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The Top 40 Best Romantic Korean Dramas on Netflix to Watch (2022)

For when you’re in the mood to swoon!

BEST KOREAN DRAMAS ON NETFLIX IN 2022

The Top 40 Best Romantic Korean Dramas on Netflix to Watch (2022); featured image with 3 kdramas

K-dramas have an addictive quality to them. You just have to watch one more episode. I was hooked years ago, watching as many as possible on the now-defunct Dramafever. In the early days of its popularity in the U.S., watching Korean dramas felt more niche and not always easy.

Thankfully, with the Squid Game phenomenon to Parasite winning Best Picture, not to mention the popularity of K-Pop, Korean dramas have become more mainstream, making them more available to watch to the masses – partly thanks to the numerous Korean Dramas on Netflix. 

K-dramas also tend to only have 10-20 episodes (an average of 16) with a planned ending – so they have a limited series feel most of the time. Although with the popularity of shows like Squid Game, more Korean drama series are having second seasons.

Romantic Korean drama is one sub-genre of Korean Drama (often nicknamed Kdramas) of particular interest. Romantic K-dramas are known for longing gazes, slow-build love stories, and wholesome kisses.

And it’s hard not to notice the influence of Jane Austen, romance novels, fairy tales (especially Cinderella), romantic comedies, and the British period drama on Korean Drama.

Still, Korean drama has its own distinct style. From the amnesia trope to controlling parents and grandparents, K-pop idols in the cast (or as characters), love triangles, arranged marriages, Dickens-like coincidences, and more.

You’d be hard-pressed not to watch a good Romantic Korean drama and not swoon! Expect butterflies in your stomach, epic love stories, handsome leading men, fascinating female heroines, and much more.

The Korean drama is the ultimate treat for romance fans.

So, whether you’re dipping your toes into the genre for the first time or are a Kdrama lover, I’ve compiled a list of the best Korean dramas on Netflix.

If you’re in the mood for only period dramas on Netflix (including Korean historicals), check out our related list.

Note: Availability is for the U.S. at the time of publication (September 2022) and is subject to change at any time. I will put the updated date here in this section if I update this list.


THE BEST ROMANTIC KOREAN DRAMAS ON NETFLIX

(In Alphabetical Order)


#1 100 DAYS MY PRINCE (2018)

100 days my prince tvn poster

Synopsis: 

When a crown prince loses his memory, he experiences the life of a commoner and falls in love.

Cast: Doh Kyung-soo (It’s Okay, That’s Love) and Nam Ji-hyun (Suspicious Partner)

Why You Should Check This Out: 

100 Days My Prince is one of the highest-rated K-dramas in South Korea’s cable history, so it’s wildly popular.

Beyond that, it takes the amnesia trope and twists it into a fun, lighthearted period rom-com with royals, intrigue, and lots of swoony romantic moments.

Content Note: TV-14 but mild.

#2 ALCHEMY OF SOULS (2022)

Synopsis: 

A female warrior becomes trapped in a blind woman’s body (the servant of Jang Uk) due to a spell causing souls to switch bodies. 

Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Go Yoon-jun, Hwang Min-hyun

Why You Should Check This Out: 

If you love historical fantasies and romance, then you’ll probably love Alchemy of Souls. It’s a new series from the famous Hong Sisters about magic and soul switching.

They’ve delighted us with some of the best Korean dramas ever made (Master’s Sun, Hotel del Luna, The Greatest Love) and never disappoint! They’re great with supernatural stories, romance, and comedy.

Only part one has aired so far. Part two should air around December 2022.

Content Note: TV-14 for intense moments.

#3 ANOTHER MISS OH (2016)

another miss oh poster

Synopsis: 

A sound director who can see the future tries to get revenge on his ex-girlfriend who jilted him at the altar, but he mistakenly ruins the wedding of another woman with the same name.

Cast: Eric Mun, Seo Hyun-jin, Jeon Hye-bin

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Another Miss Oh is one more highly rated Korean cable drama you’ll want to see if you’re in the mood for something feel-good. It’s a fun premise about a man becoming entangled with two unrelated women with the same name. The cast is all excellent in this one.

Content Note: TV-MA for language (mild)

#4 BECAUSE THIS IS MY FIRST LIFE (2017)

because this is my first life poster

Synopsis: 

A single woman struggling with money marries a roommate for financial convenience, but soon the two start to develop feelings as they deal with their complicated lives, families, and friendships.

Cast: Lee Min-ki, Jung So-min, Esom, Park Byung-eun, Kim Ga-eun

Why You Should Check This Out: 

A familiar K-drama romance plot is the marriage of convenience, and this is a charming example! But this series is about much more than a romantic relationship; it’s also about the friendships between three women and the difficulties they each face in their own lives.

The female characters are relatable and likable, making watching this K-drama enjoyable.

Content Note: TV-14 for thematic elements and smoking.

#5 BLACK (2017)

Black kdrama poster

Synopsis: 

When a Grim Reaper falls in love with a mortal woman, he decides to break all the rules to help her. Meanwhile, mysteries need to be solved.

Cast: Song Seung-heon, Go Ara, Lee El, Kim Dong-jun, and Kim Won-hae

Why You Should Check This Out: 

If you love urban fantasies and paranormal romances like Moonlight, then you’ll love the underrated K-drama Black! It’s an urban fantasy/thriller/romance series about a grim reaper who falls in love with a human woman!

Beyond that, the thrilling series also includes compelling mysteries, exciting action sequences, and brilliant characters. And all within a unique world created by the writer.

It’s also a show everyone will enjoy – even if you’re not that into romance.

For more about Black, make sure to check out our complete review.

Content Note: TV-MA for some strong language, intense sequences and violence (not explicit). 

#6 BOYS OVER FLOWERS (2009)

boys over flowers poster

Synopsis: 

A bullied young high school girl, Jan-di, decides to stand up against the school’s powerful clique of spoiled rich kids, only to fall for one of them. 

Cast: Ku Hye-sun, Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon, Kim So-eun

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Boys Over Flowers is one of the most influential Korean dramas ever made, helping to spread the Korean wave of South Korean pop culture and K-dramas about teens. It also helped turn Lee Min-ho (Pachinko) into a star.

While some of the bullying scenes and toxic behavior in the series wouldn’t fly today, it’s still an incredibly addictive romantic series you can’t miss! The romance crosses class divides in a powerful tale of young love. It’s one of the most binge-able series on this list too.

For more, see our review of Boys Over Flowers.

Content Note: TV-14 for bullying.

#7 BULGASAL: IMMORTAL SOULS (2021)

Synopsis: 

A cursed immortal goes on a quest to gain his soul while also seeking revenge.

Cast: Lee Jin-wook, Kwon Nara, Lee Joon, Gong Seung-yeon, Jung Jin-young

Why You Should Check This Out: 

If romantic vampires are your jam, you might like this original take on a vampire-like immortal. While the romance is not the central storyline, the love story is a fascinating slow burn providing a powerful punch. The cinematography’s good too.

Content Note: TV-MA for violence.

#8 BUSINESS PROPOSAL (2022)

Synopsis: 

When Ha-ri goes on a blind date disguised as her friend, she soon discovers the man is her boss, who then starts falling for her.

Cast: Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-kyu, Seol In-ah

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Business Proposal has been one of the most watched Korean dramas on Netflix this year! It’s funny, sweet, and sure to lift your spirits if you’re in the mood for (an actually funny) romantic comedy.

Content Note: TV-14 for language.

#9 CHOCOLATE (2019)

Synopsis: 

A doctor and a chef become reacquainted when working together at a hospice ward, drawing closer through the love of food.

Cast: Yoon Kye-sang, Ha Ji-won, Jang Seung-jo, Teo Yoo, Min Jin-woong

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Want some good old-fashioned soapy melodrama and mouthwatering food on the screen? Then look no further than Chocolate, an addictive romance series that spans decades.

You can also read our review of Chocolate for more on this Netflix series.

Content Note: TV-14 for language and medical surgeries.

#10 CRASH LANDING ON YOU (2019)

Synopsis: 

A South Korean heiress accidentally ends up in North Korea and is protected by a North Korean army officer. 

Cast: Son Ye-jin, Hyun Bin, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Crash Landing On You is one of the most popular Korean dramas ever, with an all-star cast including Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin (now a real-life married couple) in the lead roles. It’s also one of the top-rated TV shows on IMDb.

All in all, this drama’s for you if you love epic love stories and forbidden romance done right.

Content Note: TV-14 for language and mild violence.

#11 FORECASTING LOVE AND WEATHER (2022)

Synopsis: 

Forecasting Love and Weather follows the work and love lives of the people working in the national weather service administration office. A forecaster and her co-worker soon connect. 

Cast: Park Min-young, Song Kang, Yoon Park, Yura

Why You Should Check This Out: 

This office romance is one of the most watched K-dramas on Netflix this year. If you enjoy office melodramas and captivating rom-coms, this one might be for you.

Content Note: TV-14 for language, thematic elements, and sensual content.

#12 HER PRIVATE LIFE (2019)

Synopsis: 

An art curator secretly runs a K-pop fan site in her spare time but wants to keep it a secret from the new Art Director at the gallery.

Cast: Park Min-young, Kim Jae-wook

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Her Private Life is the perfect romantic comedy for all fangirls! It’s a fun romance series based on the 2007 book Noona Fan Dot Com by Kim Sung-yeon.

Content Note: TV-14

#13 HOMETOWN CHA-CHA-CHA (2021)

Synopsis: 

In this small-town drama, a dentist from the big city moves to a cozy seaside village to set up a practice and meets a charming man. 

Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi

Why You Should Check This Out: 

The series is a commercial and international hit with K-drama favorite Shin Min-a starring. The slice-of-life rom-com is a gorgeous escapist series perfect for anyone who loves small-town dramas like Hart of Dixie with a likable cast.

The two actors have terrific chemistry too.

Content Note: TV-14

#14 HOSPITAL PLAYLIST (2020)

Synopsis: 

Hospital Playlist follows the lives of five doctors (and close friends) inside a hospital. 

Cast: Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, Jeon Mi-do

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Hospital Playlist is perfect if you’re still looking to fill that Grey’s Anatomy void while it’s on summer break. It’s all about friendship, medical dilemmas, and romantic relationships.

The premiere of this show also broke records in South Korea.

Content Note: TV-14 for medical scenes.

#15 HOTEL DEL LUNA (2019)

Synopsis: 

A young man becomes the new hotel manager of a hotel filled with undead guests and gets to know the immortal owner. 

Cast: Lee Ji-eun (IU), Yeo Jin-goo

Why You Should Check This Out: Hotel Del Luna is like a Beauty and the Beast story with a gender swap. So, if you love dark fantasies inspired by the classic fairy tale and appreciate paranormal romance, you should love this popular romantic drama from the Hong sisters.

Content Note: TV-14

#16 HYMN OF DEATH (2018)

Synopsis: 

Based on a true story about Korea’s first soprano, Yun Sim-deok, and her tragic love affair with the playwright, Kim Woo-jin.

Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Shin Hye-sun

Why You Should Check This Out: 

The tragic love story based on real people will break your heart. It’s also a beautiful period drama miniseries. If you don’t mind not having a happy ending and like biopics, you should appreciate this artistic romance.

Content Note: TV-14

#17 INHERITORS (HEIRS) (2013)

heirs aka inheritors kdrama promo photo
Credit: SBS

Synopsis: 

A romance develops between two teens from different social backgrounds as they attend an elite high school. Kim Tan must soon choose between the family business and love. 

Cast: Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, and Kim Woo-bin.

Why You Should Check This Out: 

The famous writer Kim Eun-sook of popular hits like Secret Garden, Goblin, Descendants of the Sun, and Mr. Sunshine, wrote this delightful teen romance drama with an all-star cast – including Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye.

Eun-sook has an exceptional talent for capturing drama and comedy in ways that keep you hooked from start to finish. If you’re looking to dip your toes into K-drama, give this one a try.

Content Note: TV-14

#18 IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY (2020)

Synopsis: 

A caretaker at a psychiatric hospital connects with a children’s book author with an antisocial personality disorder.

Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, Oh Jung-se, Park Gyu-young

Why You Should Check This Out: 

The New York Times named this one of the best shows of 2020! The heartfelt romantic dramedy will lift your spirits and inspire you to remember that it’s “okay to not be okay.”

It’s a series that positively impacts mental health and even received an International Emmy nomination.

Content Note: TV-MA for language and some intense scenes.

#19 THE K2 (2016)

the k2 poster

Synopsis: 

A former soldier works as a bodyguard for a powerful political family and gets caught up in political intrigue while growing close to the women.

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Song Yoon-ah, Im Yoon-ah, Jo Sung-ha

Why You Should Check This Out: 

The K2 is a modern retelling of Snow White with some sci-fi elements and a love triangle between the soldier (aka the huntsman), the daughter of a corrupt presidential candidate (Snow White), and the stepmother and powerful owner of a company (the wicked queen).

While the central love story is uninteresting and uninspired, the chemistry between Song Yoon-ah (the stepmother) and the soldier (Ji Chang-wook) is out of this world.

For more, check out our complete review of The K2.

Content Note: TV-14 for action scenes and some language.

#20 THE KING: ETERNAL MONARCH (2020)

Synopsis: 

The urban fantasy follows a Korean Emperor as he enters a parallel world and crosses paths with a female detective.

Cast: Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun, Woo Do-hwan, Kim Kyung-nam, Jung Eun-chae, Lee Jung-jin

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Kim Eun-sook of Goblin is back with another fantasy series – this time about parallel worlds.

It’s an entertaining show, but it can sometimes get convoluted. Still, the excellent performances and the swoony love story are a lot of fun to watch.

Content Note: TV-14

#21 THE KING’S AFFECTION (2021)

Synopsis: 

Years after the Queen gave birth to twins – a boy and a girl – and had to hide her daughter due to the forbidden nature of twins, her son died. The Queen soon convinces her daughter to pretend to be the prince.

Cast: Park Eun-bin, Rowoon, Nam Yoon-su, Choi Byung-chan, Bae Yoon-kyung, Jung Chae-yeon

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Set during the Joseon Dynasty, The King’s Affection is a Shakespearean-like twist on twins. When the twin brother tragically passes, the Queen convinces her daughter (who grew up not knowing her real identity) to pretend to be her brother. A love story ensues amid political intrigue in this period drama.

Check out our list for more of the best period dramas from 2021.

Content Note: TV-14

#22 A KOREAN ODYSSEY (2017)

a korean odyssey publicity still
Credit: JS Pictures/tvN/Netflix

Synopsis:

An immortal mythical being made a deal with a young girl when she once helped him, promising to help her whenever she called in return. Twenty-five years later, their paths cross again.

Cast: Lee Seung-gi, Oh Yeon-seo, Cha Seung-won, Lee Hong-gi, Jang Gwang

Why You Should Check This Out: 

The Hong sisters wrote this entertaining fantasy romance series with a touch of horror. If you love shows like Lucifer and GoblinA Korean Odyssey should be up your alley! The characters are good, the romance memorable, and the actors are all fantastic.

Content Note: TV-MA for language and frightening scenes.

#23 LOVE ALARM (2019)

Synopsis: 

Love Alarm is a teen romance series set in a world where an app exists that can detect if someone likes you romantically.

Cast: Kim So-hyun, Jung Ga-ram, Song Kang

Why You Should Check This Out: 

The modern, almost sci-fi twist on dating apps is a fun idea – albeit creepy and not something I would want to happen in real life! Still, this is a top-rated romantic teen drama on Netflix, even earning a second season.

Content Note: TV-MA for some language and suicide.

#24 MEMORIES OF THE ALHAMBRA (2018)

Synopsis: 

A CEO of an investment company travels to Spain searching for the creator of an augmented reality game. But the creator has gone missing. Meanwhile, the CEO stays at a hostel run by the creator’s sister, and soon the two become caught up in some strange incidents. 

Cast: Hyun Bin, Park Shin-hye

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Part action thriller, part romance, this series is a great Korean drama for fans of Byronic Heroes and twisty stories. The high-quality production has a top-notch cast and an entertaining narrative amid a gorgeous setting.

It’s also one of the highest-rated dramas in South Korea’s cable television history.

For more, see our complete review of Memories of the Alhambra.

Content Note: TV-MA for mild language and violence.

#25 MR. SUNSHINE (2018)

Synopsis: 

Years after a young boy escaped slavery in Joseon and moved to the U.S., he returns to Korea as a Marine Corps officer only to fall in love with a noblewoman during dangerous times.

Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung, Byun Yo-han

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Mr. Sunshine is a sweeping romance set in the early 1900s. Gorgeously shot, beautifully written, and epic, Mr. Sunshine is a must-see drama from the famous Kdrama writer Kim Eun-sook.

For more on this period romance, see our complete review of Mr. Sunshine.

Content Note: TV-MA for violence.

#26 MY MISTER (2018)

my mister tvN poster
Credit: tvN

Synopsis: 

A young woman and a middle-aged man connect over their hardships and find comfort in each other.

Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Lee Ji-eun (IU)

Why You Should Check This Out: 

My Mister is a critically acclaimed drama suitable for viewers looking for a serious show to watch. Be aware, however, that the romance is ambiguous and open to interpretation. It’s more of an unspoken love than overt.

That all said, this is a moving Korean drama all about life.

Content Note: TV-MA for language (mild).

#27 MYSTIC POP-UP BAR (2020)

Synopsis: 

An immortal woman helps solve people’s problems by entering their dreams. 

Cast: Hwang Jung-eum, Yook Sung-jae, Choi Won-young, Jung Da-eun

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Mystic Pop-up Bar puts a unique spin on the fantasy drama with immortal characters. Weol-ju must atone for her sins (from when she was a mortal) by helping 100,000 people. She works with a young man who must tell people the truth as well as an Afterlife Police Agency Detective.

All in all, it’s a compelling drama full of romance, drama, comedy, and intriguing fantasy elements.

Content Note: TV-MA for language.

#28 ONE SPRING NIGHT (2019)

Synopsis: 

A slow-burn romance develops when a single dad pharmacist and a librarian meet. 

Cast: Han Ji-min, Jung Hae-in, Kim Jun-han

Why You Should Check This Out: 

While many K-dramas tend to have a lot of fantasy or unrealistic romantic elements, One Spring Night is a realistic romance between a single dad and a librarian. It’s partly a social drama with serious issues discussed too.

Overall, the slow-burn love story will appeal to romance fans looking for something more authentic.

Content Note: TV-14

#29 OUR BELOVED SUMMER (2021)

Synopsis: 

Two ex-lovers (who can’t stand each other) reunite years after filming a documentary in high school that has now gone viral.

Cast: Choi Woo-shik, Kim Da-mi, Kim Sung-cheol, Roh Jeong-eui

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Our Beloved Summer was one of the most watched romantic K-dramas on Netflix this year and is a coming-of-age drama about first love, memories, nostalgia, and second chances.

Content Note: TV-14

#30 OUR BLUES (2022)

Synopsis: 

Our Blues follows the lives and loves of the people of Jeju Island in an ensemble drama.

Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Cha Seung-won, Uhm Jung-hwa, Lee Jung-eun, Han Ji-min, Kim Woo-bin

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Much like Love Actually, Our Blues follows various characters interconnectedly– without the comedy bits.

The slice-of-life drama (with romance) will pull on the heartstrings as you become immersed in the lives of these characters. It doesn’t hurt that this K-drama has an all-star cast, not to mention the gorgeous Jeju Island setting.

Content Note: TV-MA for language.

#31 REPLY 1988 (2015)

reply 1988 poster

Synopsis: 

Reply 1988 takes place in the late ’80s, following the lives of five families and five teenage friends.

Cast: Lee Hye-ri, Ryu Jun-yeol, Go Kyung-pyo, Park Bo-gum, Lee Dong-hwi

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Reply 1988 is the third series in an anthology (although you can watch it as a standalone) and is critically acclaimed and beloved by fans. The nostalgic drama will stay with you, reminding you of your own youth and how important life is.

The show is a part family drama, part romance, a little bit of mystery, and part coming-of-age. All in all, it’s a lovely mishmash!

Content Note: TV-14

#32 ROMANCE IS A BONUS BOOK (2014)

Synopsis: 

The editor-in-chief of a publishing company reconnects with a struggling friend (and now divorced single Mom) and former copywriter in need of a job.

Cast: Lee Na-young, Lee Jong-suk, Jung Yoo-jin, Wi Ha-joon

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Romance is a Bonus Book is the K-drama to watch for all the book lovers out there! Not only does this romantic comedy have a delightful romance, but it also showcases a love of books.

Content Note: TV-14

#33 ROOKIE HISTORIAN GOO HAE-RYUNG (2019)

Synopsis: 

A female historian begins a new life as a scholar in the royal court, befriending the young prince in the process. Meanwhile, politicians have started banning books.

Cast: Shin Se-kyung, Cha Eun-woo, Park Ki-woong

Why You Should Check This Out: 

There is a prince who is also secretly a romance novelist. Enough said! This romantic period drama is binge-worthy with good messages and a feminist touch – but it is also unabashedly romantic.

Read our complete review for more gushing on why you should watch Rookie Historian.

Content Note: TV-14

#34 RUN ON

Synopsis:

Run On follows the love story between a track star and a film subtitle translator.

Cast: Im Si-wan, Shin Se-kyung, Choi Soo-young, Kang Tae-oh

Why You Should Check This Out: 

What makes this Korean drama unique is the professions of the characters. If you love movies, you’ll appreciate Oh Mi-joo’s passion for movies and how she finds profound messages in them.

Overall, this is a sweet romantic drama with a good cast, heartwarming moments, and likable characters.

Content Note: TV-MA for brief strong language.

#35 START-UP (2020)

Synopsis: 

Set in Korea’s version of Silicon Valley, young entrepreneurs try to reach their dreams and find love in a competitive high-tech atmosphere.

Cast: Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Seon-ho, Kang Han-na

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Start-Up is a romantic dramedy about following your dreams with a love triangle thrown into the mix! It was also one of the most watched Korean dramas on Netflix in 2020.

Content Note: TV-14

#36 THAT WINTER, THE WIND BLOWS (2013)

that winter the wind blows poster
Credit: SBS

Synopsis: 

A con man tries to deceive a blind heiress but instead falls in love with her.

Cast: Jo In-sung, Song Hye-kyo

Why You Should Check This Out: 

That Winter, The Wind Blows is a beautiful romantic melodrama with gorgeous scenery and sizzling chemistry between the main leads.

Content Note: TV-MA for language.

#37 THIRTY-NINE (2022)

Synopsis: 

Three best friends stick together through thick and thin as they experience love and the hardships of life.

Cast: Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, Kim Ji-hyun

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Thirty-Nine is a lovely series about three friends who experience love, loss, and friendship on the verge of turning 40. This one is for you if you enjoy female-centric tearjerkers that are character-driven.

This romantic drama was also one of the most watched K-dramas on Netflix this year.

Content Note: TV-MA for language

#38 TOUCH YOUR HEART (2019)

Synopsis: 

An actress currently receiving bad press takes a job as a secretary for an unfriendly attorney to research a new acting job. Sparks fly.

Cast: Yoo In-na, Lee Dong-wook

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Fan favorites from Goblin reunite in this lighthearted romantic comedy. There’s nothing new or revolutionary here to see, but the cast and the story are good, making it a fun watch.

Content Note: TV-MA for language.

#39 TWENTY FIVE TWENTY ONE (2022)

Synopsis: 

The story (told in flashbacks from a diary) follows the friendship and love story between a teen fencer with big dreams and a hardworking young man trying to build a good life for himself. 

Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Bona, Choi Hyun-wook, Lee Joo-myung

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Twenty Five Twenty One is one of the most watched K-dramas on Netflix this year and a huge commercial hit. The romantic drama mainly occurs in the late 90s as a young woman and a young man grow up.

While the ending is polarizing to the audience – some loving it and others not – it’s still worth watching, especially if you grew up in the 90s.

While it’s technically a youth drama, it’s probably meant more for adults looking back at their formative years.

Content Note: TV-14

#40 WHEN THE CAMELLIA BLOOMS (2019)

Synopsis: 

A single mother moves to a small town and eventually finds love with a police officer trying to catch a serial killer.

Cast: Gong Hyo-jin, Kang Ha-neul, Kim Ji-seok

Why You Should Check This Out: 

Gong Hyo-jin is known for being the queen of rom-coms in South Korea and is always fabulous in everything she’s in. This romance is intriguing because it combines aspects of a thriller, a drama, and a rom-com into one.

The show won numerous awards and was one of the highest-rated dramas of 2019.

Content Note: TV-14

BONUS: EVEN MORE ROMANTIC KDRAMAS ON NETFLIX

  • Abyss
  • All of Us Are Dead – Expect lots of violence and language in this one.
  • Backstreet Rookie – It has JI Chong-wook
  • Beauty Inside
  • Best Lover
  • The Bride of Habaek
  • Café Minamdang
  • Cinderella and the Four Knights
  • Clean With Passion For Now
  • The Crowned Clown
  • Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol
  • Extraordinary Attorney Woo
  • Familiar Wife
  • Hello, Me!
  • Hello, My Twenties!
  • I Need Romance
  • Lawless Lawyer
  • Let’s Eat
  • Live Up To Your Name: For time travel fans!
  • Love So Beautiful
  • Lovestruck in the City
  • Misty
  • My Country: The New Age: Period drama fans should like this one.
  • My First First Love
  • My Holo Love
  • My ID is Gangnam Beauty
  • My Little Baby
  • My Only Love Song
  • My Runway
  • My Sassy Girl
  • My Secret Romance
  • My Shy Boss
  • Nevertheless,
  • Oh, My Baby
  • Private Lives
  • Rain or Shine
  • Record of Youth (Chungchungirok)
  • Revolutionary Love
  • Search WWW
  • She Would Never Know
  • Sisyphus: The Myth
  • Something in the Rain
  • Strongest Deliveryman
  • Vagabond
  • Vincenzo
  • Was It Love?
  • When My Love Blooms
  • You Are My Spring

And if you’re looking for a quick K-drama fix, Netflix has a few romantic Korean films: 20th Century Girl, Tune in for Love and Wish You

COMING SOON: 

  • Little Women (A Reimagining of Louisa May Alcott’s classic story as a contemporary thriller) – Premieres September 3rd, 2022.
  • Once Upon a Small Town – Romance coming September 5th, 2022.

What Korean Dramas on Netflix do you recommend? Do you have a favorite? Let us know in the comments!


Featured image credit: Romance is a Bonus Book (tvN/Netflix), Rookie Historian (MBC/Netflix), and Hotel Del Luna (tvN).


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By on September 2nd, 2022

About Amber Topping

Amber works as a writer and digital publisher full-time and fell in love with stories and imagination at an early age. She has a Humanities and Film Degree from BYU, co-created The Silver Petticoat Review, contributed as a writer to various magazines, and has an MS in Publishing from Pace University, where she received the Publishing Award of Excellence and wrote her thesis on transmedia, Jane Austen, and the romance genre. Her ultimate dreams are publishing books, writing and producing movies, traveling around the world, and forming a creative village of talented storytellers trying to change the world through art.

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15 thoughts on “The Top 40 Best Romantic Korean Dramas on Netflix to Watch (2022)”

  1. Best Korean Dramas:
    Oh, My Ghost!
    Because this is My First Life,
    Crash Landed on You,
    Another Miss Oh,
    Its OK to not be OK.
    Start Up.

  2. I almost don’t know any of the dramas you’re presenting.
    I stopped binge-watching Kdramas around 10 years ago, as I literaly didn’t have time anymore, because of studies and then work 🙁
    As you mentioned rightfully, they were hard-to-find with english subs back then (RIP Dramafever).
    Recently I was looking to plunge back into some romantic ones and didn’t know where to start. So, thank you for all these suggestions!

    • Losing Dramafever made it challenging to watch Kdramas for a little while! But Netflix is sharing a ton now. And there is also the Kocowa channel, which is nice! Anyway, glad this list could help!

  3. Best kdrama romance
    True beauty (10/10) fav
    Strong do bong so (10/10)
    Weightlifting fairy Kim bok Joo (10/10) fav
    What’s wrong with secretary Kim (10/10)
    Extraordinary you (10/10) fav
    Revenge note (10/10)
    Revenge note 2 (10/10) #1
    imitation (10/10) #1
    Boys over flowers (10/10) #1
    A Business proposal (10/10) #1
    Abyss (10/10)#1
    My Secret Romance (10/10)

  4. It is hard to order, but I lost a LOT of sleep with these as would anyone who has had the pleasure of watching them attest to. All are awesome and I loved each and every one. My <10 (9.x) were just due to some minor things, and I wanted to distinguish the top three with honors.

    Crash Landing on You (11/10)

    Hotel Del Luna (10/10)
    Business Proposal (10/10)

    A Korean Odyssey (9.99/10)
    Alchemy of Souls (9.99/10)
    Hometown Cha-cha-cha (9.99/10)
    Hello Me! (9.99/10)

    Extraordinary Attorney Woo (9.9/10)
    It's Okay to Not Be Okay (9.9/10)

    Live Up To Your Name (9.8/10)

    I look forward to watching many of the titles from these lists. Thank you for them.

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