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 Sam-dal 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, Sam-dal awkwardly encounters Jo Yong-pil. She later runs into him again — where she must come to his rescue.
3. Like Wild Birds, Soaring, Dreaming, Descending
Sam-dal 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, Sam-dal sets the record straight to her community. Ashamed by the truth, Sam-dal lies to Yong-pil about her love life.
5. I See You
As Yong-pil shows concern for Sam-dal, she confronts him about his insistence. When a reporter shows up to Sam-dal's town, her friends go to bat for her.
6. "The Dreams" by Jo Yong-pil
Yong-pil finds competition in Bu Sang-do for Sam-dal's love. Sam-dal finds out about Park Eun-joo's scheme and heads to Seoul to find out the truth.
7. Breaking Up, With Love
Sang-do confronts Yong-pil about their shared feelings for Sam-dal. Sam-dal's mother begins to suspect something is happening between Sam-dal and Yong-pil.
8. The Bracken Rain of Jeju
Go Mi-ja experiences a frightening moment during a dive amid lingering health problems. After much encouragement, Sam-dal enters a photo competition.
9. The Story of the Two Mi-jas
As Mi-ja's condition remains dire, Sam-dal learns she's been unaware about her mother's health — and that Yong-pil's been more present than she'd known.
10. The Variables We Couldn't Predict
After a drunken night, Sam-dal agonizes over a tender moment with Yong-pil. 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 Jin-dal's past angers her family with an ill-advised announcement. Sam-dal continues to agonize over her feelings toward Yong-pil.
12. Welcome Home
Sam-dal worries about her mother's perception as her relationship with Yong-pil's grows. After uploading a video of Sam-dal, Eun-joo comes to Samdal-ri.
13. That Damn One-sided Love
Just as Yong-pil and Sam-dal get closer, his father harshly rebukes them. Amid the tension, Mi-ja finally stands up for herself — and the past.
14. When Your Tears Dry Out
After becoming official, Sam-dal and Yong-pil go off on a shoot — but they're joined by guests. Sam-dal later attempts to win over Yong-pil's father.
15. It Takes a Village to Raise a Dragon
Eun-joo plants a story about Sam-dal, complicating her role in the photo contest. But Sam-dal's community bands together to aid in her exhibition.
16. Welcome to Samdal-ri
As Eun-joo's lies catch up to her, Sam-dal hosts her exhibition. She later finds out about Yong-pil's secret dream — and his hesitation about pursuing it.
