What is Love
Drama guideEnded

What is Love

花是愛
Air date: 2012-07-20
Episodes: 16 ep
Network: TTV Main Channel
Rating: 8.0 / 10
Cast entries
20
Episodes
16
Locations
4
Food stops
2
Story

Synopsis

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

What is Love is a Taiwanese romantic drama that explores the ambitions and love stories surrounding marriage. It follows a charming playboy who initially pursues a pure-hearted woman for fun but gradually finds himself deeply entranced by her, leading to a sweet yet complicated love affair.

Why What is Love remains a memorable exploration of romance

What is Love is a Taiwanese romantic drama that, at its core, wrestles with the complexities of love and ambition surrounding marriage. The story centers on a playboy who initially approaches a pure-hearted woman with a light-hearted attitude, only to find himself unexpectedly drawn to her. This twist sets the stage for both humor and heartfelt moments, generating a narrative that resonates with anyone who's navigated the sometimes murky waters of romance.

One of the series' strengths lies in its engaging character dynamics. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making their relationship evolution interesting. The playboy's character arc, from a carefree flirt to someone genuinely moved by love, is relatable and well-executed. The supporting cast, including characters played by Duncan Chow and Hsia Yu-chiao, adds depth to the storyline, illuminating different facets of love and relationships. Their presence enriches the narrative, providing both comedic relief and poignant reflections on the nature of commitment.

The show's setting also plays a significant role in amplifying the romantic atmosphere. Although the filming locations aren't specified, the Taiwanese backdrop, combined with appealing cinematography, creates an engaging visual experience. The series captures the essence of contemporary romance while subtly invoking traditional values associated with marriage. It isn’t just about finding love; it’s about understanding what love means in the context of one's life ambitions.

Food doesn't take center stage in the drama itself, but the way characters bond over meals, especially breakfast scenes like those at M Burger, resonates with anyone who knows the importance of sharing food in relationships. The personal anecdotes about preferences, like the narrator's fondness for B Burger, inject a relatable charm that reinforces the everyday experiences that form the bedrock of romantic connections.

What is Love masterfully blends comedy and drama in a manner that both entertains and reflects real life. Viewers who enjoy light-hearted yet thought-provoking explorations of romance will likely find this series appealing. It captures the essence of love's unpredictability and the growth that often comes with it, making it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a thoughtful romantic comedy.

Exploring Romantic Seoul through Filming Locations in What is Love

Walking through the lively streets of Seoul, you might stumble upon a scene that feels straight out of a romantic drama, perhaps it’s the soft glow of the Seoul Museum of Craft Art illuminating the night sky. This beautiful spot, featured in episode 8, captures a heart-fluttering moment between characters played by Lee Jun Hyuk and Han Ji Min. The museum’s stunning facade and inviting ambiance make it a perfect backdrop for love tales, both on-screen and off.

Just a short jaunt away, you can immerse yourself in history at Hwaseong Haenggung in Suwon. This majestic palace grounds have been a witness to stories of royalty and intrigue, serving as a filming location for the legendary drama Dae Jang Geum. Roaming its expansive lawns, you’ll feel the echoes of the past, and if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of local performances that bring history to life.

If you’re craving a slice of peace, head to Wolhwawon Garden. Located in Paju, this site features a stunning traditional Chinese garden design, making it an appealing spot for fans of fantasy historical dramas. The meticulous landscaping and calm atmosphere are perfect for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to soak in the beauty of nature while reflecting on the sweet yet complicated love stories portrayed in this drama.

After soaking in all that culture, it’s time to enjoy some delicious bites. A quick stop at B Burger in Seongsu-dong lets you taste a local favorite. The narrator has a soft spot for this place, preferring its offerings over M Burger. Grab a bite here and join the locals in enjoying the popular W menu; it’s a casual yet satisfying experience that blends perfectly with the love stories swirling around you.

As you wrap up your day, consider visiting Sunshine Land to experience the nostalgic vibes of the early 1900s. The elegant streets and classic architecture create an atmosphere that feels like stepping into another era. You can almost envision the romantic escapades of characters as they wander through these captivating lanes.

Each of these locations tells a piece of a story, transforming your exploration into a real-life version of the sweet, complicated love affairs depicted in the series. Whether you’re a devoted fan of the show or simply someone looking to lose yourself in the romance of Seoul, these corners hold something unique for everyone who visits.

Where to find the burgers in this drama

When it comes to food spots in What is Love, we find ourselves indulging in burgers rather than traditional Taiwanese fare. The series features two noteworthy burger joints that add a slice of everyday life to its romantic escapades.

First up is M Burger, located at B Concourse, MDW Terminal, 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60629, USA. This spot is mentioned in a scene where the characters enjoy their breakfast discussing their lives and preferences. The narrator reveals a fondness for the McMorning meals here, which adds a layer of relatable choice to the character's morning routine. But, more than just a mention, M Burger sets the stage for key interactions that reflect the characters' personalities and relationships.

On the other hand, there's B Burger at 322-20 2층, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. In one scene, the narrator expresses a clear preference for B Burger over M Burger, particularly favoring its W menu. This preference serves as an interesting detail that not only showcases individual taste but also subtly hints at the evolving nature of the character's relationships. Eating at B Burger becomes more than just grabbing a meal; it's a way to connect with the emotions and dynamics unfolding on screen.

Both burger joints offer a slice of life that resonates with viewers, grounding the romantic drama in relatable experiences. Whether characters are enjoying breakfast from M Burger or opting for the comfort of B Burger, these choices add depth to the narrative, making the world of What is Love feel genuine and accessible.

Final verdict: a charming watch for rom-com enthusiasts

One of the standout moments in What is Love occurs when the playboy, played by Duncan Chow, finds himself entranced by Jade Chou's pure-hearted character. This initial pursuit for fun morphs into a sweet yet complicated romance, a theme that resonates with viewers and keeps you glued to the screen.

The series, which enjoys a solid vote average of 8.0/10, blends comedy and drama effortlessly. Its exploration of love and marriage ambitions connects well with audiences, particularly those who enjoy a good rom-com. The dynamics between the characters are well-crafted, leading to moments that are both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply emotional. You can't help but root for these characters as they navigate the complexities of their relationships.

However, the pacing occasionally feels uneven, especially in the mid-section, where some subplots meander a bit too long. That said, for fans of the genre, this drama offers enough charm and an engaging storyline to make the minor flaws forgivable. With 16 episodes to binge, it’s an easy watch for a weekend. If you’re a sucker for romantic tales with a touch of whimsy, you might just find What is Love to be a worthy addition to your viewing list.

Filming locations

Filming locations

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

  1. 01S1E8

    Seoul Museum of Craft Art

    서울공예박물관
    Yulgok-ro 3-gil 4, Jongno-gu, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul서울 종로구 율곡로3길 4

    This location features a heart-fluttering scene between the characters played by Lee Jun Hyuk and Han Ji Min. The museum looks especially beautiful at night.

    This is the Seoul Craft Museum. The stone wall is the low stone wall located across from it at the Open Songhyeon Green Plaza. The craft museum is great for gifting goods, and it is especially beautiful at night.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    Hwaseong Haenggung

    화성행궁
    Jeongjo-ro 825, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do경기 수원시 팔달구 정조로 825

    A must-visit destination and filming location for the world-famous drama Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace). Explore the majestic palace grounds where royal stories unfolded.

    A must-visit destination and filming location for the world-famous drama Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace). Explore the majestic palace grounds where royal stories unfolded.
    Suwon Filming Location Tour — Become the Main...
  3. 03

    Wolhwawon Garden

    월화원
    95 Hwanggol-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do경기 파주시 황골로 95

    This hidden gem features a traditional Chinese garden design, making it popular for fantasy historical dramas.

    This hidden gem features a traditional Chinese garden design, making it popular for fantasy historical dramas.
    Suwon Filming Location Tour — Become the Main...
  4. 04

    Sunshine Land

    선샤인 랜드
    102 Bonghwang-ro, Yeonmu-eup, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do충남 논산시 연무읍 봉황로 102

    This place recreates the early 1900s with its elegant streets and classic architecture, where many scenes from the drama ‘Mr. Sunshine’ were filmed.

    A must-visit place for all ‘Mr. Sunshine’ fans! Experience the Korean Empire era and 1950s retro vibes all in one place! Welcome to Sunshine Land in Nonsan!
    Guide Must-Visit ‘Mr. Sunshine’ Filming Location
Food guide

Food & places

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

  1. 01Restaurant

    M Burger

    burger
    B Concourse, MDW Terminal, 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60629, USA

    The narrator mentions visiting M Burger for breakfast, highlighting a preference for B Burger instead. The family enjoys McMorning meals from there.

    I went to M Burger House in the morning. I have said it many times, but personally, I prefer B Burger House over M Burger House.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02Restaurant

    B Burger

    burger
    South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, 322-20 2층

    The narrator expresses a personal preference for B Burger over M Burger, indicating a fondness for the W menu.

    I have said it many times, but personally, I prefer B Burger over M Burger. Among them, I like the W menu.
    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
Taiwan
Original language
Chinese
Episode runtime
90 min
Spoken languages
Mandarin
Production companies
  • Bethel Production Company
Creators
Huang Wan Bo
Writers
Jane Qi
Xinhui Lin

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.

Jade Chou

Jade Chouas Lee Yi-Hua

1977-06-10 · Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Duncan Chow

Duncan Chowas Chang Shao-Chien

周群達
1978-09-19 · Hong Kong, British Crown Colony [now China]

Duncan Chow, born Duncan Lai on September 19, 1978, is a Hong Kong-born actor who has gained significant popularity in Taiwan. Before embarking on his acting career, he was a professional windsurfer and worked as a fashion model, showcasing his versatility and charisma in various fields. Chow made his transition into acting in 2001, and his breakthrough came in 2004 with the Taiwanese film "Formula 17." This comedy, which explores themes of homosexuality, helped establish him as a notable figure in the entertainment industry. With his unique background and talent, Duncan Chow continues to captivate audiences with his performances.

Hsia Yu-chiao

Hsia Yu-chiaoas Wu Hsiao-Lu

夏于喬
1984-08-24 · Taipei, Taiwan

Hsia Yu-chiao, also known as Kimi Hsia, is a talented Taiwanese actress and television host, born on August 24, 1984. She has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, particularly through her engaging presence on television. Hsia is best recognized for her work as a host on popular variety shows, including "Delicious Food All Over the World" and "Stylish Man – The Chef," which air on SET Metro. Her charisma and ability to connect with audiences have contributed significantly to her success in these roles. In addition to her hosting career, Hsia has also established herself as a film actress, showcasing her versatility and talent across different mediums.

Andrew Tan

Andrew Tanas Yen Tzu-Lin

1984-06-04 · Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. Ep 1Only Love That Comes Naturally Is True Love
    2012-07-20 · 90 min
  2. Ep 2Let's Talk About A Low-Calorie, Burden-Free Love
    2012-07-27 · 90 min
  3. Ep 3Love Is A War; The First To Fall In Love, Loses
    2012-08-10 · 90 min
  4. Ep 4Love, Sometimes Makes Your Heart Ache
    2012-08-17 · 90 min
  5. Ep 5If You Don't Intend To Love Me For A Long Time, Then Don't Say 'I Love You'
    2012-08-24 · 90 min
  6. Ep 6Give Us A Chance To Fall In Love With Each Other
    2012-08-31 · 90 min
  7. Ep 7What To Do... I Think I've Fallen In Love With You
    2012-09-07 · 90 min
  8. Ep 8This Time, Let's Love Each Other With Forever As A Premise
    2012-09-14 · 90 min
  9. Ep 9Wanting To Become A Better Person For Him, Maybe That's What Love Is
    2012-09-21 · 90 min
  10. Ep 10Is There Really No Chance For Us?
    2012-09-28 · 90 min
  11. Ep 11I Just Want To Be By Your Side, Even If Only As A Friend
    2012-10-05 · 90 min
  12. Ep 12Do You Really Not Know That The Person He Wants To Spend His Life With Is You?
    2012-10-12 · 90 min
  13. Ep 13I'll Give Him The Happiness He Deserves
    2012-10-19 · 90 min
  14. Ep 14Sometimes Love Can Be Very Simple
    2012-10-26 · 90 min
  15. Ep 15No Matter What Happens Later, I Won't Regret Having Loved This Much
    2012-11-02 · 90 min
  16. Ep 16Will You Still Want To Spend The Rest Of Your Life With Me?
    2012-11-09 · 90 min

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

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

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube

Discovery

Similar dramas

Related titles to continue browsing.

Source: TMDB