10 timeless Korean dramas that deserve a fresh first watch every single time

Crash Landing on You
Crash Landing on You is a highly popular South Korean romantic comedy series that aired from late 2019 to early 2020. It tells the story of a forbidden romance between a South Korean heiress and a North Korean army officer, set against the backdrop of the political tension between their two nations. The show became the second-highest-rated Korean cable TV series in history at the time of its airing.

Dong yi
Dong Yi is a 2010 South Korean historical drama (sageuk) that tells the story of Choi Suk-bin, a real-life historical figure from the Joseon Dynasty. The series, which aired for 60 episodes, follows the incredible journey of a humble water maid who rises through the ranks of the royal court to become a royal consort and eventually the mother of a future king.

Descendants of the Sun
Descendants of the Sun (2016) is a hit South Korean romantic-action series that stars Song Joong-ki as a special forces captain and Song Hye-kyo as a doctor. The drama was a massive success across Asia, praised for its cinematic quality, engaging plot, and the chemistry between the main couple, who later dated and married in real life.

Reply 1998
Reply 1988 is a highly acclaimed South Korean drama that aired from 2015 to 2016. It is the third installment of the Reply anthology series, known for its focus on nostalgia, friendship, and family bonds. Unlike the other series in the franchise that emphasized a "who will she marry" plot, Reply 1988 is celebrated for its warm and emotional portrayal of community life.

Mr Queen
Mr. Queen is a 2020–2021 South Korean historical fantasy comedy drama known for its unique body-swap premise. The series was a commercial success, achieving high ratings and receiving praise for its humor and the lead actress's performance.

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a 2025 South Korean historical fantasy romantic comedy that premiered on tvN and is available for streaming on Netflix. The series follows a modern-day chef who time-travels to the Joseon era, where she must use her culinary skills to survive as the cook for a tyrannical king.

Healer
Healer is a popular 2014–2015 South Korean romantic action-thriller series that blends intricate mystery with a heartwarming love story. The show gained a large international fanbase for its compelling plot and the electric chemistry between its two leads, Ji Chang-wook and Park Min-young.

Moon Lovers
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) is a South Korean historical fantasy romance drama based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin. The series is known for its heartbreaking storyline, its large and star-studded cast, and its visually stunning production, becoming a massive hit with international fans despite underperforming in its home country.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo is a 2021 South Korean black comedy and crime drama series that was a global hit on the tvN network and Netflix. It tells the story of an Italian mafia consigliere who returns to his homeland of Korea and serves a dark brand of justice against an evil and corrupt conglomerate.

Moon Embracing the Sun
Moon Embracing the Sun (2012) is a highly acclaimed South Korean historical-fantasy drama that tells a poignant and star-crossed love story between a king and a female shaman. It was a massive success in Korea, achieving peak ratings of over 40%, and received numerous awards, including Best Drama and Best Actor for Kim Soo-hyun at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards.