5 Korean Movies To Welcome Spring

Spring is finally here, bringing with it warm weather and flowers. You can finally ditch those heavy winter parkas and pull out those cute sweaters and cardigans. It’s also a perfect time to drink iced lattes and enjoy a picnic outside. With plants coming back to life, spring offers inspiration for both reflection and celebration. The warm season is also the perfect time for some new experiences. Here are five Korean movies to welcome spring.

“House of Hummingbird”

“House of Hummingbird” is a quiet lovely coming-of-age story following 14-year-old Eun Hee (Park Ji Hu). She wanders around the city searching for her place in the world. Eun Hee often feels out of place at both school and in her family. And while she does have friends, the only person who really understands Eun Hee is her Chinese teacher.

The contemplative tone of this film is perfect for spring. It never casts judgement on Eun Hee and allows her to grow up the way she needs to. It’s a great reminder that no matter what age you are, you can always exercise empathy toward yourself and that no one is truly done growing.

Watch “House of Hummingbird” on Viki:

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“Little Forest”

While “Little Forest” features all four seasons, spring provides warmth and solace to the main character Hye Won (Kim Tae Ri). After failing an exam, Hye Won returns to her childhood home in the countryside. At first she is a little reluctant, but she slowly learns to be at peace. The lovely surrounding views, farm work, and her old friends provide some much needed solace to Hye Won.

“Little Forest” is the perfect movie to heal your own soul. Heading into spring, it nudges us to take some time for ourselves and slow down. We don’t always have to hustle. It’s ok to spend some time to savor an apple or to stop and look at the flowers.

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“I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK”

“I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK” is a love story between Young Goon (Im Soo Jung), a woman who thinks she’s a cyborg, and Il Soon (Rain). They meet in a psychiatric institution. And because Young Goon thinks she’s a cyborg, she refuses to eat real food. As Il Soon tries to get her to eat food, the two fall in love.

This film could feel exploitative given the subject matter, but its empathetic under famed director Park Chan Wook’s masterful eye. The green lush plants and colorful production design add a sense of whimsy, and what better season than spring is there to celebrate a little whimsy? There’s no doubt this movie will put a smile on your face and make you long for a cute spring romance.

“One Fine Spring Day”

“One Fine Spring Day” infamously coined the, “Do you want to eat ramen with me?” line, but it is a meditative and melancholy film about relationships. Sang Woo (Yoo Ji Tae), a sound engineer, meets Eun Soo (Lee Young Ae), a radio host. The film follows their relationship in both the good and bad times.

Sang Woo and Eun Soo are both realistically written with normal everyday problems. “One Fine Spring Day” is clear-eyed about how difficult love can be, but it’s never cynical. “One Fine Spring Day” is a wonderful companion if you’re feeling a little melancholy going into spring. It doesn’t sugarcoat how difficult living can be sometimes, yet it offers hope that you will get out of dark times. Spring will always come.

“A Quiet Dream”

“A Quiet Dream” is about four friends who navigate life and love together. Ye Ri (Han Ye Ri) runs a bar where three men Ik Joon (Yang Ik Joon), Jung Bum (Park Jung Bum), and Jong Bin (Yoon Jong Bin) frequent. They all have feelings for her, but she does not reciprocate.

Unfolding quietly during spring, realism and fantasy merge together. “A Quiet Dream” is a hangout film which captures the feelings of being together with your best friends outside. After watching the film, you’ll no doubt be grateful for the friendships in your life.

Start watching “A Quiet Dream”:

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Do you have a favorite spring Korean film? Let us know in the comments! 

Sarah K. is a freelance writer. She enjoys watching Korean movies, and her favorite groups include SHINee, Red Velvet, BTS, and Epik High.