[Features-reporter] How 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' captures the beauty of Jeju

Sung-jin, you recently were on Jeju Island to explore and cover a number of stories for us.

We have a Jeju theme going on this week, yesterday we had a very interesting talk about Jeju's culture with Professor David Tizzard, Sung-jin, you recently reported on the inscription of the Jeju uprising in UNESCO records, and today's topic is closely linked to the drama that's been the buzz these days.

Right, so I saw that you guys already talked about Jeju and the meaning of "Pokssak Sogatsuda" on the show yesterday, but today I want to go a bit deeper to talk about the show itself and why it resonates with so many viewers in and outside of the country.

This line from the last episode of the Korean drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" captures one of the underlying meanings of the series, 'living life.'

The story of a young couple on Jeju island and how their life progresses through many ups and downs caught many sniffling throughout the episodes of this heartwarming story.

"Across generations, these stories and the lines from the characters were very relatable in talking about life and values because it revolves around family."

Such storylines have resonated with viewers from around the world as the show topped Netflix's global non-English show chart.

"And so people who are Koreans a lot of people are concerned you know, it's so Korean. I'm not sure that the rest of the world can really appreciate it.There's so many things that are peculiar to Korea. No, the theme is so universal. The fact that there are Korean themes involved is part of the fascination and the interest for me as a Westerner."

The series' Korean title uses a phrase from Jeju dialect, "Pokssak Sogatsuda" which translates to "you've worked hard."

The drama portrays glimpses of the beautiful scenery of Jeju island as a background to key events in their life.

The characters grow up on Jeju's rocky shores in the 1950s, and these scenes were filmed around Gimnyeong beach where haenyeo or female divers can often be seen, a symbol of Jeju Island.

They fall in love in the warm bright canola fields in the 1960s, another endearing sight on the island during April and May.

The characters take part in a writing contest at the Jeju-mok Government Office, capturing the history of Jeju.

And other scenes show off the island's natural beauty.

“This site right here was one of the places where scenes from the drama were filmed. You can also get a glimpse of the traditional houses that represent Jeju Island.”

The local government is developing programs so that tourists can visit these locations easily.

"Through hosting drama filming locations and investing more in these programs, we hope to further invigorate Jeju's content and tourism business."

So for those who haven't had a chance yet to catch up with the series, why not give it a look to enjoy the beauty of Jeju.

So, Sungjin, what was your favorite part of "When Life Gives You Tangerines"?

And Sung-jin you were in Jeju island yourself to cover this report.

Is there anything memorable that you could tell us from the journey?

Absolutely Walter!

So to talk a bit about the stories behind the scenes, as an avid fan of the Netflix series I found it fascinating to compare the scenes with the actual settings.

Though it turns out that a lot of the background was set up, it felt like I was a part of the drama. Fun times!

And apart from the places that you went to and introduced in your article, what other places in Jeju are worth a visit?

Well, it briefly shows up in the beginning of my article with the canola flowers, but or Sunrise Peak is well-known for its volcanic crater on the top of the hike.

It is a well-known photo spot for a lot of visitors to Jeju.

Obviously can't miss out on the Hallasan Mountain or the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall as well.

Great recommendations, especially just ahead of the holidays.Thank you for your coverage Sung-jin.

My pleasure as always.