I have come across several Kdramas now that have the plot about the FL moving to a smaller town and ends up meeting the ML there. Is this a common trope or new trope in Kdramas? Do you guys enjoy this kind of plot? Are there dramas with this plot but the roles are reversed? The ML ends up moving to the countryside/smaller town and ends up meeting the FL there. 

As for the other way around (urbanite ML meets an FL from the countryside):

I believe the show Once Upon A Small Town falls into the "ML moves to the countryside and meets the FL" trope

Top Star Yoo Baek - ML is famous actor involved in a minor scandal, sent to live on an island until things cool off.

  • ML moves to countryside and Meets FL
    • City Hall (S.Korea)
    • Andante (S.Korea)
    • Once Upon a Small Town (S.Korea)
    • Lovers of Haeundae (S.Korea)
    • Adolescent medley (S.Korea)
    • Yong Jiu Grocery Store  (Taiwan)
  • FL moves to countryside and Meet ML
    • Diary of a Prosecutor (Korea)
    • Meet Yourself (China)
  • Warm and Cozy

  • Our Blues (2022)

Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol

This scenario of a female lead moving to a smaller town and meeting the male lead there is a common and well-established trope in Korean dramas. It's a popular setup for various reasons, often used to introduce new settings, highlight character development, and create opportunities for romantic or comedic interactions

Somehow, it's an enjoyable trope.  It often features heartwarming stories about finding love and happiness in unexpected places, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Yes, there are also several Korean dramas with the plot of a male lead moving to a smaller town and meeting the female lead there. A drama with a similar premise is "When the Camellia Blooms," which also features a small-town setting and a unique romance

Potato Lab (2025) 

Korean:

Hello! Miss (ML wants to buy FL's house in the countryside so he's pretty much around)

Save the Last Dance for Me (ML stays in countryside after suffering from amnesia)

Return to hometown:

The Good Bad Mother (ML moves back to his hometown because he's suffering from age regression, rekindle love)

Welcome to Samdalri (FL moves back to hometown, rekindle love)

Non Korean:

Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai (ML works in the countryside as a military doctor, Thai drama)

Everyday I Love You (ML temporarily stays to filming a show, Filipino movie)

My Love in the Countryside (FL temporarily stay, Thai drama from my ptw)

Return to hometown:

Moments We Shared (ML being brought back to his hometown by his grandma iirc, Chinese movie)

When I See You Again (ML wants to develop the countryside where he used to live so he's pretty much around, Taiwanese drama)