Most K-dramas are set in busy cities, but some of the most compelling stories happen in smaller towns and rural areas. These settings – like close-knit villages or peaceful islands – create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making shows feel especially cozy and comforting, whether they’re thrilling mysteries or sweet romances.
It’s no surprise that many K-dramas feature a character who’s used to city life suddenly finding themselves in the countryside. After overcoming some initial friction and adjusting to a different way of life, they often discover something special about small towns that’s hard to find in the city: a strong sense of community, and the joy of building connections with others.
My Liberation Notes
2022
The K-drama My Liberation Notes is a slow-paced show that people either love or hate. Some viewers find it too slow, while others appreciate how realistic and relatable the characters are. The story centers around a quirky but endearing group of siblings and a mysterious newcomer, all navigating everyday life.
Outside of their demanding jobs, which often require long trips to Seoul, the characters begin to find value in the simple things about their hometown – things they hadn’t appreciated before, but now see in a new light.
The Potato Lab
2025
Workplace romances are a popular theme in K-dramas, and recently, a specific type of story has become popular: a talented female chef falling in love with her boss. Shows like the historical fantasy Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and the comedic drama Business Proposal each offer a unique take on this premise. The upcoming 2025 drama, The Potato Lab, aims to stand out with its charming countryside location.
Okay, so the guy in this movie just doesn’t fit in – he’s wandering around looking completely lost in fancy suits, always with a grumpy face. But the woman? She’s the opposite – super casual, a researcher who’s seriously into potatoes, of all things! Honestly, the basic idea sounded a little simple at first, but The Potato Lab really surprised me. It’s a sweet romance, and there’s a lot more going on underneath the surface than you’d expect. It’s a really feel-good movie!
Behind Your Touch
2023
The K-drama Behind Your Touch combines exciting science fiction with a compelling mystery set in a small town. The main character, Bong Ye-bun (played by Han Ji-min), has a special ability called psychometry – she can learn about people and objects simply by touching them. Before the show begins, she’s been quietly using this power to help animals in her community.
Detective Moon Jang-yeol, played by Lee Min-ki, is transferred from Seoul to a small town after a serial killer starts operating there. Reluctantly, he begins investigating the case. Soon, Ye-bun, who has unusual abilities, joins him as a consultant, and her powers help them uncover crucial clues about the killer’s identity.
100 Days My Prince
2018
Among the many historical Korean dramas available, 100 Days My Prince stands out as particularly cheerful. While the story begins with some sadness for the main characters, their unique love story is surprisingly heartwarming, especially considering it’s set in the Joseon Dynasty.
After losing his memory, Crown Prince Lee Yul finds himself in a village and unexpectedly engaged to Yoon Yi-seo, a woman bound by a royal marriage decree. Their fake relationship blossoms into something real, but the prince struggles to adapt to a simple life, leading to plenty of comical situations.
Beyond Evil
2021
Similar to how a captivating mystery enhances a comforting novel, the ideal elements can transform a gripping crime K-drama into an irresistible binge-watching experience. Beyond Evil centers around detectives Lee Dong-sik (played by Shin Ha-kyun) and Han Joo-woon (played by Yeo Jin-goo) as they investigate a complex serial killer case at the Manyang Police Substation.
With unexpected turns keeping you guessing, Beyond Evil delivers a remarkably satisfying conclusion that neatly resolves all its questions. While a larger city setting might have added more darkness, the story’s small-town location actually heightened the tension and created a sense of inescapable claustrophobia.
The Good Bad Mother
2023
Many K-dramas focus on family, but The Good Bad Mother stands out for its honest and complex portrayal of parenting. The story begins after a devastating accident leaves Choi Kang-ho (Lee Do-hyun) fighting for his life, giving his mother, Jin Young-soon (Ra Mi-ran), an unexpected opportunity to raise him again.
As the title suggests, The Good Bad Mother isn’t about clear-cut heroes and villains. It focuses on the complex humanity of its characters, portraying them in shades of grey. The story’s small-town setting makes the characters’ difficult relationship feel especially personal and relatable for viewers.
Chocolate
2019
Despite being known for being a very emotional watch, the 2019 K-drama Chocolate is still a worthwhile series. It tells the story of Moon Cha-yeong, played by Ha Ji-won, and Lee Kang, played by Yoon Kye-sang, who connect over food after both experiencing hardship.
Lee Kang and Cha-yeong once shared a passion for food and acting, respectively, but they each pursued different careers. Years later, they reconnect in the charming coastal town of Wando, and a renewed connection sparks a deeper romantic relationship.
Welcome to Samdal-ri
2023
Welcome to Samdal-ri is a classic K-drama about two friends who fall in love, beautifully filmed on Jeju Island. One of them, Cho Yong-pil (played by Ji Chang-wook), stayed in their hometown and became a famous weather forecaster, while the other, Cho Sam-dal (Shin Hye-sun), left to become a photographer in the city.
Sam-dal has to go back home due to unexpected events, and she’s immediately confronted by lingering issues with Yong-pil. Living in their small, tight-knit town, it quickly becomes clear that neither of them can keep their true feelings hidden for long.
Diary of a Prosecutor
2019
While many legal K-dramas are set in Seoul, Diary of a Prosecutor stands out by taking place in the made-up town of Jinyoung. Things get even more interesting at the local prosecutor’s office when it’s revealed that two of the attorneys, Lee Sun-woong (played by Lee Sun-kyun) and Cha Myung-joo (played by Jung Ryeo-won), have a complicated and tense past.
Myung-joo resents Sun-woong because he grew up with advantages she didn’t have, and she’s been upset about it since they finished college. Now that they’re working together at Jinyoung, they’re forced to confront the reasons their relationship fell apart.
When Life Gives You Tangerines
2025
Although much of When Life Gives You Tangerines is set in Seoul, key events unfold in Oh Ae-sun (IU)’s childhood home on a small island. The story jumps between the present and the past, and between Seoul and the island, as Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) try to escape their circumstances.
What truly made When Life Gives You Tangerines the standout K-drama of 2025 – and a future classic – was its skillful weaving together of different time periods. The story beautifully connects the timelines on Seoul and Jeju Island, with each one gaining impact through the contrast between them.
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2026-01-08 23:31