It’s no secret that Koreans love their dramas. Every year, dozens of new dramas air on Korean television and are lapped up by fans both in Korea and around the world.
With so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to watch. Here, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best Korean drama TV series so far.
Which is the No. 1 Korean Drama?
While there are many excellent Korean dramas, the No. 1 spot goes to “Boys Over Flowers.” Here’s why:
- This series follows the story of a poor girl who is admitted to a prestigious high school and finds herself caught up in the world of the rich and beautiful.
- The drama is full of romance, comedy, and drama, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice.
- “Boys Over Flowers” is the perfect Korean drama for anyone who wants to escape into a world of luxury and romance.
That said, there are plenty of other awesome Korean TV series drama fans can get into, too! Before you start bingeing, take the time to brush up on your Korean skills. Taking Korean lessons is a great way to do so, as is watching helpful videos like the one you see below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fk3v5l_904
Which Korean Drama is Trending Now?
Korean drama, or K-drama, are televised drama programs in the Korean language. K-dramas are filmed in South Korea, and the shows are usually in mini-series format. The most popular genres are romantic comedy, action, and fusion science fiction.
Although South Korea began shooting televised dramas back in the 1960s, K-drama only recently began catching fire in places like the United States.
Watching Korean drama can be very helpful when you’re taking Korean lessons, because you can hear how the words are pronounced and see the translations through the subtitles. Here is a list of four popular Korean drama series.
1. “Sensory Couple” (“The Girl Who Sees Smells”)
Photo from DRAMAFEVER
When a girl named Choi Eun Seol wakes up from a coma with amnesia and a new identity as Oh Cho Rim, she also gains the ability to see scents. Three years prior, a man named Choi Moo Gak, was working on a police case called the “Barcode Murders.”
Cho Rim is the sole survivor of the murders, which eventually causes her to cross paths with Moo Gak, a man who has lost all of his senses. The two must work together to solve the case.
You can watch full episodes of “Sensory Couple” on DramaFever.
2. “Playful Kiss”
Photo from MyDramaList
Adapted from the manga “Itazura Na Kiss,” “Playful Kiss” is a warm K-drama about falling in love and growing up. Oh Ha Ni is a persistent teenage girl. She has a secret crush on the school genius, Seung Jo. One day, Ha Ni gains the courage to confess her feelings in a letter, only to be rejected.
After their house is destroyed by an earthquake, Ha Ni’s father reaches out to an old friend (Seung Jo’s father) for shelter. Ha Ni and Seung Jo must cope with this awkward situation.
Learn more about “Playful Kiss” here.
3. “Boys Over Flowers”
Photo from crunchyroll
One of the hottest K-dramas, “Boys Over Flowers” introduces the elite Flower Four who rule the grounds of Shinhwa High School.
Jan Di, a girl with a very different background, receives a swimming scholarship to attend the school, after she accidentally saves a Shinhwa High student. Jan Di is instantly disliked by the Flower Four, but through her charm and natural optimism, they begin to accept her.
You can watch episodes of “Boys Over Flowers” on crunchyroll.
4. “I’m Sorry I Love You”
Photo from KDRAMAWORLD
This hallyu (“Korean wave”), is a story about a man named Cha Moo Hyuk, who was adopted by an Australian family but was abandoned at a very young age. He ends up meeting fashion coordinator, Song Eun Chae, which only adds endless complications for Moo Hyuk, as he digs deep into his past in an effort to find happiness. Learn more about “I’m sorry I love you” here.
What is the Best Korean Series on Netflix?
If you’re looking for something new to watch, why not try a Korean TV series? Korean dramas have been gaining in popularity around the world in recent years, thanks to their engaging stories, talented actors, and beautiful cinematography. Plus, with so many great options to choose from, there’s sure to be a drama that’s just perfect for you.
There are lots of Korean series on Netflix – and we’ll continue to tell you all about them in this post. But know that the best Korean drama series on Netflix for you might not be the best for someone else – it’s all a matter of both personal preference and of trial and error, so you’ll need to do some experimenting.
Not sure where to start? No problem! Here are a few tips on how to find the best new Korean TV series to watch:
- Check out the Top 10 lists. Lists are a great way to get an overview of what’s popular at the moment. Doing a quick search online will reveal plenty of “Top 10” lists for Korean dramas, like this one from Soompi.com. Once you’ve found a couple of lists that look promising, take note of the titles that keep popping up and add them to your must-watch list.
- See what your friends are watching. If you have friends who are also into K-dramas, ask them for recommendations. Chances are they’ve already seen some great new series that you’ll love too. And even if they don’t watch Korean dramas themselves, they may know of other shows that you’ll enjoy based on your interests.
- Look for trailers and sneak peeks. Just like with movies, TV series often release trailers and short previews before they premiere. These can give you a good idea of what the show is about and whether it’s something you might like. You can find trailers for upcoming dramas on websites like YouTube and DramaFever.com.
Even More Korean Drama Series! 18 Korean Drama Series List
Looking for more? Here are 18 Korean drama series, organized by genre, to help you fill up your free time (and help you master your understanding of the Korean language).
Korean Drama TV Series
Like plain old drama? Here are three Korean drama TV series to consider bingeing:
- “Crash Landing On You” – This series tells the story of a South Korean heiress who, after a paragliding accident, finds herself stranded in North Korea and falling in love with a north soldier who is tasked with keeping her safe and getting her back home. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming romance that will have you glued to your screen from start to finish.
- “Hyena” – This legal thriller follows two lawyers—one a ruthless ” Hyena” who will do whatever it takes to win, and the other a idealistic prosecutor—as they navigate the dirty world of Seoul’s legal system. Hyena is fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat stuff that will keep you engaged until the very end.
- “Hospital Playlist” – Hospital Playlist is a feel-good drama about the lives of five friends who have been together since medical school and are now working together as doctors at the same hospital. It’s a heartwarming series that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Best Korean Action Drama Series
If you’re looking for your next K-drama fix, look no further than these four Korean action drama series:
- “The Good Detective” – This crime drama follows the lives of two very different detectives as they try to solve a series of brutal murders. The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end.
- “Missing: The Other Side” – This supernatural drama follows a group of people who have lost loved ones and are searching for them in the afterlife. Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, “Missing: The Other Side” is a must-watch.
- “My Holo Love” – A romance for the ages, “My Holo Love” is a delightfully sweet series about a woman who falls in love with a virtual reality character. If you’re looking for a feel-good show to binge this weekend, look no further.
- “Strangers from Hell” – Last but not least, we have “Strangers from Hell,” a psychological horror series that will send chills down your spine. If you’re in the mood for something dark and suspenseful, this is the show for you.
Best Korean Comedy Drama Series
If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, then you know that they come in all sorts of genres. There are romantic comedies, action thrillers, historical epics, and more. But if you’re in the mood for a good laugh, then you’ll want to check out one of these Korean comedy drama series.
“High Kick Through the Roof” is a popular sitcom follows the trials and tribulations of a group of friends living in an apartment complex. The show is notable for its use of physical humor, which often leads to characters getting injured (hence the name). Despite the constant stream of gags, “High Kick Through the Roof” also manages to tell some touching stories about family, friends, and relationships.
Another one is “Reply 1988.” Set in the 1980s, “Reply 1988” follows a group of friends living in the same neighborhood as they navigate their way through life and love. From first crushes to heartbreak, this coming-of-age story has it all. The show is also notable for its nostalgic portrayal of life in Korea during that period.
Best Korean Crime Drama Series
Korea is known for its excellent crime dramas, which are often packed with action, suspense, and twists. If you’re looking for a new series to binge-watch, here are five of the best Korean crime drama series that you need to check out.
- Signal (2016) – Signal is a police procedural drama that follows a cold case crime unit as they use modern technology to solve crimes that took place in the past. The series was inspired by real-life events and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of crime investigation.
- Stranger (2017) – Stranger is a gripping thriller that tells the story of a prosecutor who teams up with a strange private investigator to solve a series of murders. The show is full of twists and turns, and will keep you guessing until the very end.
- Tunnel (2017) – Tunnel is a detective series set in 1986, following a detective as he investigates a serial killer who appears to be targeting people who use the titular tunnel to commute between the South and North of Korea. The series is atmospheric and gruesome, and will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
- Voice (2017) – Voice is a crime thriller that follows a team of firefighters as they team up with a former police officer to track down a serial killer who targets their loved ones. The series is intense and emotional, and will leave you wondering until the very last episode.
- Hello Monster (2015) – Hello Monster is a lighthearted but still suspenseful crime drama about an eccentric genius profiler who teams up with an emotionally scarred detective to track down criminals. The two main characters have great chemistry, and the cases they investigate are always interesting.
What is the Best Romantic Korean Drama?
“Goblin” is often considered one of the best Korean dramas of all time, Goblin tells the story of Kim Shin, a warrior who is cursed to live forever unless he can find his true bride. He meets Ji Eun Tak, a high school student who seems to have the power to see ghosts, and the two quickly fall in love. But as their relationship deepens, they must confront the challenges that come with immortality. Goblin is a beautiful drama that will stay with you long after you’ve finished watching it.
Another one is “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo”. This Korean drama series is a coming-of-age sports drama that follows the journey of competitive weightlifter Kim Bok Joo as she falls in love with swimmer Jung Joon Hyung. This drama is funny, touching, and will inspire you to follow your dreams no matter what obstacles stand in your way.
“Strong Woman Do Bong Soon” is another great pick. The title character is a brave and passionate young woman who was born with superhuman strength. She finds herself working as bodyguard for dashing CEO Ahn Min Hyuk, whose life is constantly in danger due to his wealthy family’s mafia ties.
As they begin to fall for each other, they must contend with not only murderous criminals but also Do Bong Soon’s overbearing mother who wants her daughter to find a more suitable husband than Ahn Min Hyuk. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is a thrilling ride from start to finish that will leave you wanting more.
“My Love From Another Star” tells the story of an alien named Do Min Joon who crash-lands on Earth 400 years ago during Joseon Dynasty Korea. He falls in love with actress Cheon Song Yi but because he knows he will have to return to space soon, he tries to keep his distance from her.
But as they continue to cross paths throughout history, their feelings for each other only grow stronger. My Love From Another Star is a truly unique romance that spans centuries and will leave you feeling both heartbroken and hopeful by the end.
Why You Should Watch These Most Addictive Korean Dramas
Korean dramas have something for everyone. They are often romantic, but also full of suspense and drama. They are the perfect blend of light-hearted fun and edge-of-your-seat excitement. And they always seem to end just when you are getting really hooked.
Watch these K-dramas to learn more about Korean culture and practice your Korean-language skills. If you’re confused by any words or phrases, write them down and review them with your Korean teacher during your next lesson.
Want to improve your Korean pronunciation? Find a Korean tutor today!
Maile Proctor