When it comes to Korean dramas, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content available online. If you’re new to the world of K-dramas — or looking to get into it, simply bookmark this page for monthly updates on the latest and greatest ones on Netflix and never feel left out again!
“Fernweh” is a German word for “far-sickness” — this is a word that we’re probably all too familiar with after the two travel-free years of COVID-19. It is the longing for far-off places, especially ones you’ve yet to visit. While the highly anticipated South Korea VTL is already in full swing, unless you’re leaving on a jet plane this evening — we can imagine the enormous FOMO gripping you. So we thought, what better way to get a taste of Korea while waiting than with a binge of the best Netflix Korean dramas? No matter what you’re looking for in a series, whether it’s a heartwarming storyline between lovers, a dose of drama from tales of betrayal, or just a simple cheesy rom-com to take your mind off the present stresses, we’ve got your back!
💜 Before we begin, here are some more guides that might come in handy if you:
👉🏻 Need to occupy the kids
👉🏻 Protect your eyes
👉🏻 Need a bigger screen and/or a better sound system
👉🏻 Need (healthier) snacks
1. Hospital Playlist (Season 1)
Image credits: NME
Why We Recommend This: As the name suggests, Hospital Playlist is a story about five doctors who share the same passion — music. Friends since medical school in 1999, the story is set 20 years later when they’re all working in the same hospital while simultaneously playing in a band. If you love a good well-balanced story without cliches, this one’s for you. Think realistic romance, bromance, and all the warm fuzzies a feel-good drama brings.
IMDb Ratings: 8.8/10
Series Duration: 12 episodes (90 minutes/episode)
2. Doctors
Image credits: Netflix
Why We Recommend This: A high school delinquent with a harsh childhood struggles with trust issues — till she crosses paths with a teacher who nurtures from a rebel into a well-respected neurosurgeon. The drama kicks off from her time in the hospital where she draws lessons from her childhood and takes you, the viewer, along with her as she tackles life and romance.
IMDb Ratings: 7.7/10
Series Duration: 20 episodes (60 minutes/episode)
3. Oh My Venus
Image credits: Korean Drama Land
Why We Recommend This: It’s truly empowering for women who struggle with weight loss and with society’s unrealistic expectations of women. Also, it’s quite hilarious.
Kang Joo Eun was once an it girl whom every boy in high school had a crush on — but stress from work caused her to binge eat and gain weight. When her boyfriend dumps her for a once-chubby girl, she gets a wake-up call to improve her lifestyle and get healthy again by training with a Hollywood personal trainer. Little does she know, a new perspective of life, love and body image is waiting for her in the wings.
IMDb Ratings: 7.8/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (60 minutes/episode)
4. Descendants of The Sun
Image credits: Netflix
Why We Recommend This: An oldie but a goodie we had to add to the list. If you want to believe in love again, while laughing your heart out, give this a try.
Before Crash Landing On You stole the hearts of many K-drama fans, Descendants of The Sun (DOTS) was the fan favourite. DOTS is a story about a doctor who fell in love with a captain of the secret force army. As both of their occupations require a lot of their time, dating was not an option. But, what happens when fate intervenes and sends the doctor to Iraq to volunteer at the very same camp that the captain is stationed in? Watch Captain Yoo Shi Jin charm his way into Kang Mo Yeon’s heart through life-threatening earthquakes and even abduction.
IMDb Ratings: 8.3/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (60 minutes/episode)
5. While You Were Sleeping
Image credits: KoreabyMe
Why We Recommend This: No, this series is not as creepy as what the title might suggest. While most Western dramas might focus on how the main character’s clairvoyant gifts might work, this K-drama focuses more on character-building and dynamics.
While You Were Sleeping is a rom-com and thriller drama about a woman who has foresight into the future through dreams. Working together with a rookie prosecutor and an adorable police officer, they attempt to prevent bad things from happening. Well, it’s rainbow and sunshine until a villain, who will do anything for money and power, enters the scene.
IMDb Ratings: 8.4/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (60 minutes/episode)
6. Vagabond (Season 1)
Image credits: KdramaPal
Why We Recommend This: An action-packed drama full of unanswered questions that will leave you wanting more — thankfully, season 2 is currently in production.
A stunt man who dreams of becoming an action film actor spots a passenger in Morocco from a plane that caused the death of his nephew. Working together with an undercover National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent, they set out to find this mysterious survivor. In their search, they uncover a far more sinister and dark conspiracy regarding the plane crash.
IMDb Ratings: 8.2/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (60 minutes/episode)
7. Hometown Cha Cha Cha
Image credits: Nekosdrama
Why We Recommend This: Have you heard of “opposite attracts?” Well, this story is all about that. Plus we love all the travel vibes we got from the seaside town.
Many Singaporeans dream of a simple life in the countryside. However, that’s not the case for city dentist Hye Jin. When her reputation gets tainted in Seoul, she moves to a seaside village to open a practice there. Here, she meets the village’s sweetheart who happens to be the town’s handyman/town leader. The dentist, although intelligent and ambitious, lacks social skills — while the handyman is caring. Despite their differences, (spoiler alert) they fall in love!
IMDb Ratings: 8.6/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (75 minutes/episode)
8. The King’s Affection
Image credits: Ready Steady Cut
Why We Recommend This: If you love a good Hana-kimi-esque love story, this is another to add to your list!
Twins are considered an omen in certain cultures. When the Crown Prince’s wife gives birth to twins, an order was sent out to kill her twin daughter. So her mother sent her way. Years later, the twin brother dies from a tragic accident and her mother invites her back — but masked as the late twin brother. Will she be able to hide her secret? Will her handsome and smart private tutor that she has a crush on find out about her true identity?
IMDb Ratings: 8.1/10
Series Duration: 20 episodes (60 minutes/episode)
9. Something In The Rain
Image credits: The Movie Database
Why We Recommend This: Unlike Taylor Swift and Jake Gyllenhaal in All Too Well, this couple makes it work despite their age gaps.
When a noona (big sister figure) reconnects with her best friend’s younger brother, their relationship blossoms into an unlikely romance. However, many people remain sceptical and dismiss their love. This one will focus on how they meet, their romance and ultimately, how they face the challenges that might come with age gaps and situational differences.
IMDb Ratings:8.1/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (70 minutes/ episode)
10. Vincenzo
Image credits: The Smart Local
Why We Recommend This: Vincenzo is a series with no loopholes, no dull moments and offers pure entertainment.
An Italian mafia consigliere comes back to Korea to tear down a building that holds his clients’ gold underneath it. However, his goal is blocked by annoyingly hilarious tenants. Among the tenants is a lawyer’s daughter who seeks to avenge her father’s death. Somehow, the Italian mafia consigliere and the lawyer join forces to take down the corruptors.
IMDb Ratings: 8.5/10
Series Duration: 20 episodes (80 minutes/episode)
11. The World of The Married
Image credits: Netflix
Why We Recommend This: Ahhh, the beauty of a perfect marriage between a perfect couple who share a perfect passionate love! What more could one ask for?
Unfortunately, while I love a good love story, you won’t find that here. Instead of a happily-ever-after, a married woman finds herself dealing with betrayal, lies, and revenge. Inspired by the famed BBC One drama series Doctor Foster, The World of The Married is great for newbies delving into the world of Netflix Korean dramas because it is filled with characters that everyone can relate to whilst maintaining your typical K-drama storyline. I’ve never felt so much anger, empathy, and happiness — all in the span of a single series before! Well, that was till this K-Drama came along.
IMDb Ratings: 8.1/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes + 2 specials (from 75 minutes/episode)
Pro-tip: Have a friend ready on speed dial for moral support
Watch your Netflix Korean dramas here.
12. My Name
Image credits: Netflix
Why We Recommend This: If you’re in the mood for great fight scenes helmed by a strong female lead, My Name might just be the one for you.
After witnessing her father’s death, a woman trained for combat under a drug lord sets out to take down Korea’s corrupt police force by infiltrating the force itself. But, spoiler alert, her findings were not at all what she had anticipated and she is faced with a crisis and a new prime suspect. This series also happens to be a little shorter than the average Korean drama, with just eight episodes — making it an excellent low commitment option for those dipping their toes into the genre.
IMDb Ratings: 7.9/10
Series Duration: 8 episodes (from 45 minutes/episode)
Protip: Best paired with a cup of warm chamomile tea (you can thank us later)
Watch your Netflix Korean dramas here.
13. Hi Bye, Mama!
Image credits: VOI.id
Why We Recommend This: It’s always nice to come face to face with difficult familial questions every once in a while.
Do our loved ones stay with us even after death? To address these bittersweet emotions is Hi Bye, Mama!, a show that carefully toes the line between joy and sadness when a mother is sent back to earth to prove herself worthy to become human again after having been a ghost for five years. The catch? She has only 49 days to reclaim her place as a wife and mother.
IMDb Ratings: 8/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (from 62 minutes /episode)
Protip: Have a ton of tissues ready, and preferably your mom beside you
Watch your Netflix Korean dramas here.
14. Crash Landing On You
Image credits: Netflix
Why We Recommend This: Is there love more enticing than that which is forbidden? If you love a good rom-com, filled with the occasional tear-jerking scene, and silliness, you’ll adore Crash Landing On You. Trust us, it’s really not overrated!
While Yoon Se-Ri, a successful South Korean businesswoman and heiress to a conglomerate, was paragliding, a storm drifted her out into North Korean territory. Here, she met Ri Jeong-Hyeok, a swoon-worthy North Korean army officer, who agrees to hide her until he finds a way to return her to South Korea secretly. Both actors are huge in the K-Drama world, so, as a viewer, you’re in for a masterclass in great acting. It also helps that they’ve got great on-screen chemistry and captivating characters!
IMDb Ratings: 8.7/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (from 70 minutes/episode)
Protip: Grab a net, because you’re in for an onslaught of butterflies
Watch your Netflix Korean dramas here.
15. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Image credits: Cosmopolitan
Why We Recommend This: I consider this to be one of the best Korean rom-com series ever created! If you’ve ever been in love with your best friend, this one is for you.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is a hilarious coming-of-age story about a girl who dreams of becoming a weightlifter in college. While studying, she starts to develop a crush on an old friend from the school’s swim team. Unlike the usual glam jock-and-cheerleader combi, these two leads are the goofiest couple I’ve seen on screen — and their relationship is a refreshing portrayal of the age-old tale of best friends who become lovers.
IMDb Ratings: 8.4/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (from 60 minutes/episode)
Protip: Do some core stretches before you begin, you will need it
Watch your Netflix Korean dramas here.
16. The Lonely And The Great God (aka Goblin)
Image credits: Viki
Why We Recommend This: Well, first of all, this goblin is really good looking. But also, if you love a good magical fairy tale that may or may not end tragically, this one’s for you!
Originally named Goblin before Netflix changed it to Guardian: The Lonely And The Great God, this series is a fantasy tale about goblins, grim reapers, and everything else in between. Once a military general who was betrayed by his king, an immortal goblin seeks a bride to end his life. After thousands of years, he finally finds a wife but as fate would have it, he finds his life intertwined with a charming grim-reaper.
IMDb Ratings: 8.6/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (from 60 minutes/episode)
Protip: Will need tissues
Watch your Netflix Korean dramas here.
17. Hotel Del Luna
Image credits: KajoMag
Why We Recommend This: While I was lured in by its addictive tale of romance, I stayed for its exquisite production quality that creatively brought this conceptual fantasy to life — the female lead’s mesmerizing wardrobe is a huge plus too.
Fans of the supernatural, here’s another dark fantasy drama for you! Starring one of South Korea’s top singers, IU, Hotel Del Luna follows the story of an inn for ghosts (yes, you read that correctly). All of the hotel’s guests and staff are ghosts who are stuck here because of some unfinished business they have yet to take care of on earth — well, except for the hotel’s manager.
IMDb Ratings: 8.2/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (from 73 minutes/episode)
Protip: Get your YouTrip card out because you may need an entire wardrobe upgrade thereafter, might as well save on some exchange rates!
Watch your Netflix Korean dramas here.
18. The King: Eternal Monarch
Image credits: Netflix
Why We Recommend This: Full of mystery, parallel worlds, and heart-felt romance, this drama gives a whole new dimension to the childhood prince charming fairytales.
A treat for both sci-fi and fantasy lovers, this series is all about fate. At least, that’s what brought a modern king from the Kingdom of Corea to a detective from Korea. When Lee Gon, played by none other than Lee Min Ho, witnesses his parents getting murdered by his uncle, his life was saved when a mysterious stranger drops by before his uncle could kill him. The stranger flees thereafter but drops a detective’s ID on the way out. Desperate to find his saviour, Lee Gon stumbles into a parallel universe where he treks down the owner of the ID.
IMDb Ratings: 8.2/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (from 70 minutes/episode)
Watch your Netflix Korean dramas here.
19. Sisyphus: The Myth
Image credits: Asia One
Why We Recommend This: The build-on of suspense and unexpected twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat!
If the name Sisyphus rings a bell, it’s because you’ve probably read about him in Greek mythology as the king and founder of Ephyra. As the tale goes, he was punished for having cheated death twice. But, I’m not talking about that myth. Instead, this sci-fi thriller K-Drama follows a genius engineer who unintentionally causes the end of South Korea, leaving it in a dystopian state. As fate would have it, a female warrior from the future finds a diary written by herself from another time and finds a way to stop the disruption by travelling back to the past.
IMDb Ratings: 7.1/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (from 60 minutes/episode)
Protip: Might make you paranoid about your lack of survival skills — so get prepared here
Watch your Netflix Korean dramas here.
20. Save Me
Image credits: Netflix KDRAMALOVE
Why We Recommend This: If you’ve seen Squid Game and you’re hungry for more dark twisted Korean tales, then this unique series is for you.
Save Me tells of a group of four unemployed guys who meets a woman in an alley begging to be saved. Little did they know that the woman is actually involved in a cult. If you are looking for a thriller with the perfect storyline and no weak links, Save Me should be on your list (psst! They will be releasing Season 2 soon!).
IMDb Ratings: 8/10
Series Duration: 16 episodes (~60 minutes)
Watch your Netflix Korean dramas here.
Get Cosy With The Best Netflix Korean Dramas!
Whatever your reasons may be for missing out on the world of K-dramas before, this is your chance to give it a try with the best Netflix Korean dramas! Get prepped with your favourite snacks and beverage, snuggle down with your loved ones or a blanket, and get your emotions ready for a heck of a ride.
If you need some distraction in between to calm your nerves, check out our shortlist of Taobao clothing stores, for the best of K-fashion — with inclusive fashion options available too. Just remember to use your YouTrip Card and cash in on our attractive Wholesale Exchange Rates whenever you shop online!
If you still haven’t gotten your free YouTrip card, use our special promo code <BLOG5> to sign up and receive a free S$5 in your account!
For more great guides like this stay on top of things by joining our Telegram Channel (@YouTripSG) or subscribing to our free weekly newsletter here or down below!
Related Articles:
Best Netflix Movies To Watch Right Now In Singapore
20 Best Horror Movies To Stream For An Ultimate Screamfest
8 Scariest Horror TV Series & Movies About Outbreaks To Stream
*Top banner image from Netflix.
