A Korean-American family moves from California to rural Arkansas in the 1980s, with father Jacob determined to start a farm and achieve the American Dream. Despite initial enthusiasm, the family faces numerous challenges: their new trailer home is dilapidated, the water supply is inconsistent, and their young son David has a heart condition. Tensions rise between Jacob and his wife Monica, who is skeptical of the move and worried about their financial stability. In an attempt to help care for the children while they work, they bring Monica's mother Soonja from Korea to live with them. At first, David resents his grandmother's unconventional behavior and unfamiliar ways.

As the family navigates their struggles and hopes, Soonja plants minari seeds—a resilient Korean vegetable—along a nearby creek. The minari begins to flourish, symbolizing resilience and adaptability. The family's journey is marked by moments of tension, cultural clashes, and bonding as they strive for a better future. The farm's success becomes uncertain due to various hardships, challenging Jacob’s determination and the family's unity. Their resilience and love for each other are tested as they adapt to their new life and environment.