The Ultimate Guide to the Top 20 Time Travel K-Dramas That Will Blow Your Mind!

Summary

Many of the best K-dramas involving time travel use the concept to enhance romantic stories with a sci-fi or fantasy twist.

Time travel is a common storytelling technique in K-dramas, bringing a fascinating twist by aiding in crime-solving and revealing hidden secrets. Moreover, it serves as an integral element in crafting extraordinary love stories that transcend time, allowing characters to navigate through centuries and evoking enrapturing narratives.

The concept of time travel has become a popular and powerful tool in storytelling, especially in Hollywood movies, anime series, and K-dramas focusing on time travel. In K-dramas, the past often revolves around the Joseon era, filled with political turmoil and dramatic events. Sometimes, K-dramas creatively utilize time travel to solve crimes, such as unsolved murders, or to uncover clues scattered across different time periods. Other times, time travel serves as the driving force behind epic romantic stories involving lovers separated by centuries.

Interestingly, the best K-dramas that incorporate time travel often combine it with elements of science fiction or fantasy to enhance the romantic narrative. However, this trope has become so common in K-dramas that many viewers feel it has been overused. Nevertheless, whether they are primarily focused on romance, detective work, or historical events, there are numerous K-dramas that skillfully employ time travel to continue delivering captivating stories. Ultimately, the best time travel K-dramas use this narrative device to bring forth some of the most unique and compelling stories on television.

20 My Perfect Stranger (2023)

Now streaming on Rakuten Viki

While many Korean dramas featuring time travel focus on a single character, My Perfect Stranger dares to have both of its main characters embark on their own time-travel adventures. However, one character does so intentionally, while the other finds themselves thrust into it unexpectedly. Hae Jun (played by Kim Dong Wook) is a journalist investigating a series of murders when he stumbles upon a time machine and decides to utilize it in his investigation. Yoon Young (portrayed by Jin Ki Joo) tragically loses her mother and then gets hit by a car, only to awaken in the same time period as Hae Jun. As their paths intertwine, they uncover the possibility that their time travels and their fates are intricately connected.

19 Tunnel (2017)

Stream Tunnel on Roku for a captivating K-drama experience that defies time. Set in 1985, this gripping murder mystery follows a determined detective (Choi Jin Hyuk) who unexpectedly time travels 30 years into the future after pursuing a suspect through a tunnel. Alongside the intriguing investigation, viewers are treated to a heartfelt romantic subplot and a compelling family dynamic, making Tunnel a truly exceptional drama.

18 Familiar Wife (2018)

Currently not available for streaming, this story follows the life of Ji-Sung, a married man with two children who is deeply dissatisfied. Struggling with depression, a strained marriage, and an unfulfilling job, he can't help but wonder how his life would have been different if he had made different choices in his youth. However, after a car accident at a toll booth, he unexpectedly finds himself transported to the past, where he is granted the opportunity to alter his past decisions. With the ability to travel between the past and present, Ji-Sung witnesses the profound impact his altered choices have on his future. Reminiscent of the film Sliding Doors, this narrative explores the significance of seemingly insignificant decisions in shaping one's life path.

17 Times (2021)

Stream "Times" on Rakuten Viki.

"Times" breaks away from the traditional time travel K-dramas where a character is transported to a different time period. Instead, the time travel element is introduced through a phone line that can travel across timelines. In this series, two journalists from different years - 2015 and 2020 - connect through this phone line. Initially, they collaborate to prevent the death of one of their fathers. However, their investigation leads them to uncover a conspiracy involving time travel and corrupt politicians. This K-drama offers a unique twist compared to other Korean time travel shows, which typically revolve around historical events and romantic subplots.

16 Tomorrow With You (2017)

Currently not available for streaming, Tomorrow With You puts a unique twist on the typical romance-driven time travel K-dramas. Unlike other Korean shows, where time travel is often accidental, the protagonist in Tomorrow With You has the ability to make a conscious decision to travel through time. What sets it apart even more is that this time travel occurs while riding the subway, rather than through a mystical portal or a life-threatening event. Yoo So-Joon (played by Lee Je-Hoon) embarks on thrilling time-traveling escapades after discovering that Ma-Rin (played by Shin Min-A) is destined to experience a tragic accident. Intrigued by her, he becomes determined to save her life, resulting in an unbreakable connection between them.

15 The Best Hit (2017)

Stream The Best Hit on Rakuten Viki to witness the captivating story of Yoo Hyun-Jae, a 1993 K-pop idol who mysteriously finds himself in 2017. As he delves into the truth behind his assumed death in 1994, he grapples with the challenges of adapting to a futuristic world. Simultaneously, his biological son, Lee Ji-Hoon, secretly pursues his own dreams of becoming an idol, all while deceiving his parents about his true aspirations. Under the alternative title Hit the Top, this hidden gem of a K-drama offers a refreshing take on time travel narratives.

14 Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)

Stream this 2021 K-drama on Netflix that combines elements of Terminator with humor, vibrant visuals, and gripping drama. Follow Han Tae-Sul, a brilliant engineer on a mission to uncover the truth behind his brother's murder. As the story unfolds, a character from the future enters the picture, revealing a world ruled by gangs and military factions. Alongside Tae-Sul, Gang Seo-Hae, a skilled warrior, travels back in time to aid him in his perilous quest, armed with crucial information about his brother's demise.

13 Splash Splash Love (2015)

Watch Splash Splash Love on KOCOWA, a K-drama that seamlessly merges time travel and romance. Follow the story of a high-school student who mysteriously travels back to 15th-century Korea and encounters the young king of the kingdom, who seeks to expand his knowledge of mathematics. The show's protagonist serves as a patient and dedicated teacher, eager to assist the king in his pursuit of learning. With just two episodes, Splash Splash Love is an easily digestible and fast-paced drama, earning its place among the top time travel K-dramas.

12 Rooftop Prince (2012)

Now streaming on KOCOWA, Rooftop Prince offers an intricate storyline that is truly captivating. The series revolves around a prince who mysteriously wakes up in modern-day 2012, despite belonging to the historical Korean Joseon dynasty. Alongside his two loyal friends, the crown prince finds himself on the rooftop of Park-ha's house, where he stumbles upon a shocking revelation - Park-ha's long-lost sister bears an uncanny resemblance to his deceased wife who tragically drowned. Driven by the hope of unraveling his past, the prince assumes a false identity as the grandson of a prominent CEO, unaware that this very family member is responsible for his grandfather's death.

11 The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

Streamable on Netflix, The King: Eternal Monarch boasts not only an exceptional female lead, Jeong Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), but also delivers captivating action, an intriguing storyline of parallel universes, and stands out as one of the unique time travel K-Dramas available on the platform. The series delves into the coexistence of two realities: present-day South Korea and the Kingdom of Corea. Our protagonist, the current king, witnesses his father's tragic murder at the hands of his uncle during his childhood. However, when he discovers a portal to the parallel world, he seizes the opportunity to prevent his uncle from amassing an army. As he navigates this journey, he unravels the identity of the enigmatic savior who once saved his life. Yet, to safeguard the timeline, he must ultimately travel back to that precise moment in time.

10 Queen In-Hyun's Man (2012)

Stream Queen In-Hyun's Man, an acclaimed Korean drama set in both the Joseon Dynasty and modern times. In this captivating story, a scholar from 1694 travels through time and encounters an aspiring actress in 2012. As they navigate political intrigue and an unexpected romance, they unravel a conspiracy surrounding the dethroned queen. Don't miss this thrilling tale of love and destiny. Watch it now on Roku.

9 Faith (2012)

Stream the K-drama "Faith" on KOCOWA, where a plastic surgeon finds herself transported to 14th-century Goryeo. Discover how a royal guard warrior becomes the catalyst for her unexpected journey into the past. As the royal guard seeks her assistance in healing their injured queen, the surgeon finds herself torn between her growing affection for her kidnapper and her duty. "Faith" stands out among time travel and fantasy-themed romance K-dramas due to its exceptional performances and captivating depiction of Korean history and mythology.

8 Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013)

Stream the K-drama Nine: Nine Time Travels on Roku. Follow Park Sun-woo as he discovers nine incense sticks capable of transporting him 20 years into the past. With the opportunity to save his family from a tragic fate, Park must navigate the limitations of being able to time travel only nine times. Each alteration he makes in the past has ripple effects on his present life, adding depth to this captivating time travel story. Praised for its talented cast and compelling romance, Nine: Nine Time Travels has received numerous awards in Korea.

7 Go Back Couple (2017)

Stream Go Back Couple on KOCOWA. In this Korean miniseries, a couple, tired and unhappy in their marriage, desires to have never met each other. However, they unexpectedly find themselves back in their 20s, confronted with the challenge of making choices that will lead to happiness and contentment in their future. With its blend of humor and heartwarming scenes, this show is sure to captivate viewers, especially long-time K-drama enthusiasts, with its touching finale.

6 Chicago Typewriter (2017)

Chicago Typewriter is a unique K-drama that stands out among other time travel and fantasy dramas. Unlike the rest, this show revolves around the concept of reincarnation. It follows the journey of three resistance fighters from the Japanese occupation era in the 1930s, who are now reborn as a writer, a fan, and a ghostwriter in a different time period. By seamlessly switching between the past and the present, the characters begin to notice striking similarities between these two periods. As they delve deeper into their pasts, they become concerned about how it may impact their current lives. For K-drama fans seeking a refreshing break from conventional romance plots, Chicago Typewriter is an absolute delight.

5 Signal (2016)

Stream Signal on Paramount+ for a captivating and unique police procedural K-drama. Inspired by real-life crime stories, this thriller intertwines two timelines as a cold case profiler uncovers a time-traveling walkie-talkie from 1989. With the ability to communicate with a detective from the past, they work together to prevent heinous crimes from happening. Signal stands out as one of the top time travel K-dramas.

4 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Currently not available for streaming, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about K-dramas that explores time travel, romance, drama, political intrigue, and features emotionally intense scenes. Beware of total solar eclipses, as they are responsible for transporting a 25-year-old woman from the 21st century to the Goryeo Dynasty. Upon waking up, she finds herself in a new identity as one of the royal princes of the Wang family. Initially attracted to a kind-hearted prince, she soon becomes entangled in a complicated relationship with the brooding and mysterious fourth prince, all amidst the political turmoil of the dynasty.

3 Life on Mars (2018)

Currently not available for streaming,

Life on Mars is a detective drama that stands out among time travel K-dramas for its unpredictability. Based on a British drama, it follows Han Tae-Joo, a cop investigating an ordinary murder case in 2018 who suddenly finds himself transported to 1987. To return to the present, he must solve a murder from the past. With its humorous script, thrilling mysteries, and mind-blowing revelations, Life on Mars is a well-rounded series that can be enjoyed by both new and seasoned K-drama viewers.

2 Live Up To Your Name (2017)

Now streaming on Netflix, Live Up To Your Name is a K-drama that takes a fresh approach to the genre. While it may not introduce anything innovative, it skillfully builds upon traditional tropes to deliver a captivating and relatable story. The series follows the journey of the most skilled male acupuncturist from the Joseon era as he unexpectedly time travels 400 years into the future. Here, he finds himself entangled in a complex and occasionally conflicting romance with a brilliant and stunning female doctor from 2017. With its blend of romance, fantasy, and humor, Live Up To Your Name offers a unique and entertaining take on the themes of destiny and love in a medical setting.

1 Mr. Queen (2020)

Stream Mr. Queen on Netflix and join a talented male chef who discovers himself transported to the Joseon era, not as himself but as Queen Cheorin. As he navigates life as a woman, he unwittingly unravels the queen's alleged suicide attempt, becoming entangled in the kingdom's political turmoil. The seemingly goofy and underestimated king is revealed to be a cunning and mysterious ruler, determined to uncover the truth behind those plotting against him. Shin Hye-sun's portrayal of Queen Cheorin has acclaimed Mr. Queen as one of the greatest time travel K-dramas to date.