Cover From high-stakes wilderness rescues to quiet agrarian escapes, these nature K-dramas prove that South Korea’s most captivating stories often unfold far beyond the pavement (Photo: IMDb)
From high-stakes wilderness rescues to quiet agrarian escapes, these nature K-dramas prove that South Korea’s most captivating stories often unfold far beyond the pavement (Photo: IMDb)
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Step into South Korea’s varied landscapes with nature-focused K-dramas that showcase mountains, islands and farmland
If you've watched enough K-dramas, you’ve probably noticed that not every unforgettable story unfolds in the busy streets of Seoul. Some of the most memorable series swap skyscrapers and city lights for rugged mountains, peaceful fishing villages, rolling countryside and breathtaking coastlines. For nature lovers, these dramas offer the perfect excuse to explore South Korea’s stunning landscapes without leaving the sofa.
Whether it’s a suspenseful rescue mission deep inside a national park, the quiet charm of life in a rural village or heartfelt stories set by the sea, these K-dramas make the scenery feel like a character in its own right. Along the way, they showcase South Korea’s diverse landscapes, local traditions and slower pace of life, making them an ideal watch for anyone who loves both compelling storytelling and the great outdoors.
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‘Jirisan’ (2021)
Above High above the clouds, elite park rangers race against time and extreme weather to solve a deadly mountain mystery
Set against the expansive terrain of Mount Jiri National Park, this mystery thriller centers on the professional duties and personal struggles of park rangers working at the Haedong Branch. The narrative follows veteran ranger Seo Yi-kang, who possesses an unmatched knowledge of the park’s geography, and Kang Hyun-jo, a military academy graduate hiding a dark secret about his ability to foresee deaths on the mountain. Together, they navigate severe weather conditions, perilous rescue missions and a mysterious series of murders occurring across the peaks.
The main cast features Jun Ji-hyun as Seo Yi-kang, Ju Ji-hoon as Kang Hyun-jo, Sung Dong-il as branch head Jo Dae-jin, and Oh Jung-se as senior ranger Jung Goo-young. Filmed on location at Jirisan National Park, the production showcases steep ridges, dense forests and seasonal transitions. Viewers can stream the series internationally on iQIYI and Rakuten Viki, with regional availability on Netflix.
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‘Search’ (2020)
Above Deep within the fog of the Demilitarized Zone, a specialized unit faces a terrifying threat lurking in the wild
Combining military suspense with survival elements, Search takes place entirely within the uninhabited, heavily forested Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea. The story begins when a series of unexpected deaths occur under strange circumstances, prompting military command to form a specialized search team. Conscripted military dog handler Yong Dong-jin and elite officer Son Ye-rim join forces within the dense wilderness to track an elusive, non-human threat while managing geopolitical tensions.
Jang Dong-yoon stars as sergeant Yong Dong-jin, alongside Krystal Jung as lieutenant Son Ye-rim. Yoon Park and Lee Hyun-wook round out the cast as team leaders Son Min-ik and Lee Joon-jae. The production relies heavily on outdoor filming locations to depict the untamed terrain of the border region. The series is available for streaming on Rakuten Viki and iQIYI.
‘Welcome to Samdal-ri’ (2023)
Above Swept by ocean breezes and volcanic coasts, a burnt-out photographer finds her way back home on Jeju Island
Focusing on coastal environment and island climate, Welcome to Samdal-ri centers on the life of Cho Sam-dal, a successful fashion photographer in Seoul whose career abruptly collapses. Forced to return to her hometown on Jeju Island, she re-connects with her childhood friend Cho Yong-pil, a dedicated local meteorologist who chose his career after his mother, a female diver, died due to an inaccurate weather forecast.
Shin Hye-sun portrays Cho Sam-dal, while Ji Chang-wook plays Cho Yong-pil. The supporting cast features Kim Mi-kyung as the leader of the local divers and Yu Oh-seong as Yong-pil’s father. Filmed across various coastal and rural areas of Jeju, the visual design highlights volcanic geography, open ocean waters and traditional diving culture. The show streams globally on Netflix and locally on TVING.
‘Summer Strike’ (2022)
Above Leaving city life behind with just one backpack, a young woman discovers the healing power of slow, rural days
Summer Strike addresses burnout through a narrative focused on voluntary rural isolation. Lee Yeo-reum, a young woman overwhelmed by urban work culture and personal tragedy, resigns from her job in Seoul and moves to Angok, a small seaside village, carrying only a single backpack. She rents an abandoned local building and spends her days exploring the countryside, eventually forming a quiet bond with Ahn Dae-beom, an exceptionally intelligent yet introverted village librarian who harbors his own traumatic past.
Kim Seol-hyun plays Lee Yeo-reum, and Im Si-wan stars as Ahn Dae-beom. The cast also includes Shin Eun-soo as high school student Kim Bom. Filmed in picturesque coastal locations including Namhae and Gurye, the series highlights quiet beaches, village paths and rural architecture. Viewers can stream the series on Netflix, Rakuten Viki and Viu.
‘When the Weather is Fine’ (2020)
Above Set against snow-draped countryside hills, a quiet village bookstore becomes a haven for two lonely souls
Set against the quiet winter scenery of a small countryside village called Bukyeon, this drama follows Mok Hae-won, a cellist who grows disillusioned with life in Seoul and decides to stay in her childhood hometown for the season. There, she re-connects with Im Eun-seob, an old classmate who runs a small independent bookstore called Goodnight Bookstore.The story moves at a deliberate pace, detailing how daily routines, reading clubs and countryside walks foster healing for both characters.
Park Min-young stars as Mok Hae-won, opposite Seo Kang-joon as Im Eun-seob. Lee Jae-wook, Kim Hwan-hee and Moon Jeong-hee appear in supporting roles. The visual focus remains on snow-covered mountain trails, rural homes and seasonal changes across the Gangwon Province countryside. The drama is available for streaming on Rakuten Viki, Netflix and iQIYI.
Bonus: ‘Little Forest’ (2018)
Above From planting crops to cooking seasonal feasts, one woman reconnects with the earth and the rhythms of nature
Although released as a feature film rather than a multi-episode broadcast, Little Forest is a primary example of nature-focused Korean media. Based on the original manga, the narrative follows Hye-won, a young woman who leaves her difficult city life in Seoul to return to her rural childhood home. Over the course of four full seasons, she grows her own crops, prepares seasonal dishes using fresh agricultural ingredients and reconnects with childhood friends who have chosen their own paths in the countryside.
Kim Tae-ri plays the lead role of Hye-won, joined by Ryu Jun-yeol as her friend Jae-ha and Jin Ki-joo as Eun-sook, with Moon So-ri appearing as her mother. Filmed in a real village in North Gyeongsang Province across a full calendar year to accurately capture authentic farming routines and environmental shifts, the film offers a realistic look at modern agrarian life. The title is available to stream on Netflix, Prime Video and Apple TV.
Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
