Welcome, First Time in Korea?

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Welcome, First Time in Korea?
GenreTravel, Reality
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of seasons2
No. of episodesSeason 1: 33
Season 2: ongoing
Production
Production locationSouth Korea
Camera setupMulti-camera
Release
Original networkMBC Every 1
Original releaseJune 1, 2017 (2017-06-01) –
present

Welcome, First Time in Korea? (Korean어서와~ 한국은 처음이지?) is a South Korean television show. The show is in a reality television-travel show format and first aired on June 1, 2017.[1][2][3] Each trip features a foreigner living in South Korea who invites three friends from their home country to travel to South Korea for the first time. The trips typically follow the format of the three friends traveling on their own for the first two days, followed by a two-day special tour organized by the hosting foreigner. Episodes also include concurrent commentary from a panel of hosts, together with the guest whose friends are featured.

As of April 2020, the show changed to a "Living in Korea" special format due to travel restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, they promised to return to the original concept once the world is able to comfortably travel abroad again. The revised format is similar to "I Live Alone" and "My Neighbour, Charles", introducing the daily life and experiences of foreigners residing in Korea.

Hosts[]

Main Cast
Alberto Mondi June 1, 2017 – present
Do Kyung-wan July 8, 2021 – present
Jang Do-yeon September 2, 2021 – present
Former Cast
Kim Jun-hyun June 1, 2017 – July 1, 2021
DinDin June 1, 2017 – July 1, 2021
Park Ji-min October 29, 2020 – July 1, 2021
Shin A-young June 1, 2017 – October 22, 2020

Special hosts[]

"Vilppu's Diner" Special

  • Kim Min-kyung (July 8, 2021 – August 26, 2021)
  • Hong Ji-yoon (July 8, 2021 – August 26, 2021)
  • Leo Ranta (August 5–19, 2021)

List of episodes[]

Pilot (June 1–15, 2017)[]

Episode Broadcast date Guest Friends Guest and friends' nationality
1 June 1, 2017 Alberto Mondi Luca Bertho, Federico Minto, Francesco Pietro Bonn  Italy
2 June 8, 2017
3 June 15, 2017

Season 1 (July 27, 2017 – March 8, 2018)[]

Episode Broadcast date Guest Friends Guest and friends' nationality
1 July 27, 2017 Christian Burgos Andrei Felice Salvador Salguelo, Christopher Gonzalez, Pablo Ivana Castillo Soto  Mexico
2 August 3, 2017
3 August 10, 2017
4 August 17, 2017
5 August 24, 2017 Daniel Lindemann Daniel Heidelberg, Mario Basur Poor, Peter Persich  Germany
6 August 31, 2017
7 September 7, 2017
8 September 14, 2017
9 September 21, 2017
10 September 28, 2017 Yudina Svetlana Regina, Anastasia, Elena  Russia
11 October 5, 2017
12 October 12, 2017
13 October 19, 2017 "Lucky" Abhishek Gupta Bikram, Shashank, Kashif  India
14 October 26, 2017
15 November 2, 2017
16 November 9, 2017
17 November 16, 2017 Petri Kalliola Ville, Vilppu, Sami  Finland
18 November 23, 2017
19 November 30, 2017
20 December 7, 2017
21 December 14, 2017 Robin Deiana Viktor, Marvin, Martin  France
22 December 21, 2017
23 December 28, 2017
24 January 4, 2018
25 January 11, 2018 James Hooper David, Simon, Andrew  United Kingdom
26 January 18, 2018
27 January 25, 2018
28 February 1, 2018
29 February 8, 2018 Alberto Mondi

Christian Burgos

Daniel Lindemann

"Lucky" Abhishek Gupta

"Welcome, Second Time in Korea?" – Jeju Island Special

Luca Bertho, Federico Minto, Francesco Pietro Bonn

Andrei Felice Salvador Salguelo, Christopher Gonzalez, Pablo Ivana Castillo Soto

Daniel Heidelberg, Peter Persich

Bikram, Shashank, Kashif

 Italy

 Mexico

 Germany

 India

30 February 15, 2018
31 February 22, 2018
32 March 1, 2018
33 March 8, 2018

Season 2 (2018 – present)[]

Episode Broadcast date Guest Friends Guest and friends' nationality
1 May 10, 2018 Jang Min Asael, Antonio, Neftali  Spain
2 May 17, 2018
3 May 24, 2018
4 May 31, 2018
5 June 7, 2018 Alex Mazzucchelli Alessandro, Samuel, Anthony   Switzerland
6 June 14, 2018
7 June 21, 2018
8 June 28, 2018
9 July 5, 2018 Abigail Alderete Veronica, Diana, Sylvia  Paraguay
10 July 12, 2018
11 July 19, 2018
12 July 26, 2018
13 August 2, 2018 Sujan Shakya Anoj, Rina, Eliza, Shyam    Nepal
14 August 9, 2018
15 August 16, 2018
16[4] August 23, 2018
17 August 30, 2018 Lee Dong Jun William Reese, Brian Mills, Robert Wood  United States
18 September 6, 2018
19 September 13, 2018
20 September 20, 2018
21 September 27, 2018 Sinasi Alpago Mikail, Mert, Jihat  Turkey
22 October 4, 2018
23 October 11, 2018
24 October 18, 2018
25 November 25, 2018 Blair Williams Mark, Meg, Kaitlin  Australia
26 November 1, 2018
27 November 8, 2018
28 November 15, 2018
29 November 22, 2018 Oumeima Fatih Btissam Fatih, Maroua Brahimi, Asma Benbouzid  Morocco
30 November 29, 2018
31 December 6, 2018
32 December 13, 2018
33 December 20, 2018 Jakob Minell Jakob, Viktor, Patrick  Sweden
34 December 27, 2018
35 January 3, 2019
36 January 10, 2019
37 January 17, 2019 Petri Kalliola "Welcome, Second Time in Korea?" – Viewers' Tour Special

Ville, Vilppu, Sami

 Finland
38 January 24, 2019
39 January 31, 2019
40 February 7, 2019
41 February 14, 2019 Przemysław Kazimierz Krompiec Ireneusz, Roberto, Karolina  Poland
42 February 21, 2019
43 February 28, 2019
44 March 7, 2019
45 March 14, 2019 Tatchara Longprasert Ton, Green, Naveen  Thailand
46 March 21, 2019
47 March 28, 2019
48 April 4, 2019
49 April 11, 2019 Gerson Alejandro Castillo Rivas Marjory, Soyeong, Jeongmi, Haram  Chile
50 April 18, 2019
51 April 25, 2019
52 May 2, 2019
53 May 9, 2019 Justin Harvey Shaun, Char, Phumlani  South Africa
54 May 16, 2019
55 May 23, 2019
56 May 30, 2019
57 June 6, 2019 Yanick Jasper, Rene, Michiel  Netherlands
58 June 13, 2019
59 June 20, 2019
60 June 27, 2019
61 July 4, 2019 David Woodworth Darrin, Sam, Danny, Kyle  Canada
62 July 11, 2019
63 July 18, 2019
64 July 25, 2019
65 August 1, 2019 Blair Williams "Couple Special"

Meg, Kait, John, Matt

 Australia
66 August 8, 2019
67 August 15, 2019
68 August 22, 2019
69 August 29, 2019 5 Seconds of Summer "5SOS Special"

Luke, Calum, Ashton, Michael

 Australia
70 September 5, 2019 John & Mac

(United States)

"Yo! Welcome To Korea, Kids~"

Ben, Harry, Jack, Georgina (Mum)

 Wales
71 September 12, 2019
72 September 19, 2019
73 September 26, 2019
74 October 3, 2019 Haakon Eirik, Bode, Pablo  Norway
75 October 10, 2019
76 October 17, 2019
77 October 24, 2019
78 October 31, 2019 Neil Smith Daniel, Dara, Barry  Ireland
79 November 7, 2019
80 November 14, 2019
81 November 21, 2019
82 November 28, 2019 Grace Maribel, Aleida, Jose  Dominican Republic
83 December 5, 2019
84 December 12, 2019
85 December 19, 2019
86 December 26, 2019 Alaverdi Emin, Murad, Ruslan  Azerbaijan
87 January 2, 2020
88 January 9, 2020
89 January 16, 2020
90 January 23, 2020 Christian Bjorn, Anton, Asger  Denmark
91 January 30, 2020
92 February 6, 2020
93 February 13, 2020
94 February 21, 2020 Moses Elbe, Breze, Fabrice  Rwanda
95 February 28, 2020
96 March 3, 2020
97 March 12, 2020
98 March 20, 2020 Julian Quintart Olivier Conrardy, Ulysse, Jon Jon, Olivier Jourdain  Belgium
99 March 26, 2020
100 April 2, 2020
101 April 9, 2020

"Living in Korea" Special[]

The show's format changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of having foreigners travel to Korea, the guests are foreigners already living in the country who show aspects of their daily life and experiences in Korea.

Episode Broadcast date Segment guests Theme / Notes
102 April 16, 2020 Sissel Denmark, Christian Burgos Mexico, Chris Johnson United States
103 April 23, 2020 Greg United States, Karl Wayne United States, Chris Johnson United States
104 April 30, 2020 Philip Hellquist Sweden & Armin Mujakic Austria (of Chungnam Asan FC), Andreas Greece Guest host: Christian Burgos

Mujakic is absent from the studio panel

105 May 7, 2020 Justin Harvey South Africa, Pierce Conran Republic of Ireland Guest host: Andreas

Special appearance by Darcy Paquet

106 May 14, 2020 Justin Harvey South Africa, Lucky India Guest host: Andreas
107 May 21, 2020 David & Stephanie Rowe[5] United States, Chris Johnson United States Guest host: Christian Burgos
108 May 28, 2020 Armin Mujakic Austria & Philip Hellquist Sweden, Alessandro Spain Guest host: Jang Min

Philip is absent from the studio panel

109 June 4, 2020 Jonathan Prout United States, Matthew Douma Canada Guest host: Ilya Belyakov
110 June 11, 2020 Steven Netherlands, Andreas Greece & Justin South Africa
111 June 18, 2020 Maxim Russia, Blair Australia Guest host: Tyler Rasch
112 June 25, 2020 David & Stephanie Rowe United States Guest hosts: Jang Min & Ilya Belyakov
113 July 2, 2020 Armin Mujakic Austria & Philip Hellquist Sweden, Gerson Chile
114 July 9, 2020 Anton Sweden, Andreas Greece & Justin South Africa Special look into IKEA Korea office (Anton)
115 July 16, 2020 Fabien France, David & Stephanie Rowe United States Guest host: Jo Seung-yeon

Fabien attempts the Korean History Proficiency Test

116 July 23, 2020 Daniel Tudor United Kingdom, David & Stephanie Rowe United States Guest hosts: Christian Burgos, Chris Johnson[6]

David is absent from the studio panel

117 July 30, 2020 Greg United States, David & Stephanie Rowe United States Guest host: Young Tak
118 August 6, 2020 Paolo Italy, Ivan Italy Guest host: Irene
119 August 13, 2020 Joseph Germany, Chris Johnson United States Guest host: Daniel Lindemann

Special look into KAIST research facility (Joseph) & special appearance by Andreas (Chris)

120 August 20, 2020 Soledad & Florencia Argentina Guest host: Christian Burgos
121 August 27, 2020 Jonathan Prout United States, David Gerry United States Guest host: Han Hyun-min
122 September 3, 2020 Armin Mujakic Austria, Philip Hellquist Sweden & Bruno Brazil
123 September 10, 2020 Pierce Conran Republic of Ireland with Jason United Kingdom, Marc Canada & Patrick United States "Korean Film Tour"[7]

Guest hosts: Ju Seong-chul (ep. 123-124), Ilya Belyakov (ep. 123), Kim So-hye (ep. 124)

Only Pierce is present on the studio panel

124 September 17, 2020
125 September 24, 2020 Allen Norway & Milla Finland, Victoire France
126 October 1, 2020 Paolo Italy, Jeannie United States Guest host: Chris Johnson
127 October 8, 2020 Fabian, Alvaro & Asier Spain "Daebu-do Tour"

Guest host: Alejandro

Only Fabian is present on the studio panel

128 October 15, 2020 Jason United Kingdom & Patrick United States, Brendan United States
129 October 22, 2020 Jason Boutte United States

(CEO of food delivery service Shuttle)

Guest host: Christian Burgos

Last episode for main host Shin A-young

130 October 29, 2020 Hoermann France, Jonathan Prout United States Guest host: Chris Johnson

First episode for main host Park Ji-min

Special look into LG Electronics head office (Hoermann)

131 November 5, 2020 James Hooper United Kingdom with Alberto, Paolo Italy & Eugene Moldova "Human-Powered Danyang Tour"[8]

Guest host: Christian Burgos

Eugene is absent from the studio panel

132 November 12, 2020 Vilppu Finland Guest hosts: Christian Burgos, Leo Ranta

Newlywed Vilppu returns to Korea with his Korean wife to visit her family

133 November 19, 2020 Graham Nelson United Kingdom, Vilppu[9] Finland Guest hosts: James Hooper, Ekaterina

Special look into the British Embassy (Graham), with special appearance by Ban Ki-moon

134 November 26, 2020 Andreas Greece & Justin South Africa, Fabrizio Ferrari Italy
135 December 3, 2020 Fabrizio Ferrari Italy Guest host: Paolo

Special appearance by Baek Jong-won

136 December 10, 2020 Vilppu with Leo & Jouni Finland "A Special Trip to Andong"

Vilppu visits the ancestral hometown of his wife's family; Jouni is absent from the studio panel

137 December 17, 2020 David & Stephanie Rowe United States "Trip to Jeongeup"

Guest hosts: James Hooper, Christian Burgos

138 December 24, 2020 Michael Ebbesen Denmark

(General Manager of Lego Korea)

Guest hosts: David Rowe, Christian Burgos

Special look into Lego Korea office

139 December 31, 2020 Jason United Kingdom & Patrick United States, Ekaterina[10] Russia Guest hosts: Graham Nelson, James Hooper
140[11] January 7, 2021 Vilppu Finland "Ten Flavours of Daegu" Tour (Vilppu)

Guest hosts: Kim Min-kyung, Leo Ranta[12]

Vilppu is absent from the studio panel

141[13] January 14, 2021 David & Stephanie Rowe United States, Vilppu Finland
142 January 21, 2021 David & Stephanie Rowe United States "Trip to Gochang"

Guest host: Eva Popiel

Stephanie appears on the studio panel for the first time, in place of her husband

143 January 28, 2021 Vilppu Finland Guest hosts: Leo Ranta,[12] Christian Burgos

Vilppu's last day in Korea before returning to Finland with his wife; he is absent from the studio panel

144 February 4, 2021 Julien Horvilleur France

(General Manager of L'Oréal Professionnel Korea)

Guest host: Aurelien Loubert

Special look into L'Oréal Korea office

Episode ends with footage from Vilppu in Finland

145 February 11, 2021 Owen Stanley Republic of Ireland, Jonathan Prout United States Guest host: Lucky
146 February 18, 2021 Paolo Italy with Steven United States & Eugene Moldova "Trip to Pyeongchang"

Eugene is absent from the studio panel

147 February 25, 2021 David & Stephanie Rowe United States Guest host: Petri Kalliola
148[14] March 4, 2021 Katy Austria, Fabien France Guest host: Paolo[15]

Fabien challenges himself to create a Korean font; Katy is absent from the studio panel

149 March 11, 2021 Fabien France, Dustin Nippert United States Guest host: Petri Kalliola
150 March 18, 2021 Brad Little United States

(Musical actor and cast of Cats)

Guest host: Hong Ji-min

Exclusive look behind the scenes of the Cats musical production

151 March 25, 2021 Peter United Kingdom, Sushant India Guest host: Christian Burgos

Special look into Liverpool FC International Academy Korea (Peter) and International Vaccine Institute headquarters (Sushant)

152 April 1, 2021 Joseph Lidgerwood Australia Guest host: Fabrizio Ferrari
153 April 8, 2021 Theo Agate, Alexandre Blin & Alexandre Artemenko France

(Musical actors and cast of Les Misérables)

"Les Misérables French Actors' Trip"[16]

Guest hosts: Robin Deiana (ep. 153), Andreas (ep. 154), Christian Burgos (ep. 155)

Artemeneko is absent from the studio panel

154 April 15, 2021
155 April 22, 2021
156 April 29, 2021 James Hooper United Kingdom with Dustin Nippert, Jonathan Prout & David Rowe United States "3 Peaks Challenge" Special[17]

Conquer the three tallest mountain peaks of Korea (Seoraksan, Jirisan, Hallasan) in 24 hours!

Guest hosts: Um Hong-gil (ep. 156), Sean (ep. 158)

157 May 6, 2021
158 May 13, 2021
159 May 20, 2021
160 May 27, 2021 Joseph Lidgerwood Australia, David & Stephanie Rowe United States Guest host: Jonathan Prout[18]

David is absent from the studio panel

161 June 3, 2021 Guest host: Chris Johnson
162 June 10, 2021 David & Stephanie Rowe United States "Field Trip to Gangneung"

Guest hosts: Chris Johnson & Christian Burgos (ep. 162), Julian Quintart (ep. 163)

163 June 17, 2021
164 June 24, 2021 Andreas Greece, David & Stephanie Rowe United States Guest host: Christian Burgos
165 July 1, 2021 Justin South Africa, Andreas Greece and Dimitris France "3 Peace Challenge"

Justin's unique spin-off of James Hooper's "3 Peaks Challenge" Dimitris is absent from the studio panel

Last episode for main hosts Kim Jun-hyun, DinDin and Park Ji-min

166[19] July 8, 2021 Petri Kalliola, Vilppu, Sami & Ville Finland "Vilppu's Diner" Special

Our Finnish friends challenge their dream of opening a Korean cuisine restaurant!

Guest hosts: Kim Min-kyung & Hong Ji-yoon (ep. 166-173), Leo Ranta (ep. 170-172)

167 July 15, 2021
168 July 22, 2021
169 July 29, 2021
170[20] August 5, 2021
171 August 12, 2021
172 August 19, 2021
173[21] August 26, 2021
174 September 2, 2021 David & Stephanie Rowe United States Guest host: Jonathan Prout

First episode for main host Jang Do-yeon

175 September 9, 2021 Aleksandr Russia, Lea Moreau France
176 September 16, 2021 Justin South Africa , Felix United Kingdom & Dimitris France "Chuseok Cooking Challenge"

Dimitris is absent from the studio panel

177 September 24, 2021 Aaron Cossrow United States, Guillaume France
178 September 30, 2021 Alberto Mondi, Paolo & Teo Italy "Alberto's Korean Noodle Road"

The Italian trio are in Gangwon-do to try all kinds of noodles Korea has to offer!

179 October 7, 2021 Aaron Gall United States, Kevin France
180 October 14, 2021 David & Stephanie Rowe United States "Happy Oliver Day"

The Rowes celebrate Oliver's graduation from daycare to kindergarten

181 October 21, 2021
182 October 28, 2021 Austin Givens United States

(YouTuber, "Eating What is Given")

183 November 4, 2021 Anupam Triparthi India

(Actor from Netflix series Squid Game)

184 November 11, 2021 Joseph Lidgerwood Australia & David Rowe United States
185 November 18, 2021 Jonathan Prout United States, Daniel Lindemann Germany & Alberto Mondi Italy "Peace Tour in Cheorwon"

Jonathan visits historically significant places with his friends to see the lasting impact of the Korean War, which his grandfather fought in

186 November 25, 2021 David & Stephanie Rowe United States
187 December 2, 2021 Alberto Mondi, Paolo & Teo Italy
188 December 9, 2021 James Hooper United Kingdom with Dustin Nippert, Jonathan Prout & David Rowe United States "Wild Camping Trip"

The "3 Peaks Challenge" members reunite for another wild nature adventure in Soya-do

Dustin Nippert & David Rowe are absent from the studio panel

189 December 16, 2021
190 December 23, 2021 Francinne & Luka Brazil Francinne is absent from the studio panel

Episode ends with Christmas greeting videos from previous guests in their respective countries

191 December 30, 2021 Austin Givens United States, Teo Italy & Joseph Lidgerwood Australia
192 January 6, 2022 Andreas Greece, Dimitris & Kevin France Dimitris is absent from the studio panel
193 January 13, 2022 Jonathan Groff United States Guest host: Sean Lee

Jonathan trains with his friends for a Strongman competition

194 January 20, 2022 Amar Mongolia & Adriana Italy[22]
195 January 27, 2022 Alberto Mondi Italy, Christian Burgos Mexico, Jonathan Republic of the Congo & Sujan Shakya Nepal "Seollal Special"
196 February 3, 2022 Nataly Borges Brazil

(Vice President of Oriental Brewery)

197 February 10, 2022 TBA
198 February 17, 2022 TBA

Awards and nominations[]

Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2018 54th Baeksang Arts Awards Best Entertainment Program Welcome, First Time in Korea? Nominated [23]
2018 18th MBC Entertainment Awards Special Entertainment Program Welcome, First Time in Korea? Won [24]
2019 55th Baeksang Arts Awards Best Entertainment Program Welcome, First Time in Korea? Nominated [25]

References[]

  1. ^ "'Welcome, first time in Korea?' confirmed the regular program". . June 16, 2017. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  2. ^ Doo, Rumy (September 24, 2017). "TV shows give fresh insight into Korea through eyes of foreign visitors". Korea Herald. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  3. ^ Jin-hai, Park (September 20, 2017). "Foreigners' travel shows gaining popularity". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  4. ^ This episode was broadcast without the usual studio commentary, which was not filmed due to the passing of host Sujan Shakya's father.
  5. ^ David Rowe represents the Rowe family on the studio panel in episodes where they appear, except in episode 142.
  6. ^ Chris Johnson stood in on the studio panel for David Rowe, who was absent due to scheduling conflict with his military job.
  7. ^ These episodes introduce Pierce's friends who also live in Korea. The four plan their film-themed trip together, resembling the original show format before the Covid-19 pandemic.
  8. ^ James Hooper, who successfully travelled from the North Pole to the South Pole using only human and natural power in 2007, challenges his friends to a 26.8km tour of Danyang without using machine power such as cars. The course covers 17.1km by mountain bike, followed by 2.5km of standup paddleboarding and a final 7.2km marathon.
  9. ^ Vilppu's segment continues from the previous episode.
  10. ^ The studio panel for Ekaterina's segment was filmed together with episode 133, which featured Graham Nelson and James Hooper.
  11. ^ Alberto Mondi was absent from filming due to self-quarantine after visiting a Covid-19 hotspot.
  12. ^ a b Leo Ranta stood in on the studio panel for his friend Vilppu.
  13. ^ Alberto Mondi returns to filming after testing negative for Covid-19.
  14. ^ DinDin was absent from filming due to scheduling conflict.
  15. ^ Paolo stood in on the studio panel for Katy, who attended the same university as him.
  16. ^ This trip marks the show's first return to the original concept of a foreigner's first trip to Korea since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, as the Les Misérables cast featured had not visited Korea previously.
  17. ^ James Hooper first mentioned this goal in episode 131. The ambitious project took 6 months of preparation, with James recruiting 3 fellow regular guests of the show as part of his team.
  18. ^ Jonathan Prout stood in on the studio panel for David Rowe.
  19. ^ First episode for main host Do Kyung-wan
  20. ^ Alberto Mondi was absent from filming for 3 episodes as he was under quarantine after coming in contact with a Covid-19 patient. Leo Ranta stood in as a guest host in his place.
  21. ^ Alberto Mondi returns to filming after completing his quarantine period safely.
  22. ^ Both previously appeared on episode 183 as friends of actor Anupam Triparthi.
  23. ^ "제54회 백상예술대상, TV·영화 각 부문별 수상 후보자 공개". JTBC (in Korean). April 6, 2018.
  24. ^ "'어서와 한국은 처음이지' 특별상 수상 김준현 "자랑스럽다"". NAVER (in Korean). Dec 29, 2018.
  25. ^ Kim, Joo-won (April 5, 2019). "'제55회 백상예술대상' 영화 부문 최종 후보 공개". Seoul Economy (in Korean). Retrieved September 12, 2021 – via Naver.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

External links[]

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