Table of Contents:
Before starting Netflix’s Korean drama 『폭싹 속았쑤다』(When Life Gives You Tangerines), here is a must-read guide to fully appreciate and deeply understand its unique cultural background
As a Korean, I believe understanding the cultural context beforehand will enrich and deepen your experience of this drama.
1. Not Recommended for Korean Language Learners
The drama takes place on Jeju Island. Korea consists of several regions including Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheong-do, Jeolla-do, Gyeongsang-do, and Jeju-do. As Jeju Island is separated from the mainland by the sea, its culture and language differ significantly from those of the mainland.
In fact, mainland Koreans often say that listening to the Jeju dialect feels like hearing a completely foreign language.
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Title 『폭싹 속았쑤다』(When Life Gives You Tangerines)
Just by looking at the original Korean title, 『폭싹 속았쑤다』, you can clearly notice how different Jeju dialect is from mainland Korean.
In standard mainland Korean, the word ‘폭싹’ usually describes the sudden collapse of a building caused by an earthquake or explosion. And ‘속았쑤다’ is understood as having been deceived by someone’s lie.
However, in the Jeju dialect, the phrase 『폭싹 속았쑤다』 conveys a completely different meaning, expressing warm comfort and encouragement similar to saying ‘Thank you for your hard work.’
As you can see, even though it’s all Korean, words between the mainland and Jeju dialect can carry vastly different meanings. Thus, trying to learn Korean through this drama could potentially lead to confusion.
How Actors Use Dialect in 『폭싹 속았쑤다』(When Life Gives You Tangerines)
Possibly due to this context, most actors in 『폭싹 속았쑤다』(When Life Gives You Tangerines) rarely use the Jeju dialect. They primarily act in standard Korean, adopting the dialect only during specific scenes or symbolic moments.
However, older characters, such as the elderly landlords with whom young Gwansik and Sunae lived, Sunae’s late mother’s friends, and Gwansik’s grandmother, naturally speak in authentic Jeju dialect.
Paying attention to this dialect usage will help you better understand each character’s identity and emotional depth while enjoying the drama.
Why Understanding These Points Matters Before Watching
This drama is set against the unique cultural background of Jeju Island, a region within Korea that holds distinct dialects and traditions. Knowing these cultural nuances beforehand helps you connect more intimately with the characters, understanding their motivations, behaviors, and emotional contexts on a deeper level.
Certainly, enjoying a drama without prior background knowledge can still be delightful. But being aware of Jeju’s cultural uniqueness and dialect differences beforehand will allow you to appreciate the subtler details of the story.
Embrace the opportunity to explore the fascinating dialect and culture of Jeju through this drama. I hope 『폭싹 속았쑤다』(When Life Gives You Tangerines) becomes an even more special viewing experience for you!
