Top 10 Must-Watch Korean Variety Shows for Perfect Relaxation

We Got Married is a popular South Korean reality TV show, aired by MBC. Since its debut in 2008, the show has captured the hearts of viewers and continues to enjoy widespread support. We Got Married pairs famous celebrities, allowing them to experience the ups and downs of a simulated romantic relationship and marriage. Each week, the couples are given a task that helps strengthen their bond and deepen their understanding of each other. Throughout the show, viewers also get a glimpse of the couples' honest thoughts and emotions through interviews. The show revolves around a fictional marriage, played out by South Korean stars, with hilarious and heartwarming moments that bring lots of laughter. However, the show has occasionally been surrounded by scandals regarding its scripted nature.

The Return of Superman is a heartwarming South Korean reality show focused on the father-child relationship. In each episode, celebrity fathers take on the full responsibility of caring for their children at home while their wives enjoy a 48-hour break away from family duties. The dads are left to manage daily routines, from meals to bedtime, all without any external help. Meanwhile, the wives return home after their short vacation to reunite with their families. The show offers an authentic and intimate portrayal of parenting, bringing viewers closer to the real-life struggles and joys of fatherhood. One of the most beloved father-child duos in the show is Song Il Gook and his adorable triplets: Daehan, Minguk, and Manse. Even though the triplet's segment has ended, the affection fans have for them continues to this day.

As South Korea's biggest music reality show, Weekly Idol isn't just a fun platform for popular K-pop idols—it’s also one of the most beloved variety shows among young fans. The show allows fans to get to know their idols better, guided by the witty MCs Hyung Don and Defconn. Although the hosts have changed over the years, the audience continues to watch for the opportunity to get closer to their idols and discover new K-pop stars.

What makes Weekly Idol stand out are its exciting challenges, packed with laughter and amusing penalties. Fans enjoy watching their idols show off their talents, especially during the Random Dance segment, where idols must perform to a mix of songs. Though it’s a familiar game, it’s still a tough challenge for the idols!

Please Take Care of My Refrigerator is one of the most popular reality cooking shows in South Korea, captivating audiences year after year. The show features a culinary competition where chefs must create mouth-watering dishes using only the ingredients available in the refrigerators of celebrity guests. The chefs have only 15 minutes to prepare their meals, and the recipe for the winning dish is shared with viewers so they can try it themselves. Please Take Care of My Refrigerator is a must-watch for food lovers and fans of exciting culinary challenges!

Knowing Brothers is a popular South Korean reality show aired on JTBC. The show takes place in a classroom setting where regular cast members welcome new 'students'—the celebrity guests. Their task is to answer questions from viewers, often using creative and humorous methods to express their answers. This includes incorporating body language to make their responses more entertaining and relatable. The show is beloved for its hilarious moments and witty banter between the guests and the permanent cast members.

Law of The Jungle is one of the most extreme reality shows in South Korea, where cast members and celebrity guests experience the raw wilderness. The participants are taken to remote, untouched locations around the world, completely cut off from modern life and technology. Their goal is to survive by hunting, foraging, and building shelters. Each location presents its own set of challenges, requiring the guests to work together to survive in the wild.

While Law of The Jungle has sparked controversy at times due to the risky activities involved, it offers viewers a refreshing and adventurous look at survival in some of the world's most untouched environments.

Infinity Challenges, also known as Extreme Challenges, is a South Korean reality TV show that rivals the popularity of Running Man. Aired on the MBC channel, the show is often referred to as a national program. Each episode features special celebrity guests who take on a variety of exciting tasks, such as cooking, music composition, and even skiing. The cast members must overcome outrageous challenges set by the program, attracting a large audience with its humor and outrageousness.

Family Outing SS1 is a South Korean reality variety show, part of the larger Good Sunday program on SBS, alongside the show Gold Miss is Coming. From its very first broadcast, Family Outing SS1 became the highest-rated Sunday program in Korea, and it quickly earned its place as one of the most popular and successful reality shows, dominating the entertainment rankings.

The show features a cast of famous artists like Yoo Jae Suk, Kim Jong Kook, Park Ye Jin, and many others. Each guest brings their unique personality, profession, and skills to form a 'family.' Over the course of 2 days and 1 night, the 'family' travels to different parts of Korea, helping elderly homeowners while the actual families go on vacation. The group carries out daily household tasks and follows the duties left by the homeowners, all while engaging in humorous antics and fun games that have kept viewers entertained for years.

Running Man is a South Korean variety reality show, airing as part of the Good Sunday program on SBS. Since its debut in 2010, Running Man has remained one of the most popular and widely watched reality shows in South Korea, and it has sparked a wave of excitement across Asia's entertainment scene, becoming a staple for viewers worldwide.

Running Man is no longer just a household name in Korea, it has become a beloved part of the country's entertainment culture. The show features a fixed cast of members, and each episode includes guest celebrities. The show is known for its humorous yet intense challenges and competitive races that often result in laughter, suspense, and sometimes even emotional moments. While the departure of Gary, a beloved member, left fans heartbroken, the remaining members continue to entertain audiences with their antics and humor. We hope viewers will continue to support Gary on his musical journey and Running Man as it continues to evolve.

Currently, the show features 8 permanent members: Ji Suk-jin, Yoo Jae-suk, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Song Ji-hyo, Lee Kwang-soo, Jeon So-min, and Yang Se-chan.

2D1N is a reality show that explores the famous landmarks of South Korea, debuting in 2007 on KBS. While it may not be as flashy as other shows, 2D1N consistently enjoys a stable viewership – something every entertainment program strives for.

2D1N continues to rely on familiar formats common in South Korean reality shows, taking viewers on trips across the country while featuring fun challenges. What sets it apart and makes it beloved by fans is the enthusiasm and natural hosting style of the male cast members, who are always willing to make fools of themselves to bring laughter and joy to the audience.