

When Life Gives You Tangerines
Dedicated to you. Still blooming, always dreaming.
- Cast entries
- 8
- Episodes
- 16
- Locations
- 4
- Food stops
- Not available for this drama
Synopsis
A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.
"When Life Gives You Tangerines" is a poignant Korean drama that unfolds against the backdrop of 1950s Jeju. The story centers on Ae-sun, a spirited girl with dreams of becoming a poet, and Gwan-sik, a devoted young man who loves her deeply. Narrated by their daughter, Yang Geum-myeong, the drama captures the challenges and adventures of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik as they navigate a world marked by hardship and societal expectations.
Set in the aftermath of the Korean War, the narrative explores themes of resilience and hope during a time when survival often takes precedence over dreams. Ae-sun embodies the rebellious spirit of a girl who, even in dire circumstances, aspires to express her inner thoughts through poetry. Gwan-sik, characterized as steadfast and sincere, stands by her side, supporting her ambitions while grappling with his own emotions. The characters' journey reflects the struggle to find love and purpose amid the pressures of their environment.
With its rich storytelling, "When Life Gives You Tangerines" promises a heartfelt exploration of love that transcends the trials of life. The drama is helmed by acclaimed writer Im Sang-chun and director Kim Won-suk, known for their previous works that resonate with audiences through relatable characters and emotional depth. As Ae-sun and Gwan-sik face their destinies, viewers can expect a touching narrative that speaks to the courage required to pursue one's dreams against all odds.
Filming locations
Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.
- 01
Borom Warehouse
보롬창고3 Jongdalhang-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 종달항길 3Borom Warehouse is a cozy cafe located near Seongsan Ilchulbong, known for its beautiful interior and relaxing atmosphere. It is a popular spot for tourists visiting the filming location of 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'.
I visited 'Borom Warehouse,' a hidden gem of an emotional café in Gujwa, Jeju :) It's located near Seongsan Ilchulbong on the eastern side of Jeju, making it a must-visit hotspot during your trip! ^^ It's also a popular spot for many tourists as it's close to the filming location of the Netflix hit 'Poksak Sogassuda' 💖blog.naver.com - 02
Seongsan Ilchulbong
성산일출봉78 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 성산리 78Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination in Jeju. It is located near Borom Warehouse, making it a great spot to visit while exploring the area.
Borom Warehouse is located in Gujwa-eup, Jeju, and is about a 10-minute drive from Seongsan Ilchulbong.blog.naver.com - 03
Way View Cafe
웨이뷰 카페6-3 Hyeopjae 2-gil, Hallim-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do, South KoreaThe cafe offers a beautiful view of Hyeopjae Beach and is a popular spot during the Jeju Canola Flower Festival.
The reason why Jeju Wayview Cafe is famous is that you can enjoy delicious bread with coffee while overlooking Hyeopjae Beach, and it also operates a small general store.blog.naver.com - 04
Jeju Mok Gwana
제주목 관아25 Gwanduk-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 제주시 관덕로 25The location for the poetry contest.
Location of the Baekiljanghyang-i.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.
Pan Entertainment
Baram Pictures
- Creators
- Lim Sang-choon임상춘Kim Won-suk김원석
- Directors
- Kim Gyeong-eun김경은Hwang In-sung황인성
Source: TMDB
Cast & characters
Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.
Oh Ae-sun / Yang Geum-myeongIUOh Ae-sun is a poor girl from Jeju who dreams of becoming a poet, facing many adventures and challenges in her life. She is also the mother of Yang Geum-myeong, who narrates the story of her life and love for Gwan-sik.
Yang Gwan-sikPark Bo-gum박보검
Oh Ae-sun (middle-aged)Moon So-ri문소리Oh Ae-sun is a middle-aged character in "When Life Gives You Tangerines." She is depicted as a poor girl from Jeju with aspirations of becoming a poet, and her life is intertwined with the love of Gwan-sik.
Yang Gwan-sik (middle-aged)Park Hae-joon박해준
Source: TMDB
Lead actors
Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

IUas Oh Ae-sun / Yang Geum-myeong
Lee Ji-eun, known by her stage name IU, is a prominent South Korean singer-songwriter and actress born on May 16, 1993. She made her debut in the music industry in 2008 with her first EP, "Lost and Found." Over the years, IU has established herself as a multifaceted artist, gaining recognition for her powerful vocals and songwriting skills. In addition to her music career, IU made her television debut in 2011 with the popular series "Dream High." She has garnered critical acclaim for her performances in notable dramas such as "The Producers" (2015), "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" (2016), "My Mister" (2018), and "Hotel Del Luna" (2019). Her versatility as an actress is further showcased in the Netflix anthology series "Persona" (2019). Most recently, she starred in the 2021 film "Dream," continuing to captivate audiences with her talent.

Park Bo-gumas Yang Gwan-sik
Park Bo-gum is a celebrated South Korean actor and singer, born on June 16, 1993. He has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry through his compelling performances in both film and television. His talent has earned him widespread recognition, including being named Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year twice, making him the youngest actor to achieve this honor. In addition to his accolades, Park Bo-gum made history as the first actor to top the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the Korean Wave. Known for his charisma and versatility, he continues to receive major industry honors, reflecting his influence and popularity in South Korea and beyond.

Moon So-rias Oh Ae-sun (middle-aged)
Moon So-ri is a prominent South Korean actress and filmmaker, born on July 2, 1974. She began her career in the theater with the Hangang company before making her film debut in Lee Chang-dong's acclaimed work, Peppermint Candy, in 1999. Her performance in the romantic drama Oasis (2002) earned her international recognition, as she won the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice International Film Festival, marking her as the second South Korean to receive this honor. Throughout her career, Moon has collaborated with esteemed directors such as Im Sang-soo, Hong Sang-soo, and Zhang Lü, showcasing her versatility in films like A Good Lawyer's Wife (2003), Forever the Moment (2008), and Three Sisters (2020). In addition to her film work, she has remained active in theater and has ventured into directing, creating several short films and the feature film The Running Actress (2017). In recent years, Moon has embraced streaming and television, appearing in series such as On the Verge of Insanity (2021) and Queenmaker (2023), further solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.

Where to watch
Availability is grouped by country and provider type.
Netflix
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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.
Episodes
Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.
Ep 1Spring in a Heartbeat2025-03-07 · 58 minRaised by a tenacious mother, a young, bright-eyed Ae-sun has dreams bigger than her village — until an unexpected tragedy changes everything.
Ep 2Sassy First Love2025-03-07 · 54 minAs love blossoms between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, they make their first bold move together. But their romantic adventure hits a snag.
Ep 3Yesterday Was Your Spring2025-03-07 · 63 minAfter a dramatic rescue, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik return to Jeju. Soon, Ae-sun resigns herself to a sad fate — leaving Gwan-sik devastated.
Ep 4The Blazing Summer Sunshine2025-03-07 · 60 minSummer brings joy as the newlyweds start a life together, but living with Gwan-sik's family tests their happiness — can they find a path to peace?
Ep 5A Midsummer Night's Full Nets2025-03-14 · 61 minAs Gwan-sik struggles to find work, Ae-sun worries for her family — until a lifeline appears. Soon after, Ae-sun sets her ambitions higher in Jeju.
Ep 6Life Goes on and On2025-03-14 · 57 minJust as Ae-sun and Gwan-sik taste the joys of their new life, a summer storm changes everything — testing their will to carry on.
Ep 7A Fruitful Fall2025-03-14 · 64 minAs the village chief election approaches, Ae-sun faces corrupt opposition. Geum-myeong receives an unusual request that tests her morals.
Ep 8The Moon Wanes, Yet the Young Heart Remains2025-03-14 · 63 minWhen Geum-myeong receives a chance to study in Japan, dreams take flight. Now Ae-sun and Gwan-sik must make a tough decision.
Ep 9The Wind Goes Whoosh, My Heart Goes Boo-Hoo2025-03-21 · 49 minLife in a small apartment tests Ae-sun and Gwan-sik as they struggle to parent Yang Eun-myeong. Meanwhile, Geum-myeong juggles love and life in Seoul.
Ep 10The Storm Sweeps My Heart, the Love Rocks My Heart2025-03-21 · 57 minWhile Geum-myeong grows closer to her quirky colleague, Ae-sun's troubling dreams stir real concerns. Do they hold any meaning?
Ep 11My Love by My Side2025-03-21 · 63 minAs Geum-myeong's engagement moves toward marriage, her heart fills with doubt — will her first love story find its happy ending like her mother's?
Ep 12A Glistening Winter2025-03-21 · 59 minBack in Jeju, Geum-myeong mends her heart in familiar surroundings. Ae-sun treasures sweet moments with her loved ones.
Ep 13Such an Uneven Love2025-03-28 · 62 minWhile facing a career setback during an economic downturn, Geum-myeong encounters a familiar face — sparking an unexpected new beginning.
Ep 14Spread Your Wings and Fly2025-03-28 · 65 minAe-sun and Gwan-sik grapple with Yang Eun-myeong's misfortune, sacrificing everything they can to help him. But Eun-myeong's self-confidence takes a hit.
Ep 15A Spring Every Day2025-03-28 · 69 minBetween new business ventures and career changes, the family faces separate hurdles on their paths — drawing strength from their bond to press ahead.
Ep 16Here's to All You've Been Through2025-03-28 · 85 minAs the Yang family finally enjoys the fruits of their labor, sudden agony strikes — testing their resolve and the strength of their enduring love.
Source: TMDB
Gallery
Posters, backdrops, and stills from the drama.
Source: TMDB








