Welcome to Samdalri (웰컴투 삼달리) is the ultimate Jeju healing drama — a hometown romance about a photographer who stumbles in Seoul and comes home to her seaside village, where her first love is now the local weather forecaster. Filmed almost entirely on Jeju Island, it's basically a love letter to the island's coast, oreum (volcanic cones) and slow island life.
The good news for fans: most of its locations are real, beautiful, and visitable. Here's your guide to the island spots from the drama, and how to reach them.
Welcome to Samdalri (2023–2024, JTBC), starring Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun, follows Cho Sam-dal, a photographer who returns to her fictional Jeju hometown of "Samdal-ri" after a career setback — and reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, weather forecaster Cho Yong-pil. A warm, scenic story about failure, family and coming home.
Jeju's tourism board has an official Welcome to Samdalri filming-location guide with maps and the latest access details — worth checking before you go, as set pieces and opening info can change.
The filming locations
The dramatic "Sunrise Peak" — a giant tuff cone rising straight out of the sea — is Jeju's most famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it forms the backdrop to the drama's eastern-coast scenes. Hike to the crater rim for the classic view, and you'll recognise the silhouette from the show instantly.
On Jeju's east coast, reachable by bus or car from Jeju City (about an hour). Go early for sunrise or to beat the crowds. The walk up takes around 20–30 minutes.
A romantic stretch of west-coast road where tall white wind turbines stand right out in the sea, linked by a little seaside walkway. It's one of the drama's most memorable settings — the backdrop where the couple's feelings finally come into the open. Stunning at sunset.
On the far west coast near Sinchang, best reached by car. Pair it with the nearby coastal cafés and the western sunset views.
In the seaside village of Pyeongdae-ri, the production built the fictional village's bus stop and the "Lucky" convenience store — and rather than tear them down, they were left in place for fans. It's the most "you're really in Samdal-ri" spot of all, with sea views toward Seongsan, and a lovely place for photos.
Located in Pyeongdae-ri on the northeast coast. As a kept film set on a village road, please be respectful of residents. Search "삼달리 버스정류장 평대리" on Naver Map for the current spot and access.
A small, atmospheric old fishing harbour ringed by traditional black volcanic-stone walls, used for one of the drama's emotionally charged early scenes. It's quiet, unspoiled and very Jeju — the kind of working harbour the island is full of, away from the tour buses.
On the southeast coast near Namwon; easiest by car. A peaceful stop to pair with the eastern-Jeju spots.
Tucked beneath Andol Oreum (a volcanic cone), this privately run "Secret Forest" of tall, straight cypress trees and mossy paths is one of Jeju's most photogenic spots, and appears in the drama's softer, dreamier moments. A small entry fee usually applies.
In the eastern inland area near Songdang; reached by car on a rough farm track. It's privately managed, so check current opening and the small admission fee before visiting.
Planning a Welcome to Samdalri Jeju trip
- Rent a car if you can — the locations are scattered around Jeju's coast and inland, and public transport is slow. Driving (or a guided day tour) makes a filming route realistic.
- Group them by area — Seongsan Ilchulbong, the Pyeongdae-ri bus stop and the Secret Forest are all in the east/northeast; pair the Sinchang windmills with the west coast; slot Mangjangpo into a southeast loop.
- Use Naver Map in Korean — search the Hangul names (삼달리 촬영지) for the most accurate, up-to-date pins.
- Respect the village sets — the kept sets sit in real residential villages, so keep it quiet and tidy.
- Verify before special trips — privately run spots (like the Secret Forest) and kept sets can change their hours or access, so check first.
Explore our guides to It's Okay to Not Be Okay, Crash Landing on You, and Goblin — and plan a full week with our 7-day Korea itinerary for K-drama fans.
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🚗 Getting Around Jeju
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