Introduction: Slowing Down with Simplicity
In the fast-paced world of Korean entertainment, variety shows often compete for laughs with over-the-top antics. However, one program dares to go the other way. It embraces silence, simplicity, and the rhythm of everyday life. That show is “Three Meals a Day” (삼시세끼). It is a groundbreaking tvN variety show. It became a cultural phenomenon by doing something revolutionary. The show displayed celebrities cooking and eating three humble meals a day in the countryside.
Since its debut in 2014, Three Meals a Day has captivated audiences not with drama. Instead, it offers authenticity, providing viewers a calming alternative to the chaos of modern life. This blog post explains why Three Meals a Day is unique. It highlights its healing experience for both Korean and global audiences.
Core Concept: Cooking, Farming, Living
The title says it all: “삼시세끼” literally means “three meals a day”. Each season features a small cast of celebrities. They live in a rural village, coastal town, or mountain cabin for a short period. Their mission? To cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner using local ingredients — often grown, caught, or foraged themselves.
No catering, no food delivery, no luxurious kitchens. Just:
- A wood-fired stove
- Seasonal vegetables and rice
- Occasionally fresh-caught seafood or home-raised chickens
- And a lot of trial-and-error
Their only tasks are to eat, survive, and enjoy. This makes it a form of rural reality therapy for both participants and viewers.
Cast and Seasonal Variations
One of the show’s strengths is its rotating cast. Changing locations refresh the format while preserving the core essence.
Notable Casts:
- Lee Seo-jin: Often called the “grumpy chef,” his stoic but lovable personality has become a signature of the show.
- Eric Mun (Shinhwa): Known for his unexpectedly masterful cooking skills.
- Yoon Kyun-sang: The gentle giant who bonded with pets and animals.
- Cha Seung-won & Yoo Hae-jin (Fishing Village seasons): A hilarious duo whose chemistry rivals any sitcom.
- Park Seo-joon, Jung Yu-mi, Choi Woo-shik: Featured in Three Meals a Day: Mountain Village, bringing fresh energy and star power.
Each season offers a different backdrop. It could be fishing villages, remote mountains, or rustic farms. These settings show diverse aspects of Korean rural life.
Why It Resonates: The Magic of Mundanity
1. Healing Entertainment (힐링예능)
In an era dominated by fast-paced content, Three Meals a Day embraces slowness. There’s no competition, no eliminations, no intense drama. Instead, the show invites you to relax as celebrities:
- Chop firewood
- Feed chickens
- Harvest radishes
- Grill fish under the stars
It’s not just a show — it’s a mental vacation.
2. Food as a Language
The meals, while simple, are full of meaning. Watching Eric prepare soybean stew from scratch shows the emotional and cultural weight of food in Korea. When Cha Seung-won bakes sweet potatoes in a fire pit, it also highlights this significance. The show reminds us that cooking is not about speed or style — it’s about connection and care.
3. Authentic Celebrity Portrayals
Unlike studio-based variety shows, Three Meals a Day strips away celebrity glam. You see famous actors and idols:
- Struggling to light a stove
- Arguing over who washes dishes
- Bonding over late-night rice bowls
These moments make the stars feel relatable and human, creating a deeper bond with viewers.
International Appeal and Global Recognition
Thanks to subtitles and streaming platforms like Viki and YouTube, Three Meals a Day has gained a growing global fanbase, especially among viewers who:
- Are interested in Korean food culture
- Appreciate slow living or minimalism
- Enjoy slice-of-life content
It also influenced the rise of “mukbang” culture, farm-based YouTube channels, and K-content focused on well-being.
Comparison with Similar K-TV Shows
| Show Title | Main Theme | Vibe | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Meals a Day | Cooking & rural life | Slow, peaceful | Farm or seaside |
| Youn’s Stay | Korean hospitality | Elegant, introspective | Traditional inn |
| I Live Alone | Urban solo living | Realistic, relatable | Personal homes |
| The Backpacker Chef | Cooking under pressure | Fast-paced, comedic | Various locations |
Among them, Three Meals a Day is the most meditative, ideal for viewers seeking relaxation and meaningful simplicity.
Notable Episodes & Moments
- Cha Seung-won’s impromptu seafood stew becoming an internet sensation.
- Eric’s rain-soaked cooking scenes that inspired ASMR compilations.
- Yoo Hae-jin’s fishing failures, turning into comedy gold.
- Lee Seo-jin finally smiling — a rare but satisfying sight.
These moments reflect not scripted drama, but real connection and lighthearted humanity.
Where to Watch
- Korea: tvN, TVING
- International: Viki, YouTube (tvN official), some episodes available on Netflix
- Subtitles: English, Chinese, and more depending on platform
Final Thoughts: The Art of Doing Nothing (Well)
Three Meals a Day doesn’t try to impress — and that’s its magic. It reminds us that life’s true beauty lies not in extravagance, but in routine, nature, and shared meals.
In an overstimulated world, this show offers a rare, soothing rhythm. If you’re searching for a K-show that warms your heart, this is the one. It makes you crave kimchi stew. It also teaches you to embrace stillness — Three Meals a Day delivers.