Welcome to Samdal-ri Filming Locations Worth Visiting: A Self-Guided Jeju Travel Guide
Welcome to Samdal-ri (웰컴투삼달리) includes several filming locations across Jeju Island, many of which are real places that travelers can explore on their own. This guide does not list every reported filming location. Instead, it focuses only on places that are actually worth visiting — locations with real travel value for international visitors traveling on their own.
Unlike many K-dramas where the setting is fictional, the village of Samdal-ri in this drama is based on a real neighborhood in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju Island.
Drama Info
| Director | Cha Young-hoon |
| Writer | Kwon Hye-joo |
| Genre | Romance, Family Drama |
| Episodes | 16 |
| Released | December 2, 2023 (JTBC; international streaming availability varies by platform and region) |
| Cast | Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hae-sun, Kwak Sun-young |
Spoiler-Free Synopsis
A healing romance drama set on Jeju Island about two childhood friends who grew up in the same village but drifted apart. After facing setbacks in their adult lives, both return to their hometown and rediscover their connection. Known for its warm, unhurried pace and beautiful portrayal of Jeju's rural coastal scenery.
Why This Drama Is Popular Among Travelers
The drama is closely tied to Jeju Island, and Visit Jeju has published an official filming location guide covering 15 Jeju spots associated with the drama. The village backdrop, coastal scenery, and everyday Jeju locations make several filming spots easily accessible for independent travelers.
Filming Locations Worth Visiting
The locations below are associated with the drama and are real places that travelers can visit or consider adding to a Jeju itinerary.
1. Real Samdal-ri Village Area
Korean: 삼달리 (성산읍, 서귀포)
About this location: Listed by Visit Jeju as the real neighborhood that inspired and served as a backdrop for the drama. Samdal-ri is a small coastal village in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, with traditional Jeju stone walls and sea views. The area is a genuinely quiet residential community rather than a tourist attraction.
Region: Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju
Can you visit? Yes — the village area is publicly accessible. As this is a residential community, please be respectful of local residents during your visit.
Worth visiting without a car? Difficult. The Samdal-ri area is best reached by rental car or taxi from Seongsan.
Public transport access: From Jeju International Airport, travel toward Seongsan by intercity bus. The Samdal-ri area requires an additional local taxi. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Year-round, though spring and fall offer the most pleasant walking weather. The area is best visited briefly alongside nearby attractions such as Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Self-guided tip: The village is a working community, not a tourist site. Keep voices low and avoid entering private property. The coastal stone walls and sea views are the main draw for visitors.
Local food tip: The Seongsan area nearby has seafood restaurants and haenyeo-style dining options. Fresh abalone and sea urchin dishes are commonly available in this part of Jeju.
2. Gwaneumsa Temple
Korean: 관음사
About this location: Listed by Visit Korea as a filming location associated with the drama. Gwaneumsa is a Buddhist temple located on the slopes of Hallasan, Korea's highest mountain. Known for its cedar forest approach path and rows of Buddha statues at the entrance.
Region: Ara-dong, Jeju City, Jeju
Can you visit? Yes. Admission conditions and opening hours may vary, so check current information before visiting.
Worth visiting without a car? Possible by bus from Jeju City, but a taxi may be more convenient depending on your starting point.
Public transport access: From Jeju International Airport or Jeju City, buses toward the Hallasan area are available. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Autumn for fall foliage along the cedar forest path. Spring and summer are also pleasant for the forest walk.
Self-guided tip: The temple is also the starting point for one of the Hallasan hiking trails. Temple stay programs may be available — check current schedules if interested.
Local food tip: The area near Gwaneumsa has limited dining options. Jeju City center, a short drive away, has a wider range of restaurants and cafes.
3. Secret Forest (Andol-oreum)
Korean: 비밀의 숲 (안돌오름)
About this location: Listed by Visit Korea as a filming location associated with the drama, used for outdoor photography scenes. The Secret Forest is a scenic cypress woodland beneath Andol Volcanic Cone, known as a popular photography spot in Jeju.
Region: Gujwa-eup, Jeju City, Jeju
Can you visit? Yes — entry requires an admission fee. Fees and opening hours may vary by season, so check current information before visiting. Access is via a mint-colored minibus from the entrance area.
Worth visiting without a car? Difficult. The Andol-oreum area is best reached by rental car.
Public transport access: From Jeju International Airport, travel toward the Gujwa-eup area by rental car or taxi. Public transport options are limited in this part of Jeju. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Year-round for the cypress scenery. The forest is known for its dreamlike atmosphere in morning light.
Self-guided tip: The forest features cypress trees, stone walls, and various photo spots. Allow 1–2 hours for a relaxed visit. Check current entry requirements before visiting, as access procedures may change.
Local food tip: The Gujwa-eup area has limited dining options near the forest. The nearby Woljeong-ri beach area has cafes and casual restaurants along the coast.
4. Mangjangpo Port
Korean: 망장포 포구
About this location: Listed by travel sources as a filming location associated with the drama, connected to coastal scenes set in the village. Mangjangpo is a small fishing port in the Namwon-eup area of Seogwipo, known for its traditional Jeju stone walls and quiet harbour atmosphere.
Region: Namwon-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju
Can you visit? Yes — the port and surrounding coastal path are publicly accessible.
Worth visiting without a car? Difficult. The Namwon-eup area is best reached by rental car or taxi.
Public transport access: From Seogwipo city, local buses or taxis toward the Namwon-eup area. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon for softer light on the stone walls. The port is quiet and best visited briefly as part of a wider coastal drive.
Self-guided tip: This is a working fishing community. Keep noise levels low and be respectful of local residents and haenyeo divers who use the port area.
Local food tip: The Namwon-eup area has small local restaurants serving Jeju seafood. Fresh fish and haenyeo-style shellfish dishes are popular in this coastal region.
5. Dodubong
Korean: 도두봉
About this location: Listed by travel sources as a filming location associated with the drama. Dodubong is a small volcanic cone located near Jeju International Airport, with a short hiking trail leading to a hilltop with views over the surrounding coast and airport area.
Region: Dodu-dong, Jeju City, Jeju
Can you visit? Yes — publicly accessible. The hiking trail is open to the public.
Worth visiting without a car? Yes — one of the more accessible locations from Jeju City and the airport area.
Public transport access: From Jeju International Airport, Dodubong is reachable by taxi in approximately 10 minutes. Local buses toward the Dodu-dong area are also available. Routes and travel times may vary, so check Naver Map or Google Maps before traveling.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Suitable as a short add-on stop near the airport, particularly on arrival or departure day.
Self-guided tip: The summit area has a lighthouse and observatory viewpoint. The trail is short and accessible for most fitness levels. Allow about 30–45 minutes for the round trip.
Local food tip: The Dodu-dong area near the airport has cafes and convenience dining. Jeju City center is a short distance away for a wider range of options.
How to Watch Outside Korea
Welcome to Samdal-ri is available on streaming platforms in many regions, but availability, subtitle languages, and audio options may vary by country. Search by both the English title and the Korean title, 웰컴투삼달리, to find current streaming options in your region.
Final Travel Summary
| Location | Region | Visitable? | Without a Car? | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Samdal-ri Village | Seogwipo (Seongsan-eup) | Yes | Difficult | Year-round |
| Gwaneumsa Temple | Jeju City | Yes | Possible | Autumn |
| Secret Forest (Andol-oreum) | Jeju City (Gujwa-eup) | Yes (ticketed) | Difficult | Year-round |
| Mangjangpo Port | Seogwipo (Namwon-eup) | Yes | Difficult | Late afternoon |
| Dodubong | Jeju City | Yes | Yes | Year-round |
Welcome to Samdal-ri is a highly Jeju-focused K-drama, with filming locations spread across the island from the airport area to the Seongsan coast. For travelers who want to experience a quieter, more local side of Jeju beyond the main tourist spots, these locations offer a good starting point.
Sources and Notes
This guide was compiled using official tourism pages and travel media coverage. Filming location details may vary by source, so some locations are described as "associated with" or "listed by" rather than definitively confirmed.
- Visit Jeju — Welcome to Samdal-ri Filming Location Guide — Official Jeju tourism filming location overview (15 locations)
- Visit Korea — Jeju Island Featured in Welcome to Samdal-ri — Official Korea Tourism Organization guide including Gwaneumsa and Secret Forest
- Kpopmap — Welcome to Samdal-ri Filming Locations — Dodubong and additional filming location details
Travel information such as admission fees, opening hours, and public transport schedules may change. Please check Google Maps, Naver Map, and official tourism pages before visiting. Several filming locations are in or near working residential communities — please be respectful of local residents during your visit.
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