When life gives you tangerines, it might be time to sit down, peel one open, and start watching a drama that gently peels back layers of Korean tradition. 폭싹 속았수다[pok-ssak-so-ga-ssu-da], translated as When Life Gives You Tangerines, is more than just a nostalgic love story set in Jeju Island. It’s a window into Korea’s past—one filled with complex customs, generational values, and deeply rooted gender roles.
This beautifully shot drama starring Park Bo-gum and IU (Lee Ji-eun) tells the story of Gwan-sik and Ae-soon, two people growing up amidst the cultural shifts of post-war Korea. As their love blossoms, we are quietly invited to witness the realities of traditional life in the countryside. From dining taboos to family dynamics, the show gives us subtle but powerful glimpses into what life used to be like.
When Life Gives You Tangerines: Gender Roles and the Dining Table
One of the most striking traditions shown in When Life Gives You Tangerines is the custom of 남녀 겸상 금지[nam(man)-nyeo(woman)-gyeom-sang(eating at the same table)-geum-ji(prohibition)], which means the prohibition of men and women eating at the same table. In conservative Korean society, especially in the past, it was considered improper for men and women to share a meal side by side. If a woman tried to sit at the same table as a man, elders would often scold her, saying things like, “How dare a woman eat at the same table as a man!”
In one touching scene, Gwan-sik eats with his back turned toward Ae-soon. Then he quietly turns and offers her some beans. This gesture might seem small, but in the cultural context of that time, it was incredibly bold. Simply acknowledging a woman at the table—let alone serving her food—was considered a break from strict social norms.
This moment isn’t just romantic. It reflects how love had to find quiet, subtle ways to exist within the confines of tradition. When Life Gives You Tangerines, it also gives you moments like this—sweet, daring, and deeply meaningful.
When Life Gives You Tangerines: Preference for Sons in Korean History
In Korea’s not-so-distant past, a son wasn’t just preferred—he was essential. This 남아선호사상[nam-a(son)-seon-ho(preference)-sa-sang(ideology)], or son-preference ideology, was rooted in the belief that only sons could carry on the family name and perform ancestral rites. Daughters, on the other hand, were often seen as “someone else’s family” in the making.
When Life Gives You Tangerines handles this theme with quiet intensity. In one scene, Gwan-sik’s grandmother is deeply disappointed that Ae-soon gave birth to a daughter, Geum-myung. She prays fervently to the gods for a grandson, not hiding her dissatisfaction. This preference affects the child’s entire future. Geum-myung is soon considered a 살림 밑천[sal-lim-mit-cheon], or a family asset, and there’s talk of making her a haenyeo—a female diver who harvests seafood from the ocean.
This practice reflects how girls were often pushed into labor early on, seen more for their economic value than as children needing care. These beliefs have left a lasting impact. Although Korean society has changed significantly—and nowadays, many people even prefer daughters, believing they care for their parents better than sons—the traditional idea that men must continue the family line still lingers quietly in the background.
When Life Gives You Tangerines: The Meaning Behind the First Birthday Ring
In Korea, a baby’s first birthday—called doljanchi—is a major celebration. But it’s not just about cakes and photos. The tradition began during a time when infant mortality rates were high, and many babies didn’t live to see their first birthday. So when a child did reach that milestone, it was a moment of deep gratitude and celebration. Even though medical advances have drastically reduced infant deaths today, the doljanchi tradition lives on, passed down from generation to generation.
One of the most symbolic gifts given during this celebration is the dolbanji, or first birthday ring. Usually made of gold, it’s a wish for the child’s health, wealth, and good fortune. Some families keep it as a keepsake, while others may sell it during hard times to help support the family.
In When Life Gives You Tangerines, this tradition appears in a bittersweet way. In the episode where Gwan-sik and Ae-soon run away in the middle of the night, while Ae-soon is sleeping, Gwan-sik quietly takes the baby’s dolbanji to sell it. It’s a painful but practical choice—he’s trying to secure enough money for their escape and a fresh start.
When Life Gives You Tangerines, it sometimes asks for sacrifice. In that small ring lies a parent’s love, their dreams, and sometimes, their survival.
K-dramas aren’t just about plot twists and romance—they’re a great way to see how people in Korea live, think, and connect with each other. You get a real feel for the culture just by watching how characters go about their everyday lives.
When Life Gives You Tangerines does an especially great job of this. It shows what life used to be like in Korea, and it all takes place on Jeju Island—one of the most beautiful places in the country. You’ll see stunning scenery, hear the unique local dialect, and get a taste of what makes Jeju so special. If you’re curious about Korean culture, this drama is definitely worth watching.
If you want to learn more about Korean culture, check out my previous posts : 6 Table Manners in Korea
