6 Drakor about Doctors Returning to Their Hometown, Featuring Love Stories and Dedication

Kapanlagi.com - Medical-themed Korean dramas are usually associated with large hospitals and complicated cases. However, there are also stories that take their characters out of the hustle and bustle of the city to live a simpler life. This can be found in drakor about doctors returning to their hometowns with a warm village atmosphere.

Besides work, the stories also present new lives, encounters with local residents, and slowly developing romances. Drakor about doctors returning to their hometowns is perfect for those who want a medical show with a lighter vibe.

For those who enjoy a mix of medical, romance, and slice of life, drakor about doctors returning to their hometowns can be added to the watchlist. Some titles also show the struggles of medical personnel serving communities in rural areas.

1. Once Upon a Small Town (2022)

Once Upon a Small Town (2022). (Photo: IMDb)

Rating: 7.1/10 IMDb
Cast: Choo Young-woo, Joy, Baek Sung-chul
Available on: Netflix

Han Ji-yul is a veterinarian used to city life in Seoul. One day, he has to temporarily move to the village of Huidong to take care of his grandfather's animal clinic. Life in the countryside initially feels foreign to Ji-yul, who is accustomed to the urban atmosphere. However, things begin to change after he meets Ahn Ja-young, the friendly village police officer who is close with all the residents. Through their daily interactions, the two grow closer, while Ji-yul gradually starts to enjoy the simple life in Huidong.

2. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021). (Photo: IMDb)

Rating: 8.3/10 IMDb
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi
Available on: Netflix

Yoon Hye-jin is a dentist from Seoul who decides to open her own practice in Gongjin, a coastal village far from the hustle and bustle of the capital. This move forces her to adapt to a community life that is very different from the professional environment she has known. There, Hye-jin meets Hong Du-sik, a jack-of-all-trades known to be close to almost all the villagers. Their relationship slowly develops amidst various stories from the people of Gongjin, small conflicts, and experiences that make Hye-jin see life from a different perspective.

3. Doctor on the Edge (2026)

Doctor on the Edge (2026). (Photo: IMDb)

Rating: 7.0/10 IMDb
Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Shin Ye-eun, Hong Min-gi
Available on: Disney+

Do Ji-ui is a plastic surgeon who must take on the role of a public health doctor after being assigned to the remote Pyeondong-do Island. Life on the island is very different from the medical and urban environment he has known. From day one, Ji-ui faces various unexpected events while also having to adapt to the local residents. His assignment also brings him together with Yook Ha-ri, a nurse who is more accustomed to life on the island.

4. Forest (2020)

Forest (2020). (Photo: IMDb)

Rating: 7.2/10 IMDb
Cast: Park Hae-jin, Jo Bo-ah, Jung Yeon-joo
Available on: Viki

Jung Young-jae is a doctor who must live and work in a forest area far from the hustle and bustle of the city. There, he meets Kang San-hyuk, a member of a rescue team with a cold personality and a mysterious past. Their meeting marks the beginning of a slowly developing relationship. In addition to the romantic story, this drama also invites the audience to follow their process of facing a new environment and various issues related to their respective pasts.

5. Chocolate (2019)

Chocolate (2019). (Photo: IMDb)

Rating: 7.5/10 IMDb
Cast: Ha Ji-won, Yoon Kye-sang, Jang Seung-jo
Available on: Netflix

Lee Kang is a doctor working in a hospice hospital, where patients with serious illnesses receive care and companionship. There, he reunites with Moon Cha-young, a woman who has special memories with him from the past. Cha-young then works as a chef at the hospital and often interacts with the patients. The experience of caring for and accompanying patients gradually helps both of them to reopen old memories and learn to face their emotional wounds. The story combines romance with the touching life stories of the patients.

6. Hospital Ship (2017)

Hospital Ship (2017). (Photo: IMDb)

Rating: 6.9/10 IMDb
Cast: Ha Ji-won, Kang Min-hyuk, Lee Seo-won
Available on: Vidio

Hospital Ship follows a group of doctors who work on a medical ship to provide healthcare services to communities living on remote islands. One of the main characters is Song Eun-jae, a highly skilled surgeon known for her strict demeanor and difficulty in opening up. After joining the ship, she must face various medical conditions with limited facilities and an unusual working environment. Along the journey from one island to another, the doctors also confront personal issues and build closer relationships with their colleagues and the communities they serve.

7. Questions About Dramas Featuring Doctors Returning to Their Hometown

What is interesting about dramas featuring doctors returning to their hometowns?

In addition to presenting medical stories, dramas like this usually depict life in quieter areas, relationships with local residents, and love stories that develop gradually.

Do all dramas with this theme really tell stories about doctors returning to their hometowns?

Not all of them. Some titles tell the stories of doctors who move or are assigned to remote areas. Therefore, this theme also includes stories about the dedication of medical personnel outside the city.

Do dramas themed around doctors and hometowns always have romantic elements?

Not always, but many titles blend medical stories with romance. Life in an environment closer to the community usually provides an interesting backdrop for developing character relationships.

What are some examples of dramas that fit this theme?

Some of them include Once Upon a Small Town, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Doctor on the Edge, Forest, Chocolate, and Hospital Ship.

Are dramas like this suitable for viewers who are not particularly fond of medical dramas?

Yes, some titles do not focus heavily on medical cases, but also highlight daily life, family, friendship, romance, and the process of adapting to a new environment.

(kpl/sel)