The latest Korean variety shows have a common trend across them. Instead of sleek accommodations or glamorous cities, the shows have featured old countryside homes and quiet villages. The chon-cance culture, a rising travel trend in Korea, is now being reflected in entertainment as well.

Uiseong in Gyeongsangbuk-do was the filming location for Yoo Jae-suk’s YouTube variety show Gangchon Kangs. Many scenes were shot near Uiseong Station, but if you want to see a quintessential rural landscape with traditional houses and stone walls, visit Sachon Village. Uiseong also hosts the Sansuyu Village Flower Festival in spring, when the whole town turns yellow with sansuyu dogwood blossoms, and the Uiseong Superfood Garlic Festival in autumn, featuring the region’s signature crop.

Meanwhile, Gapyeong in Gyeonggi-do is reachable in two hours from Seoul by car. It appeared as the filming site of Vroom Vroom, a variety show featuring the cast of Earth Arcade on their first road trip after getting their driver’s licenses. The cast spent time in an old hanok traditional house, cooking rice over a wood fire. Despite its proximity to nature, the area is also close to cafés, campsites, and hiking trails, offering a variety of itinerary options. Plus, it’s near well-known attractions like theme parks and observatories, making it a perfect destination for a short but fulfilling countryside getaway. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing rural life, why not start with a short yet unforgettable chon-cance?

The drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha gave many viewers a realistic glimpse into rural living. The protagonist, played by Shin Min-a, leaves the competitive environment of Seoul and relocates to a quiet seaside village to live anonymously. The drama’s backdrop, Pohang, truly embodies this balance of everyday life and a warm, close-knit community. Ocean breezes wrap around the narrow streets, while fishing boats and seafood markets line the harbor.

Unlike its image as an industrial city, Pohang is actually a convenient coastal city with robust infrastructure. At the Homigot Sunrise Square, visitors can take in the first sunrise in Korea, and near Guryongpo Port, they can enjoy marine activities like swimming, surfing, and fishing. The Homibando Peninsula Coastal Trail, a popular trekking route along cliffs and the sea, offers breathtaking views for those who love the outdoors.

For Koreans who dream of living close to the sea, Pohang presents a realistic option. Many people maintain their city jobs while spending weekends in rural second homes. Just like in the drama, Pohang offers a glimpse into seaside living where work and relaxation coexist in perfect balance.

Instead of highlighting the glamorous escapades in Jeju-do, the drama Our Blues chose to portray the island’s ordinary villages. What made the characters’ stories so moving was the vivid depiction of the warmth and affection shared among neighbors. The relationships formed in the fields, along the shore, and at the local markets are at the heart of this human drama.

Many of the filming locations across Jeju still retain this authentic charm. The seaside village scenes were mainly shot on Biyangdo, a small island near Hallim Port in Jeju City. It’s just a 15-minute ferry ride away, and visitors can walk around the entire island in about two to three hours. As you stroll along the coastal path, you’ll come across local elders selling seaweed they’ve hung out to dry themselves.

Other filming sites include the Jeju Batdam Theme Park and Goseong Fifth-day Market. Batdam refers to the stone walls built around farmland. The park serves as an open-air museum where visitors can learn about the history of the challenges of farming on this volcanic island. The Goseong Fifth-day Market, which appeared in the drama as the backdrop for the characters’ struggles, is a perfect spot to enjoy local food and experience Jeju’s friendly, salt-of-the-earth atmosphere. If you want to see the real face of Jeju-do hidden behind the island’s many tourist locations, these places are well worth a visit!