Welcome to Samdal-ri is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama television series that aired on JTBC from December 2, 2023, to January 21, 2024. It was written by Kwon Hye-joo, directed by Cha Young-hoon, and stars Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun.
The story follows Cho Yong-pil and Cho Sam-dal, childhood friends on Jeju Island. After his mother, a haenyeo (traditional female diver), drowns because of a mistaken weather report, Yong-pil becomes a weather forecaster to protect the island’s elders — a choice that earns him a reputation as a stubborn troublemaker. Meanwhile, Sam-dal moves to Seoul and becomes a successful fashion photographer under the name Cho Eun-hye, until her career collapses and she returns to her hometown, where she reconnects with Yong-pil.
Quick Facts
| Title | Welcome to Samdal-ri |
| Release Date | December 2, 2023 – January 21, 2024 |
| Network | JTBC (also on TVING and Netflix in select regions) |
| Director | Cha Young-hoon |
| Writer | Kwon Hye-joo |
| Cast | Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hye-sun |
| Genre | Romantic comedy, drama |
| Where to Watch | Netflix (select regions) |
Welcome to Samdal-ri Soundtrack List
The OST rolled out in parts across the show’s run, led by SEVENTEEN’s DK:
- Part 1: “Short Hair” – DK, released December 3, 2023. It’s a remake of a 1980 hit of the same name by veteran singer Cho Yong-pil — the same name shared by Ji Chang-wook’s character.
- Part 2: “Beautiful Day” – Gemini
- Part 3: “Dream” – Taeyeon
- Part 4: “Reunion” – Shin Seung-hun
- Part 5: “In My Heart” – Bumjin
- Part 6: “Good Person” – Kim Na-young
- Part 7: “Song of the Sea” – LeeZe
- Part 8: “Dance” – dori
A special compilation, released February 2, 2024, also remastered ten previously released Cho Yong-pil songs used throughout the series.
Who Sang the Welcome to Samdal-ri OST?
DK (real name Lee Seok-min), is a South Korean singer under Pledis Entertainment and a member of the boy group SEVENTEEN’s Vocal Team. He is also the leader of the group’s special sub-unit BSS, alongside members Hoshi and Seungkwan.
DK released the teaser for “Short Hair” on December 1, 2023, ahead of the full single dropping two days later as OST Part 1.
Related: Love Like a K-Drama Soundtrack
Official Trailer
Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun share easy chemistry as the leads, playing both the teenage and adult versions of a couple pulled apart and back together. Ji Chang-wook stars as Cho Yong-pil, known for prior roles in Lovestruck in the City, Suspicious Partner, The Sound of Magic, Backstreet Rookie, and The K2. Shin Hye-sun plays Cho Sam-dal, who works under the stage name Cho Eun-hye.
The supporting cast includes Kim Mi-kyung, Seo Hyun-chul, Shin Dong-mi, Kang Mi-na, Kim Do-eun, and Yu Oh-seong. The series aired on JTBC every Saturday and Sunday at 22:30 KST, and was also available on TVING in South Korea and on Netflix in select regions internationally.
Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun were confirmed to lead the cast on June 19, 2023. The show wrapped its 16-episode run on January 21, 2024, with its finale drawing the highest ratings of the entire series — a 12.4% nationwide audience share. The drama was well received on its way out, later landing on the South China Morning Post’s list of the 15 best K-dramas of 2024, and picking up several award nominations for its OST and cast performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sings the Welcome to Samdal-ri OST?
SEVENTEEN’s DK sings “Short Hair,” the OST’s Part 1 single, released December 3, 2023. Later parts feature artists including Gemini, Taeyeon, Shin Seung-hun, and others.
Is DK really the leader of BSS?
Yes. DK (Dokyeom) is the leader of SEVENTEEN’s three-member sub-unit BSS, alongside Hoshi and Seungkwan.
Is “Short Hair” an original song?
No, it’s a remake. The original “Short Hair” was a 1980 hit for veteran Korean singer Cho Yong-pil — whose name the drama’s male lead character shares.
How many episodes does Welcome to Samdal-ri have, and how does it end?
The series ran 16 episodes from December 2, 2023, to January 21, 2024, ending with a happy reunion for its two leads. The finale drew the highest ratings of the show’s run.
Where can I watch Welcome to Samdal-ri?
It aired on JTBC in South Korea and is also available on TVING and on Netflix in select regions internationally.
Related reading: browse more K-drama coverage on our TV soundtrack hub, or see what else is streaming on Netflix.