Korean dramas have taken the world by storm with their captivating storylines, compelling characters, and emotional depth. Netflix offers a treasure trove of these dramas, providing viewers with a wide range of genres to explore. From heart-pounding thrillers to heartwarming romances, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 20 Korean dramas on Netflix that you should add to your watchlist!

Main Casts: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon

Number of Episodes: 9 (Season 1), 7 (Season 2)

Date of Release: Season 1 – September 17, 2021; Season 2 – December 26, 2024

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Thriller, Drama

Synopsis: Hundreds of cash-strapped contestants accept an invitation to compete in children’s games for a tempting prize, but the stakes are deadly. As the games progress, alliances are formed, and the true nature of humanity is revealed.

Trivia: “Squid Game” became Netflix’s most-watched series at launch, reaching 111 million viewers in its first month. It became Netflix’s most-watched series and received numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe.

Main Casts: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: December 14, 2019

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: A South Korean heiress accidentally paraglides into North Korea and lands in the life of a North Korean army officer, who decides to help her hide. Their unlikely romance blossoms amidst political tensions and personal secrets.

Trivia: The series was inspired by a real-life incident where a South Korean actress accidentally crossed the North Korean border.

Main Casts: Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doona

Number of Episodes: 12 (2 seasons)

Date of Release: January 25, 2019

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Historical, Horror, Thriller

Synopsis: Set in Korea’s Joseon period, Crown Prince Lee Chang is sent on a mission to investigate a mysterious plague that is spreading across the country, turning people into zombies. He must uncover the truth and save his people.

Trivia: “Kingdom” is Netflix’s first original Korean series and is based on the webcomic “The Kingdom of the Gods.”

Main Casts: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jae-myung

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: January 31, 2020

Network/Streamer: JTBC, Netflix

Genre: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Ex-convict Park Sae-ro-yi opens a bar-restaurant in Itaewon, Seoul, with the goal of turning it into a franchise and taking down the powerful food conglomerate that wronged him. Along the way, he finds friendship and love.

Trivia: The series is based on a popular webtoon of the same name.

Main Casts: Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-been, Ok Taec-yeon

Number of Episodes: 20

Date of Release: February 20, 2021

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Crime, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: Vincenzo Cassano, a Korean-Italian lawyer and Mafia consigliere, returns to South Korea and uses his skills to bring justice to a corrupt conglomerate. Along the way, he teams up with a feisty lawyer and uncovers hidden gold.

Main Casts: Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho

Number of Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)

Date of Release: March 12, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Medical, Drama, Comedy

Synopsis: Five doctors, who have been friends since medical school, navigate their careers and personal lives at the same hospital. The series explores their relationships, challenges, and the patients they care for.

Trivia: The series features a lot of musical performances by the main cast, who formed a real-life band called “Mido and Falasol.”

Main Casts: Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: October 15, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Synopsis: After her father’s murder, Yoon Ji-woo joins a crime syndicate and infiltrates the police force under a new identity to uncover the truth and seek revenge. Her journey is filled with danger and deception.

Trivia: Han So-hee underwent intense physical training for her role, including martial arts and stunt work.

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

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: August 28, 2021

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: A dentist from Seoul moves to a seaside village and opens a clinic. There, she meets a jack-of-all-trades who helps her adjust to rural life. Their contrasting personalities lead to a heartwarming and humorous romance.

Trivia: The series is a remake of the 2004 South Korean film “Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong.”

Main Casts: Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: December 18, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama

Synopsis: Cha Hyun-soo, a reclusive high school student, moves into a rundown apartment complex. When residents start turning into monsters, he and his neighbors must band together to survive and uncover the cause of the outbreak.

Trivia: The series is based on the popular webtoon of the same name and features impressive special effects.

Main Casts: Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Seon-ho

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: October 17, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Set in South Korea’s fictional Silicon Valley, the series follows young entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of starting a business. Seo Dal-mi dreams of becoming Korea’s Steve Jobs, while Nam Do-san is a struggling tech genius.

Trivia: The series highlights the vibrant start-up culture in South Korea and features real-life tech companies.

Main Casts: Jo Byung-gyu, Yoo Jun-sang, Kim Se-jeong

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: November 28, 2020

Network/Streamer: OCN, Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis: A group of demon hunters called “Counters” disguise themselves as employees at a noodle restaurant. They use their special abilities to hunt down evil spirits and protect humanity from supernatural threats.

Trivia: The series is based on the webtoon “Amazing Rumor” and became OCN’s highest-rated series

Main Casts: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji, Oh Jung-se

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: June 20, 2020

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: A psychiatric ward caregiver and a children’s book author with antisocial personality disorder form an unlikely bond. Together, they embark on a journey of emotional healing and self-discovery.

Trivia: The series was praised for its portrayal of mental health issues and won several awards for its storytelling and performances.

Main Casts: Kim Dong-hee, Jung Da-bin, Park Ju-hyun

Number of Episodes: 10

Date of Release: April 29, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Synopsis: High school student Oh Ji-soo leads a double life, running an illegal business to pay for his college tuition. When his secret is discovered by a classmate, he is drawn into a dangerous world of crime and corruption.

Main Casts: Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: January 28, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama

Synopsis: A high school becomes ground zero for a zombie virus outbreak. Trapped students must fight their way out or risk becoming one of the infected. The series explores themes of survival, friendship, and the human condition.

Trivia: The series is based on the popular webtoon “Now at Our School.”

Main Casts: Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-kyu

Number of Episodes: 12

Date of Release: February 28, 2022

Network/Streamer: SBS, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: Shin Ha-ri goes on a blind date in place of her friend, only to discover that her date is her company’s CEO. What starts as a fake relationship soon turns into real feelings, leading to a series of comedic and romantic events.

Trivia: The series is adapted from a web novel and webtoon of the same name.

Main Casts: Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min

Number of Episodes: 6

Date of Release: November 19, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Thriller

Synopsis: Supernatural beings appear out of nowhere to condemn individuals to hell, causing widespread panic and chaos. A religious group rises to power, exploiting the fear and uncertainty of the masses.

Trivia: The series is based on a webtoon by Yeon Sang-ho, who also directed the series.

Main Casts: Bae Doona, Gong Yoo, Lee Joon

Number of Episodes: 8

Date of Release: December 24, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller

Synopsis: In a future where Earth is suffering from severe water shortages, a team of space explorers is sent to retrieve a mysterious sample from an abandoned lunar base. They uncover dark secrets that could change the fate of humanity.

Trivia: The series is based on the short film “The Sea of Tranquility” by Choi Hang-yong.

Main Casts: Choi Woo-shik, Kim Da-mi, Kim Sung-cheol

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: December 6, 2021

Network/Streamer: SBS, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: High school sweethearts who broke up years ago are forced to reunite when a documentary they filmed together goes viral. As they navigate their renewed relationship, they confront unresolved feelings and past misunderstandings.

Trivia: The series features a soundtrack by BTS’s V, who is friends with lead actor Choi Woo-shik.

Main Casts: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Bona

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: February 12, 2022

Network/Streamer: tvN, Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the series follows the lives of a fencer and a reporter who meet and fall in love. Their relationship is tested by personal ambitions and societal challenges.

Trivia: The series was praised for its nostalgic portrayal of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Main Casts: Park Eun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, Kang Ki-young

Number of Episodes: 16

Date of Release: June 29, 2022

Network/Streamer: ENA, Netflix

Genre: Legal, Drama

Synopsis: Woo Young-woo, a brilliant attorney with autism spectrum disorder, navigates the challenges of the legal world while advocating for justice. Her unique perspective and exceptional skills make her a formidable lawyer.

Trivia: The series received acclaim for its sensitive and accurate portrayal of autism.

With such a diverse selection of Korean dramas available on Netflix, you’re sure to find a series that resonates with you. Whether you’re in the mood for intense action, touching romance, or thought-provoking drama, these top picks offer a glimpse into the rich storytelling tradition of Korean television. So grab your favorite snacks, get comfortable, and immerse yourself in these unforgettable stories. Happy watching!