Land of Wine

Land of Wine is a heartfelt Korean drama that blends tradition, ambition, and family legacy within the setting of Korea’s centuries-old winemaking culture. The story follows Suh Joon (played by Kim Jae Won), a modern, ambitious young man who returns to his rural hometown after living in the city. He is torn between honoring his family’s traditional rice wine brewery and pursuing a more independent, fast-paced life. Joon’s return brings him face to face with Song Do Il (portrayed by Lee Dong Wook), his childhood friend and now rival, who stayed behind to dedicate himself to the craft of winemaking. Tension builds as old friendships clash with new ambitions, especially when both men find themselves drawn to Sun Hee (played by Kim Min Jung), a smart and independent woman with her own connection to the land and its legacy. Meanwhile, Song Ae Ryung (played by Choi Kang Hee) adds emotional complexity as a character caught between personal dreams and loyalty to her family’s traditional values. As the four navigate their intertwined destinies, they must each decide what they’re willing to sacrifice—for love, legacy, or personal success. Land of Wine beautifully captures the cultural richness of Korean makgeolli traditions while exploring universal themes like friendship, rivalry, and romantic tension. With a talented ensemble cast and a compelling narrative rooted in both heritage and ambition, this drama is perfect for fans of nostalgic, character-driven stories with emotional depth and cultural authenticity.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 술의 나라
🌎 Also Known As: Country of Wine, The Land of Wine
🎭 Genres: Drama, Romance, Family
🏷 Tags: Traditional Winemaking 🍶, Love Triangle 💔, Rural Life 🌾, Family Business 🏡, Ambition vs. Tradition ⚖️
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Hyun Jung
🎬 Directors: Kim Young Sup
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: July 21, 2003 – September 9, 2003
📅 Airing Days: Monday & Tuesday
📺 Original Network: KBS2
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 5 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

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.

Awards

The Korean drama Land of Wine (2003) received the following awards:

SBS Drama Awards (2003):
- New Star Award: Lee Dong-wook for his role as Song Do-il.
- Best Supporting Actor: Park In-hwan for his portrayal of Lee Jin-pyeong.

These accolades highlight the exceptional performances that contributed to the drama’s success.

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.