like I said in my mind. I already know what's going to happen with everyone from her mother, to her sisters, to the guy. If it's anything other than what I'm thinking I will put another review at the end of the series. I'm beginning to wonder if K-dramas are being dished out too often because the more I watch this, the more it feels like deja vu.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 6/10 · 16 February 2024]

Korean Drama '' Welcome to Samdalri '' is a drama about family and going back to one's roots in order to heal and reset.

The drama has a nice mood, with the setting being a countryside-seaside village and the small community vibes aided the story greatly.

Also, the side characters were all interesting, especially the sisters, and their stories were funny, emotional, and original. Also, the family drama was really sweet and sad at the same time.

On the other hand, the main characters were not written well. The female lead was annoying, and the male lead was just a nice guy, without any other trade. Which is a pitty, as both actors are strong and always give enjoyable performances. Also, their romance was boring and predictable.

So, overall, six out of ten.

Another non ending ending

[shejo-98594 · 4/10 · 27 January 2024]

I wonder if anyone making these dramas ever reads these reviews but I have said it before...so sick of open ended ending and also why is it always one year later...two years later etc. These two have been in love their whole lives and now what? She can't be a successful photographer and go with him to Switzerland? Really? They are like 42 years old and getting married is not a thing after all this time? The actors are all wonderful and of course very familiar from other dramas/ comedies ....Still think Mr. Queen is one of the best and what do you know...it has a happy ending! What a concept. Do the producers think we watch this stuff without wanting a happy ending even if it doesn't always reflect real life? We get enough realism in REAL life. So please give us a break...these shows are an escape for most of us so just lean into it film makers please.

THE BEST KOREAN DRAMA I HAVE EVER WATCHED

[ellainetolentinoo · 10/10 · 13 January 2024]

This is the best korean drama i have ever watched my whole life. I watched over hundred of dramas but this is the one who caught my heart. It's just so calming everytime I am watching this drama. I never skipped any part of it cause every part of it wws worth watching for. From Samdal-Yong pil lovestory, to her sisters life, and their parents friendship. I hope yongpil fathers will finally find forgiveness in his heart. Every bit of this drama was a 10000000000/10. I cried alot too. Samdal and Yongpil deserve too have a happy ending. Their love for each other is the best of all. :'( A must watched korean drama. This drama deserve more appreciation.

New favorite

[meowtherofcats · 10/10 · 21 January 2024]

I knew even before starting this show that it'd be good because of the cast but dang this show really exceeded my expectations. Top notch acting and the story is amazing. Perfect to watch with family and anyone who's looking for a show to warm their hearts. From the first till the last episode it just never disappoints. Laughter, joy, love and even relatable day to day issues you encounter with family and relationships. I've seen all of hye sun's dramas but I must say this is the best one for me yet. Lee won jae, kim min kyung, kang mina and other well known celebs plus an amazing director, safe to say 16 eps arent enough.

10 stars!

[stylistaicon · 10/10 · 21 January 2024]

Welcome to samdalri drama is a complete package!!!!! If we talk about Comedy, romance, amazing storyline, best chemistry between lead actors, compassion, landscapes and everything a drama needs.... It is one of the rarest kdramas without any boring episodes, it kept me hooked from episode 1 till the grand finale, one of the best kdramas.....i would love to rewatch this drama again and again without getting bored. All the actors did an amazing job,,, kudos to the characters!! Hands down one of the best kdramas! Highly Recommended!!!!!!!! Hope kdrama industry make more dramas like this one! A must watch :)

Best among the December dramas

[venuprasad-07905 · 10/10 · 22 January 2024]

The whole drama was was fantastic .ji chang wook acting and shin hye sun energy were incredible. Soooooooo beautiful drama best side characters good writing and comedy scenes were incredible fun to watch . Guys this drama is so good do watch . Best chemistry among the actors the leads were so eyefull to watch I wish there would be more episodes . My next Saturday sunday's won't be exciting now drama is finished . So freakingggggg cooooll.ratings and reviews were good for the drama the kid's character was adorable to watch I had a good time watching the series and planning to re watch it I'm telling you it'll be so good.

Initially, it was 10*, but the direction and the writing are deteriorating, annoyingly.

[8avian · 7 January 2024]

It had started very well, one of the few series more outdoor and with more normal people, landscapes, colors. Initially, I appreciated that the obsessive theme of the chaebol heir and the poor girl is not in the foreground. Of course, the writer could not help himself, but at least it is modified and moved to secondary roles. However, the humor begins to disappear, leaving the uncontrolled fantasy of the director and the writer free, which forces the actors to some pathetic interpretations. So exaggerated, that they bring to mind the Stalinist films and those of the northern neighbors. 10* for Shin Hye Sun, Kang Mi Na, Shin Dong Mi and Chang Wook. I hope to see them again in more successful productions. The directing and the dialogues are, however, in the lithosphere, and in episode 12 they tipped the scales towards the drop. One of the broken productions after a good start..if with a finished production, you can still rewind, here it's not worth the wait.

A so and so

[marcosarferreira · 6/10 · 16 December 2023]

Okay, after seeing many kdramas, I believe I can place this one next to Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha with a big difference: the lead actress in Samsal-ri is working with a less interesting character . I do believe that's the Mai's problem with the series- a not relatable protagonist. There are moments where she just feels flat, shallow (even when the series try to show that she is not) .

There is a good chemistry, but up to the moment she is still a so and so character struggling with her career and life situations.

I didn't what yet the end of the series but I doubt the character will grow on me ... the story could be a little bit more well embroidered too. Not yet one of my favs .

Love, reconciliation and more love

[DUSOY-96299 · 10/10 · 7 January 2024]

It's not everyday that you come across a unique and endearing kdrama which is realistic. It so easy to say the story is about a community of people, who having faced the most challenging problem, it then focuses on how the matter is dealt with, how it is resolved and managed by each individual and as a community. The entire cast, including the baddies, play their roles exceptionally well. There is no boring episode, each episode brings It's own question which you may think you get answered in one episode only to find that there are more questions to answer. The relationships and friendships are tested to the point of no return. The entire drama could be happening to my next door neighbour, that's how realistic it is. I now want to visit Jeju Island and find samdalri 😀 even though I live 8K miles from Korea. Looking forward to how the entire story enfold.

I like it, however...

[discardability · 6/10 · 26 December 2023]

I also don't, and find myself fast forwarding through a lot of it.

Partially, the problem is the leads. They are great actors, don't get me wrong, but I don't particularly like either of them in that I don't find them very watchable. The last thing I saw her in, I was really put off it because - you know when someone is perfectly likeable but you're just not sympatico?

And I feel the same about him. If you swapped the roles of her and her older sister in this, I'd be much happier. And you could swap our hero with either of his friends or anyone else and I'd be more content.

I don't think I'm gonna get past episode four at this rate, much as I love her mum and dad, and I'll generally watch anything with either of them in it. Mum jogging up the road in her pjs is just gold.

I'll persevere for now but it's not looking good.

Heartwarming drama

[meganmoradii · 10/10 · 1 February 2024]

A very heartwarming drama, I really enjoyed it. It shows beautiful friendships and love. It was so good that I was really surprised when I finishied the first two episodes. Many reviews emphasized that the first couple episodes were slow but I should say that they are not. You will fall in love with this show from the first episode. The acting is very good and believable. I think selection of the cast was right. The atmosphere of the location where the series was shooting is so calm and cozy that you like to visit it someday. The chemistry between the lead couple was acceptable as well. Also I really enjoyed the comedy.

Weak plot, bad casting.

[vturongs · 6/10 · 27 January 2024]

It is irrational on the long time spent to correct the scandal of Samdal whilst the way to solve is not complicate.

Hye son is not appropriate to this role, she is good for the impudent role like Mr. Queen. She needs more skill to make me believe that she is the famous photographer especially when comparing with Ki Yong in the similar role in Now, We're breaking up.

The chemistry between Chang Wook and Hye son is worst, way worst.

The outstanding point of Yongpil to lead him to the UMO is so weak.

Only Ji Chang Wook who attracts me to watch this series which, finally, I found it is such a waste of time to watch.

(Edit) 75 Minutes of content stretched over 18 hours!

[divemabini · 5/10 · 4 December 2023]

Final Thoughts: Suffers from all the standard KDrama Romcom failings. - Plot only works because of miscommunication or a lack of ANY communication. - Old grudges magically disappear with a few simple words, that could have been spoken decades earlier - Protagonist gets raked over the coals in social media, does nothing significant to counter it, says it "won't help", but ends up being saved by social media. - Too many characters, I mean REALLY too many characters. So many of them deserve zero screen time. - An ending that is rushed (remember, Korean writers can't seem to end a show without rushing to tie up all the loose ends) and so sickeningly sweet it will give you diabetes.

BIG PROBLEM: The oldest sister, and the youngest sister, have much more interesting plot lines and love stories than the main character does. I would have rather explored their problems and development far more than the main characters, who you know already what will happen.

But the BIGGEST problem is it is FAR TOO Long. So much of it is unnecessary, like the attempt at a love triangle. Totally useless here. The failure to communicate and share feelings simply to drive the plot along is maximum groan-worthy.

Only enjoyable and rated highly by lonely ROMCOM fanatics.

I'll change my rating if this improves, but so far this show has me scratching my head. Not in confusion. Not even in frustration (though it is a bit frustrating). But in absolute disappointment at the writing. They couldn't have come up with a better life altering emotional event?

Let me lay this out for you in clear terms, so you can see the idiocy that are the first two episodes: 1. Woman is WORLD-FAMOUS photographer.

2. Has uber powerful friends.

3. A non-name mentee accuses her of bullying, and attempts (probably fakes, but we won't know for a while) suicide.

4. And this WORLD-FAMOUS photographer makes one (ONE!) half-hearted attempt to clear her name.

5. Says she doesn't want to expose the truth of the mentee having an affair with her boyfriend because of "pride", despite putting her fortune (remember, she says she loves money), her career, her name, and essentially her ENTIRE EMPIRE at risk.

6. Oh, and she doesn't hire a lawyer to fight the slander.

7. Nor does this WORLD-FAMOUS photographer have a publicist to handle the media.

8. So, she flees to her hometown...and the show begins, I guess.

Are you kidding me? Are we supposed to believe all of these laughably bad and absolutely ludicrous omissions, deletions, and life-choices to set up the "plot"? And all in the first two episodes? This better get better, and less insane in its logic, and fast! Otherwise, people will tune this one out in no time.