The beloved K-drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” starring IU and Park Bo Gum, captivated audiences with its heartwarming story and the beautiful backdrop of Jeju Island. However, what many might not know is the incredible effort behind bringing that picturesque setting to life. The drama’s art director, Ryu Seong Hee, recently shared that her team painstakingly recreated an old Jeju Island village from the ground up, investing a staggering 60 billion KRW (approximately USD 45 million) in the process.
Fifteen Months of Dedication to Recreate Jeju
According to Ryu Seong Hee‘s Instagram post on March 29, the art team dedicated an extensive period to immerse themselves in the world of the drama. She wrote,
For 15 months, our art team slept, woke up, and breathed within the world of When Life Gives You Tangerines.
This deep commitment is evident in the show’s detailed visuals. The series spans several decades, from the 1950s to the present day in 2025. Ryu Seong Hee explained the team’s focus on creating authentic environments across these time periods:
From memories of 1950s Jeju to the present day, we built landscapes that transcend time and carefully crafted spaces where emotions could settle.
Meticulous Details, Even Handmade Volcanic Rocks
The production of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” was a significant undertaking, with the substantial budget reflecting the level of detail involved. Ryu Seong Hee revealed the extraordinary lengths the team went to, stating, “We even made individual volcanic rocks.” This highlights the dedication to creating a truly believable and immersive Jeju setting.
The sets were filled with authentic elements representing Jeju Island’s past, including:
Traditional thatched-roof houses
Old wallpaper
Notebooks
Various artifacts from the 1950s
These meticulously crafted details were designed to transport viewers back in time and fully immerse them in the historical atmosphere of Jeju Island.
Collaboration Across Generations
Ryu Seong Hee also emphasized the rewarding aspect of teamwork on such a large-scale project. She noted the collaborative spirit among the diverse crew members:
One of the most rewarding parts of this job is seeing people from their early 20s to 50s come together in one space—talking, listening, and collaborating deeply to build a single world.
This intergenerational collaboration contributed to the rich and detailed world presented in “When Life Gives You Tangerines.”
The drama, which concluded on March 28, 2025, tells the story of Oh Ae Sun (played by IU and Moon So Ri) and Ywan Gwan Sik (played by Park Bo Gum and Park Hae Joon), weaving together romance, historical elements, the unique culture of Jeju Island, and moments of adventure. The dedication of Ryu Seong Hee and her team in recreating Jeju Island played a crucial role in bringing this beloved series to life.
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