Cheongdam Dong Alice
Drama guideEnded

Cheongdam Dong Alice

청담동 앨리스
Air date: 2012-12-01
Episodes: 16 ep
Network: SBS
Rating: 6.4 / 10
Cast entries
21
Episodes
16
Locations
4
Food stops
3
Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

"Cheongdam Dong Alice" follows the journey of Han Se-kyung, a young woman known for her optimistic outlook on life. Her guiding principle is that effort will lead her to success, a belief she actively applies as she competes in various design contests. Ultimately, her hard work pays off when she secures a position at a clothing company. However, her dreams of designing are quickly overshadowed by the mundane tasks she is assigned, which mainly involve errands and chores rather than the creative work she aspires to do.

Complicating her situation further is the presence of the wife of a high-ranking employee at the company. This woman, who is a former classmate of Se-kyung, humiliates her despite their past where Se-kyung outperformed her academically. This unexpected encounter forces Se-kyung to reflect on her life choices and the obstacles she faces in her pursuit of a fulfilling career. The series captures the essence of a romantic comedy as it explores themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating the complexities of the workplace. With a blend of humor and heart, "Cheongdam Dong Alice" offers a relatable narrative for anyone striving to find their place in a competitive world.

Why Cheongdam Dong Alice resonates with dreamers

Cheongdam Dong Alice delivers an engaging mix of humor and heartfelt moments, making it a memorable addition to the comedy-drama genre. At its core, the show captures the trials of ambition through the character of Han Se-kyung, played by the talented Moon Geun-young. Se-kyung's optimistic belief that hard work leads to success is a sentiment many can relate to, especially in today’s competitive landscape. Her journey to find fulfillment in the fashion industry, only to find herself stuck with menial tasks, echoes the frustrations of countless young professionals.

The show’s central tension lies in Se-kyung’s struggle to assert her creativity amidst a corporate environment that stifles it. She faces humiliation from a former classmate, Seo Yoon-joo, portrayed by So I-hyeon, who embodies the cutthroat reality of success in the fashion world. This rivalry adds depth to the narrative, creating a palpable tension that keeps viewers invested. Se-kyung's journey of self-discovery is a relatable thread that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt sidelined in their career aspirations.

Park Si-hoo, as Cha Seung-jo, adds another layer to the drama, providing both comic relief and romantic interest. His chemistry with Moon Geun-young is delightful, lightening the mood without detracting from the more serious themes. The series balances comedy with moments of introspection, allowing the audience to both chuckle and reflect.

While Cheongdam Dong Alice might not be groundbreaking, it shines in its depiction of relatable struggles. The character dynamics and the quirky situations Se-kyung finds herself in offer plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, while also prompting deeper thoughts about ambition and personal growth. This drama will particularly appeal to viewers who appreciate character-driven stories laden with humor and a touch of romance. It’s perfect for those looking for a light yet meaningful escape from their daily lives, where they can root for an underdog navigating through the ups and downs of adulthood.

Despite its average TMDB rating of 6.4, the show manages to create a charming atmosphere that keeps you engaged, thanks in part to its vibrant cast and relatable story arcs. In the end, Cheongdam Dong Alice is a feel-good reminder that while the path to success may be fraught with challenges, the journey is often what shapes us the most.

Final verdict: a light watch for fans of romantic comedies

Cheongdam Dong Alice doesn't break new ground, but it offers a pleasant escape for those who appreciate a feel-good story. Han Se-kyung, played by Moon Geun-young, embodies optimism, and her journey through a competitive design world is both relatable and charming. You'll find plenty of laughs and moments of frustration as she tackles the mundane tasks at her new job, which are far from the creative pursuits she dreams of.

What stands out is the dynamic with Seo Yoon-joo, portrayed by So I-hyeon, whose past rivalry with Se-kyung adds a layer of tension and humor. The series effectively captures the struggles of ambition and self-discovery, especially in a workplace fraught with challenges. However, the show’s pacing can sometimes feel sluggish, and the resolution may not satisfy viewers hoping for a deeper exploration of its themes.

With a solid 16 episodes and a decent TMDB rating of 6.4/10, it’s perfect for light binge-watching when you're in the mood for something easygoing. Anyone who enjoys romantic comedies will likely find some enjoyment here, but if you’re looking for something with more depth or intensity, you might want to skip this one. It lingers in your mind mostly for its warm, comedic moments and the optimistic spirit of its lead character.

Filming locations

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

  1. 01

    Jeju Maison Glad Hotel

    제주 메종 글래드 호텔
    80 Noyeon-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 제주시 노연로 80

    The hotel features a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for relaxation while keeping an eye on children. It also offers various amenities and services for guests.

    At the Jeju Maison Glad Hotel, the basic bathroom amenities were diverse. If you want to enjoy romance while traveling, you can receive a flower basket, wine, and cake through room service at this place.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    Bunker de Lumiere Jeju

    벙커 드 뤼미에르 제주
    89-17 Seoseongil-ro 1168beon-gil, Seongsan-eup, 특별자치도, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea

    This venue hosts exhibitions featuring beautiful Klimt paintings, providing a unique cultural experience.

    There was also an exhibition package where you could see beautiful Klimt paintings up close at Bunker de Lumière Jeju!
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03

    Yuni Stella

    유니 스텔라
    45 Seolleung-ro 146-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea서울 강남구 선릉로146길 45

    This nail shop in Cheongdam-dong is known for its spring-themed nail lacquers.

    Instead of getting caught up in worries about past mistakes, create a list of things you enjoy and practice one of them each day to cultivate the habit of finding happiness in welcoming spring.
    blog.naver.com
  4. 04

    Park Hyatt Seoul

    파크 하얏트 서울
    Teheran-ro 606 → Gangnam-gu → Seoul → Seoul서울 강남구 테헤란로 606

    The hotel features a stunning city view that the author enjoys, especially from the comfort of a recliner.

    You must choose the city view room type at Park Hyatt Seoul.
    blog.naver.com
Food guide

Food & places

Restaurants, cafes, markets, and dishes tied to the drama or the reader's visit path.

  1. 01Restaurant

    Bunsik House

    Gimbap, Ramen
    27 Gaeunsa-gil, Anam-dong 5(o)-ga, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea

    Yujin goes to a nearby snack shop for lunch, wanting to eat quietly alone. She orders a roll of kimbap and ramen.

    During lunchtime, Yujin headed to a nearby snack shop. She wanted to eat quietly by herself. After ordering a roll of kimbap and ramen and sitting down, she heard a familiar voice from behind.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02Restaurant

    Tamtam

    91 Hannam-daero, Yongsan-gu, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul서울 용산구 한남대로 91

    The article highlights Tamtam, a restaurant famous for its spicy rice noodles.

    Ddam Ddam's pho cannot fail, especially since it comes out very quickly.
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03Restaurant

    Cheongdam Schedule

    37 Seolleung-ro 152-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea서울 강남구 선릉로152길 37

    The article mentions enjoying kimchi fried rice at Cheongdam Schedule.

    In Cheongdam, I had Kim Bok-bap and salad! I added an egg, and it exceeded the allocated amount of yolks for the day, haha.
    blog.naver.com
Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Episode runtime
65 min
Spoken languages
Korean
Creators
Kim Young-hyun
Sang-yeon Park박상연
Directors
Jo Soo-won조수원
Writers
Kim Ji-woon

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Moon Geun-young

Moon Geun-youngas Han Se-kyung

문근영
1987-05-06 · Gwangju, South Korea

Moon Geun-young, born on May 6, 1987, in Gwangju, South Korea, is a renowned actress and model, often affectionately referred to as the "Nation's Little Sister." She began her modeling career at the age of 10 and quickly transitioned to acting, making her debut in 1999. Her breakthrough role came in 2000 with the popular drama series Autumn in My Heart, where she portrayed the young Eun-suh, capturing the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Moon achieved critical acclaim with her role in the horror film A Tale of Two Sisters in 2003, which solidified her reputation as a talented actress. She continued to enjoy success in both film and television, starring in notable works such as My Little Bride (2004) and Innocent Steps (2005). Her performances have earned her multiple awards, including a Grand Prize at the SBS Drama Awards for Painter of the Wind in 2008, making her the youngest recipient of this honor. Recently, she has starred in dramas like Mary Stayed Out All Night and Cheongdam-dong Alice, showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal in the industry.

So I-hyeon

So I-hyeonas Seo Yoon-joo

소이현
1984-08-28 · Jeonju, North Jeolla, South Korea
Kim Ji-seok

Kim Ji-seokas Tommy Hong

김지석
1981-04-21 · Seoul, South Korea

Kim Ji-seok, born Kim Bo-seok, is a talented South Korean actor known for his diverse roles in film and television. He started his career as a rapper in the boyband LEO, showcasing his musical talents before transitioning to acting. Since then, he has captivated audiences with his performances across various genres, earning recognition for his ability to bring depth to his characters. Throughout his career, Kim Ji-seok has appeared in numerous popular dramas and films, establishing himself as a versatile performer in the highly competitive South Korean entertainment industry. His dedication to his craft and his engaging screen presence have made him a beloved figure among fans. As he continues to evolve as an actor, Kim Ji-seok remains a prominent name in the world of K-drama and cinema.

Kim Seung-su

Kim Seung-suas Shin Min-hyuk

김승수
1973-07-25 · Seoul, South Korea
Streaming

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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. Episode 1
    Ep 1Episode 1
    2012-12-01 · 68 min

    Cha Seung-jo, French name Jan Thierry Cha, is the youngest Korean president of a famous luxury brand called Artemis. He believes that women go after luxury brands because of their high prices. His strategy for management is to raise the price of products to achieve increased sales. Han Se-kyung is a person who tries her best in getting everything and lives by the motto of “Self-achievement generated from hard working”. Though she studies design, because of her family’s financial problem, she doesn’t have the opportunity to study design abroad. And for this reason, not having any abroad studying experiences, she is often rejected by job interviewers. After three years, surprisingly, she is offered a job as a temporary worker at a clothes designing company called GN Fashion. She doesn’t become a designer in the company; she becomes an errand girl for the head lady. When she is delivering some bags once, she bumps into Cha Seung-jo’s car.

  2. Episode 2
    Ep 2Episode 2
    2012-12-02 · 69 min

    When Han Se-kyung is about to quit her job, her team leader tells her that the reason she can’t become a designer is that she doesn’t have the taste for fashion, leading her to reconsider her decision. Han Se-kyung’s best friend, Choi Ah-jung, helps her to find out the life of Seo Yoon-joo in order to know how to become a “Cheongdam-dong daughter-in-law”. She finds out that Seo Yoon-joo actually is called Cha Yoon-joo when she has lived in France because she has married a man there. Han Se-kyung guessed from this information and the words of Shin Min-hyuk, who is the president of GN Fashion, that she is accepted specially by Seo Yoon-joo.

  3. Episode 3
    Ep 3Episode 3
    2012-12-08 · 70 min

    Seo Yoon-joo asks her brother, Seo Ho-min, to stalk Han Se-kyung secretly. From the pictures taken by Seo Ho-min of Han Se-kyung, she sees Cha Seung-jo is in it. On the other hand, Cha Seung-jo’s doctor/best friend, Heo Dong-wook, says Cha Seung-jo cannot control his emotions mentally, he can never cry. Secretary moon finds Seo In-chan’s location; he is at his mom’s funeral at the time. Cha Seung-jo happens to witness the scene and he orders the company not to go after So In-chan anymore. Instead, he sends flowers to the funeral house to express his sorrow for his mother. Under the warning of his father that someone is secretly taking pictures of him, he catches Seo Ho-min and warns him not ever to do it again. Cha Seung-jo also moves to the same neighborhood where Seo Yoon-joo is living.

  4. Episode 4
    Ep 4Episode 4
    2012-12-09 · 69 min

    Seo Yoon-joo tells Han Se-kyung that in order to go into Cheongdam–dong , she must find herself a “time rabbit” (a person who can introduce her into the upper class circle of Cheongdam-dong). Tommy Hong, the most popular domestic designer in Cheongdam-dong, is the perfect fit for being the “time rabbit”. So Han Se-kyung then decides to part time work at the restaurant where Tommy Hong usually goes to in order to catch his attention. Meanwhile, Cha Seung-jo, full of tears, tells Heo Dong-wook what he has seen about Han Se-kyung. Heo Dong-wook tells Cha Seung-jo that he thinks he might like Han Se-kyung. Back when Seo Yoon-joo has wounded Cha Seung-jo deeply by leaving him, he changes. He tries to find a way that true love exist, that it does not need to be only maintained through money. Han Se-kyung’s actions makes him believes that love truly does exists, proving that his thoughts are right. He then recommends Han Se-kyung to Tommy Hong.

  5. Episode 5
    Ep 5Episode 5
    2012-12-15 · 69 min

    Han Se-kyung is not willing to give up her “time rabbit” after what has happened at the ball. She goes to Tommy Hong to reason with him. But instead, Tommy Hong sees her desire, what she wants in her heart. Seo Yoon-joo goes to see Tommy Hong; she learns that the person who he is trying to pair up with her husband’s sister, Shin In-hwa, is actually Cha Seung-jo.

  6. Episode 6
    Ep 6Episode 6
    2012-12-16 · 71 min

    Han Se-kyung’s best friend, Choi Ah-jung, accidentally sees her diary on how to get into Cheongdam-dong, and Han Se-kyung then confesses to her on what she is planning to do. Choi Ah-jung helps Han Se-kyung to look into Cha Seung-jo, at that time they know as Secretary Jin. Han Se-kyung got suspicious of Cha Seung-jo when Choi Ah-jung tells her that there is no one called Secretary Jin at all in Artemis. Han Se-kyung then asks Cha Seung-jo fiercely on whom he actually is. Under this moment of pressure, Cha Seung-jo makes a lame excuse that he is actually the President’s personal “shadow ninja”.

  7. Episode 7
    Ep 7Episode 7
    2012-12-22 · 67 min

    Han Se-kyung calls Seo In-joo and asks her the answer of the first danger among the three she must encounter if she wants to go into Cheongdam-dong. Seo Yoon-joo replies that it is love. When Han Se-kyung returns home, she sees that her parents are chasing after her sister, Han Se-jin. Han Se kyung learns that her parents want her sister to quit school for a while and help out their shop. At first, Han Se-jin does not want to, but after Han Se-kyung promise to buy her a new bag, she agrees to do it.

  8. Episode 8
    Ep 8Episode 8
    2012-12-23 · 73 min

    When meeting up with Cha ll-nam again, Seo Yoon-joo advises him to stop the planned marriage. Now at the party, after battling with his own will, he finally gains the courage and goes into the party. He is ready to indirectly confess to Han Se-kyung in his opening speech. But what he does not know is that Han Se-kyung has left the party because of her shock of the news.

  9. Episode 9
    Ep 9Episode 9
    2013-01-05 · 71 min

    Han Se-kyung and Seo Yoon-joo find that they have more in common than they have thought. Cha Seung-jo is determined to hold on to his future this time. Tommy Hong plots for his own gain.

  10. Episode 10
    Ep 10Episode 10
    2013-01-06 · 69 min

    Cha Seung-jo and Han Se-kyung are finally together, but will it last? Seo Yoon-joo comes clean about her past to Se-kyung and prompt her to make a choice. Tommy Hong and Shin In-hwa face an obstacle.

  11. Episode 11
    Ep 11Episode 11
    2013-01-12 · 69 min

    Cha Seung-jo and Han Se-kyung are facing opposition from all sides. Shin In-hwa is suspicious and is determined to get to the bottom of this. Tommy Hong shifts his priorities.

  12. Episode 12
    Ep 12Episode 12
    2013-01-13 · 70 min

    Shin In-hwa discovers a shocking truth and is struggling to keep it hidden. Han Se-kyung stays strong and deals with Cha Seung-jo and her family differences. Cha Il-nam is changing his outlook.

  13. Episode 13
    Ep 13Episode 13
    2013-01-19 · 67 min

    Tommy Hong and Seo Yoon-joo temporarily stop a disaster. Shin In-hwa reveals the truth to Cha Il-nam but is met with an unexpected request.

  14. Episode 14
    Ep 14Episode 14
    2013-01-20 · 69 min

    The stakes are raised when Cha Seung-jo discovers the truth, and Han Se-kyung must do all it takes to prevent him from self-destructing.

  15. Episode 15
    Ep 15Episode 15
    2013-01-26 · 67 min

    Han Se-kyung confronts Cha Seung-jo for his actions. Cha Seung-jo struggles to understand. Seo Yoon-joo is at peace with her faith and devises a plan.

  16. Episode 16
    Ep 16Episode 16
    2013-01-27 · 70 min

    Seo Yoon-joo makes a decision and is at peace with it. Cha Seung-jo faces reality. Han Se-kyung stops dreaming and lives on with her own life. We find out how everything ends.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

Trailers, OST, interviews, making clips, reviews, and recommendations.

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube

Discovery

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Source: TMDB