Was When Life Gives You Tangerines actually shot on Jeju Island? Filming locations of the breakthrough K-drama, explored

Netflix's K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines is all the hype on the internet right now, and the show is being praised for its simplicity and aesthetic.

The K-drama follows the emotional love story between Oh Ae-sun (IU) and Ywan Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) through the different stages of their life.

The show is set against the backdrop of 1950s Jeju Island, which acts as another character and adds to Ae-sun and Gwan-sik's alluring love story. The show also depicts the Haenyo culture of the 1950s, where female divers would take plunges in the ocean and collect seafood for their families.

While the show is primarily set in Jeju, it was not filmed entirely on the island. The exterior shots of the ocean and seashore were shot on Jeju Island. Since the area has been developed and no longer has the traditional touch needed for the story, the interiors were shot at a set built in Andong.

Here are some iconic filming locations from When Life Gives You Tangerines.

Which parts of When Life Gives You Tangerines were shot on Jeju Island?

While Jeju Island is the primary setting of When Life Gives You Tangerines, only some exterior locations were actually shot on the Island.

Most importantly, coastal and seaside scenes were shot at Gimnyeong Beach, Jeju Island. They are the lifeline and the main visual aid of the K-drama, which was actually shot on the island.

The opening shot, where Ae-sun calls out for her mother, and later when the haenyo (female divers) gather together along the sea, were filmed on Jeju Island. In addition, the writing contest was also shot at Jeju Mogkwana.

Another important location, shown in passing, is the Haenyo Museum in Jeju Island. While When Life Gives You Tangerines only offers a passing glimpse, it is an iconic cultural location that depicts one of the most important occupations of the country since ancient times.

The museum was built to honour the determination, confidence, and resilience of all haenyo women, including Ae-sun's mother and her community in the K-drama.

Exploring other filming locations of When Life Gives You Tangerines

While Jeju Island was actually used to shoot exterior scenes of the ocean, the team built a set replicating 1950s Jeju in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. It was chosen for its open space and preserved atmosphere.

When Life Gives You Tangerines' Pan Entertainment company worked with many construction workers to construct the fictional village of Dodong-ri on a 33000 square meter set. The set was built keeping in mind the 1950s Jeju, with over 80 thatched houses, stone walls, and a recreational port.

Another iconic location for the K-drama is the Canola Flower field, where Ae-sun and Gwan-sik share their first kiss. This beautiful scene was shot in Borinara Hagwon Farm, Gochang.

While Jeju is also famous for its springtime canola blooms, this scene was shot in Gochang. The rows and columns of yellow, vibrant flowers are in their full glory from March to May, making it a popular site for Spring travellers.

The most iconic scene from When Life You Tangerines, which even became viral on social media, was when Gwan-sik swam the ocean to be reunited with Ae-sun. Their Breakwater Reunion was not shot on Jeju, but in Jangheung, Jeollanam-do.

The rainy and freezing temperatures of this slow city were perfect for creating the intensity and warmth needed in this scene. Park Bo-gum performed the whole scene without CGI, actually swimming across the whole ocean like his character Gwan-sik.

Lastly, the emotional scene of Geum-myeong’s wedding was shot at Gyesan Cathedral, Daegu. This century-old cathedral was the perfect location to capture the essence of this love story and depict the scene's emotional intensity.

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Also Read: This hidden tribute to the real-life couple whose love story inspired When Life Gives You Tangerines

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