Season 1 Plot
After a scandal shakes her world, a hot shot photographer takes an unexpected detour from the demanding life in Seoul and makes a spontaneous return to her long-avoided Jeju Island hometown.
Welcome to Samdal-ri Season 1 aired on December 2nd, 2023.
Season 1 Episodes
1. Tears of the Dragon
After harshly rebuking her assistant, Jo Samdal becomes embroiled in a scandal and faces severe blowback — forcing her to return to her hometown.
2. The Soulmates' History
While moping over her career downfall, Samdal awkwardly encounters Jo Yongpil. She later runs into him again — where she must come to his rescue.
3. Like Wild Birds, Soaring, Dreaming, Descending
Samdal avoids being seen in public as more people find out about her arrival. But she overhears a hurtful conversation, causing her to break down.
4. The Rotten Apple of My Eye
As the townspeople talk, Samdal sets the record straight to her community. Ashamed by the truth, Samdal lies to Yongpil about her love life.
5. I See You
As Yongpil shows concern for Samdal, she confronts him about his insistence. When a reporter shows up to Samdal's town, her friends go to bat for her.
6. "The Dreams" by Jo Yongpil
Yongpil finds competition in Bu Sangdo for Samdal's love. Samdal finds out about Park Eunjoo's scheme and heads to Seoul to find out the truth.
7. Breaking Up, With Love
Sangdo confronts Yongpil about their shared feelings for Samdal. Samdal's mother begins to suspect something is happening between Samdal and Yongpil.
8. The Bracken Rain of Jeju
Go Mija experiences a frightening moment during a dive amid lingering health problems. After much encouragement, Samdal enters a photo competition.
9. The Story of the Two Mijas
As Mija's condition remains dire, Samdal learns she's been unaware about her mother's health — and that Yongpil's been more present than she'd known.
10. The Variables We Couldn't Predict
After a drunken night, Samdal agonizes over a tender moment with Yongpil. But they soon are forced to take a trip around Jeju for the photo contest.
11. What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger
A man from Jo Jindal's past angers her family with an ill-advised announcement. Samdal continues to agonize over her feelings toward Yongpil.
12. Welcome Home
Samdal worries about her mother's perception as her relationship with Yongpil's grows. After uploading a video of Samdal, Eunjoo comes to Samdal-ri.
13. That Damn One-sided Love
Just as Yongpil and Samdal get closer, his father harshly rebukes them. Amid the tension, Mija finally stands up for herself — and the past.
14. When Your Tears Dry Out
After becoming official, Samdal and Yongpil go off on a shoot — but they're joined by guests. Samdal later attempts to win over Yongpil's father.
15. It Takes a Village to Raise a Dragon
Eunjoo plants a story about Samdal, complicating her role in the photo contest. But Samdal's community bands together to aid in her exhibition.
16. Welcome to Samdal-ri
As Eunjoo's lies catch up to her, Samdal hosts her exhibition. She later finds out about Yongpil's secret dream — and his hesitation about pursuing it.