The much-anticipated finale of the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines aired on March 28, 2025, bringing to a close the intricate narrative of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, spanning from the 1960s to the present day. This 16-episode series delves into the lives of its characters against the sweeping changes that have shaped South Korea from 1960 to 2023.
On March 29, Kbizoom reported insights from Art Director Ryu Seong-hee, who spearheaded a dedicated team to authentically recreate the diverse landscapes of Jeju Island and Seoul, reflecting the progression of time from 1960 to 2025. Ryu is celebrated for her remarkable contributions to acclaimed films such as Decision to Leave and Alienoid.
Immersive Set Designs: A Journey Through Time on Jeju Island
Produced with a lavish budget of 60 billion KRW (approximately 41.3 million USD), When Life Gives You Tangerines features the talents of popular actors IU and Park Bo-gum. The expansive timeline of 60 years posed a unique challenge for the set design, necessitating the construction of an open set that could showcase the evolving eras vividly.
According to Ryu Seong-hee’s personal social media updates, her team meticulously crafted every detail— from “Jeju’s traditional thatched-roof houses to old flooring.”In a statement reported by Kbizoom, she emphasized the depth of their dedication:
“From Jeju’s traditional thatched-roof houses to old flooring, wallpaper, and even notebooks with unfamiliar handwriting—every item was crafted. We even made individual volcanic rocks, worn smooth by the island winds.”
This commitment to authenticity is particularly evident in the portrayal of Jeju Island’s natural elements. The island’s rugged terrain, fierce winds, and the iconic haenyeo, or female divers, play pivotal roles in enriching the narrative.
Ryu further elaborated on the significance of these elements, asserting that the pristine beauty of Jeju enhances the emotional arcs of the characters, making it an ideal backdrop for their journeys. Over a span of 15 months, her team poured their hearts into constructing film sets from the ground up.
“For 15 months, our art team slept, woke up, and breathed within the world of When Life Gives You Tangerines. From memories of 1950s Jeju to the present day in 2025, we built landscapes that transcend time and carefully crafted spaces where emotions could settle.”
To effectively depict the passage of time, the art department created sets that aligned with the unfolding story, featuring reconstructions of significant locations like Dodong-ri village, vibrant canola flower fields, and the bustling streets of 1970s Seoul. Their painstaking attention to detail extended to selecting props, furnishings, and finishes that accurately represented each era, thereby immersing viewers in various historical contexts.

Furthermore, the series’ visual authenticity was complemented by advanced visual effects (VFX), enhancing the meticulously crafted practical sets. Ryu noted that her diverse team, consisting of members aged 20 to 50, collaborated to bring the hometown of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik to life.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this job is seeing people from their early 20s to 50s come together in one space—talking, listening, and collaborating deeply to build a single world. For our younger team members, this historical drama might have felt like working on a sci-fi set.”
By March 19, 2025, When Life Gives You Tangerines achieved remarkable success by securing the No. 2 position in Netflix’s Global TOP 10 Series (Non-English) category, amassing six million views in just its second week. The series has garnered wide acclaim for its universal themes and authentic depiction of Korea’s historical narrative.
You can enjoy When Life Gives You Tangerines streaming globally on Netflix, available in all its 16 episodes.