Little Forest (Korean Movie)

User Rating

Current user rating: 90/100 (563 votes)

You need to enable JavaScript to vote

Profile

Movie: Little Forest
Revised romanization: Liteul Poreseuteu
Hangul: 리틀 포레스트
Director: Yim Soonrye
Writer: Daisuke Igarashi (manga), Hwang Sung-Goo
Producer: Ku Jung-A, Shin Bum-Soo
Cinematographer: Lee Seung-Hoon
Release Date: February 28, 2018
Runtime: 103 min.
Genre: Food / Mother & Daughter
Distributor: Megabox Plus M
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Hye-Won (Kim Tae-Ri) gets tired of her difficult life in the city and moves back to her hometown in the countryside. There, she heals her emotional wounds with the help of her long-time friends, nature and food.

Notes

Based on popular manga series "Little Forest" written & illustrated by Daisuke Igarashi (published in Monthly Afternoon from December, 2002 – July, 2005).
Filming began January 21, 2017 at a village in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
Filming finished October 24, 2017 at a village in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
Related titles:
1. Little Forest: Summer & Autumn | Ritoru Foresuto Natsu Hen ・ Aki Hen (2014)
2. Little Forest: Winter & Spring | Ritoru Foresuto Fuyu Hen ・ Haru Hen (2015)
3. Little Forest (2018)

Cast



Kim Tae-Ri	Ryu Jun-Yeol	Moon So-Ri	Jin Ki-Joo
Hye-Won	Jae-Ha	Hye-Won’s mother	Eun-Sook

Additional Cast Members:

Park Won-Sang - mailman
Jung Joon-Won - Hoon-Yi
Jeon Sang-Jin - employee of National Agricultural Cooperative Federation
Ok Su-Boon - employee of National Agricultural Cooperative Federation
Jeon Guk-Hyang - Bok-Soon's aunt
Hong Sung-Duk - convenience store drunk guy
Jang Jae-Hee - Hye-Won (young)
Kim Dong-Won

Trailers

Comments

Susan Pratt Feb 15 2026 12:55 pm Just watched. And it really touched me. Feels like it needs to have a sequel! Please tell me there is on....and where I can watch it. Thank you.

KST Oct 24 2023 6:52 am What a healing movie. Really interesting see the visuals...I love to the great visuals here. Ryu joon yeol and Kim tae ri's acting was really nice. Really if some one need to relax their mind I will recommend this movie...You wont regret for sure after watching this!!!

Kez Apr 09 2022 4:57 am It's official, this is my healing movie. If things in life gets hard, I'll get back here.

Butter_illness Apr 25 2021 5:44 pm It's not the best movie in my life, but I've watched it more than 10 times until I memorized the indonesian translation in many parts haha I love this movie. So simple and to much beautiful. I think, in the future I will still continue to watch it.

banananana Feb 25 2021 6:10 pm A just nice movie for a lonely night. The story is simple yet so beautiful. And all the cooking showed in this movie just fit my liking!

elisabeth Feb 22 2021 8:25 am I watched this a few years ago but the filming still resonates with me. Just a lovely film to watch!

samantha Feb 20 2021 4:23 am a simple and healing movie, i like it! the cinematography is also beautiful

Agnes Feb 13 2021 11:25 pm Just watched the movie last night for I wanted to pick a light movie. Sure it is! the story is very light, no conflicts, no drama, very recommended for the ones who need a short getaway from problematic movies. ha. However, the movie is so interesting and very worthy of your time. You'll be amazed of the simplicity of a life in a village and just how peaceful it is. Hope everyone enjoying the movie just like I did!

heytaeri Nov 13 2020 9:41 pm what's the name of the dog again?

iMiracleBuddy Sep 30 2020 3:24 pm This movie is so fresh, oddly satisfying and relaxing. But, I'm kinda hungry after I watch the movie lols.

I'mLookingForMyLittleForestToo Sep 19 2020 12:05 am Superb! I never realized that I was just smiling the whole time. Everything in this movie is just so pleasant, so peaceful and so satisfying. It's as if there were wounds within me that suddenly healed.

This is also the first time I've ever seen Ryu Junyeol playing such a calm and innocent character. I loved Jae Ha sooo much.

I'm definitely gonna watch this again.

Me May 08 2020 12:23 am This is actually the first time I keep smiling throughout a movie! It really gives me peace amd a lil bit goosebumps lol, but I really like it! The movie didn't have a roller coaster plot. Watching this movie will make you feel the purity in life. All of the characters gave positive vibes and the story made me think about my life. I just... ugh, LOVE IT!

So Lala Apr 25 2020 11:41 pm And the departure of the mother is not a mystery. She also goes to look for the meaning of his life and will only create stress if we as an audience question that. Seeing from the food in the food truck and seeing the ending, I think the mother is fine and she managed to explore her life well. Enjoy this movie at ease without having to worry about things like that. It's interpretation-free and no standard answer for that.

So Lala Apr 25 2020 11:34 pm Are the comment below me talk about variety show Little Forest? I know these 2 shows confusing haha good thing both not launched in the same year. You can differentiate them by their launching year.

Ahh... As for me watching this movie really feels like resting in a natural countryside just like that... The warm feels crawling all over my body since the start.

And I'm just being honest I quite wondering why everybody really favors Ryu Jun Yeol and after this movie, I see why. Good actor with good vibes.

Eunice Kohatsu Dec 05 2019 3:09 am I was unsure what to expect with this series, but this show was refreshing, cute, and just an extremely “feel good” show. One of the best programs I’ve ever watched! I taught music to Elementary School children and know how important socializing and being exposed to a new environment is revealed in their eyes and their young minds responds equally. I know, too, it was a lot of work on the part of the adult celebrity caretakers, but I wish this program continues. The beautiful location was an ideal playground for children and adults as well! My grade for directors, producers and writers is A+++!

gizibe Nov 28 2019 1:34 am Don't go see this movie feeling hungry lol I just eat before the movie and my mouth was watering continuous at all that good food. It is a lovely movie about finding what is good for you in this life.

Kimtaeri.ifc Oct 25 2019 8:15 pm Very very good healing movie. You will love the food, beautiful cinematography and their friendship. Love Kim Tae Ri 's acting , so natural and can comforting the audiences.

Dan Oct 14 2019 1:38 pm I wonder why the rating on this movie is so low, because I found everything about this movie to be pretty great. The pacing, the characters/acting, and the food (can't forget the food! haha) were all pretty great. Altogether it was just a like-able and relaxing movie that I would definitely recommend.

I have not seen the Japanese movies or the manga but I will probably check the 2 films out later

Chloe Sep 20 2019 10:48 am Truly a very good movie. It could almost be called masterpiece as well. I could feel some of my emotional wounds getting healed too as I watched this simple yet amazing movie, where HyeWon finds her peace of mind and purpose.

Keke Aug 25 2019 3:16 am I think the reason why her mother left is clear when Hye Won read the letter for the second time. Her mom wanted to try to do things that she couldn't do because she got married early. Just like her, her mom was also trying to find answers in her life.

I like this movie a lot. It made me thinking how nice to leave this busy city and live a peaceful, simple life.

Ruben Gutierrez Aug 22 2019 6:21 pm Truly a great movie. Really love it. I have been a great fan of Kim Tae-Ri and Moon So-Ri. They did not disappoint. Thank you. I am sure to watch it again. And again!

Aurelia Ketawang Tunjung Laksmita Feb 28 2019 7:32 pm you guys should check the original japanese movie "Little Forest" too. The actual reason the mother left is actually still vague, even in the original movie. The original japanese version is a lot calmer in aspect of videography and fit for you who are seeking for a calm movie with no fussy drama.

movie lover Jan 05 2019 11:25 am I really love this movie. its soo calming picturesque . Can anyone recommend me similar kind of vibe movie like this?

Dian puspitasari Nov 01 2018 3:45 am I want live in a place like that...

moviebuff Oct 07 2018 9:26 pm This simple, restful and well-acted movie tells the story of three friends in a village where life is shaped by the rythms of the four seasons and nature.

Frustrated with her mediocre life in Seoul, Hyewon has decided to go to the  old house where she grew up, but that is now empty as her mother has left it for some unknown destination  It is the middle of the winter. Hye-won who is a strong, calm young woman seeks to put her inner life in order. She does it in part by growing her own food and by cooking all sorts of attractive Korean dishes according to the season. She enjoys treating her two childhood friends. Jae-Ha who has left Seoul to be master of his own life has become a skilled farmer. Eunsook who works in the local branch of the bank. As Hye-won, actress Kim Tae Ri is excellent. The beauty of the Korean countryside is an important part of the story: the things you can see when you slow down.

I saw Kim Tae-ri for the first time in the 2018 Mr.Sunshine drama. I liked her intelligent and attractive acting.

I just saw Kim Tae-ri in the 2016 movie Handmaiden directed by Park Chan-wook. What an acting baptism by fire it must have been for her!! Park Chan-wook's entire movie centers on male obsessions, Japanese sexual perversions and even mutilation. In that movie, long lesbian sex scenes leave nothing to imagination. Having seen Mr. Sunshine first, I was astonished and felt sorry for Kim Tae Ri. What was she thinking? This work must have taken a toll on her or else she has nerves of steel. The contrast with Little Forest was total. I hope Little Forrest brought Kim Tae-Ri some degree of peace.

alexandraedwina@gmail.com Oct 03 2018 4:21 am The girl (Hye-won) have a mature point-of-view about life. This is a simple movie with a simple storyline told from a very profound point-of-view to be honest.

sheila Sep 12 2018 10:39 pm does someone have theory why the mother left her???

Riand Sep 05 2018 3:13 am I really enjoy it. Nice healing movie :)

Claudio Aug 28 2018 11:40 am Nice, colorful, simple and meaningful movie. An interior story told with "less is more" elegance, I appreciated it a lot. Soundtrack fits perfectly to action, if you can speak of action: nothing big happens, in fact; but many answers come. Cuisine is beautiful to see, not only as careful food preparation but especially as a symbol of caring of oneself and the others, and taking one's time. Because time is all we have, and moving timely according to our needs is of great importance.

Hanna Jul 09 2018 9:42 am I watch this movie everynight before I go to sleep to relax my mind!!❤️❤️❤️

Yumi Jun 16 2018 7:20 am Kim Taeri is so perfect <3 and the film is so beautiful! Props to the cinematographer and whoever they consulted for the cooking!

Ma. Erika Tan Jun 01 2018 9:54 am Can I know what's the title of the song as a soundtrack for this film, at the same time, the name of the artist who sung it.

Antique May 16 2018 11:29 pm I love this movie, calm and easy, just a little bit sad because Hyewon and Jaeha not end up together.

Kris May 03 2018 4:32 pm First My Last Love and now this movie is really making me happy t watch Korean movies and not just dramas. I loved that the characters were so real. The setting was beautiful.

Sai Apr 30 2018 2:45 am I personally prefered the original Japanese version as the cinematography was solid and beautiful and the plot move very fluidly. I think this Korean remake lacks in aesthetics, i think it would do ok for people who have not seen the original version. But for me it lacks in comparison to the original Japanese version.

Kona Apr 25 2018 9:59 am Love this movie.very calming.very satisfied they keep the friendship...it's more valuable than romance...

yatt Apr 25 2018 1:37 am i wish my hometown/village like this. i missed my childhood so much because my hometown right now looks like a small town. I can't feel the fresh air anymore. so sad...

Aufa Apr 21 2018 9:00 pm Very entertaining, the plot just like the ordinary of life, we should see the movie like this more, then we know how to have a good life

ridwan172 Apr 19 2018 7:17 am love this film... scenery, food, the vibes of village and farm such a fresh air especially who is busy in daily working.

song Apr 14 2018 1:47 am I love this movie (if you're the type who likes slice-of-life, slow-paced, calming-scenery-all-over) then watch this, it has those lovable little things in life.

Ken The Handsome Apr 12 2018 2:54 am You will love the food in the movie, more than the actors themselves

Joey Apr 11 2018 12:13 pm Anyone who is considering whether you should watch this, I say you give it a go. I watched it and it was no disappointment. It was a very lighthearted and relaxing kind of movie. Not to mention, the cinematography, the background music and the acting (all the little details) was all on point ?? ! Hands down to the one filming, I really can't take my eyes off how the scenery can be so beautiful. I have to say he did an awesome job capturing the beauty of nature and the different seasons. Would rate it 4/5 !

Haniismiling Apr 11 2018 10:13 am I would say that I loved this sooo much. Have watched the original japan ver and this version also not disappointing. Still have the original plot, with some similar scene but also have the different touch. The village feeling, the pace, all so my style lol

What I think will make me more loved this version is maybe because of its overall vibe and the girls house is more cheerful. the japan version house looks more gloomy (maybe because its placed on top of small hill, they have to climb it and behind it is pure forest while korean ver house is in front of street and ricefield, also japan ver house is filled with trees so the sunshine is not coming to house as strong as korean ver). Also the melancholic feeling is more on this ver, like how the trio told about how tired they are with urban life, their struggle, their dynamic ect

what got me surprised too is the love line! (well should I say it like that? lol) at the japan ver ichigo clearly showed she has no feeling for yuta. Yuta also indirectly showed that he interested in Kikku. But I think this ver is a lil bit different? well Hyewon is still easy going but Jeha felt more comfortable and more caring to Hyewon? also {SPOILER DONT SCROLL IF YOU DONT WANT TO}

Also at the last time Jaeha is the one coming to Hyewon first, and unlike Little Forest original ver which they showed that Yuta and Kikku got married and having child, they dont showed it with Jaeha and Eunsook and I also think some intimate scene is happened with Jaeha and Hyewon??

but overall reaaallly satisfying with this one. Its gave different story with the Japanese one but still giving the main plot

phikr1 Apr 05 2018 7:17 pm i just watched raw with no understanding of korean except maybe shibal lol. thanks to having watched the jap version already i think i understand the general plot.

im really happy this movie retain the same simple and relaxing vibe of the story, well of course mixed with korean culture giving its own novelty.

from what ive seen the movie was trying to portray a different personality of protagonist. in the jap ver the girl is more calmer and mature where here the girl is more a village-'bratty'-kinda-girl. well both are good on its own way. this might also contribute to how i perceive the two diff protagonist, but having no knowledge of kim tae ri at all, i thought she was younger than hashimoto or at least the same age when the movie was filmed. but wtf kim tae ri is actually 6 years older than hashimoto. well i guess thats also a reason why they casted her.

another different thing i noticed is how the korean one is more focused on the three characters while in jap ver the girl has more interaction with the village elder too. well its understandable able tho with only half screen time.

anyway im gonna watch it again when a sub is available.

hagumi Apr 05 2018 2:21 am I just watch the raw and i love it. I am a big fan of the original, one of my fav jmovie all time, so after they are announced this remake, I am a a bit worried, although i love junyeol & taeri. but after watching the k-ver, this movie really healing movie,of course with korean taste in it. the movie is good but of course japanese ver is better for me, especially the ending ☺️

Piku Feb 12 2018 1:02 am I don't want to base too much as an trailer but as an e.g. in the trailer of the K-film the male character throws a bird (hen?) at the female lead which seems to indicate clueless city girl in the country and capable male lead. In the J film (spoiler) she returns to her mother's home and is therefore pretty much capable having grown up in the place, the male "lead" in fact is a supporting character. Not to diss the film - I like the leads - but hope they don't deviate too much into these K-tropes.

Piku Feb 08 2018 9:49 am My comparison was with K-movies not dramas. Seen many many K movies and liked a few. But Japanese and Korean sensibilities are different. Little Forest is very Japanese - may be boring to some actually. But remake needs to find the philosophical in the ordinary to retain the spirit of the original. Usually Koreans don't do this kind of movie well so hope they can do it and don't' waste the cast.

lala2 Jan 30 2018 11:12 am hi people. i think that when people are saying that they hope its not to over dramatized, they mean for exemple, boys before flowers the korean version had a "i have lost my memory" moment in the last episodes like no and the japanese one is really more about school and how she actually made a difference. So little forest is really simple and food oriented, so i guess people dont want it to be a random romance romance where there are only 2 scenes where she cooks and all the rest is her finding herself or falling in love.

kim tae ri Jan 21 2018 7:53 am so excited!!!!! i love you babyyyy ?

Fairly Maria Jan 18 2018 3:26 am I think this movie will be as good as many korean movies. The story, characters and plots will be a great combination. Just think positive this movie will be good as good as the Japanese version. Cant wait to watch this movie ^^

Anna Jan 08 2018 10:47 pm Agreed with ugh. People who complained never watch a single Korean film. Have you guys watched Memories of Murder, Agassi, or any Korean film in that matter? Korean films not only have the best direct and acting, but their plots are rarely cheesy soap opera. It's true. Their films are mainly action, drama, thriller, or comedy. Romance films are rare in Korean films, and soap opera only stays in Korean dramas.

ugh Jan 03 2018 9:44 pm people suspicious that this film will be over-dramatic or 'k-overstyled'--have you only watched k-dramas? because you sound like you only watch k-dramas. i'll remind you that this is a film. the korean film industry is pretty great. give it some credit and stop prematurely hating.

Rara Dec 22 2017 9:00 pm I really loved the original japanese version. I wish they keep the simple plot and focus on how to making and enjoying the food, and also the beauty of countryside scenery.

donggkey70 Oct 28 2017 7:05 am really loved the original japanese movies... just the kind of movies to chill and unwind... hoping the korean version will not put too much drama on this one...

Lorraine Feb 18 2017 2:49 am Oh I love the orginal. I really enjoyed watching its simplicity. Made me want to live in the countryside.

Rokk Feb 12 2017 9:58 pm Original Japanese movie is simply beautiful. I bet Korea version will add some "drama things" that make it overrated like they always do.

Piku Jan 15 2017 11:12 pm Little Forest was wonderful. Don't like remakes but this cast looks exciting. Hope they don't do K overstyling and retain the simplicity of original.

Kira Jan 12 2017 1:58 pm The Japanese version is really beautiful! I enjoy every bits of it. Looking forward to watch this Korean version too ^^

Chi Jan 09 2017 12:38 am So another Japan remake, Koreans?

fikuri Jan 03 2017 9:18 am @Fish, well that just that movie is, its not drama driven, instead its trying to show the beautiful scenery through all season, how they live it, and making and enjoying your food, its supposed to relax your mind not to make your heat beat faster, at least that how i see it, overal i enjoyed the film (and part of it was because hashimoto ai lol, still the movie is relaxing)

Fish Nov 15 2016 2:27 am Ehh.. I've seen the Japanese version of Little Forest. It's really.. how do I put it.. boring.

Little Forest (Korean Movie)

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Trailers

Comments

Leave a Comment

Comments