My Lovely Sam Soon
Drama guideEnded

My Lovely Sam Soon

내 이름은 김삼순

"Shall we pretend to be dating?"

Air date: 2005-06-01
Episodes: 16 ep
Network: MBC
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Cast entries
21
Episodes
16
Locations
5
Food stops
1
Story

Synopsis

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

"My Lovely Sam Soon" follows the life of Kim Sam Soon, an ordinary woman in her thirties who aspires to find love with a perfect man. After a painful breakup on Christmas Eve, she unexpectedly meets Hyun Jin Heon, the charming yet prickly owner of a French restaurant, and starts working as a pâtissière there.

Their relationship begins with a fake romance proposed due to family pressures, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt moments. As they navigate their evolving feelings, the arrival of Hyun Jin Heon's first love adds complexity to their budding romance. This romantic comedy, beloved for its relatable themes and strong character, showcases the resilience of Sam Soon as she confronts life's challenges with honesty and determination.

Filming locations

Filming locations

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

  1. 01

    Paradise Hotel Jeju

    파라다이스호텔 제주
    228-13 Chilsipri-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 서귀포시 칠십리로 228-13

    The hotel is featured in the drama as the family hotel of the male lead's family, known as Jin-heon's family hotel.

    The drama "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" was filmed at the Paradise Hotel Jeju.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    Club Espresso

    클럽 에스프레소
    132 Changui-mun-ro, Jongno-gu, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul서울 종로구 창의문로 132

    This cafe is a representative spot in Buam-dong, known for its rich coffee flavors and cozy atmosphere. It was featured in the drama, making it a must-visit for fans.

    The place that cannot be missed for a date in Buam-dong is Club Espresso. This café, which opened in 1990, is a well-established coffee spot representing Buam-dong. It has been a beloved landmark for a long time and has also appeared in dramas.
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03

    Mugyeongwon

    무계원
    Changui-mun-ro 5ga-gil 2, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea서울 종로구 창의문로5가길 2

    This unique space, converted from a traditional Joseon-era inn, offers a serene atmosphere and cultural exhibitions. It adds a special touch to the Buam-dong experience.

    If you walk a little further, you'll come across a unique space called Mugye-won. This place was transformed from Ojinam, a Joseon Dynasty tavern (a high-end bar), into a cultural heritage site, and it currently hosts various traditional cultural exhibitions.
    blog.naver.com
  4. 04

    Daechi-dong Restaurant

    대치동 레스토랑
    31, Dogok-ro 99-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea서울 강남구 도곡로99길 31

    This location is featured as a restaurant where significant interactions take place between the characters.

    My name is Kim Sam-soon, filming location Daechi-dong restaurant.
    blog.naver.com
  5. 05

    Hallasan Baengnokdam

    한라산 백록담
    San 1-1, Seohong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 서귀포시 서홍동 산 1-1

    In the drama, Sam-sun climbs Hallasan to find Sam-sik, and a memorable scene occurs when she decides to change her name at Baengnokdam. / This mountain is featured in a significant scene where Sam-soon climbs to sort out her feelings.

    My name comes from the filming location in Kim Sam-soon, which is Hallasan Baengnokdam. (At the summit) Sam-sik goes to Jeju Island to find Sam-soon and climbs to the top of Hallasan. Then, when Sam-soon says she wants to change her name towards Baengnokdam, suddenly, like a prince on a white horse, he appears and says, "Who said so?" making all the women in the country flutter with excitement!
    blog.naver.com
Food guide

Food & places

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

  1. 01Restaurant

    Namsan Donkatsu

    Pork Cutlet
    23 Sofa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea서울 중구 소파로 23

    This restaurant is known for its delicious pork cutlet, which was enjoyed by the characters in the drama. It is a popular spot for visitors exploring the area.

    The last meal of this exploration was set to be lunch at #NamsanDonkatsu.
    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
60 min
Spoken languages
Korean
Production companies
  • MBCMBC
  • MBC C&IMBC C&I
Creators
Kim Yun-cheol
Directors
Kim Yun-cheol
Writers
Kim Do-woo

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.

Kim Seon-a

Kim Seon-aas Kim Sam Sun

김선아
1975-10-01 · Daegu, South Korea

Kim Sun-a is a prominent South Korean actress, born on October 1, 1973. She gained widespread recognition for her iconic role as Kim Sam-soon in the beloved television series "My Lovely Sam Soon" (2005), which remains a significant milestone in her career. Her performance in this romantic comedy not only showcased her impressive acting skills but also endeared her to audiences, establishing her as a household name. Throughout her career, Kim Sun-a has starred in several notable dramas, further solidifying her status in the industry. Her roles in series such as "City Hall" (2009), "Scent of a Woman" (2011), and "The Lady in Dignity" (2017) highlight her versatility as an actress. More recently, she has captivated viewers in "Should We Kiss First?" (2018), "Children of Nobody" (2018), and "Secret Boutique" (2019). With a career spanning nearly two decades, Kim continues to be a significant figure in South Korean entertainment, known for her depth and charm on screen.

Hyun Bin

Hyun Binas Hyun Jin Heon

현빈
1982-09-25 · Seoul, South Korea

Hyun Bin, born Kim Tae-pyung on September 25, 1982, is a prominent South Korean actor celebrated for his diverse roles in both film and television. He first gained widespread recognition in 2005 with the romantic comedy "My Lovely Sam Soon," which established him as a leading figure in the industry. Hyun Bin's career expanded significantly with his performances in popular television series such as "Secret Garden" (2010–2011), "Memories of the Alhambra" (2018–2019), and the blockbuster "Crash Landing on You" (2019–2020). In addition to his television success, Hyun Bin has made a mark in the film industry with notable works like "The Fatal Encounter" (2014), "Confidential Assignment" (2017), and its sequel released in 2022, as well as "The Swindlers" (2017). His talent has not gone unrecognized; he won the Grand Prize for Television at the 47th Baeksang Arts Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Actor in 2025. Furthermore, he was named Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year in 2011, reflecting his enduring popularity and influence in South Korean entertainment.

Notable credits on this site
Jung Ryeo-won

Jung Ryeo-wonas Yoo Hui Jin

정려원
1981-01-21 · Seoul, South Korea

Jung Ryeo-won is a Korean-Australian actress who has made a significant mark in the South Korean entertainment industry. She began her career as a singer, debuting in the girl group Chakra, which was active from 2000 until 2006. Following the disbandment of the group, Jung transitioned to acting and quickly gained recognition for her role in the hit television series My Name Is Kim Sam-soon in 2005. Over the years, Jung has showcased her versatility across various genres, earning acclaim for her performances in films and dramas. Notable works include Two Faces of My Girlfriend (2007), Castaway on the Moon (2009), and television series such as History of a Salaryman (2012) and Wok of Love (2018). More recently, she appeared in the legal drama May It Please the Court (2022), further solidifying her status as a talented actress in the competitive landscape of Korean entertainment.

Daniel Henney

Daniel Henneyas Dr. Henry Kim

다니엘 헤니
1979-11-28 · Carson City, Michigan, USA

Daniel Henney is an American actor and model born on November 28, 1979, in Carson City, Michigan. He is the son of a Korean adoptee mother and an American father of Irish descent. Henney began his modeling career in 2001, working in major fashion capitals like Milan, Paris, Hong Kong, and Taiwan while pursuing his studies. His breakthrough in acting came in South Korea with the popular drama "My Lovely Sam Soon" in 2005, where he portrayed Dr. Henry Kim, a role that garnered him significant attention despite his initial lack of proficiency in Korean. Following his success in television, Henney starred in the film "Seducing Mr. Perfect" and received acclaim for his performance in "My Father," a poignant story about an adopted son reconnecting with his roots, which earned him multiple awards in South Korea. He made his Hollywood debut as Agent Zero in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" in 2009, further establishing his presence in international cinema. Henney has since appeared in various TV series, including "Three Rivers," "Hawaii Five-0," and "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders," showcasing his versatility as an actor. Most recently, he plays Lan Mandragoran in the acclaimed adaptation of "The Wheel of Time," solidifying his status as a prominent figure in both Korean and American entertainment.

Streaming

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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. Life is like Bonbon au Chocolat, a box full of chocolate
    Ep 1Life is like Bonbon au Chocolat, a box full of chocolate
    2005-06-01 · 57 min

    Sam Soon is suspicious of her boyfriend cheating on her and sees him at a hotel with a woman on Christmas Eve.

  2. Should we try dating?
    Ep 2Should we try dating?
    2005-06-02 · 57 min

    Sam Soon starts working at Jin Heon's restaurant, and the staff at the restaurant throws her a welcome party.

  3. Please teach me how to
    Ep 3Please teach me how to
    2005-06-08 · 59 min

    Jin Heon asks Sam Soon to pretend they're dating and says it's because they'll never fall for each other.

  4. Oh we are on break right now
    Ep 4Oh we are on break right now
    2005-06-09 · 60 min

    A woman comes to the restaurant and smiles upon seeing Hee Jin's name tag because they have the same name.

  5. Love is childish
    Ep 5Love is childish
    2005-06-15 · 61 min

    Sam Soon takes Jin Heon home and spends the night at Jin Heon's place because Jin Heon won't let her go home.

  6. Calories of kisses, calories of love
    Ep 6Calories of kisses, calories of love
    2005-06-16 · 58 min

    Hyun Woo, Sam Soon's ex-boyfriend, asks Sam Soon to make him a cake for his engagement, making her enraged.

  7. Madeline, in search of lost time
    Ep 7Madeline, in search of lost time
    2005-06-22 · 60 min

    At the banquet, Jin Heon acts jealous of Hyun Woo. Hyun Woo tells Sam Soon never to see Jin Heon again.

  8. Dad, why is it hard for me to fall in love?
    Ep 8Dad, why is it hard for me to fall in love?
    2005-06-23 · 60 min

    Sam Soon worries as Jin Heon doesn't contact her. She desperately waits for him to send her a message.

  9. Are my truthful feelings a Joke?
    Ep 9Are my truthful feelings a Joke?
    2005-06-29 · 59 min

    Chairwoman Na brings Sam Soon to his son and daughter-in-law's memorial service. She plans on using her.

  10. My name is Kim Hee Jin
    Ep 10My name is Kim Hee Jin
    2005-06-30 · 57 min

    Jin Heon misses having Sam Soon around and tries to bring her back to his restaurant with a raise.

  11. What are you doing?
    Ep 11What are you doing?
    2005-07-06 · 59 min

    Jin Heon and Hyun Woo fight over Sam Soon. Jin Heon tells her not to leave him, but she refuses.

  12. So what? I am only 30 years old!
    Ep 12So what? I am only 30 years old!
    2005-07-07 · 58 min

    Jin Heon says he can't stop thinking about her and hugs her. Sam Soon cries in joy and hugs him back.

  13. The way to break up with her..
    Ep 13The way to break up with her..
    2005-07-13 · 60 min

    Jin Heon proposes changing the contract term to a hundred years. Sam Soon laughs off his suggestion.

  14. The basics of dating
    Ep 14The basics of dating
    2005-07-14 · 59 min

    Jin Heon tells Hee Jin he likes Sam Soon. Also, Chairwoman Na learns about his contract with Sam Soon.

  15. The old-fashioned rules of falling in love
    Ep 15The old-fashioned rules of falling in love
    2005-07-20 · 66 min

    Sam Soon finds Jin Heon and Hee Jin together and gets very mad. She pushes him away when he tries to explain.

  16. Let's love like we've never been hurt before
    Ep 16Let's love like we've never been hurt before
    2005-07-21 · 62 min

    Sam Soon gets mad at Jin Heon for returning late but eventually accepts him back, and they are happy together.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

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

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Source: YouTube