Real Jeju Life in “When Life Gives You Tangerines (Pokssak Sogatsuda, Netflix)” – A Local’s Perspective
If you've recently finished the Netflix K-drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines (Pokssak Sogatsuda)”, you may be wondering—how accurate is this portrayal of Jeju Island life?
As someone born and raised in Jeju, I was surprised at how many scenes felt uncannily familiar. From the dialect and home styles to cultural customs, the show captures more than just nostalgia—it reflects a piece of our shared memory.
🌿 Jeju Names That Ring True
Characters like Oh Ae-sun, Yang Gwan-sik, and Bu Sang-gil have names that are deeply rooted in Jeju culture.
Among Jeju surnames, Ko is the most prevalent, followed by Yang and Bu. These names aren’t random—they trace back to Jeju’s legendary founding figures: Ko Eul-na, Yang Eul-na, and Bu Eul-na, commemorated at Samseonghyeol (link), a sacred heritage site in Jeju City.
While the surname Oh isn’t as common, it’s certainly present—especially in southern areas like Seogwipo. And the name Ae-sun fits the era perfectly. In fact, my aunt’s name was Ko Ae-sun!
💍 Jeju-Style Weddings: Always Twice
In the drama, Geum-myeong's in-laws question the idea of having two ceremonies—one in Seoul, another in Jeju. But for Jeju locals, this is standard practice.
Even today, it's common to hold a second feast in Jeju after a mainland wedding. Rooted in the island’s pumasi (mutual-aid) culture, weddings here are full-on community events that often span multiple days.
I got married in Seoul, and yes—we held a traditional celebration back home in Jeju too. Those wedding photos in front of old thatched houses? Very real 📸
🏠 Thatched Roofs, Hearths, and Shared Spaces
From agungi (hearths) and gamasot (iron pots) to traditional cupboards and communal living structures, the drama nails the interior vibe of old Jeju homes.
My childhood home had these same features—separate living quarters within one fence, shared walls, and neighbors who were essentially extended family.
The only creative liberty? Rent was usually paid annually (nyeonse) back then, not monthly as portrayed in the drama. But that's an understandable narrative tweak.
👩🌾 Mothers Who Carried Jeju
Characters like Jeon Gwang-rye represent the backbone of Jeju families—mothers who worked both the land and sea without rest. Especially among haenyeo (female divers), this strength is more than symbolic—it’s survival.
Even into their 70s, many continue to work, not just for income but for love and duty. These women built the island, one breath-hold at a time 💪
🐟 Seaside Markets and Everyday Life
In my childhood near Yongduam, I often saw haenyeo selling fresh catches—mackerel, abalone, sea urchins—straight to tourists.
The scenes in the drama accurately reflect markets like Dongmun, Seomun, and the old Dokkaebi Market. These moments weren’t cinematic—they were daily life 🎣
🥬 Cabbage Is Real, Croaker Is a Maybe
The image of Ae-sun tending to her cabbage fields? Spot on. Jeju grows more than citrus—cabbage farming is big here, especially in winter.
But when Gwan-sik brings over croaker (jogi) as a gift, I raised an eyebrow. In Jeju, we mostly eat mackerel, hairtail, or filefish. Croaker was never the go-to.
🚢 Why Busan, Not Seoul?
When Ae-sun and Gwan-sik flee to Busan, it’s not just convenient storytelling. Historically, Busan was the most accessible mainland city for Jeju residents.
Plenty of locals—including my own father and aunts—headed to Busan and Masan for jobs, marriages, and better opportunities. No flights needed—just a ferry and hope.
The Jeju uprising 4.3 : A Historical Note
The Jeju uprising 4.3 (1947–1954, link) was a period of political unrest, conflict, and brutal suppression. Triggered by opposition to Korea’s division and upcoming elections, it led to massive civilian casualties—tens of thousands killed or displaced.
While the drama doesn’t directly address this tragic history—likely due to its character-driven narrative and timeline—it remains a central part of Jeju’s modern identity. And no, not all families were affected. Some, like mine, were fortunate enough to avoid direct loss.
If you're interested, I highly recommend the film “Jiseul (Potatoes)”, a moving depiction of this chapter in Jeju’s past.
🧸 Yang Gwan-sik: Too Good to Be True?
Now let’s talk about Yang Gwan-sik. Is he romantic? Yes. Loyal? Very. Devoted husband and father? Absolutely.
But let’s be real—men like Gwan-sik didn’t exist in 1970s–80s Jeju. Not where I grew up.
Back then, most fathers were distant, rarely involved in child-rearing, and often spent their earnings on soju or gambling. Meanwhile, mothers held down the fort—working, raising kids, and feeding everyone.
Characters like Bu Sang-gil or Yeom Byeong-cheol feel far more grounded in the real Jeju male experience.
So while Gwan-sik may be fiction, he’s a fiction we gladly welcome—a soft, idealized dream wrapped in sea fog. And that’s the charm of a good K-drama 😉
Final Thoughts
Netflix K-drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines (Pokssak Sogatsuda)” is more than just a nostalgic period piece. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the grit, love, and quiet endurance of Jeju families.
For those interested in Korean island culture or regional stories beyond Seoul, this series is worth every episode.
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