Photo: Contiki
Ready to binge your next series and looking for something a little different? Well, you’re in the right place, as there is a whole world of K-dramas waiting to be discovered.
South Korean TV has attracted worldwide attention, particularly since the pandemic, thanks to several international hit series. It already had a solid fan base, with romantic comedies being a traditional strong point for K-dramas. However, various genres are now emerging and hitting just as hard, and you’ve probably already seen some recent shows like Kingdom and, of course, Squid Game.
Now, let’s find the series that suits you! Once you fall in love with K-drama, you’ll soon be booking your next holiday to South Korea, seeking out filming locations and reliving your favourite shows.
1. 우리들의 블루스 / Our Blues (2022)
Set on Jeju Island, this show is all about relationships and recovering from your wounds. It depicts a variety of walks of life, from a Haenyo (female free diver who falls in love with the captain of a fishing boat to a girl who returned to Jeju after the failure of her marriage in Seoul. Following each character’s story, you will feel their every struggle and may even find your own inner peace alongside them.
Starring many famous South Korean actors, such as Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a and Kim Woo-bin, the show is highly rated for its realistic, delicate performances. Plus, you will feel right at home when you visit Jeju, where the majority of the show was filmed – from the scenic walks around Sungsan Ilchulbong to the vibrant traditional markets.
2. 사랑의불시착 / Crash Landing on You (2019)
Romeo and Juliet’s forbidden love has led to similar stories and interpretations being told around the world. However, this one is slightly different. A successful South Korean businesswoman, Seri, accidentally crash-lands (literally) on a dashing North Korean military officer across the border. Set in a restrictive society, and in an effort to avoid any trouble, Seri impersonates his fiancé while waiting for an opportunity to cross back to South Korea.
Although obviously based on fiction, the show is thought to offer an honest depiction of the North Korean lifestyle. Contrasting with the dire reality of existing tensions between the two Koreas, the show delivers romance and even a light-hearted tone at times. Knowing that the two protagonists got married in real life only makes it more romantic. Next time you’re in Korea, visit the DMZ to learn more about the conflict and historical backdrop to the show.
3. 이태원클라쓰 / Itaewon Class (2020)
If you are looking for some motivation, try this out. It’s the story of some misfits of society and their success in the world of business. When Sae-roi was serving jail time for confronting the murderer who killed his dad in a hit-and-run, all he wished for was to become rich and avenge his father’s death. Founding a start-up, he brings together a team of marginalised, passionate people – a talented sociopath, a transgender chef and a former gang member.
The backdrop of the show is Itaewon, a young and vibrant district in Seoul, where the American army used to be based, bringing a mix of cultures. Head there to find bars and international restaurants full of young crowds in the district. One fun fact is that the writer of the show actually owns one of the bars in Itaewon. Why not drop by for a drink?
4. 미스터선샤인 / Mr. Sunshine (2020)
Are you a fan of period drama? Then this could be the K-drama for you. Set amongst the backdrop of an uncertain time in 19th century Korea, an escaped slave returns to the country as a US Marine Corps officer and falls in love with one of the last noble ladies. Against foreign powers and domestic movements for change, people from different backgrounds work together to save the country and people’s lives. In the background, a range of major historical events take place, from the Shinmiyangyo incident, to the Russo-Japanese War. To relive the series, wander around Jeonju Hanok Village, near to where most of it was filmed.
5. 선재업고튀어 / Lovely Runner (2024)
This new, hit tvN series has drawn the support of an army of K-pop fans. It centres on a fangirl who travels back in time to save her idol’s life. When she finally meets him, 15 years in the past, she dedicates herself to protecting him from every choice that led to his untimely death.
Along with the sombre tone, the series is a nostalgia hit for your teenage years and first romances. The filming locations have become popular destinations following the show’s success, with Suwon (20 minutes on the train from Seoul) most featured. Head there to find the now famous blue-doored house of the protagonist, and reenact their walks along the riverside by the Hwa-seong Fortress.
6. 스토브리그 / Hot Stove League (2019)
Step aside, Ted Lasso. The Hot Stove League is a competition among baseball scouts to recruit the best players after the regular season ends. The Dreams, bottom of the league four years in a row, hire Baek Seung-soo, a multi-championship winning team manager. Despite the difficulties of tight budgets, conflicts within the team and disharmony with the coaching staff, Seung-soo brings in his outsider’s insight to switch the Dreams’ culture in a bid to create a championship-winning team.
Whilst in a sports environment, this is also an office drama full of schemes, strategy and excitement. And if it makes you feel like watching a baseball game, you’re spoiled for choice in Seoul. FYI: The Dreams were inspired by NC Dinos in Changwon, which is an hour away by bus from Busan.
7. 도깨비 / Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)
Have you ever wished for your very own guardian angel? This series features a girl who lost her mum and was bullied by her relatives, before finding a guardian god, himself suffering from guilt and the sins of his previous life. Their lives are deeply intertwined as only the girl can stop his punishment and agony. Although the series contains many lighthearted and funny scenes, you’re also bound to shed some tears. Based on the concept of reincarnation, the themes of past lives, atonement and forgiveness are all importantly depicted. The series was filmed all around the country including the Gangwon-do seaside – helping you to discover the beauty of every part of the country.
