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Land of Wine (2003) K-Drama posterLO

South Korea · Drama · 2003

Land of Wine

술의 나라 Also known as Country of Wine, The Land of Wine

KBS2 · 16 episodes · 1 min · Monday & Tuesday · 15+ – Teens 15 or older Completed

Drama Family Romance
21 Jul 2003
Premiere
9 Sep 2003
Finale
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Synopsis

Sun-hee and Suh Joon grow up together in a rural village where Sun-hee's family has made traditional wine for generations. As a young man, Suh Joon grows restless with village life and leaves for the city, promising Sun-hee that he will return wealthy enough to marry her.

In the city he takes a job waiting tables at a bar owned by Song Hoe-jang, where he meets the owner's two children, Do-il and Ae-ryeong. His ambitions pull him deeper into their world, and the friendships and rivalries he forms there complicate the promise he left behind, testing what his connection to Sun-hee and the winemaking life he grew up in will still mean once he has tasted something else.

"Land of Wine" aired on SBS from April 9 to May 29, 2003, across 16 episodes, starring Kim Jae-won as Suh Joon alongside Kim Min-jung, Choi Kang-hee, and Lee Dong-wook.

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Land of Wine cast

Main cast
Guest appearances
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Best scenes

  • Suh Joon’s Emotional Homecoming
    A touching scene where Kim Jae Won returns to his hometown, symbolizing the emotional pull between past roots and future ambitions.

  • Do Il and Joon’s Winery Showdown
    Tension rises when Lee Dong Wook’s Do Il confronts Joon about abandoning tradition, leading to a dramatic clash of values and pride.

  • Sun Hee’s Family Confrontation
    Kim Min Jung’s powerful performance shines as she defends her choices against societal and familial expectations.

  • Makgeolli Brewing Montage
    A beautifully shot sequence capturing the care and tradition involved in rice wine production—offering cultural depth and visual calm.

  • The Love Triangle Revelation
    A heartfelt turning point when emotions erupt between Joon, Do Il, and Sun Hee, revealing long-suppressed feelings and unresolved tension.

Filming locations

  • Traditional Hanok Village
    Used to reflect the rural charm and heritage of Korea’s countryside, where the characters’ family wineries are based.

  • Gyeonggi Province’s Rice Fields
    Scenes of harvesting and fermenting rice for makgeolli were filmed in real rice paddies, enhancing authenticity.

  • Rustic Brewery Interiors
    The show features old wooden fermentation barrels, giving viewers a look into traditional Korean winemaking.

  • Downtown Seoul Scenes
    City sequences contrast the main setting, symbolizing the conflict between modernity and tradition in Suh Joon’s life.

  • Hometown Market Streets
    Several key conversations and warm character moments happen in the village marketplace, reinforcing themes of community.

Visual design and costumes

  • Traditional vs. Modern Styling
    Characters like Suh Joon dress in sleek, urban styles while others wear earthy, rural clothing—visually reinforcing the central conflict.

  • Warm, Earthy Color Palette
    Natural tones dominate the scenery and wardrobe, evoking a sense of nostalgia and cultural richness.

  • Minimal Makeup and Simple Hair
    Most characters sport realistic, everyday styling that fits the down-to-earth mood of the drama.

  • Brewery Workers’ Outfits
    Aprons, gloves, and rolled-up sleeves emphasize the hands-on, traditional craft and dedication of local winemakers.

  • Subtle Evolution in Joon’s Wardrobe
    As Suh Joon reconnects with his roots, his clothing becomes more relaxed and less polished, symbolizing his internal shift.

Themes and messages

  • Tradition vs. Modern Ambition
    The drama explores the clash between pursuing success in the city and preserving one’s family heritage in the countryside.

  • The Value of Cultural Identity
    Through the lens of makgeolli making, Land of Wine reminds viewers of the beauty and importance of Korean traditions.

  • Love, Loyalty, and Rivalry
    Emotional conflict drives the relationships, with loyalty often in conflict with romantic desire and personal pride.

  • Returning to One’s Roots
    Suh Joon’s journey back home is symbolic of rediscovery, humility, and understanding one’s true path.

  • Respecting Craftsmanship
    The show places high value on traditional skills and the effort behind them—especially in an age chasing convenience.

Interesting facts

  • Lee Dong Wook’s Early Drama Role
    Before his breakout fame, this role helped establish him as a rising actor in emotionally nuanced roles.

  • Kim Jae Won and Kim Min Jung’s Chemistry
    Their believable dynamic earned praise from fans and helped drive the series' emotional impact.

  • Makgeolli Culture Spotlight
    The show educated many viewers on Korea’s traditional rice wine culture, influencing renewed public interest at the time.

  • Filmed in Real Breweries
    Some scenes were shot in functioning traditional breweries, lending credibility and realism to the storytelling.

  • Airing on KBS2’s Prime Slot
    The drama benefited from a strong weeknight airing schedule, contributing to solid viewership throughout its run.

Real-life loves on set

There is no confirmed real-life romance between the cast members of Land of Wine (2003).

Although Lee Dong Wook and Kim Jae Won shared great on-screen chemistry with their respective love interests, and fans speculated about potential relationships due to the emotional depth of their portrayals, there were no rumors or official reports suggesting any romantic involvement between the actors in real life.

The chemistry between the cast was a product of their strong performances, and the connection seen on-screen was rooted in their characters’ emotional journeys, not personal relationships.

Episodes

Ep Title Air date Status Rating
1 Episode 1 2003-04-09 Aired
2 Episode 2 2003-04-10 Aired
3 Episode 3 2003-04-16 Aired
4 Episode 4 2003-04-17 Aired
5 Episode 5 2003-04-23 Aired
6 Episode 6 2003-04-24 Aired
7 Episode 7 2003-04-30 Aired
8 Episode 8 2003-05-01 Aired
9 Episode 9 2003-05-07 Aired
10 Episode 10 2003-05-08 Aired
11 Episode 11 2003-05-14 Aired
12 Episode 12 2003-05-15 Aired
13 Episode 13 2003-05-21 Aired
14 Episode 14 2003-05-22 Aired
15 Episode 15 2003-05-28 Aired
16 Episode 16 2003-05-29 Aired

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