While the South Korean television and film industry has been around for over half a century, the last two decades in particular mark a rise in global recognition of the incredible body of work—culminating in a historic win for
Parasite at the 2020 Academy Awards and South Korean actress Yuh-Jung Youn's win for Best Supporting Actress for her work in Minari at the 2021 Academy Awards. Further evidence? The Netflix global hit back in 2021 was a K-drama called Squid Game. Like Parasite, Squid Game is an unpredictable parable that explores life under social inequality—and takes the characters' fights for survival to extreme heights. Squid Game became a global sensation and we still can't stop talking about it–and if you're anything like us, you are patiently waiting for season two while filling up your Netflix queue with other binge-worthy Korean drama series.
Whether you're looking to dip your toes into more K-dramas, or you're already a fan seeking additional highly rated, easily streamable options, here are 27 of the best Korean dramas that you can watch on Netflix right now, from coming-of-age shows like the current hit Twenty-Five Twenty-One to friendship-focused dramas like Thirty Nine. That's not all: Below, we're rounding up everything from Korean romantic comedies to superhero flicks, zombie horror shows, crime-busting detective thrillers, historical fiction, and more. Pick a genre and settle in for a marathon, because we can guarantee you're going to find your latest binge-worthy addiction.
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1
Twenty Five Twenty One (2022)
This coming-of-age drama focuses on the romantic pursuits and friendships of five characters over the course of a decade, from 1998 through 2021. Since it was first released earlier this year, Twenty-Five Twenty-One has become a certified hit for critics and viewers alike. From showcasing the pure excitement of a first love to the complexities of a years-long close friendship, this show truly has it all.
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2
Forecasting Love and Weather (2022)
This fan-favorite romantic drama showcases life, love, and everyday up and downs of a group of employees at the Korea Meteorological Administration. Office romances, breakups, and affairs ensue in this show, which stars Park Min-Young and Song Kang. You'll quickly become a fan: Forecasting Love and Weather was on Netflix's global top 10 most-watched show for six weeks in a row this year.
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3
Thirty Nine (2022)
Thirty Nine chronicles the lives of three best friends who are about to turn 40. The drama touches on deep friendships that have spanned decades—the trio has been tied together since high school—and the inevitable highs and lows of life.
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4
Business Proposal (2022)
This romantic drama kicks off with an irresistible plot twist: a blind date between a successful CEO and...an average employee of his company. This sets the scene for a thrilling and sweet series to follow. Business Proposal is based on the web novel of the same name, which has become a global phenomenon.
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5
The Sound of Magic (2022)
The Sound of Magic is a touching musical drama, telling the story of a magician, played by Ji Chang-wook, who lives in an abandoned theme park and a disenchanted teen girl, played by Choi Sung-eun, who was forced to grow up too quickly.
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6
Squid Game (2021)
In Squid Game, a group of adults compete for a large prize by playing kids' games. It sounds like a fun premise—but Squid Game, which became a runaway hit on Netflix, is anything but kid-friendly. The only way to win the game is to survive it, and most competitors are killed along the way. If you can stomach the show's violence, Squid Game offers up a fascinating social experiment, where desperation pushes people to agree to a wicked game.
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7
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
In this fairy tale, an empathetic healthcare worker with a tragic past meets a children’s book author with a personality disorder. As the two get to know each other, they form a slow-burning romance that helps them both emotionally heal and move forward. The New York Times named this romantic drama series one of "The Best International Shows of 2020."
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8
Sweet Home (2020)
The Korean horror series reached #3 on Netflix's Top 10 list shortly after its release in December 2020. Those who love the zombie genre will get hooked on this apocalyptic show that follows the life of Cha Hyun-soo (Song Kang), who moves into a run-down apartment complex after his family is killed in a car accident. As people in the city start to turn into terrifying monsters of various forms, Cha and his fellow band of misfit survivors have to fight to protect humanity.
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9
A Korean Odyssey (2019)
A Korean Odyssey is a modern take on the classic novel Journey to the West. This fantasy and drama series revolves around a conflict between the two central characters, Son Oh-Gong and Woo Ma-wang, set in a dark world full of evil. Expect a dash of magic, romance, and drama in this series.
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10
Vagabond (2019)
Sorry in advance, but once you start this series, you'll be bingeing it all night long. That's how addicting this Korean drama is, starring leading actor Lee Seung-gi as a stuntman who finds himself engulfed in a dangerous web of corruption and terror as he tries to get to the bottom of what happened in the plane crash that killed his nephew. In this spy-meets-thriller-meets-romance series, Vagabond has something for everyone.
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11
Crash Landing On You (2019)
One of the newest Korean dramas that's garnered tons of views in Korea, Crash Landing On You features actors from Parasite. A dramatic love story, the series tells the tale of a South Korean heiress to a large conglomerate who, while paragliding, accidentally crash-lands in North Korea. But don't worry, she meets a North Korean army officer who protects her, and they begin a love story despite political strife.
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12
Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung (2019)
To the Little Women fans—you will want to give this Korean drama series a shot. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, noble lady Goo Hae-ryung is 26, single, and fights to be recognized for her work as a historian. Enter the handsome Prince Yi Rim, who secretly writes romance novels under a pen name. Can the two find true love despite the societal risks? You'll have to watch to find out.
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13
When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
Korean media has dubbed the star actress in this series, Gong Hyo Jin, the queen of romantic comedies, so you know it's going to be good. When the Camellia Blooms is ultimately an incredible story of love, told through the dizzying plot line involving a serial killer, a single mom, social stigma, and small town drama. Hooked? Us, too.
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14
Chief of Staff (2019)
Addicted to dramatic political TV shows like The West Wing or House of Cards? Chief of Staff will the hit the spot. Featuring an ambitious political staffer who pulls the strings behind the scenes while trying to climb his way to the top, the series will have you trying to figure out who is going to outwit the other.
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15
Kingdom (2019)
The K-drama was the first Netflix original Korean series to stream on the platform, and it has garnered positive reviews. Kingdom doesn't fit neatly into one genre, fusing political royals as well as supernatural themes into a thrilling TV series. Featuring an A-list cast and incredible visual effects, follow the journey of Crown Prince Chang as he embarks on a mission to discover and put an end to a rapidly spreading influx of zombies.
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16
Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)
Based on the hit U.S. TV series Younger, this Korean drama follows a gifted young editor at a publishing company who finds his life entangled with a former copywriter who desperately wants a job. What happens when they begin to realize their true feelings for each other? A great rom-com, that's what.
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17
Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Contrary to its name, don't be expecting sunny days ahead in this Netflix original series that tells the story of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty era. History buffs will enjoy delving into this suspenseful, grim but also quietly romantic tale of activists fighting for Korea's independence. In addition, The Korea Times praised the series for its strong female characters.
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18
Memories of the Alhambra (2018)
Fans of sci-fi, this is for you! Telling the story of an augmented reality video game developer Jung Se-Joo, who creates an addictive alternate reality where gamers can put on a special high-tech lens to find weapons and battle in the real world—drama ensues when Jung discovers a deadly bug in the game and tries to fix it. And, yes. there is romance involved.
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19
Stranger (2017)
Starring one of Korea's leading actresses, Bae Doona, as a passionate and fearless detective, Stranger found critical acclaim with the New York Times, which listed the drama series as one of the best TV shows of 2017. Streaming on Netflix, which purchased the cable TV show for $200,000 per episode, get started watching this, because apparently it's coming back for a second season this year.
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20
Because This Is My First Life (2017)
Bittersweet might be the best way to describe this romantic, funny but also somber series that follows two roommates in their thirties who become housemates for financial reasons and eventually enter into a marriage out of convenience to appease their families. You'll find yourself falling in love with these two before you even realize it.
