How 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' captures the beauty of Jeju

South Korean Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines", known as "Pokssak Sogatsuda" in Korean has become a hit both at home and abroad.

What's so special about it?

Ahn Sung-jin tells us.

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.

"The theme is so universal. In fact that there are Korean themes involved is part of the fascination and interest for me as a Westerner. That show makes me feel like I'm there. I feel like a part of their life, and I feel like I'm experiencing what it's like to be in Korea during the stretch of time. I think it's absolutely universal."

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 Je주'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.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.