The vast majority of K-dramas focus on the hustle and bustle of big cities, but some of the best stories are set in smaller locales. Whether it’s a gripping mystery or an unforgettable K-drama romance, series that take place in small towns, tight-knit villages, and idyllic islands provide a sense of intimacy that lends itself to a cozy, comforting watch.
Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest K-drama tropes involves a cosmopolitan character — sometimes called a Seoulite for their urban habits — being suddenly thrust into a rural setting. Once they get past the initial animosity and culture shock, it becomes clear that small-town stories offer something invaluable that cityscapes struggle to capture: community (and, notably, the heartwarming process of fostering it).
Key Insights
- K-drama settings: Many K-dramas are set in small towns and villages, providing a cozy viewing experience.
- Character dynamics: Urban characters often face culture shock when moving to rural areas.
- Community themes: Small-town narratives emphasize the importance of community and connection.
- Storytelling depth: These settings allow for intimate and relatable storytelling.
My Liberation Notes
2022
My Liberation Notes moves like molasses, which makes it an immensely divisive slice-of-life K-drama. While some viewers think the slow-burn format is simply too slow, others praise how grounded the characters are. Each member of the main cast has their own quirks, but they come together to form a delightfully mundane crew of siblings and one mysterious outsider.
When the main characters aren’t making an exhausting commute to Seoul for work, they’re learning to appreciate life in their hometown — and all the seemingly boring perks that come with it once time offers a little perspective.
The Potato Lab
2025
There are countless K-dramas about workplace romances, but a niche subgroup has emerged in recent years: female protagonists with culinary skills falling for their boss. From Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’s historical fantasy to Business Proposal’s tongue-in-cheek melodrama, each title occupies its own niche. For 2025’s The Potato Lab, its major selling point is its countryside setting.
The male lead is clearly out of his depth, treading gravel roads in three-piece suits and a semi-permanent scowl. The female lead, in stark contrast, is a perpetually informal researcher with a surprising degree of devotion to potatoes. Though the premise sounds somewhat pedestrian, The Potato Lab has hidden depth that unravels throughout its feel-good romance.
Behind Your Touch
2023
Behind Your Touch takes captivating sci-fi K-drama elements and blends them with a gripping small-town mystery. Bong Ye-bun (Han Ji-min) was born with the power of psychometry — the ability to read objects and living things through the power of touch— and, up until the start of the series, has used her supernatural powers to treat local livestock.
When detective Moon Jang-yeol (Lee Min-ki) is transferred from Seoul to Ye-bun’s hometown of Mujin, he begrudgingly takes on a developing serial killer investigation. After a series of misunderstandings, Ye-bun joins the case as a fantastical consultant, using her powers to glean valuable information regarding the true killer.
100 Days My Prince
2018
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