What are the 31 best Korean drama series to watch? Korean dramas earned prominence in the early 2000s. At first, It spread across Asia, and now it’s growing quite rapidly around other countries too. The best part about Korean Dramas would be their diverse cultural preferences. Despite its difference, people still love to follow up with their culture. Apart from everything else, fans are interested in their dramas and movies.
Their dramas range from Action to History and rom-com. Moreover, their genres even include fantasy, horror, science fiction, and thriller. South Korea is famous for its food, healthy lifestyle, and fashion. Leaving it aside, there’s a crazy phenomenon about learning their language and traveling to South Korea to explore more about their community. It’s so crazy to imagine that they would attract so much love and support from the world.
South Korea’s advancement in its audiovisual factors has played a very important role in reaching such heights. There are a lot of things that promote the reach of South Korean dramas. Apart from the audience, different things like engagement, discussion boards, number of searches changed its presence tremendously. We quickly binge on our favorite drama series, and it becomes too difficult for us to grasp the fact that it’s going to end. So, let’s talk about the 31 best Korean drama series to watch!
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1. Boys Over Flowers
Boys Over Flowers talks about Geum Jan-di- a girl who belongs to a poor family, and their daily income comes through their dry-cleaning shop. After she visits Shinhwa High School, she realizes that it is one of the most popular and prominent schools for wealthy students. But while she’s exploring it, she saves a student from committing suicide. However, Bullying was the reason behind this harsh act.
For saving her, Jan Di is rewarded with a swimming scholarship, and guess what? She becomes a part of Shinhwa High school. Not long after attending the school, she stumbles upon the most popular and powerful group of boys, F4 at the school. Each member of the group belongs to a wealthy family. From being the grandson of the former President of Korea to the one whose family owns a construction company. But, life starts to take a turn, as Jan Di becomes their new target for Bullying. This is surely a part of the 31 best Korean drama series.
2. The Heirs
The next K-drama that we will be talking about in our 31 best Korean drama series would be The Heirs. The Heirs talk about the successor of an Empire Group. For completing his studies, he’s sent to the United States. But this is not the case. He was cast out to the States as his stepbrother is planning out various schemes to take over the family successorship. On the other hand, Kim Tan meets Cha Eun Sang. She arrived from Korea to look for her sister. Furthermore, he realizes that he’s falling for her, but he’s never supposed to love her because she’s the daughter of his family’s housekeeper. Soon things take a turn, and he’s stuck between his love and family’s responsibility when Rachel, his fiancé, comes back to Korea.
3. Cinderella And The Four Knights
Cinderella And The Four Knights talk about Eun Ha-won- a high school student. She always dreamt of becoming a teacher. Apart from this, she was never close to her family. After her mother’s death, Ha-Won was treated badly by her cruel stepmother. Her best part would be her happy and bright personality. Despite every problem, she’ll never fail to maintain her stance on this.
Ha-won is a strong girl with her eyes glued on her career. On the other hand, the story talks about four cousins on the other side of the city. Ji Woon, Hyun Min and Seo Woo and their handsome bodyguard Lee Yoon Sung. All the three cousins despise each other. An old man invites her over to stay at his mansion, later she understands that he’s the chairman of a company. As soon as Ha-won moves in, she gets stuck between his three grandsons. Gradually this story takes a turn towards a love quadrangle.
4. The Master’s Sun
The Master’s Sun talks about the Joo Joong-won, a prudent and cold CEO of Kingdom that includes a huge department store and a hotel. Life takes a turn when he meets the gloomy Tae Gong Shil. She mysteriously takes in the ability to see ghosts after suffering an accident years ago. But these ghosts take a toll on her by their constant demands and wants. They get fired from jobs and run out of dates. It becomes impossible for her to have a normal life. Until she meets Joo Joong-won because whenever Gong-Shil touches him, she realizes that the ghosts disappear.
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5. The K2
The K2 talks about the story of a former mercenary soldier Kim Je-Ha, who’s also known as ‘K2’. But, due to some unforeseen circumstances, he runs away from Iraq. He comes back to South Korea and gets a job as a bodyguard for Choi Yoo Jin and Jang Se-Joon’s wife. Choi is the owner of JSS Security Company, and Jang Se-Joon is a presidential candidate. Through his current job, Je- Ha prepares a revenge plan on the leader of the current ruling party.
As per Je-Ha’s assumption, he was the main culprit behind his girlfriend’s death. Soon Je Ha is appointed as a bodyguard for Go An Na, the illegitimate daughter Of Se Joon, but they soon fall for each other. The story takes a different turn when Je-Ha realizes that Yoo Jin wants to harm him and Go An Na.
6. Hwarang
Hwarang talks about the story of Queen Jiso. From the time of King Beopheung’s death, Jiso looked after the Silla Kingdom. Things about her were always confidential, so she hid her son Sammaekjong outside Seorabeol from the rivals and assassins. As time goes on Sammaekjong becomes impatient, as he wants to gain more power. Apart from this, other nobles are trying to take over the Kingdom, but Jiso is scared of surrendering it. Since these nobles exploit their freedom, Jiso decides to break their greed. So she creates an elite group, the Hwarang. Their existence will play an important role in unifying all the kingdoms. These men grow together and create beautiful memories. But little did they know, among these elite men, there’s a king.
7. Dream High
Dream High talks about the lives of six students studying at the Kirin Art High School. Their main aim is to become popular stars in the Korean Music Industry. Achieving their goals is their go-to plan. Among these students, Go Hye Mi has a major in classical music, but she entered Kirin Art High School only to finish off her father’s debt. However, Hye-mi needs to get two more students to join the high school so that she can enroll soon. As time goes on, she ends up finding Song Sam Dong and Jin Guk, call it fate or coincidence, she meets them somehow!
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8. Goblin
Goblin is about the story of a very strong and brave-hearted Goryeo Military general Kim Shin, but he dies an awful death. Followed by this, he wakes up from his death and gains power and immortality. But he’s tired of this since everyone leaves him. Kim Shin needs the Goblin Bride as she’s the only mortal that can release him from his endless pain. It’s been 900 years since. Moreover, he meets a cheerful and happy girl Ji Eun-Tak, and she begins to claim that she’s the Goblin bride. But things take a turn as both of them fall in love with each other.
9. Strong Girl Bong Soon
Strong Girl Bong Soon talks about a woman with mysterious strength. For generations, she has been passed down with this unnatural power. Her strength attracts the CEO of a gaming company Ahn Min Hyuk. Bong-Soon gets hired as his bodyguard. If abused, she’ll crush everyone down. Soon, he finds himself falling in love with her. But she loves her childhood friend In Guk Doo. When a lot of crimes occur in her hometown, she has to decide whether to use her powers or to keep them hidden.
10. Descendants Of The Sun
Descendants Of The Sun talks about the love story of a surgeon and a special forces officer. This story is about Kang Mo Yeon and Yoo Shi Jin. Mo-Yeon has always been a very strong woman for a long time. She works at the Haesung Hospital as a cardiothoracic surgeon. But soon, she understands that something is not within her capability. But things change as soon as she meets Yoo Shi Jin, the captain of a South Korean Special Forces Unit. Together they have to overcome all their struggles, as their professional life hinders them.
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11. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo talks about the story of Bok Joo – a weightlifter, and her main aim is to win the gold medal. But soon, she experiences love for the first time. Even though she is a woman with heavyweights around her, she’s still a girl with a feminine heart. As time moves on, she finds herself stuck between her love and her dream. This story simply explores the lives of college athletes, going through numerous feelings and achieving their dreams at the same time. This is one of the best Korean drama series.
12. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo talks about Go Ha Jin’s time travel to the Goryeo Dynasty. She mysteriously wakes up as the 16-year-old Hae Soo and finds herself in the house of Prince Wang Wook and initially falls in love with her. But she ends up in a relationship with the 4th Prince Wang So, who’s labeled as a ‘Wolf-Dog’. As time moves on, Ha-Jin gets stuck between the rivalry of many princes and their politics for getting the throne. This is one of the best Korean drama series.
13. Hey Ghost, Let’s Fight
Hey Ghost, Let’s Fight, better known as Bring It On Ghost, is a comedy-drama series that talks about the story of Kim Hyun-Ji, a high school girl who died five years back, and she’s been roaming as a ghost since. As time moves on, she stumbles upon Park Bong-Pal, a boy with strong abilities to communicate with ghosts. To gain more money, he starts his work as a part-time exorcist, as he helps these people to be free from these spirits. Soon, he meets Kim Hyun-Ji -the spirit of the 19-year-old girl who died in an accident, and they accidentally end up kissing each other. Hyun Ji and Bong Pal team up, as she knows that he can see the way these ghosts died. Together they unravel many secrets.
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14. My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho
My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho talks about the story of Cha Dae Woong- a university student who always dreamed of becoming a very popular actor. He lost his parents at a very young age, and he’s been staying with his wealthy grandfather and aunt. But, Dae Woong’s grandfather would always argue with him, as he is very careless with money as well as his career. However, Dae Woong sets a Gumiho free after he visits a temple. For 500 years, The nine-tailed fox was stuck inside a painting. The moment he has an encounter with it, he runs away and gets injured, but the Gumiho saves him after it turns into a beautiful woman. For saving his life, she asks Dae Woong to teach her to become a human, and gradually, they start falling for each other.
15. Hospital Playlist
Hospital Playlist talks about the stories of different doctors with different perspectives. This story is about a group of five friends- Lee Ik Jun- an assistant professor that specializes in Liver surgeries. Ahn Jeong Won- an assistant professor that in pediatric surgery. Kim Jun Wan focuses on cardiothoracic surgery, and Yang Seok Hyeong belongs to the obstetrics and gynecology department. They’ve been together since they joined medical school. In their 40s, too, they’re all enjoying their seemingly ordinary days. Together they explore everything about their hospital adventures through medicine, music, and friendship.
16. Start-Up
Start-Up talks about the stories of different individuals with start-up companies. Amongst these individuals, Dal-mi is an ambitious woman who wants to become the Steve Jobs of Korea. Even though she belongs to a simple environment, she focuses deeply on her dreams. The best part about Dal-Mi would be her massive capability to perform any work. Plus, she has a wide range of experience through many part-time jobs.
On the other hand, after Nam Do-san- the founder of Samsan Tech, is introduced in the series, the story takes a different turn. Since childhood, he was known for his Mathematics Skills, and his family was very proud of him. But soon, their pride turns into hatred as Do-san keeps failing miserably in his business. As time goes on, Dal-mi remembers him as his first love, and Do-san wants to turn this into reality.
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17. Memories Of The Alhambra
Memories of the Alhambra revolves around the story of Yoo Jin Woo and Jung Hee Joo. But soon, their love story takes a suspenseful and unusual turn. Yoo Jin Woo is the CEO of an investment company. His forte is to develop new video games, and he’s known for his brave and competitive personality. But, one day, he is cheated by his best friend, and he takes a trip to Granada, Spain, to meet the creator of a real video game.
But somehow, he reaches a hostel that Jung Hee Joo owns. Hee Joo arrived in Spain to complete her further studies because she’s a former guitarist. Since her parents died, she had to look after their old hostel as well as apply for many other jobs to provide things to herself. But as time goes on, both of them get stuck in unexplained and strange events.
18. Rooftop Prince
Rooftop Prince talks about the story of Crown Prince Yi Gak as he was transported to Seoul from the Joseon Dynasty. In Seoul, he stumbles upon a girl named Hong Se Na, and surprisingly she resembles his wife. But she died in the Joseon dynasty. He desperately wants to find the reason behind her death. Little did he know that he’s got a striking resemblance to the grandson of the president of a large corporation. So he thinks his grandson is back. Everybody is shocked to know the fact that Yi Gak is his grandson. Moreover, In his present life, he wants to get married to Se-Na because Yi Gak thinks it’ll solve the mystery behind the Crown princess’s death.
19. Prison Playbook
Prison Playbook tells us the story of a popular baseball player, Kim Je Hyuk. Everything was going pretty well until his life turned upside down within a night. He is named as a criminal after saving his sister from a man that tried to sexually assault her. But it becomes a nationwide issue when he is sentenced to prison for a year. Soon, things change when he meets Lee Joon Ho, a former baseball player. He became a duty officer for the prison because he had to give up on his dream after getting into a car accident. But, guess what? He is Je Hyuk’s biggest fan! The drama depicts the lives of all the prisoners and their time behind bars. Moreover, Prison Playbook also revolves around the way their families are affected by it.
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20. Sweet Home
Sweet Home talks about all the unexpected changes that Cha Hyun Soo had to go through after his family’s tragic incident. To pull his mind out of everything, he decided to move into a new apartment and left his previous house. But, soon, due to some unforeseen circumstances, monsters have stepped into Earth with a purpose to end humanity. The building where he’s currently staying is full of monsters lurking in the dark. Apart from him, many other people are entangled in this mystery. Everyone’s trying their best to protect themselves from these monsters. But will Hyun-Soo and all these people survive in this apocalypse?
21. Doom At Your Service
Doom At Your Service talks about the story of Tak Dong Kyung. She’s been a very hardworking person since her childhood, as her parents passed away. She pretty much had her ordinary days with her life wrapped around her journey as an editor. Just like any other normal person Dong Kyung had been working in a web novel company for around six years. But, life takes an unexpected turn when she is diagnosed with glioblastoma, also known as brain cancer. The pain in her heart makes a wish, as she wants the world to be doomed. But this unintentionally brings in Myeol Mang, a messenger between humans and gods. Also known as the Doom. And guess what? He’s neither human nor god. He assures her that he will be able to grant all her wishes. This is her only possibility to live the way she has ever wanted for 100 days. So she sets out on an adventure with the doom himself while risking all the last moments of her life.
22. The Beauty Inside
The Beauty Inside talks about the story of a top actress- Han Se Gye, who’s always accustomed to many rumors around her. Even though she’s an A-list actress, people will always surround her with new things and even named her- The Troublemaker. On the outside, she’s a beautiful actress with her life hidden in the folds of mystery, but in reality, she has to face new phenomena every month. She will end up changing into a different person for just one week in a month. Amidst all this chaos, she meets the perfectionist Seo Do Jae- Executive Manager at an airline company. People around him praise him for his looks and knowledge. For them, he’s the ‘Mr Know It All’. But guess what? Do-Jae is diagnosed with Prosopagnosia. Despite everything, he’s good at managing his secrets from the world. But it surely takes a toll on him. Each day he tries to recollect everyone’s face by their personalities. Everything begins to change when he stumbles upon Han Se Gye. For some unusual reason, he can only recognize Se Gye’s face. Will she be able to keep up with her mystical secret?
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23. SKY Castle
This drama talks about all the luxurious families that live in the Sky Castle. It is a private neighborhood for the people belonging to a high position. Apart from all this, everyone’s got many wishes. They want their children to be a part of many prestigious and popular universities, and thus they are provided with immense support in their education. Myung Joo’s son enrolls as a medical student at Seoul University. But an incident provokes the family to leave from there. Lee Soo-Im’s family moves into the neighborhood, and everyone is pretty confused about them living there. Every day they would end up getting into a series of new clashes with all the other families because there are a lot of differences in their opinion and thinking.
24. Something In The Rain
Something In The Rain revolves around the story of a woman named Yoon Jin Ah in her 30s. But guess what? She’s clueless when it comes to dating. She’s never dated anyone in her life. This has caused her many problems because men don’t want to date a woman with a clumsy and careless nature. Jin-Ah begins to lose all her hope, but soon, she stumbles upon Joon Hee. She has known him for a very long time, as he is her childhood friend’s brother. But she surely feels strange to catch feelings for someone younger than her. Jin-Ah always looked at him as a little boy. But as time moves on, it becomes pretty clear that she’s going to fall for him.
25. The Penthouse: War In Life
Well, you’re going to get a series of melodramatic events through this drama. Penthouse talks about three different families living in the Hera Palace with their children studying in Cheong-Ah Arts High School. The drama focuses on three women that try their best to hide their secrets and past lives by using their wealth because they’ve got endless wants for their children. But, soon, their life takes an unexpected change after the death of Min Seol-Ah at a party in Hera Palace. Each one of them tries their level best to cover up the murder case of this mysterious girl, but it doesn’t go well, as everyone starts to suspect each other. This is one of the best Korean drama series.
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26. Record Of Youth
Record Of Youth talks about the lives of young people that are working pretty hard to achieve the best out of their dreams. As wealth plays an important role, this drama will take you on an exciting adventure about how these youths achieve their big dreams. The drama revolves around the lives of Sa Hye Joon and Ahn Jung Ha. Hye Joon is a very popular model but wants to become an actor. Even though he has given auditions for many roles, he still didn’t get a role yet. On the other hand, Jung Ha is a makeup artist. On the outside, he’s known for his colorful personality, but he’s gloomy and alone in reality.
27. Designated Survivor: 60 Days
Designated Survivor revolves around the story of a former professor Park Mu Jin- a professor of chemistry, but currently, he is the Minister of Environment. Mu Jin was never really interested in politics much. Due to an emergency, everybody from the cabinet was gathered at the National Assembly. A terrorist attack ends up killing many prestigious people from the government, like ministers and officials. Since Park Mu Jin is the only highest-ranking official left, he has to make the hardest decision ever. Call it fate or coincidence. Mu Jin has to take up his position and become the acting president for 60 days. As time moves on, he unravels all the secrets behind the bombing attack. This drama has made its place in the 31 best Korean drama series through its catchy storyline and themes. This is one of the best Korean drama series.
28. Itaewon Class
Park Sae Royi’s life turns upside down after his father’s death in an accident. Sae Ro-Yi is expelled from the school after he punches the son of Jangga Group’s founder, Jang Dae-hee, and almost attempts to kill him. Soon Park gets arrested. The girl he loved became the head of Jangga Group as she was offered a scholarship. Park Sae-ro-Yi is finally released from the prison, and he opens a restaurant named Danbam in Itaewon. The only thing that he wants to do now is to get his revenge on the Jangga Group by getting it as his household name. This is considered to be one of the popular shows out of the 31 best Korean drama series.
Itaewon Class
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29. Cheese In The Trap
Cheese In The Trap focuses on all the different aspects of life and relationships between university students. The popular and rich Yoo Jung is the heir of the Taerang group. Although he seems to be a soft-hearted and sweet person, nobody knows about his extremely arrogant and manipulative side for those who mess with him. The moment Hong Seol learns about this behavior, she takes some time off of school. But, guess what? He asks her on a date when she comes back, and he becomes extra nice towards her. Unsure of his actions, she still decides to date him, so that she can get to know things about him. As time moves on, both of them begin a complicated relationship. But this doesn’t stop Jung from planning out his strategies.
30. Vincenzo
Vincenzo talks about the story of Park Joo Hyeong’s life. He got adoption in Italy when he turned eight. As time went on, he grew up as Vincenzo Cassano and became the adviser to the Mafia Leader. After the death of the mafia leader, his biological son attempts to kill Vincenzo, so he flees back to South Korea to get his connections improved with a Lawyer named Hong Cha Young. As a lawyer, she’s good with her skills. She will do anything to win a case. Moreover, a subsidiary of the Babel group has illegally taken over a building, and now Vincenzo has to get it back. This is one of the best Korean drama series.
31. Hotel Del Luna
Hotel Del Luna revolves around two people Jang Man-Wol and Koo Chan-Sung. Jang is the CEO of Hotel del Luna, and she’s currently working in this old hotel. Since she has made many mistakes in the past, she has to pay the price and work with Hotel Del Luna. Apart from all this, Jang is extremely beautiful and intelligent. But along with this, she is inconsistent and greedy. On the other hand, Chan-Sung is known to be the youngest assistant manager to work at a multinational hotel. He is the complete opposite when it comes to his work. He’s an honest person with his head stuck on his job. Even though he looks determined, he’s got a softer side. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he has to work with Hotel Del Luna. Make sure to watch these shows based on our 31 best Korean drama series list!
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