

Tale of Arang
- Cast entries
- 17
- Episodes
- 20
- Locations
- 4
- Food stops
- Not available for this drama
Synopsis
A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.
Tale of Arang is a Korean sci-fi fantasy drama.
Why Tale of Arang stands out in the fantasy genre
Tale of Arang brings a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy that can be quite captivating. At the heart of the drama is the intriguing character of Arang, played beautifully by Shin Min-a. Her role as a wandering spirit with unfinished business draws viewers into a world where the lines between life and death blur. Lee Joon-gi, who portrays Kim Eun Oh, complements her performance with a charm and depth that make their scenes electric. Their chemistry is palpable and drives much of the plot's emotional weight.
The show’s premise is fascinating, navigating themes of loss, justice, and the afterlife. It doesn't just rely on the typical tropes of fantasy; instead, it crafts an engaging narrative that often keeps you guessing. Kim Eun Oh's determination to uncover the truth about Arang’s death creates a compelling central tension that invites the audience to ponder deeper questions about fate and the choices we make. With characters like the enigmatic Yama, played by Park Jun-gyu, the series adds layers that elevate the storyline beyond mere romantic entanglements.
One of the aspects I found particularly appealing is the show’s atmosphere. The cinematography captures the eerie beauty of the supernatural elements. However, there are moments when the pacing can feel uneven. Some subplots drag on longer than necessary, which might test the patience of viewers looking for consistent momentum. Yet, for those who enjoy a mix of haunting visuals and emotional storytelling, this drama delivers.
The supporting cast, including Han Jung-soo as Mu-young and Yeon Woo-jin as Joo-wal, enriches the experience, even if they don't get as much screen time. Their performances add depth and texture to the story, making it a richly layered viewing experience.
With a vote average of 6.3 out of 10, the series may not have won over every critic, but it holds a special place for fans of the fantasy genre. It's a drama that asks you to consider the complexities of life and death, all while wrapped up in compelling character arcs and supernatural intrigue.
This drama is perfect for viewers who appreciate a blend of the mystical and the emotional. If you enjoy stories where the stakes involve both earthly desires and ethereal consequences, Tale of Arang deserves a spot on your watchlist. It’s a series that, while not flawless, offers enough charm and depth to linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll.
Final verdict: a unique blend of fantasy and mystery worth a watch
Tale of Arang, while not universally acclaimed, holding a modest TMDB score of 6.3, offers a captivating narrative of mystery and intrigue that might just resonate with fans of the genre. With 20 episodes to explore, the series, featuring Lee Joon-gi as Kim Eun Oh and Shin Min-a as the ethereal Arang, weaves together elements of fantasy and the supernatural in a tale that unfolds in a village haunted by ghosts.
What works here is the chemistry between the leads, particularly in how they navigate the themes of love, loss, and the unresolved mysteries of the afterlife. Lee Joon-gi delivers a compelling performance, effortlessly balancing humor and seriousness, while Shin Min-a portrays her character with an endearing vulnerability. The supporting cast, including Han Jung-soo as Mu-young, adds depth, creating an intriguing backdrop for the main storyline.
However, the pacing can feel uneven at times, and certain plot points may come off as predictable, which could deter viewers looking for something consistently groundbreaking. Still, for those who appreciate a good blend of fantasy with emotional storytelling, this drama is worth a shot. Fans of Lee Joon-gi's work will definitely find themselves enchanted.
In the end, while it's not perfect, the blend of romance and supernatural intrigue in Tale of Arang lingers in the mind, making it a decent choice for a weekend binge, especially for those who enjoy melodrama with a twist.
Filming locations
Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.
- 01
Banya Temple
반야사104 Samjeon-gil, Gayagok-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do충남 논산시 가야곡면 삼전길 104Banya Temple is a unique temple built in an old limestone mine, featuring a mysterious cave hall. It has been used as a filming location for dramas such as 'Arang and the Magistrate'.
In particular, the cave temple established in 2017 is located in a site developed as a limestone mine during the Japanese colonial period, preserving the appearance from when the mine was closed, which creates a unique atmosphere. Thanks to these characteristics, it has also been used as a filming location for dramas such as 'Ma-ui', 'Joseon Gunman', and 'Arang and the Magistrate'.richcat.tistory.com - 02
Byeokchoji Arboretum
벽초지 수목원242 Buhung-ro, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do경기 파주시 광탄면 부흥로 242Byeokchoji Arboretum is a popular filming location for various dramas and movies, making it a great spot for family outings, especially during the spring flower festival.
Byeokchoji Arboretum is a great filming location for spring flower trips in May, especially to visit with children. It has been featured in many dramas, variety shows, commercials, and movies, so you might find some familiar spots.blog.naver.com - 03
Palgong Mountain Gabbawi
팔공산갓바위229 Gatbawi-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, South KoreaPalgong Mountain Gabbawi is known for granting one wish if prayed for sincerely. It is a must-visit spot in Gyeongsan.
Palgongsan is a high mountain located north of Gyeongsan City, with an elevation of 1,192.3 meters. During the Silla period, it was known as Jungak and Buak, and it is a famous mountain. This area is home to many ancient Silla temples and cultural heritage sites, including the Gwanbong Seokjo Yeorae Jwasang (Gatbawi), Wonhyo Temple, Cheonseong Temple, and Bulguk Temple.maruseason.tistory.com - 04
Bangokji
반곡지246 Bankok-ri, Namsan-myeon, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do경북 경산시 남산면 반곡리 246Bangokji is a picturesque green spot ideal for photography, featuring a serene rural atmosphere and a tree tunnel. It is known for being a filming location for the drama 'Tale of Arang'. / Ban-gokji is a serene rural area known for its beautiful willow trees and is a popular spot for photography, featured in dramas like 'Tale of Arang'.
In March 2011, it was selected as a "Photo-Friendly Green Spot" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and in October 2013, it was also chosen as one of the "Top 30 Local Resources in Our Village" by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. It is also famous as a filming location for dramas such as "Arang and the Magistrate" and "The King's Dream," as well as the movie "Huh Sam-gwan."ygkgyou.tistory.com
More to explore
Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.
Production
Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.
- Directors
- Jung Dae-yoon정대윤Kim Sang-hoKang Sook강숙
- Writers
- Jung Yoon-jung
Source: TMDB
Cast & characters
Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.
Kim Eun OhLee Joon-gi이준기
Arang / Lee Seo RimShin Min-a신민아
Mu-youngHan Jung-soo한정수
Bang-woolHwang Bo-ra황보라
Jade EmperorYoo Seung-ho유승호
Joo-walYeon Woo-jin연우진
Ye BangMin Sung-wook민성욱
YamaPark Jun-gyu박준규
Lee BangKim Kwang-kyu김광규
Dol-sweKwon Oh-joong권오중
Lord ChoiKim Yong-geon김용건
Kim Seo Bang [Servant]Song Jae-ryong송재룡
Source: TMDB
Lead actors
Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Lee Joon-gias Kim Eun Oh
Lee Joon-gi is a prominent South Korean actor, singer, and dancer, born on April 17, 1982. He first gained significant attention for his leading role as a clown in the critically acclaimed film The King and the Clown in 2005. This breakthrough performance not only showcased his acting prowess but also paved the way for his subsequent success in the romantic comedy My Girl, which aired from 2005 to 2006. Over the years, Lee has expanded his repertoire by taking on diverse roles in various genres, including historical dramas and action thrillers. He is well-known for his performances in popular series such as Iljimae (2008), Two Weeks (2013), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), Lawless Lawyer (2018), and Flower of Evil (2020). His impressive body of work has garnered him a loyal fanbase both in South Korea and internationally, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the Hallyu wave.

Shin Min-aas Arang / Lee Seo Rim
Shin Min-a, born Yang Min-a on April 5, 1984, is a celebrated South Korean actress and model. She grew up in Seongnam, South Korea, as the second daughter in a family of five. Her journey into the entertainment industry began in middle school when a photo taken during a school picnic led to her selection as a model for the teen magazine KiKi. This early exposure opened doors for her, and she soon transitioned into commercials and music videos. Making her acting debut in 2001 with the SBS drama "A Beautiful Days" and the film "Volcano High," Shin quickly captivated audiences with her talent. Her breakout role came in the 2005 gangster film "A Bittersweet Life," where her character, Hee-soo, showcased a blend of innocence and maturity. Over the years, she has taken on a diverse array of roles in various genres, including the martial-arts comedy "My Mighty Princess" and the nostalgic film "Go Go 70s." More recently, she has starred in popular television dramas such as "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" and "Our Blues," further solidifying her status as a leading actress in the industry. In addition to her acting career, Shin Min-a has ventured into music and fashion, notably collaborating with the alternative band Loveholic and Calvin Klein for the project "Miracle Blue." Her multifaceted talents continue to resonate with audiences, making her one of the most prominent figures in South Korean entertainment today.


Hwang Bo-raas Bang-wool
Hwang Bo-ra is a talented South Korean actress known for her dynamic performances across film and television. She was born on October 2, 1983, and made her acting debut in 2003. Hwang gained significant attention when she appeared as the quirky "cup noodle girl" in a popular ramen commercial during the mid-2000s, which helped propel her into the spotlight. Her breakthrough in film came in 2007 with her role in the black comedy "Skeletons in the Closet," where she won Best New Actress awards at the Busan Film Critics Awards and the Director's Cut Awards. Since then, Hwang has taken on various supporting and leading roles in numerous popular dramas and movies, including "Love Rain" (2012), "Arang and the Magistrate" (2012), "Cunning Single Lady" (2014), and "Ms. Temper & Nam Jung Gi" (2016). With her engaging acting style and diverse roles, Hwang Bo-ra continues to be a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Yoo Seung-hoas Jade Emperor
Yoo Seung-ho is a prominent South Korean actor, recognized for his extensive work in film and television. Born on August 17, 1993, in Incheon, he began his career at just seven years old, initially appearing in commercials. His breakthrough role came in 2002 with the film "The Way Home," which catapulted him to fame and earned him the affectionate title of "Korea's Younger Brother." Over the years, Yoo has showcased his talent in a variety of roles, solidifying his status as a leading actor. His notable works include popular dramas such as "Queen Seon Deok," "Master of Study," and "I Am Not a Robot." After a brief hiatus during his mandatory military service, he returned to the screen in 2015 with the drama "Remember" and the film "The Magician." Yoo Seung-ho continues to captivate audiences with his performances, demonstrating versatility and depth in his portrayals across genres.
Where to watch
Availability is grouped by country and provider type.
U-NEXT
Channel K Amazon Channel
FOD
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
wavve
Rakuten Viki
OnDemandKorea
Kocowa Amazon Channel
Kocowa
Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.
Episodes
Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.
Ep 1Episode 12012-08-15 · 65 min
Ep 2Episode 22012-08-16 · 65 min
Ep 3Episode 32012-08-22 · 65 min
Ep 4Episode 42012-08-23 · 65 min
Ep 5Episode 52012-08-29 · 65 min
Ep 6Episode 62012-08-30 · 65 min
Ep 7Episode 72012-09-05 · 65 min
Ep 8Episode 82012-09-06 · 65 min
Ep 9Episode 92012-09-12 · 65 min
Ep 10Episode 102012-09-13 · 65 min
Ep 11Episode 112012-09-19 · 65 min
Ep 12Episode 122012-09-20 · 65 min
Ep 13Episode 132012-09-26 · 65 min
Ep 14Episode 142012-09-27 · 65 min
Ep 15Episode 152012-10-03 · 65 min
Ep 16Episode 162012-10-04 · 65 min
Ep 17Episode 172012-10-10 · 65 min
Ep 18Episode 182012-10-11 · 65 min
Ep 19Episode 192012-10-17 · 65 min
Ep 20Episode 202012-10-18 · 65 min
Source: TMDB
Videos
Trailers, OST, interviews, making clips, reviews, and recommendations.
Trailers & teasers
OST
Interviews & making-of
Reviews & recommendations
Source: YouTube
Gallery
Posters, backdrops, and stills from the drama.
Source: TMDB
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Source: TMDB












