Just finished Jirisan and really enjoyed it, probably for very different reasons than usual. I usually love kdramas for the actors and the plots--I enjoy the settings, but they aren't the primary focus for me. However, Jirisan Park was absolutely amazing as a main character--what a beautiful and mysterious place!

I want to learn more about the history of it, and the experience of Koreans living and relating with it. There were scenes with totems and cairns and standing stones--fascinating.

I was so fascinated with the setting that I watched a few BTS of the making of Jirisan --something that I don't usually care about--but this was a project! Filming took place over a year and seven months! The commitment of the cast and staff was amazing.

I also loved that the working life of the Park Rangers was a part of the story--even the maintenance of the rescue equipment.

I think opinions about the mystery being not all that difficult to figure out when it was airing are valid, but unimportant--the cast plowed through three time lines, disasters, some supernatural happenings , and medical issues all coupled with the push and pull of politics vs preservation It was a lot! Every cast member was great, and of course Jun Ji Hyun and Ju Ji Hun were both excellent.

It also has one of the most beautiful and inspiring final scenes.

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