Once Upon a Small Town delivers a breath of fresh air in a landscape crowded with high-stakes melodramas and dramatic twists. Set against the peaceful rhythms of Korea’s countryside, this romantic comedy slows things down to focus on warmth, sincerity, and human connection. If you’re craving a story that feels like a gentle exhale—free of chaos but full of charm—this one just might win your heart. Here's my detailed review of this quietly captivating series.
Review
At its core, Once Upon a Small Town is not just a romantic comedy—it’s a gentle meditation on simplicity, sincerity, and community. Based on a web novel, this 2022 K-drama brings a breath of fresh, pastoral air to the genre, trading the typical urban chaos and love triangles for something far more grounded: cows, carrots, and the occasional grumpy goat.
The premise is delightfully simple. Han Ji-yul, a Seoul-based veterinarian, is tricked by his grandfather into temporarily taking over a rural animal clinic in Heedong Village. There, he meets Ahn Ja-young, a spirited and beloved police officer with a deep love for her hometown. What follows is not a whirlwind romance, but a slow-burning, emotionally sincere journey of two people from very different worlds finding comfort and affection in each other—and in their surroundings.
The strength of the series lies in its understated approach. Instead of over-the-top dramatics, Once Upon a Small Town leans into warmth and realism. The romance is subtle but believable. Ji-yul, played with measured restraint by Choo Young-woo, gradually softens as the calm pace of rural life chips away at his guarded city-boy persona. Park Soo-young (Joy of Red Velvet), as Ja-young, brings genuine charm and likability to her role—her character doesn’t try to be quirky or eccentric to grab attention; she simply is vibrant, capable, and kind. Their chemistry is refreshingly mature and built on mutual respect, small acts of care, and quiet conversations under starlit skies.
Cinematically, the drama is a love letter to the Korean countryside. From golden fields and dusty roads to bustling village markets and serene riversides, every frame radiates warmth. The cinematography captures not just the beauty of the landscape, but the rhythm of rural life—its slowness, its routines, its closeness. Sound design also plays a subtle role, with the distant calls of animals and ambient nature reinforcing the sense of immersion.
Supporting characters, particularly the villagers, add texture and humor without becoming caricatures. They are nosy but well-meaning, quirky but relatable. Their presence helps reinforce one of the show's central messages: that community, however intrusive or eccentric, can be a source of healing and belonging. In many ways, Heedong Village itself becomes a central character—its charm pulling not just Ji-yul, but also the audience, into its fold.
Of course, the series isn't without minor flaws. With only 12 short episodes (each under 40 minutes), character development outside the main couple can feel a bit rushed. Some viewers may also find the drama's conflict too mild or predictable—there are no grand twists or heartbreaking separations here. But to criticize it for that would be missing the point. Once Upon a Small Town isn’t trying to shock or thrill. It wants to comfort.
And comfort it does. This is the kind of drama that feels like a warm drink on a rainy evening—unassuming, nourishing, and just sentimental enough to make you smile. It might not redefine the genre, but it certainly reaffirms why we return to stories like this in the first place.
Once Upon a Small Town is a heartfelt, low-stakes romantic drama that thrives on sincerity and setting. It offers gentle storytelling, relatable emotions, and a romance rooted in friendship and trust. Perfect for those looking for a wholesome escape with just the right amount of sweetness.
Information
Once Upon a Small Town is a 2022 South Korean romantic-comedy series directed by Kwon Seok-jang and written by Baek Eun-kyeong, based on a web novel. It premiered on KakaoTV on September 5, 2022, and is available internationally via Netflix, running for 12 episodes in one season. The series stars Park Soo‑young (Joy) as Ahn Ja-young, Choo Young‑woo as Han Ji-yul and Baek Sung-chul as Lee Sang-hyeon.
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