A Korean Odyssey
In a modern twist on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, A Korean Odyssey weaves an enchanting tale of love, destiny, and the supernatural. The story follows Son Oh Gong (Lee Seung Gi), a mischievous yet powerful deity banished to Earth, and Jin Sun Mi (Oh Yeon Seo), a human woman cursed with the ability to see spirits. Their lives intertwine in unexpected ways when Sun Mi inadvertently frees Oh Gong, forging a fateful bond that changes both their worlds forever. As Jin Sun Mi navigates the human and spirit realms, she discovers her identity as Sam Jang, a chosen savior with immense power coveted by otherworldly beings. Her unique blood becomes both a blessing and a curse, drawing the attention of Woo Ma Wang (Cha Seung Won), a demon-turned-businessman determined to achieve godhood by protecting her. Together, they form an uneasy alliance, filled with humorous banter and heartwarming moments, while fending off dangerous foes. Jo Pal Gye (Lee Hong Ki), a celebrity pig demon, and Sa Oh Jung (Jang Gwang), a wise and loyal spirit, join the duo in their quest. Each character adds depth and humor, making the series a delightful blend of fantasy and drama. Along the way, the group battles mythical creatures and uncovers the dark secrets of their intertwined fates. With stunning visuals, captivating performances, and an unforgettable storyline, A Korean Odyssey is a must-watch for fans of fantasy and romance. The chemistry between Lee Seung Gi and Oh Yeon Seo, coupled with the stellar supporting cast, elevates this K-drama into a magical experience. Watch it now and get lost in a world where love transcends the boundaries of life and death.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 화유기
🌎 Also Known As: Hwayugi, Hwayuki
🎭 Genres: Horror, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
🏷 Tags: Ghost-seeing Female Lead, Supernatural Power, Demon, Aggressive Male Lead, Ghost
✍ Screenwriters: Hong Jung Eun, Hong Mi Ran
🎬 Directors: Park Hong Kyun, Kim Jung Hyun, Kim Byung Soo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 20
🗓️ Aired: Dec 23, 2017 – Mar 4, 2018
📅 Airing Days: Saturday, Sunday
📺 Original Network: tvN
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 20 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Son Oh Gong’s Release: The pivotal moment when Jin Sun Mi (Oh Yeon Seo) frees Son Oh Gong (Lee Seung Gi) from his imprisonment, setting the stage for their intertwined destinies.
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Namsan Tower Encounter: A romantic and suspenseful scene atop Namsan Tower, where the cityscape adds depth to their evolving relationship.
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Battle at the Haunted House: The intense confrontation with malevolent spirits showcases the characters’ supernatural abilities and teamwork.
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Jin Sun Mi’s Revelation: The emotional moment when Sun Mi discovers her true identity as Sam Jang, adding complexity to her relationship with Oh Gong.
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Final Showdown: The climactic battle against the ultimate antagonist tests the characters’ loyalties and strengths, culminating in a memorable conclusion.
Filming Locations
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Namsan Seoul Tower: This iconic landmark in Seoul serves as a backdrop for significant scenes, symbolizing the connection between the characters.
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Songdo Central Park, Incheon: The park’s picturesque settings, including the LED rose garden, provide a romantic ambiance for various episodes.
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Miss Yoon in Wonderland Café: Located in Gangnam, Seoul, this Alice in Wonderland-themed café is featured as the Summer Fairy’s abode, adding a whimsical touch to the series.
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Hapcheon Image Theme Park: This park recreates historical settings, offering authentic backdrops for flashback scenes, enhancing the narrative’s depth.
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Namsan Cable Car: The cable car ride provides a scenic view of Seoul and is featured in moments highlighting the characters’ personal journeys.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Traditional Hanbok Attire: Characters don beautifully designed hanboks during ceremonial scenes, reflecting Korea’s rich cultural heritage.
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Modern Fashion Fusion: The series blends contemporary clothing with traditional elements, showcasing the characters’ dual existence in both human and supernatural realms.
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Distinctive Demon Costumes: Each demon character features unique attire that reflects their personality and status, enhancing visual storytelling.
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Elaborate Makeup Effects: Special effects makeup is used to depict transformations and supernatural traits, adding authenticity to the fantasy elements.
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Symbolic Accessories: Items like the Geumganggo bracelet play a crucial role in the plot, with their designs symbolizing the characters’ bonds and fates.
Themes and Messages
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Redemption and Forgiveness: The narrative explores characters seeking redemption for past misdeeds, emphasizing the power of forgiveness.
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Fate vs. Free Will: The series delves into the tension between predetermined destiny and the characters’ choices, questioning the nature of free will.
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Love Transcending Boundaries: Romantic relationships between humans and supernatural beings highlight love’s ability to overcome societal and existential barriers.
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Good vs. Evil: The constant battle between benevolent and malevolent forces underscores the importance of moral integrity and courage.
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Self-Discovery: Characters embark on personal journeys to understand their true identities and purposes, reflecting universal themes of self-awareness.
Interesting Facts
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Inspired by ‘Journey to the West’: The series is a modern adaptation of the classic Chinese novel, reimagining its characters and themes in a contemporary Korean setting.
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Reunion of Cast Members: A Korean Odyssey reunites Lee Seung Gi and Cha Seung Won, who previously co-starred in the drama You’re All Surrounded.
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Lee Seung Gi’s Return: This series marks Lee Seung Gi’s return to acting after completing his mandatory military service, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
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Hong Sisters’ Creation: The drama is penned by the renowned Hong Sisters, known for their successful works like My Girlfriend is a Gumiho and Master’s Sun.
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High Production Value: The series is noted for its impressive special effects and cinematography, setting a new standard for fantasy K-dramas.
Awards
There are no records of A Korean Odyssey receiving any awards.
Real-Life Loves on Set
While A Korean Odyssey (also known as Hwayugi) captivated audiences with its on-screen chemistry, particularly between leads Lee Seung Gi and Oh Yeon Seo, there are no confirmed reports of any real-life romantic relationships among the main cast members.
However, following the show’s conclusion, Oh Yeon Seo entered into a public relationship with actor Kim Bum in early 2018. Their relationship was confirmed by their respective agencies, noting that they had developed feelings after meeting through mutual acquaintances. Unfortunately, the couple parted ways after approximately ten months of dating.
It’s worth noting that during the airing of A Korean Odyssey, there were speculations about a romantic relationship between Oh Yeon Seo and her co-star Lee Seung Gi, fueled by their compelling on-screen dynamics. However, both actors clarified that they shared a professional rapport, and no romantic involvement existed between them.
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