The Ultimate Guide to the Most Enchanting Romantic Korean Dramas with a Magical Twist

Summary

K-dramas that blend romance with supernatural and fantasy elements create addictive and visually stunning experiences.

Popular K-dramas in the fantasy genre frequently showcase captivating love stories that unfold within otherworldly or mysterious backdrops, rendering them ideal for immersive viewing marathons. The appeal of these romantic fantasy K-dramas stems from their engaging narratives and thought-provoking exploration of supernatural elements, often involving fascinating mythical beings.

K-dramas that incorporate elements of mysticism and fantasy offer an incredibly entertaining escape. The best romantic fantasy K-drama releases are filled with enchanting plots involving mythical beings such as gumiho (nine-tailed foxes) and mermaids, as well as fantastical concepts like time travel and reincarnation. Drawing from Korea's rich folklore and mythos, these shows blend romance seamlessly into their otherworldly settings, resulting in captivating viewing experiences.

What sets the finest examples of these shows apart is their ability to weave intricate love stories within these extraordinary backdrops. The combination of their ethereal settings and mysterious themes enhances the depth and romance of the narratives, making them irresistible to binge-watch. Featuring engrossing plots, striking visuals, and immersive exploration of their own unique worlds, the most exceptional romantic fantasy Korean dramas often border on the supernatural, introducing intriguing fantastical creatures like goblins, ghosts, dragons, and even the Korean Grim Reaper himself, Jeosung Saja.

20 I Can Hear Your Voice (2013)

Stream now on Viki: I Can Hear Your Voice follows the story of Jang Hye-sung, a public defender who lacks empathy and only cares about herself. Park Soo-ha, on the other hand, possesses the ability to read minds by making eye contact with others, a power he acquired after witnessing his father's murder. The two initially crossed paths when Jang testified against Park's father's killer, leading to his imprisonment. However, when they reunite years later, Park is shocked by Jang's drastic transformation and her apparent indifference towards life.

Soon, Jang comes to the realization that by abandoning her purposeless existence and teaming up with Park, she can make a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals. Utilizing his exceptional talents to unravel cases and rescue people, they form an unbreakable bond. This captivating romantic fantasy K-drama garnered immense acclaim, securing five awards at the 6th Korean Drama Awards and an impressive seven at the SBS Drama Awards, along with 12 nominations.

19 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

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Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a popular K-drama that explores the fantasy genre. It is based on a Chinese novel called Bu Bu Jin Xin and consists of 20 episodes. The story revolves around a 25-year-old woman who time travels to the Goryeo Dynasty during a solar eclipse. Upon waking up, she finds herself in the body of Hae Soo and surrounded by the princes of the ruling Wang family.

In this new time period, she develops romantic feelings for two princes. However, she becomes embroiled in palace politics and finds herself caught between the feuding princes who are vying for the throne. The series is emotionally charged and leaves a lasting impression on viewers. It gained immense popularity and was among the most-watched fantasy K-dramas in 2016. It also received recognition at the SBS Drama Awards, with a nomination for twelve awards and winning seven.

18 Alchemy Of Souls (2022)

Stream the fantasy Korean drama "Alchemy of Souls" on Netflix. This captivating 2022 series follows the enchanting journey of two young mages who find themselves in a forbidden love story. Due to a powerful magic spell, their souls are able to switch bodies, leading to unexpected consequences. Nak-su, an esteemed warrior, is now trapped in the feeble form of Mu-deok. As fate would have it, she crosses paths with Jang Uk, a nobleman, and becomes both his servant and his confidant. In the midst of their unique circumstances, a profound connection forms between them, igniting a passionate love affair.

Created by the Hong Sisters, this project is a testament to the sisters' ambition. With Songrim's guidance, Jang Uk learns the ways of a mage, joining forces to combat the malevolent forces lurking in the shadows. The second part takes a tragic turn, leaving Jang Uk on a bleak path, yearning to rediscover love once more.

17 Extraordinary You (2019)

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Extraordinary You, a fantasy K-drama, follows the story of Eun Dan-oh, a high school girl attending a prestigious academy. However, she soon discovers that her reality is actually a part of a fantasy comic world. In a twist inspired by the Korean Webtoon July Found By Chance, Eun Dan-oh realizes that she and everyone she knows might not truly exist. Determined to alter her scripted fate, she embarks on a journey to rewrite her story.

Drawing parallels to the American blockbuster movie Free Guy starring Ryan Reynolds, Extraordinary You explores a similar theme. In the film, a man inside a video game takes on the role of the game's hero. However, Eun Dan-oh grapples with the idea that changing the comic's story may not be her prerogative. This realization strikes her when she encounters an unnamed student in her class, leading her to question whether she has the authority to alter the narrative. The success of this Korean fantasy drama is evident through its five MBC Drama Awards, including the prestigious Drama of the Year accolade.

16 My Roommate Is A Gumiho (2021)

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My Roommate is a Gumiho, a fantasy K-drama released in 2021, delves into the captivating tale of Shin Woo-yeo, a 999-year-old Gumiho. As a mythical nine-tailed fox, his desire is to transcend his immortal existence and embrace humanity. Across 16 compelling episodes, witness his relentless pursuit of this dream. In traditional folklore, the Gumiho assumes the guise of an enchanting woman, utilizing her allure to entice men and consume their liver or heart.

15 W: Two Worlds (2016)

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This unique Korean drama offers a refreshing twist as the protagonist finds himself trapped in a male body and yearns to shed his otherworldly existence to become human. Despite his aversion to consuming others, his aspirations are jeopardized when a young woman accidentally ingests one of his sacred beads. Unless they manage to extract it, she will perish, and his dream of attaining humanity will forever remain out of reach.

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In the K-Drama W: Two Worlds, Oh Yeon-Joo, a surgeon, finds herself trapped inside her father's webtoon after he tries to kill off the main character. She comes face-to-face with the lead, Kang Chul.

W: Two Worlds is a captivating Korean drama that seamlessly switches between reality and the comic world. It offers a fantastic soundtrack, although the songs are mainly used during ending freeze frames. With its thrilling romance, this K-drama is perfect for binge-watching and an ideal choice for Valentine's Day.

14 The Bride Of Habaek (2017)

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Experience the captivating world of The Bride of Habaek, a mesmerizing Korean romantic drama adapted from the beloved manhwa, Bride of the Water God. Follow the enthralling journey of Lord Ha-Baek, the deity of the Land of Water, as he embarks on a mission to find the sacred stones that will grant him the throne in the Divine Realm. To accomplish this quest, he seeks the support of Yoon So-ah, a brilliant neuropsychiatrist and the sole surviving descendant of a devoted family pledged to serve him for centuries.

An entry for fans of the Korean drama W, at first, So-ah believes Ha-baek has lost his mind, until she encounters numerous other gods and demigods. It is only then that she is convinced to aid Ha-baek in his journey. The unique aspect of the fantasy-leaning Bride of Habaek lies in its incorporation of grounded human elements alongside the supernatural realm, such as the revelation of So-ah's tragic past.

13 Doom At Your Service (2021)

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Taking a life-threatening risk, a woman named Tak Dong-Kyung (played by Park Bo-Young) strikes a bargain with Myul-Mang (played by Seo In-Guk), the intermediary between humanity and the divine. With only 100 days left to live, Dong-Kyung longs for the world to cease to exist.

Though the central plot of this Korean romantic drama may be challenging to grasp, the undeniable chemistry between Dong Kyung and Myul-Mang creates an unmistakable aura of love. Additionally, the presence of a riveting K-drama love triangle adds an element of suspense, making Doom at Your Service a captivating viewing experience.

12 Lovers Of The Red Sky (2021)

Stream On Viki: Lovers of the Red Sky not only showcases captivating fantasy elements, but also shines as an outstanding romantic K-drama with a historical backdrop. Centered around Hong Cheon-Ki (Kim You-Jung), a trailblazing painter, the series highlights her groundbreaking journey as the first female artist to join the esteemed Dohwaseo.

In school, Cheon-Ki encounters Ha Ram (Ahn Hyo-Seop), the teacher responsible for geography, astronomy, and meteorology, and they instantly fall in love. However, Ha Ram's blindness prevents him from seeing Cheon-Ki's paintings. Aside from its captivating love story, Lovers of the Red Sky also offers viewers an informative glimpse into the fascinating process of creating traditional Korean paintings.

11 The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

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The King: Eternal Monarch is a K-drama that uses time travel as a plot device. In this series, there exist two parallel worlds. The story revolves around a modern-day Korean emperor who passes through a portal, thereby finding himself transported to a Kingdom called Corea, which still exists in the year 1994.

The decision to cast Lee Min-Ho and Kim Go-Eun as the main characters in this romantic Korean drama was truly remarkable. The two actors share an amazing chemistry and never fail to captivate the viewers whenever they appear on screen. The series is also highly praised for its script and narrative, which breaks away from typical K-drama clichés such as disapproving parents and tragic illnesses, much to the delight of the audience.

10 Tale Of The Nine-Tailed (2020- )

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This captivating K-drama showcases a mesmerizing wedding scene and tells the story of Lee Yoon, a former mountain god (played by Lee Dong-Wook), who gave up his divine role for love and has patiently awaited his beloved's reincarnation for centuries. Meanwhile, Nam Ji-ah (portrayed by Jo Bo-ah) embarks on a quest to find her long-lost parents, who disappeared in a tragic car accident during her childhood.

9 Mystic Pop-Up Bar (2020)

Upon their encounter, Yoon is startled as he realizes that Ji-ah bears an uncanny resemblance to his former love, both in appearance and personality. However, the absence of the fox beads sets her apart. Will these two individuals ultimately uncover their heart's desires? With its captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and retribution, Tale of the Nine-Tailed is guaranteed to captivate any audience.

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In Mystic Pop-Up Bar, a popular Korean drama from 2020, Weol Ju's unfortunate suicide beneath a sacred tree brings misfortune upon her town. As a consequence, she is tasked with resolving the issues of 100,000 individuals in order to reach the afterlife.

Despite possessing the extraordinary ability to interpret dreams and being granted a generous 500-year timeframe, Weol Ju struggles to fulfill this requirement. However, with just one month remaining, she fortuitously encounters Han Kang-bae. Interestingly, whenever individuals make physical contact with him, they cannot help but reveal their deepest truths and concerns. This captivating series delves into real-life problems, making it an emotionally relatable and cathartic journey for viewers. Moreover, Kang-bae's pursuit of love adds an additional layer of intrigue, making Mystic Pop-Up Bar a must-watch for all.

8 Hotel Del Luna (2019)

Stream Hotel Del Luna on Netflix! This captivating Korean drama centers around Jang Man-Wol (IU), the CEO of a haunted hotel where the souls of the deceased dwell. With a mysterious past and a forgotten sin, Jang Man-Wol must seek redemption by locating an individual whose wrongdoings surpass her own. Don't miss out on this thrilling female-led series!

7 The Light In Your Eyes (2019)

Hotel Del Luna is a remarkable addition to the romantic Korean drama genre, introducing Goo Chan-sung (Yeo Jin-goo) as he reluctantly becomes entangled in the mysterious workings of this unconventional establishment due to Man-Wol's unresolved issues with his father. Can these two individuals ever break free from their predetermined destinies? With its mystical elements and captivating storylines, Hotel Del Luna offers an exceptional viewing experience for those new to the world of K-dramas.

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Kim Hye-ja stumbles upon a magical watch that allows her to travel through time. However, every time she uses it, she rapidly ages. When she uses the watch to save her father's life, she wakes up the next day as a woman in her 70s. Despite this unbelievable change, she crosses paths with Lee Joon-ha, an aspiring journalist, and they fall in love. The question now arises, can their relationship withstand the vast age difference? This enchanting and one-of-a-kind love story is a must-watch, and it has the potential to be adapted into a Hollywood masterpiece.

6 A Korean Odyssey (2017-2018)

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After successfully freeing Song Ogong (played by Lee Seung-Gi) from his confinement in the marble mountain, where he was being punished by the heavens, Jin Seon-Mi (portrayed by Oh Yeon-So) finds herself bestowed with the title of Sam-Jang - an individual coveted by spirits due to the immense power they possess. In this captivating Korean drama series, Seon-Mi's safety and protection from Ogong's insatiable appetite lies solely in the agreement she struck with him, pleading for his guardianship.

5 While You Were Sleeping (2017)

To deepen Ogong's affections, Seon-Mi devises a plan to have him wear the enchanted Geumganggo bracelet. This magical artifact intensifies his love for her. Seon-Mi, who has always been ostracized due to her ability to see spirits, starts developing strong emotions for Ogong. Finally, she experiences a sense of relief knowing that there is someone who truly accepts her. Regrettably, unlike most Korean dramas, this story does not conclude with a happily ever after ending.

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Nam Hong-Joo, portrayed by Bae Suzy, possesses the unfortunate ability to foresee tragic events. Helpless to alter these premonitions, she is haunted by a vision of her own death, prompting her to resign from her journalist position. In a twist of fate, she crosses paths with Jung Jae-chan, played by Lee Jong-suk, a prosecutor, and Han Woo-Tak, portrayed by Jung Hae-in, a police officer, who also possess the gift of prophetic dreaming.

As their lives become intertwined, they share visions of one another and collaborate in efforts to change their destinies. However, the ultimate question remains unanswered: Can they truly defy fate? In addition to this captivating fantasy storyline, viewers are enthralled by Jae-chan's pursuit of justice as a prosecutor, particularly in his relentless pursuit of Lee Yoo Beom, played by Lee Sang Yeob. This thrilling element adds to the allure of this Korean drama, keeping audiences hooked until the very end.

4 Strong Woman Bong Soon (2017)

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Ahn Min Hyuk, the CEO of AIN Software, finds himself targeted by anonymous death threats. To ensure his safety, he decides to employ a bodyguard. In his search, he encounters Do Bong Soon, a remarkable woman with extraordinary strength. Impressed by her abilities, he hires her for the job. Though initially hesitant, Bong Soon joins the company, lured by the opportunity to potentially become a developer in the future.

3 Guardian: The Lonely And Great God (Goblin) (2016-2017)

At the same time, In Guk Doo (played by Ji Soo), a police detective and Bong Soon's childhood crush, is determined to apprehend a mysterious man who has been kidnapping young women in their neighborhood. Strong Woman Bong Soon stands out as an unconventional romantic series, with its compelling plot and high-stakes narrative. Will Bong Soon's extraordinary strength, which she cannot use for personal gain, prove to be a valuable asset for both Min Hyuk and Guk Doo in their relentless pursuit?

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Kim Shin, portrayed by Gong Yoo, is a goblin bestowed with eternal life in this thought-provoking addition to the romantic K-drama genre. However, his immortality eventually becomes a burden, leading him to yearn for its end. The only means of achieving this is for his goblin bride to extract the sword lodged within him. After more than nine centuries, he finally encounters his destined bride, Ji Eun-Tak, played by Kim Go-Eun, and their relationship blossoms into a romance.

Living alongside Shin is Wang Yeo, portrayed by Lee Dong-Wook, who has become a Grim Reaper due to a past transgression. Regardless of the passing generations, his longing for a happy love life remains unfulfilled. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, commonly referred to as Goblin, exhibits a poignant storyline, laced with humor, making it a compelling choice for immediate viewing.

2 The Legend Of The Blue Sea (2016-2017)

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In the drama "Stream On Viki," the storyline revolves around Shim Cheong, a mermaid, who arrives in the city and coincidentally meets Heo Joon-Jae, a man who bears a striking resemblance to her first and only love from the Joseon era. As Cheong finds herself without a place to stay in the city, she ends up living with Joon-Jae. Initially, Joon-Jae is primarily intrigued by Cheong's valuable jade bracelet worth $6 million. However, as the story unfolds, he gradually develops feelings for her and reciprocates her love. This romantic Korean drama serves as a captivating addition to the genre.

1 My Love From The Star (2013-2014)

Joon-Jae's stepmother is conspiring to have him murdered in order to secure her son's inheritance of his father's vast wealth. As the innocent Shim Cheong navigates through the complexities and cruelties of the modern world, audiences are captivated by her timeless love story from the Joseon era in this captivating supernatural Korean drama. Alongside its thrilling plot and heartwarming romance, The Legend of The Blue Sea also offers a delightful dose of humor that is sure to bring laughter to everyone.

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In this unexpectedly captivating Korean drama, an alien named Do Min-Joon (played by Kim Soo-Hyun) rescues Yi-Hwa (played by Kim Hyun-Soo) from a perilous fall off a cliff. As a result, Min-Joon finds himself stranded on Earth. Fast forward 400 years, and Min-Joon is nearing the time when he must return to his home planet. It is during this critical period that he crosses paths with Cheon Song-Yi (played by Jun Ji-Hyun), a popular actress. Little does Song-Yi know, Min-Joon had previously saved her younger self, who bears a striking resemblance to Yi-Hwa, from a traumatic accident. Over time, Song-Yi develops feelings for her neighbor, without realizing it is actually Min-Joon.

Remarkably, the fashion in this K-drama is a compelling reason to tune in. Despite Min-Joon's attempts to resist falling in love with Song-Yi, their connection becomes inevitable. Caught between choosing their love and Min-Joon's impending departure from Earth, "My Love From The Star" takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride.