Welcome, First Time in Korea?
Welcome, First Time in Korea? (Korean: 어서와~ 한국은 처음이지?) is a South Korean television show that airs on MBC every1. 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.
Welcome, First Time in Korea? | |
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![]() Promotional poster | |
Genre | Travel, Reality |
Country of origin | South Korea |
Original language | Korean |
No. of seasons | 2 |
No. of episodes | Season 1: 33 Season 2: ongoing |
Production | |
Production location | South Korea |
Camera setup | Multi-camera |
Release | |
Original network | MBC every1 |
Original release | June 1, 2017 – present |
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 | |
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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
- Mina Fujii (September 28, 2017 – October 12, 2017)
- Christian Burgos (July 5, 2018 – July 26, 2018)
- Jo Seung-yeon (September 27, 2018 – October 18, 2018)
- Byul (April 11, 2019 – May 2, 2019)
- Sujan Shakya (September 5, 2019 – September 26, 2019)
"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 | ![]() |
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 |
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1 | July 27, 2017 | Christian Burgos | Andrei Felice Salvador Salguelo, Christopher Gonzalez, Pablo Ivana Castillo Soto | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
11 | October 5, 2017 | |||
12 | October 12, 2017 | |||
13 | October 19, 2017 | "Lucky" Abhishek Gupta | Bikram, Shashank, Kashif | ![]() |
14 | October 26, 2017 | |||
15 | November 2, 2017 | |||
16 | November 9, 2017 | |||
17 | November 16, 2017 | Petri Kalliola | Ville, Vilppu, Sami | ![]() |
18 | November 23, 2017 | |||
19 | November 30, 2017 | |||
20 | December 7, 2017 | |||
21 | December 14, 2017 | Robin Deiana | Viktor, Marvin, Martin | ![]() |
22 | December 21, 2017 | |||
23 | December 28, 2017 | |||
24 | January 4, 2018 | |||
25 | January 11, 2018 | James Hooper | David, Simon, Andrew | ![]() |
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 |
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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 |
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1 | May 10, 2018 | Jang Min | Asael, Antonio, Neftali | ![]() |
2 | May 17, 2018 | |||
3 | May 24, 2018 | |||
4 | May 31, 2018 | |||
5 | June 7, 2018 | Alex Mazzucchelli | Alessandro, Samuel, Anthony | ![]() |
6 | June 14, 2018 | |||
7 | June 21, 2018 | |||
8 | June 28, 2018 | |||
9 | July 5, 2018 | Abigail Alderete | Veronica, Diana, Sylvia | ![]() |
10 | July 12, 2018 | |||
11 | July 19, 2018 | |||
12 | July 26, 2018 | |||
13 | August 2, 2018 | Sujan Shakya | Anoj, Rina, Eliza, Shyam | ![]() |
14 | August 9, 2018 | |||
15 | August 16, 2018 | |||
16[lower-alpha 1] | August 23, 2018 | |||
17 | August 30, 2018 | Lee Dong Jun | William Reese, Brian Mills, Robert Wood | ![]() |
18 | September 6, 2018 | |||
19 | September 13, 2018 | |||
20 | September 20, 2018 | |||
21 | September 27, 2018 | Sinasi Alpago | Mikail, Mert, Jihat | ![]() |
22 | October 4, 2018 | |||
23 | October 11, 2018 | |||
24 | October 18, 2018 | |||
25 | November 25, 2018 | Blair Williams | Mark, Meg, Kaitlin | ![]() |
26 | November 1, 2018 | |||
27 | November 8, 2018 | |||
28 | November 15, 2018 | |||
29 | November 22, 2018 | Oumeima Fatih | Btissam Fatih, Maroua Brahimi, Asma Benbouzid | ![]() |
30 | November 29, 2018 | |||
31 | December 6, 2018 | |||
32 | December 13, 2018 | |||
33 | December 20, 2018 | Jakob Minell | Jakob, Viktor, Patrick | ![]() |
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 |
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38 | January 24, 2019 | |||
39 | January 31, 2019 | |||
40 | February 7, 2019 | |||
41 | February 14, 2019 | Przemysław Kazimierz Krompiec | Ireneusz, Roberto, Karolina | ![]() |
42 | February 21, 2019 | |||
43 | February 28, 2019 | |||
44 | March 7, 2019 | |||
45 | March 14, 2019 | Tatchara Longprasert | Ton, Green, Naveen | ![]() |
46 | March 21, 2019 | |||
47 | March 28, 2019 | |||
48 | April 4, 2019 | |||
49 | April 11, 2019 | Gerson Alejandro Castillo Rivas | Marjory, Soyeong, Jeongmi, Haram | ![]() |
50 | April 18, 2019 | |||
51 | April 25, 2019 | |||
52 | May 2, 2019 | |||
53 | May 9, 2019 | Justin Harvey | Shaun, Char, Phumlani | ![]() |
54 | May 16, 2019 | |||
55 | May 23, 2019 | |||
56 | May 30, 2019 | |||
57 | June 6, 2019 | Yanick | Jasper, Rene, Michiel | ![]() |
58 | June 13, 2019 | |||
59 | June 20, 2019 | |||
60 | June 27, 2019 | |||
61 | July 4, 2019 | David Woodworth | Darrin, Sam, Danny, Kyle | ![]() |
62 | July 11, 2019 | |||
63 | July 18, 2019 | |||
64 | July 25, 2019 | |||
65 | August 1, 2019 | Blair Williams | "Couple Special"
Meg, Kait, John, Matt |
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66 | August 8, 2019 | |||
67 | August 15, 2019 | |||
68 | August 22, 2019 | |||
69 | August 29, 2019 | 5 Seconds of Summer | "5SOS Special" | ![]() |
70 | September 5, 2019 | John & Mac | "Yo! Welcome To Korea, Kids~"
Ben, Harry, Jack, Georgina (Mum) |
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71 | September 12, 2019 | |||
72 | September 19, 2019 | |||
73 | September 26, 2019 | |||
74 | October 3, 2019 | Haakon | Eirik, Bode, Pablo | ![]() |
75 | October 10, 2019 | |||
76 | October 17, 2019 | |||
77 | October 24, 2019 | |||
78 | October 31, 2019 | Neil Smith | Daniel, Dara, Barry | ![]() |
79 | November 7, 2019 | |||
80 | November 14, 2019 | |||
81 | November 21, 2019 | |||
82 | November 28, 2019 | Grace | Maribel, Aleida, Jose | ![]() |
83 | December 5, 2019 | |||
84 | December 12, 2019 | |||
85 | December 19, 2019 | |||
86 | December 26, 2019 | Alaverdi | Emin, Murad, Ruslan | ![]() |
87 | January 2, 2020 | |||
88 | January 9, 2020 | |||
89 | January 16, 2020 | |||
90 | January 23, 2020 | Christian | Bjorn, Anton, Asger | ![]() |
91 | January 30, 2020 | |||
92 | February 6, 2020 | |||
93 | February 13, 2020 | |||
94 | February 21, 2020 | Moses | Elbe, Breze, Fabrice | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
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 |
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102 | April 16, 2020 | Sissel ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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103 | April 23, 2020 | Greg ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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104 | April 30, 2020 | Philip Hellquist ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Christian Burgos
Mujakic is absent from the studio panel |
105 | May 7, 2020 | Justin Harvey ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Andreas
Special appearance by Darcy Paquet |
106 | May 14, 2020 | Justin Harvey ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Andreas |
107 | May 21, 2020 | David & Stephanie Rowe[lower-alpha 2] ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Christian Burgos |
108 | May 28, 2020 | Armin Mujakic ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Jang Min
Philip is absent from the studio panel |
109 | June 4, 2020 | Jonathan Prout ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Ilya Belyakov |
110 | June 11, 2020 | Steven ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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111 | June 18, 2020 | Maxim ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Tyler Rasch |
112 | June 25, 2020 | David & Stephanie Rowe ![]() |
Guest hosts: Jang Min & Ilya Belyakov |
113 | July 2, 2020 | Armin Mujakic ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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114 | July 9, 2020 | Anton ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Special look into IKEA Korea office (Anton) |
115 | July 16, 2020 | Fabien ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Jo Seung-yeon
Fabien attempts the Korean History Proficiency Test |
116 | July 23, 2020 | Daniel Tudor ![]() ![]() |
Guest hosts: Christian Burgos, Chris Johnson[lower-alpha 3]
David is absent from the studio panel |
117 | July 30, 2020 | Greg ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Young Tak |
118 | August 6, 2020 | Paolo ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Irene |
119 | August 13, 2020 | Joseph ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Daniel Lindemann
Special look into KAIST research facility (Joseph) & special appearance by Andreas (Chris) |
120 | August 20, 2020 | Soledad & Florencia ![]() |
Guest host: Christian Burgos |
121 | August 27, 2020 | Jonathan Prout ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Han Hyun-min |
122 | September 3, 2020 | Armin Mujakic ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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123 | September 10, 2020 | Pierce Conran ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
"Korean Film Tour"[lower-alpha 4]
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 ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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126 | October 1, 2020 | Paolo ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Chris Johnson |
127 | October 8, 2020 | Fabian, Alvaro & Asier ![]() |
"Daebu-do Tour"
Guest host: Alejandro Only Fabian is present on the studio panel |
128 | October 15, 2020 | Jason ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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129 | October 22, 2020 | Jason Boutte ![]() (CEO of food delivery service Shuttle) |
Guest host: Christian Burgos
Last episode for main host Shin A-young |
130 | October 29, 2020 | Hoermann ![]() ![]() |
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 ![]() ![]() ![]() |
"Human-Powered Danyang Tour"[lower-alpha 5]
Guest host: Christian Burgos Eugene is absent from the studio panel |
132 | November 12, 2020 | Vilppu ![]() |
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 ![]() ![]() |
Guest hosts: James Hooper, Ekaterina
Special look into the British Embassy (Graham), with special appearance by Ban Ki-moon |
134 | November 26, 2020 | Andreas ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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135 | December 3, 2020 | Fabrizio Ferrari ![]() |
Guest host: Paolo
Special appearance by Baek Jong-won |
136 | December 10, 2020 | Vilppu with Leo & Jouni ![]() |
"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 ![]() |
"Trip to Jeongeup"
Guest hosts: James Hooper, Christian Burgos |
138 | December 24, 2020 | Michael Ebbesen ![]() (General Manager of Lego Korea) |
Guest hosts: David Rowe, Christian Burgos
Special look into Lego Korea office |
139 | December 31, 2020 | Jason ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Guest hosts: Graham Nelson, James Hooper |
140[lower-alpha 8] | January 7, 2021 | Vilppu ![]() |
"Ten Flavours of Daegu" Tour (Vilppu)
Guest hosts: Kim Min-kyung, Leo Ranta[lower-alpha 9] Vilppu is absent from the studio panel |
141[lower-alpha 10] | January 14, 2021 | David & Stephanie Rowe ![]() ![]() | |
142 | January 21, 2021 | David & Stephanie Rowe ![]() |
"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 ![]() |
Guest hosts: Leo Ranta,[lower-alpha 11] 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 ![]() (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 ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Lucky |
146 | February 18, 2021 | Paolo ![]() ![]() ![]() |
"Trip to Pyeongchang"
Eugene is absent from the studio panel |
147 | February 25, 2021 | David & Stephanie Rowe ![]() |
Guest host: Petri Kalliola |
148[lower-alpha 12] | March 4, 2021 | Katy ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Paolo[lower-alpha 13]
Fabien challenges himself to create a Korean font; Katy is absent from the studio panel |
149 | March 11, 2021 | Fabien ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Petri Kalliola |
150 | March 18, 2021 | Brad Little ![]() (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 ![]() ![]() |
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 ![]() |
Guest host: Fabrizio Ferrari |
153 | April 8, 2021 | Theo Agate, Alexandre Blin & Alexandre Artemenko ![]() (Musical actors and cast of Les Misérables) |
"Les Misérables French Actors' Trip"[lower-alpha 14]
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 ![]() ![]() |
"3 Peaks Challenge" Special[lower-alpha 15]
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 ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Jonathan Prout[lower-alpha 16]
David is absent from the studio panel |
161 | June 3, 2021 | Guest host: Chris Johnson | |
162 | June 10, 2021 | David & Stephanie Rowe ![]() |
"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 ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Christian Burgos |
165 | July 1, 2021 | Justin ![]() ![]() ![]() |
"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[lower-alpha 17] | July 8, 2021 | Petri Kalliola, Vilppu, Sami & Ville ![]() |
"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[lower-alpha 18] | August 5, 2021 | ||
171 | August 12, 2021 | ||
172 | August 19, 2021 | ||
173[lower-alpha 19] | August 26, 2021 | ||
174 | September 2, 2021 | David & Stephanie Rowe ![]() |
Guest host: Jonathan Prout
First episode for main host Jang Do-yeon |
175 | September 9, 2021 | Aleksandr ![]() ![]() |
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176 | September 16, 2021 | Justin ![]() ![]() ![]() |
"Chuseok Cooking Challenge"
Dimitris is absent from the studio panel |
177 | September 24, 2021 | Aaron Cossrow ![]() ![]() |
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178 | September 30, 2021 | Alberto Mondi, Paolo & Teo ![]() |
"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 ![]() ![]() |
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180 | October 14, 2021 | David & Stephanie Rowe ![]() |
"Happy Oliver Day"
The Rowes celebrate Oliver's graduation from daycare to kindergarten |
181 | October 21, 2021 | ||
182 | October 28, 2021 | Austin Givens ![]() (YouTuber, "Eating What is Given") |
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183 | November 4, 2021 | Anupam Tripathi ![]() (Actor from Netflix series Squid Game) |
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184 | November 11, 2021 | Joseph Lidgerwood ![]() ![]() |
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185 | November 18, 2021 | Jonathan Prout ![]() ![]() ![]() |
"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 ![]() |
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187 | December 2, 2021 | Alberto Mondi, Paolo & Teo ![]() |
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188 | December 9, 2021 | James Hooper ![]() ![]() |
"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 ![]() |
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 ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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192 | January 6, 2022 | Andreas ![]() ![]() |
"New Year Special"
Dimitris is absent from the studio panel |
193 | January 13, 2022 | Jonathan Groff ![]() |
Guest host: Sean Lee
Jonathan trains with his friends for a Strongman competition |
194 | January 20, 2022 | Amar ![]() ![]() |
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195 | January 27, 2022 | Alberto Mondi ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
"Seollal Special" |
196 | February 3, 2022 | Nataly Borges ![]() (Vice President of Oriental Brewery) |
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197 | February 10, 2022 | Austin Givens ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Joseph is absent from the studio panel |
198 | February 17, 2022 | Brandon ![]() ![]() |
Guest host: Christian Burgos[lower-alpha 21] |
199 | February 24, 2022 | Felix ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
200 | March 3, 2022 | Chambo ![]() ![]() |
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201 | March 10, 2022 | Julian Quintart ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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202 | March 17, 2022 | Jeremy ![]() ![]() |
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203 | March 24, 2022 | Rodrigo ![]() ![]() |
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Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
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2018 | 54th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Entertainment Program | Welcome, First Time in Korea? | Nominated | [4] |
2018 | 18th MBC Entertainment Awards | Special Entertainment Program | Welcome, First Time in Korea? | Won | [5] |
2019 | 55th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Entertainment Program | Welcome, First Time in Korea? | Nominated | [6] |
Notes
- This episode was broadcast without the usual studio commentary, which was not filmed due to the passing of host Sujan Shakya's father.
- David Rowe represents the Rowe family on the studio panel in episodes where they appear, except in episode 142.
- Chris Johnson stood in on the studio panel for David Rowe, who was absent due to scheduling conflict with his military job.
- 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.
- 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.
- Vilppu's segment continues from the previous episode.
- The studio panel for Ekaterina's segment was filmed together with episode 133, which featured Graham Nelson and James Hooper.
- Alberto Mondi was absent from filming due to self-quarantine after visiting a Covid-19 hotspot.
- Leo Ranta stood in on the studio panel for his friend Vilppu.
- Alberto Mondi returns to filming after testing negative for Covid-19.
- Leo Ranta stood in on the studio panel for his friend Vilppu.
- DinDin was absent from filming due to scheduling conflict.
- Paolo stood in on the studio panel for Katy, who attended the same university as him.
- 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.
- 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.
- Jonathan Prout stood in on the studio panel for David Rowe.
- First episode for main host Do Kyung-wan
- 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.
- Alberto Mondi returns to filming after completing his quarantine period safely.
- Both previously appeared on episode 183 as friends of actor Anupam Tripathi.
- Christian Burgos stood in for Alberto Mondi, who was absent due to self-quarantine after coming into close contact with a Covid-19 patient.
References
- "'Welcome, first time in Korea?' confirmed the regular program". HaB Korea. June 16, 2017. Archived from the original on 2018-01-12. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
- Doo, Rumy (September 24, 2017). "TV shows give fresh insight into Korea through eyes of foreign visitors". Korea Herald. Archived from the original on 2018-01-12. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
- Jin-hai, Park (September 20, 2017). "Foreigners' travel shows gaining popularity". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on 2018-01-12. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
- "제54회 백상예술대상, TV·영화 각 부문별 수상 후보자 공개". JTBC (in Korean). April 6, 2018. Archived from the original on April 9, 2018. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
- "'어서와 한국은 처음이지' 특별상 수상 김준현 "자랑스럽다"". Naver (in Korean). Dec 29, 2018.
- Kim, Joo-won (April 5, 2019). "'제55회 백상예술대상' 영화 부문 최종 후보 공개". Seoul Economy (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 3, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021 – via Naver.