Tamnaneun Doda
Tamnaneun Doda (Korean: 탐나는도다), also known as Tamra, the Island, is a South Korean historical television drama that aired on MBC in 2009. Set in the 17th century on Tamra—the historical name for what is now Jeju Island—the series blends historical fiction with a romantic narrative.
Plot
The story follows Jang Beo-jin, a young haenyo (female diver) living on Tamra who dreams of a life beyond the island. Her world is disrupted by the arrival of William, a shipwrecked British man who washes ashore. Simultaneously, Park Kyu, a government official, arrives on the island disguised as an exile. The narrative centers on the interactions and developing romantic tensions between these three characters.
Production and Background
The series highlights the traditional culture of the haenyo, women who harvest seafood from the ocean without modern breathing equipment. Actress Seo Woo, who portrayed the lead character Jang Beo-jin, underwent three months of intensive swimming training to prepare for the role, as she was unable to swim prior to her casting.
The production faced significant commercial challenges. Due to low viewership ratings, which averaged approximately 5% weekly, the series was reduced from its original 20-episode plan to 16 episodes. This decision prompted a notable reaction from the show's dedicated fanbase, who purchased an advertisement in the Hankyoreh newspaper to protest the reduction.
Cast
The drama features an ensemble cast including:
- Seo Woo as Jang Beo-jin
- Pierre Deporte as William
- Lim Ju-Hwan as Park Kyu
- Kim Mi-Kyung as Choi Jam-Nyeo
- Lee Sun-Ho as Ahn Kawamura
