Love and Discovery in The Package
Introduction
Have you ever gone on a trip only to find that what you discovered wasn’t just a place, but yourself? The Package tells the story of a group of Korean travelers exploring France, where love blossoms, secrets unravel, and lives change forever. As I watched, I felt like I was walking the streets of Paris with them, tasting the wine and feeling the crisp French air. Their laughter and tears reminded me that travel can awaken emotions we never knew we had. By the end, you’ll want to take your own journey — not just across miles, but into your own heart.
Overview
Title: The Package (더 패키지)
Year: 2017
Genre: Romance, Travel, Slice‑of‑Life
Main Cast: Lee Yeon‑hee, Jung Yong‑hwa, Choi Woo‑shik, Ha Si‑eun
Episodes: 12
Runtime: ~60 minutes each
Streaming Platform: Viki, OnDemandKorea, Kocowa
Overall Story
The story begins with Yoon So‑so (Lee Yeon‑hee), a kind but lonely tour guide in France, leading a group of Korean tourists on a packaged trip. Each traveler comes with their own emotional burdens, which slowly surface as they move from city to city. So‑so herself harbors a painful past, hidden beneath her professional smile and graceful demeanor, making her an anchor for the group yet deeply vulnerable inside.
San Ma‑roo (Jung Yong‑hwa), heartbroken and bitter after a failed relationship, joins the trip alone. His irritation at everything — the itinerary, the guide, even the beauty of France — softens as he notices So‑so’s quiet strength and starts to see the world differently. Their growing connection is subtle yet poignant, unfolding between cobblestone streets and under the golden light of French sunsets.
The other travelers, too, carry compelling stories: a middle‑aged couple constantly bickering yet yearning for lost intimacy; a young man who hides his identity behind his phone; a father and daughter tentatively rebuilding their bond. These subplots add richness to the narrative, showing that travel is not just about places but about people and the relationships we mend along the way.
The drama seamlessly integrates stunning locations — Saint‑Malo’s beaches, Mont Saint‑Michel’s ancient walls, the bustling markets of Paris — with the characters’ emotional journeys. The breathtaking scenery becomes more than just a backdrop; it reflects the changes stirring within the travelers. As they experience the joy of discovery, they also confront regrets, forgive past mistakes, and open their hearts to the unexpected.
So‑so’s own story unfolds delicately. Escaping a failed marriage and strained family ties, she chose to guide strangers in a foreign land rather than face her pain at home. Her growing bond with Ma‑roo forces her to confront her own loneliness, making their romance a healing and transformative experience for them both.
Humor lightens the tone at just the right moments — cultural mishaps, awkward hotel room pairings, and group photo sessions bring laughter and warmth. These moments highlight how travel can dissolve barriers between people who would otherwise remain strangers.
As the trip continues, the characters learn to let go of control and embrace spontaneity. Meals shared at rustic French cafes, late‑night walks under the stars, and quiet train rides become opportunities for self‑reflection and connection. The journey shows that sometimes, the most profound changes happen when you’re far from home and surrounded by strangers who become friends.
By the end of the trip, the group members have grown closer, each having discovered something vital about themselves and each other. The drama leaves us with a hopeful message: no matter how carefully planned the trip, the most beautiful moments are always the unexpected ones.
Highlight Moments / Key Episodes
Episode 1 – Ma‑roo’s sarcastic arrival and So‑so’s patient, professional response set the tone for their evolving dynamic.
Episode 3 – A spirited dinner in Bordeaux turns into a confession night, revealing hidden sides of the travelers.
Episode 5 – So‑so comforts a tearful traveler at Mont Saint‑Michel, offering quiet empathy that hints at her own pain.
Episode 8 – Under the starlit sky of Normandy, Ma‑roo begins to open up to So‑so, marking a turning point in his emotional journey.
Episode 12 – A bittersweet farewell at Charles de Gaulle Airport as the travelers part ways, forever changed by the journey they shared.
Memorable Lines
"Travel doesn’t solve everything, but it shows you what you’ve been avoiding." – Yoon So‑so, Episode 4 Her quiet wisdom encapsulates the essence of the story.
"You have to get lost somewhere beautiful to find yourself again." – San Ma‑roo, Episode 6 A realization that marks his shift from bitterness to openness.
"Strangers can become the most important people in your life — if you let them." – So‑so, Episode 8 Reflecting how travel creates unlikely bonds.
"Every goodbye carries a promise of another hello." – Choi Woo‑shik’s character, Episode 12 A hopeful farewell at the airport.
"France was beautiful, but the people I met here were even more so." – San Ma‑roo, Episode 12 His heartfelt conclusion to the journey.
Why It’s Special
The Package is special because it reminds us that even a short trip can bring profound change. Lee Yeon‑hee’s portrayal of Yoon So‑so is deeply moving—her quiet sadness hidden behind a professional smile mirrors the way many of us travel with unseen baggage. Watching her slowly open up in the embrace of France’s beauty makes her journey feel personal and universal at once.
Jung Yong‑hwa’s San Ma‑roo brings humor, vulnerability, and sincerity to the screen. His transformation from a bitter, heartbroken man into someone who can laugh and love again is one of the drama’s most rewarding arcs. Together with So‑so, they embody the delicate dance of healing and connection.
What truly sets this drama apart is how it integrates its “travel romance series” premise so seamlessly with emotional depth. The picturesque backdrops aren’t just scenery—they’re silent companions to each character’s internal journey, making every episode visually and emotionally rich.
Director Jeon Chang‑geun’s careful framing turns every French street, café, and beach into more than just a postcard. His attention to color, light, and movement draws viewers into the characters’ emotional states as much as the locations themselves.
The soundtrack complements the story beautifully. Soft ballads and instrumental pieces blend with ambient sounds of bustling streets and quiet nights, creating an immersive atmosphere that lingers long after each episode ends.
Humor plays an essential role—whether through quirky roommate pairings or culture‑clash comedy moments. These light touches keep the story from becoming too heavy while endearing the characters to us even more.
Ultimately, The Package stands out as a “healing journey drama,” showing us that love and self‑discovery often happen when we least expect them—on the road, with strangers who become family.
Popularity & Reception
The Package received praise for its refreshing blend of travelogue and character‑driven storytelling. Viewers appreciated its ability to make France a living, breathing part of the narrative rather than just a backdrop.
Lee Yeon‑hee was lauded for her nuanced performance, capturing So‑so’s layered emotions with subtlety. Critics noted how she managed to convey both vulnerability and quiet strength, making her character deeply relatable.
Jung Yong‑hwa earned admiration for balancing humor and sincerity, proving his growth as an actor. His chemistry with Lee Yeon‑hee drew positive reactions from audiences and reviewers alike.
Fans around the world engaged on social media, sharing their own travel stories under hashtags like #ThePackage and #HealingJourney. Many highlighted how the drama inspired them to look at their own lives differently and to embrace unexpected adventures.
Although it aired with moderate ratings in Korea, its international reception was strong, particularly among viewers looking for a heartfelt yet visually stunning romantic drama.
Cast & Fun Facts
Lee Yeon‑hee, known for her roles in Miss Korea and Splendid Politics, brought depth and poise to So‑so. She reportedly spent extra time in France before filming to understand her character’s solitude and guide persona more authentically.
On set, she was often seen chatting with locals in French, impressing the crew with her willingness to immerse herself in the environment. Her off‑camera warmth contrasted nicely with So‑so’s quiet demeanor on screen.
Jung Yong‑hwa, also a celebrated musician, showcased his comedic timing and heartfelt sincerity as Ma‑roo. He even improvised a few of his humorous lines, adding charm to his character.
Behind the scenes, Jung entertained the crew with guitar performances during breaks, bringing the group closer together much like his character did with the travelers in the show.
Choi Woo‑shik, who played the mysterious solo traveler, brought subtle humor and emotional weight to his role. His presence added complexity to the group dynamic, with his story unraveling in unexpected ways.
Director Jeon Chang‑geun, also known for Queen of Mystery, intended the series to feel like “a postcard of emotions,” encouraging actors to interact naturally with their surroundings to capture authentic moments.
One humorous behind‑the‑scenes story involved the cast getting lost in a maze‑like French village, which was eventually written into one of the episodes after the director saw its charm.
After filming wrapped, the cast shared heartfelt farewell posts and photos from France, calling the experience “a journey we’ll always carry in our hearts.”
Conclusion / Warm Reminders
The Package is more than a travel romance series — it’s a moving story about love, self‑rediscovery, and the quiet magic of shared journeys. Its emotional honesty and breathtaking locations make it unforgettable.
If you’ve ever wondered how a healing journey drama can leave such a lasting impression, this show proves that the road itself can be just as important as the destination. It invites you to embrace the unexpected and to find beauty in the connections we make along the way.
Let this series remind you: no matter where you go, the most meaningful discoveries are often the ones you never planned for.
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