Exploring the Top 20 Must-Watch Korean Drama Series of All Time

Korean dramas have long been a staple for those passionate about cinema. They encompass a wide range of genres, from romance and comedy to intense dramas depicting everyday life and societal issues. Offering not just entertainment but also profound human values, Korean dramas serve as a source of relaxation and enlightenment after long hours of study or work. Join me as we delve into the Top 20 Korean drama series of all time.

1. The Penthouse: War in Life (2020 - 2021)

The Penthouse portrays the luxurious lives of the upper class, highlighting the dark side of extravagance and ostentation, including infidelity, class disparity, school violence, and revenge. The story follows Oh Yoon-hee, a woman who tirelessly strives for a better life for her daughter. As they pursue their dreams, both mother and daughter become entangled in the ruthless competition among the elite.

2. The Marriage Chronicles - Chronicles of Bliss (2020)

The Marriage Chronicles revolves around the intricacies of marital life and extramarital affairs, embraced fervently by audiences in the land of kimchi. Ji Sun Woo leads a seemingly perfect life with a devoted husband, a well-behaved son, and a thriving medical career. However, little do people know that her husband, Lee Tae Oh, is torn apart by an illicit relationship and the guilt of betraying his wife to pursue his dream of becoming a director.

3. Blossoms of Deception - Petals of Deceit (2020)

Blossoms of Deception delves into the marriage of female detective Cha Ji Won and her handsome husband, Baek Hee Sung. Expecting a picture-perfect husband and a caring father, Ji Won hopes for a peaceful and happy married life, only to uncover a cruel past lurking beneath the surface. What cruel truth awaits Ji Won and her daughter? Is love and family merely a facade?

4. Itaewon Heights – Itaewon Class (2020)

Itaewon Heights revolves around the tumultuous life of Park Sae-royi. Once enjoying a peaceful life, Sae-royi's life turns upside down, even plunging into tragedy. Simply for standing up to a bully with a father who happens to be Chairman Jang, he gets expelled from high school. Shortly after, his father tragically dies in a car accident caused by the same bully. Sae-royi himself is imprisoned for attempted murder while the real perpetrators roam freely. Upon release, Sae-royi opens the DanBam pub in Itaewon – Seoul's liveliest district. Here, he encounters a girl who changes his life forever.

5. Secretary Kim, What's the Matter? - What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018)

Secretary Kim, What's the Matter? centers on the romantic and sweet relationship between Vice Chairman Lee Young Joon, intelligent and capable yet arrogant, and his beautiful secretary Kim Mi So, hailed as a legend among secretaries. After 9 years together, one unforeseen day, Kim Mi So decides to resign due to exhaustion from her job's demands. It's then that Young Joon realizes her true value and determines that she is irreplaceable in his world. In his efforts to convince her to stay, numerous humorous and romantic situations unfold, like sweet candies promising to brighten up the dull days spent at home.

6. The Virtuous Doctor - Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim (2016 - 2020)

The Virtuous Doctor delves deeply into the field of Medicine in general and the profession of Doctor in particular. The series revolves around a genius yet eccentric doctor - Boong Yong Joo. After being falsely accused, he returns to work at a small hospital under the alias Doctor Kim. Driven by passion for his profession, Doctor Kim once again rises to mentor two young doctors Kang Dong Joo and Yoo Seo Jung. Throughout the series, he instills in them the importance of expertise, integrity amidst money and power.

7. Retrospective Words - Reply 1988 (2015)

The Reply series has been tremendously successful since its inception, yet Reply 1988 remains the most memorable. Set in South Korea in 1988, Reply 1988 revolves around a group of 5 close friends including Choi Taek, Jung Hwan, Sun Woo, Dong Ryung, Duk Sun, and their families in Ssangmun Dong neighborhood. The series portrays family scenes, special events reminiscent of a bygone era. It interweaves heartwarming family moments with a clear depiction of love and friendship among each character.

8. Descendants of the Sun: A Tale of Destiny and Devotion (2016)

Với mô típ quân nhân với bác sĩ mới lạ vô cùng hấp dẫn khiến Hậu duệ mặt trời nhanh chóng trở thành cú hit lớn ngay khi ra mắt thu về nhiều giải thưởng danh giá. Phim kể về mối nhân duyên định mệnh giữa đại úy lực lượng đặc biệt Yoo Shi Jin và bác sĩ phẫu thuật chấn thương – Kang Mo Yeon. Cả hai được cử đến cùng đất Uruk – một quốc gia đang đối phó với thảm họa thiên nhiên và xung đội dân sự cùng lúc. Thời gian đầu cả hai là cặp đôi oan gia nhưng khi cùng nhau trải qua nhiều trận sinh tử, họ dần hiểu nhau và nảy sinh tình cảm. Mạch phim hội tụ đủ những phân cảnh chiến đấu, phản ánh chân thực về chiến tranh tàn khốc cũng như cuộc sống nghiêm khắc tại quân ngũ.

9. Boys Over Flowers: Love Blossoms Amidst Wealth and Willpower (2009)

Lấy bối cảnh tại một trường trung học nổi tiếng giành cho nhà giàu, Vườn sao băng kể về cây chuyện tình yêu gà bông xoay quanh cô học sinh vượt khó Geum Jan Di và dàn nam thần F4 do Goo Jun Pyo – người thừa kế của tập đoàn hàng đầu thế giới Shinhwa cầm đầu. Vốn là một cô gái can đảm, cứng đầu không e ngại trước tiền tài và quyền lực, Han Di không ngần ngại trừng trị những anh chàng nhà giau khi chứng kiến chứng kiến những trò đùa lố bịch của họ.

10. Embracing Madness – It's Alright to Not Feel Okay (2020)

Embracing Madness revolves around the sweet, romantic love story between the charming Moon Gang Tee and the enigmatic Go Moon Young. While Moon Young is a renowned children's book author, few know about her struggle with antisocial personality disorder. Gang Tae, on the other hand, is a nurse working at a psychiatric hospital. Ironically, he is also emotionally imprisoned due to the burden of caring for his disabled brother. As they meet, both gradually connect, understand, and support each other. Two seemingly imperfect individuals, two puzzle pieces that seemingly don't fit together, yet they manage to nurture a beautiful, romantic love that everyone admires.

11. Landing in Your Arms – Crash Landing On You (2019)

Landing in Your Arms tells the romantic tale of Ri Jeong-hyuk, a strict and uncompromising North Korean army captain, and Yoon Se-ri, the rebellious daughter of a South Korean conglomerate. During a paragliding mishap, Yoon Se-ri is swept into North Korean territory by a tornado. Lucky to be rescued by Captain Jeong-hyuk, she can only survive with his help. Living together, amidst clashes, their feelings for each other blossom.

1. Family First - High Kick (2006)

Family No. 1, a sitcom revolving around the Lee family's three-generation household. The diverse personalities within the family create daily hilarious situations, delivering endless laughter to the audience. Through this humor, the show successfully portrays the strong and beautiful bond of a close-knit family.

2. The Elusive Princess - Mr. Queen (2020)

The story follows Jang Bong Hwan, a modern-day chef working at the Blue House. Due to unforeseen circumstances, his soul is transported back to the Joseon era, inhabiting the body of a queen. How will a contemporary man adapt to this new life and body? How will Jang Bong Hwan navigate the complexities of the royal court to assist the emperor and build a bright life amidst this intricate and tumultuous setting?

14. Empress Ki Chronicles (2013)

This series follows the extraordinary life of Seung Nyang, a former palace maid who rises to power in the Yuan Dynasty. With a tragic childhood marked by loss and hardship, she learns to fend for herself and protect her happiness. Along the way, she assists Prince Wang Yoo in his ascension to the throne and ultimately becomes Empress. Life in the palace is fraught with challenges as she navigates power struggles with other concubines.

15. Fangirl Confidential – Her Private Life (2019)

Curious about the life of a Kpop fangirl? Look no further than Fangirl Confidential – Her Private Life. Sung Dak Mi leads a double life as an art gallery curator and a dedicated fangirl secretly running a fan site for idol Si An. Things take an interesting turn when her boss Ryan discovers her fangirl persona. Witnessing her passion for her idol, Ryan becomes a fanboy himself, blurring the lines between personal and professional.

18. Codename K2 – The K2 (2016)

Codename K2 is a political and drama series infused with thrilling pursuits and visually captivating action scenes. The story revolves around the life of Kim Je-ha, a mercenary currently operating under the supervision of the special forces JSS under the codename K2. Formerly a soldier in the Iraqi army, he fled to South Korea due to false accusations of betrayal, inadvertently crossing paths with Yoo Jin, who becomes his benefactor. She introduces him to JSS and assigns him as a bodyguard to Anna while orchestrating her own schemes and ambitions.

19. Tale of the Goblin – Goblin (2016)

Goblin is an epic saga with a storyline spanning centuries, centered on a romantic love story involving a goblin in modern times. Kim Shin, originally a goblin, has lived solitary for 900 years due to an immortal curse. During this time, he endures the pain of losing loved ones until he finds his bride, the key to his salvation. However, when the goblin finally finds his bride, he suddenly realizes he wants to live and be with her. Amidst numerous obstacles, will they find a happily ever after?

20. The Extraterrestrial Love - You Who Came from the Stars (2013)

This film revolves around Do Min Joon - the extraterrestrial man who, due to an accident, has to land on Earth from 400 years ago - during the Joseon Dynasty. Min Joon possesses an almost perfect appearance with enhanced physical abilities related to vision, hearing, and speed. By chance, he meets Chung Song Yi, the biggest Hallyu star in South Korea with a glamorous yet extremely rebellious appearance. Two people, two worlds, from hatred to friendship and then to a promised love that will bring audiences refreshing laughter but also shed many tears.

Here are the top 20 best Korean drama series of all time that Mytour wants to introduce to you. Have you finished watching all the Korean drama series mentioned here? If not, why hesitate any longer without preparing to immerse yourself fully in this leisure time? Wishing you all enjoyable entertainment moments.