Welcome to Samdal-ri” is a heartwarming Korean drama set in the picturesque backdrop of Jeju Island, revolving around the intertwined lives of two childhood friends, Cho Yong-phil and Cho Sam-dal, portrayed by Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun, respectively. Yong-phil, played by Ji Chang-wook, is a dedicated weather forecaster at Jeju Island’s Meteorological Administration. His resolve to protect the elders of his hometown stems from a tragic incident involving his mother and a mistaken weather report. Despite facing challenges and earning a reputation as a stubborn troublemaker due to his refusal to tolerate misinformation, Yong-pil remains committed to his cause.

Main Cast:

1. Ji Chang-wook as Cho Yong-phil

2. Shin Hye-sun as Cho Sam-dal

Supporting Cast:

1 .Kim Mi-kyung as Go Mi-ja: Sam-dal’s mother 2. Seo Hyun-Chul as Cho Pan-sik: Sam-dal’s father 3. Shin Dong-mi as Cho Jin-dal: Sam-dal’s older sister, 4. Chung Ye-jin as young Go Mi-ja 5. Lee Suk-hyeong as young Cho Pan-sik 6. Kang Mi-na as Cho Hae-dal: Sam-dal’s younger sister. 7. Kim Do-eun as Cha Ha-yul: Hae-dal’s daughter.

Episode 1: Tears of the Dragon

In the inaugural episode of “Welcome to Samdal-ri,” we’re introduced to Cho Sam-dal and Cho Yong-pil, two childhood friends whose paths diverge in life. The story opens in 1994 on Jeju Island, where a young Sam-dal and Yong-pil nervously await their turn to perform on the popular show “Korea Sings.” While Sam-dal dreams of leaving the island to pursue greater ambitions, Yong-pil is content with staying in Jeju.

Today, Sam-dal, now known as Jo Eun-hye, has established herself as a successful photographer in Seoul. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her boyfriend cheating on her. Fueled by anger and betrayal, she confronts him at her workplace, X Magazine, and publicly humiliates him by dumping water kimchi over his head. The incident causes a stir at the magazine, amplifying Sam-dal’s already tumultuous emotions.

Meanwhile, Yong-Phil works as a weather forecaster at the meteorological agency on Jeju Island. Despite his passion for his job, his eccentric personality often leads to conflicts with his colleagues, who lock him out of the main office. Yong-phil’s avoidance of Seoul, where Sam-dal resides, hints at a past relationship gone awry, suggesting unresolved feelings between the two childhood friends.

In Seoul, Sam-dal’s professional life faces further challenges when her assistant, Bang Eun-ju, sabotages a photoshoot by introducing an inappropriate accessory that clashes with Sam-dal’s artistic vision. The tension between Sam-dal and Eun-ju escalates when Sam-dal discovers that Eun-ju is the woman involved in her boyfriend’s affair. Feeling betrayed by someone she trusted, Sam-dal is consumed by anger and hurt, exacerbated by Eun-ju’s vindictive actions.

As Sam-dal grapples with the aftermath of the betrayal, she seeks solace in alcohol, recording her drunken state as a form of catharsis. Meanwhile, Yong-phil’s life on Jeju Island remains relatively tranquil, albeit overshadowed by his unresolved feelings for Sam-dal and his reluctance to confront them.

The episode culminates in a moment of despair for Sam-dal as the consequences of Eun-ju’s actions threaten to derail her career and tarnish her reputation. With her exhibition on the line and clients withdrawing their support, Sam-Dal finds herself at a crossroads, questioning the choices that led her to this precarious situation.

As Sam-dal’s world unravels, the episode offers glimpses of the interconnectedness between her and Yong-phil, hinting at a shared history that continues to influence their lives. Despite their physical distance and divergent paths, the unresolved emotions between Sam-dal and Yong-Phil linger, setting the stage for potential future encounters and emotional reckoning.

Episode 2: The Soulmates’ History

Episode 2 of “Welcome to Samdal-ri” delves into the tumultuous past and present lives of the protagonists, Cho Yong-phil and Cho Sam-dal, portrayed by Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun, respectively.

Flashbacks take us back to 1986, when Yong-pil and Sam-dal are born, becoming the talk of Jeju Island due to their mothers’ close friendship and the adorable bond between the babies. In the present day, Sam-dal is confronted by relentless press seeking answers about her recent scandal. She faces hostility from her former assistant, Bang Eun-Ju, who revels in Sam-dal’s misfortune.

Returning home to Jeju Island to escape the media frenzy, Sam-dal finds her family embroiled in the fallout of her scandal. Her older sister, Cho Jin-dal, and younger sister, Hae-dal, are also subjected to public scrutiny, compounding Sam-dal’s distress. Despite their initial reluctance, the family agrees to let the sisters stay temporarily.

Amidst the chaos, Sam-dal grapples with feelings of shame and pride, unwilling to confront the truth about her failed relationship. Her sisters urge her to open up and acknowledge her emotions, but Sam-dal remains defiant.

Meanwhile, Yong-pil considers leaving Jeju Island for Seoul but hesitates upon learning about Sam-dal’s predicament. As rumors spread throughout the community, Yong-phil’s friends recount the legend of the “Three Terrible Sisters,” including Sam-dal’s fierce reputation.

Yong-pil’s unexpected visit to Sam-dal’s home leads to a tense encounter, triggering memories of their painful breakup. Despite their history, Yong-phil intervenes when Sam-dal is in danger, reaffirming their deep connection.

In a poignant moment by the shore, Sam-dal is saved by Yong-phil after a moment of despair, highlighting their enduring bond. The episode concludes with Yong-pil attending Sam-dal’s failed exhibition, silently showing his support amidst her struggles.

Through flashbacks and present-day events, Episode 2 sets the stage for the rekindling of Yong-pil and Sam-dal’s friendship amidst adversity, promising viewers an emotional journey filled with love, forgiveness, and redemption in the charming setting of Samdal-ri.

Episode 3: Wild Birds, Soaring, Dreaming, 

Here’s a story summary of Episode 3 of Welcome to Samdal-ri, capturing the essence of dreams, wild birds, struggles, and the pull of home in a simple and engaging way.

The episode opens in 2005 at Jeju Airport, where Yong-pil and Sam-dal are set to chase their dreams in Seoul. Their friends, including Gyeong-tae with his “borrowed” money and Eun-u with his own aspirations, join them, though Sang-do stays behind on Jeju due to financial constraints. Their initial excitement fades as life in Seoul proves harsh, with menial jobs and delayed dreams. Over the years, like migratory birds, they keep returning to Jeju no matter how far they fly.

In the present, an embarrassed Yong-pil falls into the water, and Sam-dal pulls him out, teasing him as he hides his face in shame. He walks her home and gently asks if she’s okay, sensing her inner turmoil after losing everything in Seoul. Sam-dal brushes it off with tears in her eyes. Meanwhile, her mother, Mi-ja, struggles with the news of her daughter’s hardships. The next morning, Mi-ja joins the town’s “long john marathon,” determined and fierce in her pajamas, while Yong-pil fumes over cruel online comments about Sam-dal.

In Seoul, Sam-dal’s team tries to defend her to a reporter, who twists their words, though they later call to support her. Back on Jeju, Yong-pil distracts Sam-dal just as Mi-ja arrives, and Sam-dal hides among trash to avoid Gyeong-tae, only to be spotted and flee. Mi-ja, heartbroken by online stories of “abuse” tied to Eun-ju, avoids discussing the scandal with Sam-dal, asking her to do chores instead. Friends like Eun-u and Gyeong-tae lurk to see Sam-dal after 8 years, while Sang-do briefly appears in his flashy car.