Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have become a global phenomenon in recent years, attracting millions of viewers from different countries and cultures. K-dramas are known for their captivating stories, diverse genres, attractive actors, and high production quality. Whether you are looking for romance, comedy, thriller, fantasy, or historical drama, there is a K-drama for you. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most addictive Korean dramas of all time, based on their popularity, ratings, awards, and fan reviews. These are the dramas that will keep you hooked from the first episode to the last, and make you want to watch them again and again.

Goblin

Goblin, also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, is a fantasy romance drama that tells the story of Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), a cursed immortal being who is looking for his bride who can end his life. He meets Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun), a cheerful high school student who claims to be his destined bride. Along the way, they encounter a grim reaper (Lee Dong-wook), a chicken shop owner (Yoo In-na), and a mysterious boy (Yook Sung-jae), who are all connected by fate. Goblin is one of the most successful K-dramas of all time, breaking records in ratings, awards, and international popularity. It is praised for its beautiful cinematography, soundtrack, acting, and script, which blends humor, romance, tragedy, and mystery. Goblin will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with its characters and their journey.

The K2

The K2 is an action thriller drama that follows Kim Je-ha (Ji Chang-wook), a former mercenary who becomes a bodyguard for Choi Yoo-jin (Song Yoon-ah), the wife of a presidential candidate and the daughter of a powerful conglomerate. Je-ha is also hired to protect Go An-na (Im Yoon-ah), the hidden daughter of the presidential candidate, who suffers from social phobia and trauma. As Je-ha gets involved in the political and personal conflicts of the people around him, he uncovers secrets and conspiracies that threaten his life and love. The K2 is a fast-paced and intense drama that showcases Ji Chang-wook’s impressive action scenes, Song Yoon-ah’s charismatic villainy, and Im Yoon-ah’s emotional performance. It also features a gripping plot, a romantic subplot, and a memorable OST.

Crash Landing on You

Crash Landing on You is a romantic comedy drama that revolves around Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin), a wealthy and successful South Korean businesswoman who accidentally paraglides into North Korea and lands on Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin), a North Korean army officer who decides to hide and protect her. As they spend time together, they develop feelings for each other, despite the political and cultural differences between their countries. They also meet various people who help or hinder their relationship, such as Se-ri’s family, Jeong-hyeok’s comrades, and a group of village ladies. Crash Landing on You is one of the highest-rated and most-watched K-dramas in history, breaking records in Korea and overseas. It is loved for its heartwarming and humorous story, its realistic and respectful portrayal of North Korea, its chemistry and acting of the leads and the supporting cast, and its catchy OST.

Our Blues

“Our Blues” revolves around a group of individuals residing on Jeju Island.

Lee Dong-Seok (Lee Byung-Hun), hailing from a small village on Jeju, leads a humble life selling goods from his truck. He crosses paths with Min Seon-A (Shin Min-A), a newcomer to the island with a mysterious past.

Choi Han-Su (Cha Seung-Won), a city-bred man returning to his native Jeju, reunites with his first love Jung Eun-Hui (Lee Jung-Eun), who runs a local fishing store. Eun-Hui is friends with Ko Mi-Ran (Uhm Jung-Hwa), another returnee weary of urban life.

Lee Yeong-Ok (Han Ji-Min), a recent transplant to Jeju, embraces the life of a haenyeo (female diver) despite facing rumors. She encounters Park Jeong-Jun (Kim Woo-Bin), a fishing boat captain seeking a partner to stay in Jeju with him, and they embark on a heartfelt romance.

Welcome to Samdalri

‘Welcome to Samdalri’ revolves around Jo Yong Pil, a weather forecaster who, as a child, lost his mother due to a mistaken weather report. His mission is to safeguard the elderly in his hometown. Jo Sam Dal, his estranged childhood friend, returns from a successful fashion career in Seoul after it crumbles. The two reconnect in Samdalri, rekindling old emotions.

Legends of the Blue Sea

Legends of the Blue Sea is a fantasy romance drama that is inspired by a classic Korean legend about a fisherman who captures and releases a mermaid. It tells the story of two parallel timelines: one in the Joseon era, where Kim Dam-ryeong (Lee Min-ho), a noble and kind governor, saves and falls in love with Se-hwa (Jun Ji-hyun), a mermaid who is hunted by greedy humans; and one in the present day, where Heo Joon-jae (Lee Min-ho), a skilled con artist and the reincarnation of Dam-ryeong, meets and falls in love with Shim Cheong (Jun Ji-hyun), a mermaid and the reincarnation of Se-hwa, who follows him to Seoul. As they try to overcome the obstacles and dangers that separate them, they also discover the secrets and connections of their past lives. Legends of the Blue Sea is a magical and romantic drama that showcases the chemistry and acting of Lee Min-ho and Jun Ji-hyun, two of the most popular and acclaimed actors in Korea. It also has a captivating plot, stunning visuals, and a memorable OST.

Descendants of the Sun

Descendants of the Sun is a military romance drama that follows the love story of Yoo Si-jin (Song Joong-ki), the captain of a special forces unit, and Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo), a cardiothoracic surgeon. They meet and fall in love in Seoul, but their relationship is tested by their different careers and values. They are reunited in the fictional war-torn country of Uruk, where Si-jin is deployed for a peacekeeping mission and Mo-yeon is sent as a volunteer doctor. There, they face various dangers and difficulties, as well as meet other people who are involved in their lives, such as Seo Dae-young (Jin Goo), Si-jin’s friend and fellow soldier, and Yoon Myeong-joo (Kim Ji-won), Dae-young’s girlfriend and an army doctor. Descendants of the Sun is one of the most popular and influential K-dramas of all time, achieving huge success in Korea and abroad. It is praised for its thrilling and touching story, its realistic and respectful depiction of the military and the medical fields, its chemistry and acting of the leads and the supporting cast, and its catchy OST.

Laughter in Waikiki 1 and 2

Laughter in Waikiki, also known as Welcome to Waikiki or Eulachacha Waikiki, is a comedy drama that is set in a guest house named Waikiki, which is run by three young men who are aspiring to achieve their dreams in the entertainment industry. In the first season, the three men are Kang Dong-gu (Kim Jung-hyun), a failed film director, Lee Jun-ki (Lee Yi-kyung), a struggling actor, and Bong Doo-sik (Son Seung-won), a freelance writer. They face various problems and mishaps as they try to revive their failing guest house and their careers. They also encounter unexpected guests and situations, such as a single mother and her baby, a mysterious woman who claims to be Dong-gu’s first love, a runaway idol, and a rich heiress.

In the second season, the only remaining member of the original trio is Lee Jun-ki, who is joined by two new friends, Cha Woo-sik (Kim Sun-ho), a failed singer, and Kook Ki-bong (Shin Hyun-soo), a failed baseball player. They also face hilarious and chaotic events as they run the guest house and pursue their dreams. They also meet new people who bring more laughter and romance to their lives.

Moon Lovers – Scarlet Heart: Ryeo

Moon Lovers – Scarlet Heart: Ryeo is a historical romance drama that is based on a Chinese novel. It tells the story of Go Ha-jin (Lee Ji-eun/IU), a 21st-century woman who travels back in time to the Goryeo dynasty during a solar eclipse. She wakes up in the body of Hae Soo, a cousin of the eighth prince, Wang Wook (Kang Ha-neul). She gets involved in the palace politics and the love lives of the princes, especially the fourth prince, Wang So (Lee Joon-gi), who is feared and shunned by everyone for his scarred face and ruthless personality. As she tries to survive and adapt to her new environment, she also changes the course of history. Moon Lovers – Scarlet Heart: Ryeo is a tragic and epic drama that showcases the chemistry and acting of the leads and the supporting cast, who are all popular and talented actors. It also has a beautiful and emotional OST.

Secret Garden

Secret Garden is a fantasy romance comedy drama that follows the love story of Kim Joo-won (Hyun Bin), a wealthy and arrogant CEO of a department store, and Gil Ra-im (Ha Ji-won), a poor and humble stuntwoman. They meet by chance and develop an attraction for each other, despite their different backgrounds and personalities. However, their relationship is complicated by a magical incident that causes them to switch bodies whenever it rains. As they try to cope with their swapped lives, they also face various obstacles and misunderstandings from their families, friends, and rivals. Secret Garden is one of the most popular and classic K-dramas of all time, winning numerous awards and gaining a huge fan base. It is loved for its hilarious and heartwarming story, its chemistry and acting of the leads and the supporting cast, and its catchy OST.

Love in Contract

Undeniably attractive, talented, and charming, Choi Sang Eun is the living definition of the perfect partner. This is exactly why instead of marrying, she chooses to employ her skills as a contract marriage master. Transforming herself into the perfect partner for each of her clients, Sang Eun allows those who employ her services to live the perfect single life, without having to agree to a committed, life-long relationship.

A long-term client, Jung Ji Ho has been using Sang Eun’s services every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for the past five years. A man shrouded in mystery, Sang Eun knows virtually nothing about Ji Ho but that doesn’t stop her from developing some rather unexpected feelings for him. Making her life even more difficult are the equally unexpected feelings she’s recently developed for one of her newest clients, Kang Hae Jin. A popular actor who employs her services on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, Hae Jin often makes Sang Eun’s heart flutter.

Torn between her professional obligations and the feelings she harbors for both Ji Ho and Hae Jin, Sang Eun finds herself in an unexpected predicament. How can she possibly maintain her professionalism when her heart is leading her in two different directions?

City Hunter

City Hunter is an action thriller drama that is based on a Japanese manga of the same name. It tells the story of Lee Yoon-sung (Lee Min-ho), a skilled and intelligent IT expert who works at the Blue House, the presidential residence. He is also the City Hunter, a vigilante who seeks revenge for his father’s death by exposing and punishing the corrupt officials who were involved in a secret operation that killed 21 soldiers in 1983. He meets Kim Na-na (Park Min-young), a bodyguard at the Blue House, who becomes his love interest and his partner in his mission. However, he also faces various enemies and dangers that threaten his life and identity, such as his adoptive father and mentor, Jin-pyo (Kim Sang-joong), who has a different agenda and method of revenge, and Lee Jin-pyo (Lee Joon-hyuk), a prosecutor who is determined to catch the City Hunter. City Hunter is a thrilling and exciting drama that showcases Lee Min-ho’s impressive action scenes, Park Min-young’s strong and charming character, and their chemistry and acting. It also features a gripping plot, a suspenseful OST, and a surprising twist.

Healer:

A thrilling action-romance about a night courier who becomes entangled with a tabloid reporter and a seasoned journalist, both linked to a dark secret from the past.

If You Wish Upon Me:

A heartwarming drama depicting the life of a young man who, after enduring hardship, finds solace in a volunteer team fulfilling the final wishes of terminally ill patients, while also falling in love with a nurse at the hospice.

The Spring Day of My Life:

A melodrama following a woman who undergoes a heart transplant and starts anew with the widower husband of her donor, discovering she has cellular memory, which brings her closer to the donor’s personality and habits.

Padam Padam:

A fantasy drama about a man wrongly imprisoned for 16 years who encounters a woman helping him adjust to the outside world, along with a guardian angel safeguarding him from harm.

Not Others:

A comedy portraying the life of a single mother and her daughter in their 20s, navigating through conflicts and love encounters with two men while cherishing their strong bond.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay:

A psychological drama unfolding the story of a children’s book writer with antisocial personality disorder and a psychiatric ward worker, as they heal each other’s emotional wounds while confronting their past secrets.

Hotel del Luna:

A fantasy drama set in a hotel catering to ghosts with unfinished business, owned by a cursed woman for a thousand years, managed by a human forced into the role due to a familial pact.

Cinderella and the Four Knights:

A romantic comedy following a high school girl hired as a housekeeper for her three wealthy cousins and their bodyguard, as she reforms their behavior and falls in love with one of them.