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When the Camellia Blooms
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When the Camellia Blooms

동백꽃 필 무렵

Now that I think about it, everything about my life was nothing but a miracle.

Air date: 2019-09-18
Episodes: 40 ep
Network: KBS2
Rating: 8.1 / 10
DramaComedy
Cast entries
21
Episodes
40
Locations
4
Food stops
Not available for this drama
Story

Synopsis

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

"When the Camellia Blooms" follows Dongbaek, a single mother who navigates the challenges of societal prejudice while running a bar called Camellia. As she strives to protect her son, she encounters a new love interest in Yong-sik, a kind-hearted police officer who falls for her at first sight.

Set in the fictional port town of Ongsan, the drama weaves together elements of romantic comedy and thriller, highlighted by the presence of a mysterious serial killer known as "Kka-bul-i." As Dongbaek confronts her tumultuous past and the threats surrounding her, the narrative explores themes of love, family, and personal growth, showcasing her journey to embrace love despite societal stigmas. The series delivers a captivating mix of warmth and tension, ultimately culminating in a heartfelt conclusion.

Filming locations

Filming locations

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

  1. 01

    Homigot

    호미곶
    Daebori, Homigot-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do경북 포항시 남구 호미곶면 대보리

    Homigot is known for its iconic hand sculpture and is a nearby attraction to Guryongpo. It is also mentioned as a filming location for the drama.

    I visited two places in Pohang: the Guryongpo Japanese House Street, which was a filming location for "Camellia Blooms," and Homigot. Both locations offer free parking, making it easy to explore.
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  2. 02

    Café Camellia

    카페 까멜리에
    180-3 Jeonpo-daero, Busanjin District, Busan, South Korea

    Café Camellia, run by the character Dongbaek in the drama, attracts many visitors with its charming atmosphere and delicious drinks.

    The Camellia, run by Dongbaek in "When the Camellia Blooms," is a café and accessory shop that captivates the footsteps of passing travelers.
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  3. 03

    Guryongpo Japanese House Street

    구룡포 일본인 가옥 거리
    971-1 Guryeongpo-ri, Guryeongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do경북 포항시 남구 구룡포읍 구룡포리 971-1

    This location served as a filming site for the drama 'When the Camellia Blooms'. It is a historical area that showcases the architecture and culture from the Japanese colonial period.

    Guryongpo Japanese House Street parking lot historical time fee filming location of "When the Camellia Blooms"
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  4. 04

    Guryongpo Modern History Museum

    구룡포 근대역사관
    153-1 Guryeongpo-gil, Guryeongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do경북 포항시 남구 구룡포읍 구룡포길 153-1

    This museum showcases the history of Japanese settlers in the area and is a significant cultural site.

    The Pohang Gu ryongpo Modern History Museum is a historical museum remodeled from the wooden house of Hashimoto Zenkiichi, who came from Kagawa Prefecture in the 1920s.
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Discovery

More to explore

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

Filming locations
4 verified locations

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Food spots
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Details

Production

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

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Episode runtime
35 min
Spoken languages
Korean
Production companies
  • Pan EntertainmentPan Entertainment
Creators
Lim Sang-choon임상춘

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.

Gong Hyo-jin

Gong Hyo-jinas Dongbaek

공효진
1980-04-04 · Seoul, South Korea

Gong Hyo-jin, born on April 4, 1980, is a prominent South Korean actress celebrated for her captivating performances in both film and television. She embarked on her acting career in 1999 with the film "Memento Mori" and made her television debut in 2000 with "The Clan." Over the years, she has become a household name through a series of successful dramas, including "Sang-doo! Let's Go to School" (2003), "Thank You" (2007), "Pasta" (2010), "The Greatest Love" (2011), and "Master's Sun" (2013). Her breakout role came with the film "Crush and Blush" in 2008, where her portrayal of a socially awkward teacher earned her the Best Actress award at the Korean Film Awards. With her exceptional talent in romantic comedies, she has rightfully earned the title of the queen of the genre. Gong Hyo-jin's acclaim continued with notable works like "It's Okay, That's Love" (2014), "The Producers" (2015), "Don't Dare to Dream" (2016), and "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019). Her performances have garnered her numerous accolades, solidifying her status as one of South Korea's most beloved actresses. In 2019, she was recognized as Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year, further testament to her significant impact on the industry.

Kang Ha-neul

Kang Ha-neulas Hwang Yong-sik

강하늘
1990-02-21 · Busan, South Korea

Kang Ha-neul, born Kim Ha-neul on February 21, 1990, is a prominent South Korean actor celebrated for his diverse roles in both television and film. He first garnered attention with his performances in the television dramas "Misaeng: Incomplete Life" (2014) and "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" (2016). His talent was further recognized when he starred in "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019), a role that earned him the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor. Kang has also made a significant impact on the international stage, particularly with his participation in the acclaimed series "Squid Game," where he appears in the upcoming second and third seasons set to release in 2024 and 2025. Known as a prolific Chungmu-ro actor, he has showcased his versatility through various films, including "Twenty" (2015), "Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet" (2016), "New Trial" (2017), "Midnight Runners" (2017), "Forgotten" (2017), and more recently, "Love Reset" (2023) and "Yadang: The Snitch" (2025). His continued success reflects his dedication to the craft and his ability to resonate with audiences both in Korea and abroad.

Notable credits on this site
Kim Ji-seok

Kim Ji-seokas Kang Jong-ryeol

김지석
1981-04-21 · Seoul, South Korea

Kim Ji-seok, born Kim Bo-seok, is a South Korean actor renowned for his versatile performances across television and film. He first gained public attention as a rapper in the boyband LEO before transitioning to acting. His career in entertainment showcases his ability to engage audiences, bringing characters to life through compelling portrayals. Since debuting as an actor, Kim Ji-seok has made a significant impact in the South Korean entertainment industry. He is known for his work in various popular dramas and films, where his talent and charisma shine. His journey from music to acting exemplifies his multifaceted abilities and dedication to his craft, establishing him as a prominent figure in the evolving landscape of K-drama and film.

Son Dam-bi

Son Dam-bias Choi Hyang-mi

손담비
1983-09-25 · Seoul, South Korea

Son Dam-bi is a South Korean singer and actress, born on September 25, 1983. She began her career in the entertainment industry as a solo singer in 2007, quickly gaining recognition for her musical talent. In 2009, Son made her acting debut in the popular Korean drama "Dream," showcasing her versatility as an entertainer. Since then, she has successfully balanced her careers in both music and acting, earning a loyal fan base and critical acclaim for her performances. With her dynamic presence and talent, Son Dam-bi continues to make a significant impact in the Korean entertainment scene.

Oh Jung-se

Oh Jung-seas No Gyu-tae

오정세
1977-02-26 · Uiryeong, South Gyeongsang, South Korea

Oh Jung-se is a prominent South Korean actor born on February 26, 1977. He started his career in theater, gradually transitioning to screen acting and securing numerous supporting roles in films such as "Petty Romance" (2010), "Couples" (2011), and "As One" (2012). His breakout performance came in the 2013 romantic comedy "How to Use Guys with Secret Tips," which garnered him significant acclaim from both critics and audiences. This success paved the way for his first leading role in the same year’s film "The Hero." Oh has since become well-known for his lead roles in popular television series, including "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" (2020), "Uncle" (2021), and "Revenant" (2023). His performances have earned him critical recognition, culminating in consecutive wins for Best Supporting Actor – Television at the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2020 and 2021. With upcoming projects like "Mr. Plankton" (2024) and "Good Boy" (2025), Oh continues to showcase his versatile talent in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Notable credits on this site
Streaming

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Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. The Woman with the Germanium Bracelet (1)
    Ep 1The Woman with the Germanium Bracelet (1)
    2019-09-18 · 35 min

    Dongbaek, a single mother who runs a bar called Camellia, deals with her neighbors’ opinions, and Hwang Yong-sik meets someone admirable.

  2. The Woman with the Germanium Bracelet (2)
    Ep 2The Woman with the Germanium Bracelet (2)
    2019-09-18 · 35 min

    Dongbaek, a single mother who runs a bar called Camellia, deals with her neighbors’ opinions, and Hwang Yong-sik meets someone admirable.

  3. The Good, the Bad, and the Cheap (1)
    Ep 3The Good, the Bad, and the Cheap (1)
    2019-09-19 · 35 min

    Dongbaek and Pil-gu both stand up to bullies -- and get help from Yong-sik. While back in town, Kang Jong-ryeol makes a startling discovery.

  4. The Good, the Bad, and the Cheap (2)
    Ep 4The Good, the Bad, and the Cheap (2)
    2019-09-19 · 35 min

    Dongbaek and Pil-gu both stand up to bullies -- and get help from Yong-sik. While back in town, Kang Jong-ryeol makes a startling discovery.

  5. The Mutt's Strategy (1)
    Ep 5The Mutt's Strategy (1)
    2019-09-25 · 35 min

    As gossip seems to be growing, Dongbaek tries to push away Yong-sik, but he gets worried when he finds an unsettling message inside the bar.

  6. The Mutt's Strategy (2)
    Ep 6The Mutt's Strategy (2)
    2019-09-25 · 35 min

    As gossip seems to be growing, Dongbaek tries to push away Yong-sik, but he gets worried when he finds an unsettling message inside the bar.

  7. The Country Boy (1)
    Ep 7The Country Boy (1)
    2019-09-26 · 35 min

    Jong-ryeol takes care of Pil-gu in his own way, Yong-sik makes a loud confession to the neighborhood, and No Gyu-tae looks for respect.

  8. The Country Boy (2)
    Ep 8The Country Boy (2)
    2019-09-26 · 35 min

    Jong-ryeol takes care of Pil-gu in his own way, Yong-sik makes a loud confession to the neighborhood, and No Gyu-tae looks for respect.

  9. A Wish, an Affair, and Turmoil (1)
    Ep 9A Wish, an Affair, and Turmoil (1)
    2019-10-02 · 35 min

    Amid the backlash against his feelings for Dongbaek, Yong-sik learns about her past run-in with the serial killer. Gyu-tae crosses a line with his wife.

  10. A Wish, an Affair, and Turmoil (2)
    Ep 10A Wish, an Affair, and Turmoil (2)
    2019-10-02 · 35 min

    Amid the backlash against his feelings for Dongbaek, Yong-sik learns about her past run-in with the serial killer. Gyu-tae crosses a line with his wife.

  11. 1986.08.29. Born to Be a Hippo (1)
    Ep 111986.08.29. Born to Be a Hippo (1)
    2019-10-03 · 35 min

    A long-lost figure Dongbaek never expected to see again reenters her life. Gyu-tae, cornered by Hyang-mi, takes his frustrations to Camellia.

  12. 1986.08.29. Born to Be a Hippo (2)
    Ep 121986.08.29. Born to Be a Hippo (2)
    2019-10-03 · 35 min

    A long-lost figure Dongbaek never expected to see again reenters her life. Gyu-tae, cornered by Hyang-mi, takes his frustrations to Camellia.

  13. The Ongsan Fairy (1)
    Ep 13The Ongsan Fairy (1)
    2019-10-09 · 35 min

    Dongbaek finds resolve. Jong-ryeol heads back to town after a fight with Jessica. Yong-sik investigates the Joker.

  14. The Ongsan Fairy (2)
    Ep 14The Ongsan Fairy (2)
    2019-10-09 · 35 min

    Dongbaek finds resolve. Jong-ryeol heads back to town after a fight with Jessica. Yong-sik investigates the Joker.

  15. The Lynx of This Area (1)
    Ep 15The Lynx of This Area (1)
    2019-10-10 · 35 min

    The Joker’s new message spooks Dongbaek and sends Yong-sik looking through CCTV footage. Hyang-mi continues to blackmail Gyu-tae.

  16. The Lynx of This Area (2)
    Ep 16The Lynx of This Area (2)
    2019-10-10 · 35 min

    The Joker’s new message spooks Dongbaek and sends Yong-sik looking through CCTV footage. Hyang-mi continues to blackmail Gyu-tae.

  17. I Will Welcome Everyone (1)
    Ep 17I Will Welcome Everyone (1)
    2019-10-16 · 35 min

    As Dongbaek packs up Camellia, Yong-sik's investigation turns up something suspicious, and Jong-ryeol delivers an expensive package.

  18. I Will Welcome Everyone (2)
    Ep 18I Will Welcome Everyone (2)
    2019-10-16 · 35 min

    As Dongbaek packs up Camellia, Yong-sik's investigation turns up something suspicious, and Jong-ryeol delivers an expensive package.

  19. Nice People Can't Get Lucky (1)
    Ep 19Nice People Can't Get Lucky (1)
    2019-10-17 · 35 min

    Dongbaek decides she is a changed woman. Yong-sik hears about the Joker's past patterns. Jong-ryeol cries in front of Pil-gu.

  20. Nice People Can't Get Lucky (2)
    Ep 20Nice People Can't Get Lucky (2)
    2019-10-17 · 35 min

    Dongbaek decides she is a changed woman. Yong-sik hears about the Joker's past patterns. Jong-ryeol cries in front of Pil-gu.

  21. The Hero Appears at the Last Minute (1)
    Ep 21The Hero Appears at the Last Minute (1)
    2019-10-23 · 35 min

    When things get out of hand at Pil-gu's baseball game, Yong-sik steps in. Dongbaek stands by Hyang-mi, who is running from something.

  22. The Hero Appears at the Last Minute (2)
    Ep 22The Hero Appears at the Last Minute (2)
    2019-10-23 · 35 min

    When things get out of hand at Pil-gu's baseball game, Yong-sik steps in. Dongbaek stands by Hyang-mi, who is running from something.

  23. Don’t Forget Me (1)
    Ep 23Don’t Forget Me (1)
    2019-10-24 · 35 min

    Ahead of leaving Camellia for good, Hyang-mi needs more cash. Yong-sik eyes a suspect. Dongbaek deals with another visit from Jong-ryeol.

  24. Don’t Forget Me (2)
    Ep 24Don’t Forget Me (2)
    2019-10-24 · 35 min

    Ahead of leaving Camellia for good, Hyang-mi needs more cash. Yong-sik eyes a suspect. Dongbaek deals with another visit from Jong-ryeol.

  25. The End Of All The Flirting (1)
    Ep 25The End Of All The Flirting (1)
    2019-10-30 · 35 min

    Dongbaek is unsure whether Hyang-mi really ran away. Meanwhile, Yong-sik grows increasingly worried as more fires break out.

  26. The End Of All The Flirting (2)
    Ep 26The End Of All The Flirting (2)
    2019-10-30 · 35 min

    Dongbaek is unsure whether Hyang-mi really ran away. Meanwhile, Yong-sik grows increasingly worried as more fires break out.

  27. My Mom's Age Lines "And That Is How My Mom Aged" (1)
    Ep 27My Mom's Age Lines "And That Is How My Mom Aged" (1)
    2019-10-31 · 35 min

    Dongbaek realizes why Jo Jeong-suk came back to her. Gyu-tae's miserable day gets even worse when Yong-sik comes around to ask about Hyang-mi.

  28. My Mom's Age Lines "And That Is How My Mom Aged"(2)
    Ep 28My Mom's Age Lines "And That Is How My Mom Aged"(2)
    2019-10-31 · 35 min

    Dongbaek realizes why Jo Jeong-suk came back to her. Gyu-tae's miserable day gets even worse when Yong-sik comes around to ask about Hyang-mi.

  29. Mother (1)
    Ep 29Mother (1)
    2019-11-06 · 35 min

    Kwak Deok-sun remains dead set against Dongbaek's love for Yong-sik. Further truths about Jeong-suk -- who's nowhere to be seen -- surface.

  30. Mother (2)
    Ep 30Mother (2)
    2019-11-06 · 35 min

    Kwak Deok-sun remains dead set against Dongbaek's love for Yong-sik. Further truths about Jeong-suk -- who's nowhere to be seen -- surface.

  31. Switching Offense and Defense (Feat. One Who Steps On the Accelerator) [1]
    Ep 31Switching Offense and Defense (Feat. One Who Steps On the Accelerator) [1]
    2019-11-07 · 35 min

    Jong-ryeol finds out what Jessica did with his car on the night Hyang-mi disappeared. Dongbaek heads out to retrieve her abandoned scooter.

  32. Switching Offense and Defense (Feat. One Who Steps On the Accelerator) [2]
    Ep 32Switching Offense and Defense (Feat. One Who Steps On the Accelerator) [2]
    2019-11-07 · 35 min

    Jong-ryeol finds out what Jessica did with his car on the night Hyang-mi disappeared. Dongbaek heads out to retrieve her abandoned scooter.

  33. The Ongsan Avengers (1)
    Ep 33The Ongsan Avengers (1)
    2019-11-13 · 35 min

    Dongbaek's neighbors form a protection squad around her, while Yong-sik doubles down on the Joker. Pil-gu gets the wrong idea about what's going on.

  34. The Ongsan Avengers (2)
    Ep 34The Ongsan Avengers (2)
    2019-11-13 · 35 min

    Dongbaek's neighbors form a protection squad around her, while Yong-sik doubles down on the Joker. Pil-gu gets the wrong idea about what's going on.

  35. Life of an 8-year-old (1)
    Ep 35Life of an 8-year-old (1)
    2019-11-14 · 35 min

    Pil-gu leaves for Seoul, leaving Dongbaek forlorn. Jeong-suk returns. Yong-sik is certain he's nailed down a culprit, but evidence doesn't match up.

  36. Life of an 8-year-old (2)
    Ep 36Life of an 8-year-old (2)
    2019-11-14 · 35 min

    Pil-gu leaves for Seoul, leaving Dongbaek forlorn. Jeong-suk returns. Yong-sik is certain he's nailed down a culprit, but evidence doesn't match up.

  37. 7 Years and 3 Months of Motherhood (1)
    Ep 377 Years and 3 Months of Motherhood (1)
    2019-11-20 · 35 min

    Dongbaek wants to help with Jeong-suk's problem, but she won't listen. Yong-sik isn't finished with the Joker just yet. Jong-ryeol protects his own.

  38. 7 Years and 3 Months of Motherhood (2)
    Ep 387 Years and 3 Months of Motherhood (2)
    2019-11-20 · 35 min

    Dongbaek wants to help with Jeong-suk's problem, but she won't listen. Yong-sik isn't finished with the Joker just yet. Jong-ryeol protects his own.

  39. Do Miracles Happen? (1)
    Ep 39Do Miracles Happen? (1)
    2019-11-21 · 35 min

    Dongbaek and Yong-sik come to a sinking realization about the Joker, Gyu-tae goes after what he wants, and Jong-ryeol makes peace with Jessica.

  40. Do Miracles Happen? (2)
    Ep 40Do Miracles Happen? (2)
    2019-11-21 · 35 min

    Dongbaek and Yong-sik come to a sinking realization about the Joker, Gyu-tae goes after what he wants, and Jong-ryeol makes peace with Jessica.

Source: TMDB

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