How to Fall in Love with Korean Dramas in 4 Steps: A Beginner's Guide

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They're addictive, make you cry, laugh, and watch episodes until four in the morning — even if you have to get up for work tomorrow.

They stopped being niche entertainment long ago — Korean dramas have conquered the world, and now's the perfect time to give in to their charm. Especially if you haven't started yet — you've got a whole new world ahead of you.

But where do you begin? How do you not get intimidated by the different pacing, emotionality, and massive selection? Relax. Here's a simple guide to entering the world of K-dramas — and never wanting to come back.

Step 1. Romance That Makes You Want to Live

We Recommend: "Scarlet Heart Ryeo"

Genre: historical melodrama

Why Watch: for incredible love

Perfect For: if you want to fall head over heels and suffer beautifully
A guy in a black mask and a girl in traditional Korean clothing looking at the camera
Posters from the series "Scarlet Heart Ryeo"
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This isn't just a love story — it's pain, tears, period costumes, palace intrigue, and Lee Ji-eun, who's absolutely mesmerizing. The plot follows a modern woman who suddenly wakes up in 941 AD in the body of Hae Soo during King Taejo's reign.

It's the perfect way to understand why K-dramas are so addictive.

Step 2. Modern Fairy Tale with a Kick

We Recommend: "Strong Girl Bong-soon"

Genre: comedy, action, romance

Why Watch: charming heroine, superpowers

Perfect For: if you love fantasy without the pretension
A girl tilted her head and is looking at the camera, holding an ice cream cone in her hands
Scene from the series "Strong Girl Bong-soon"
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A perfect blend of cuteness and excitement. The main character (Park Bo-young) has superhuman strength but tries to be an ordinary girl for her nerdy boyfriend. One day, she decides to work as a bodyguard for a spoiled rich heir who's nothing like her boring boyfriend.

Everything's predictable, but it's done with such charm that you won't notice yourself getting hooked.

Step 3. Serious Plot and Heart-Stopping Emotions

We Recommend: "Descendants of the Sun"

Genre: melodrama, drama, action

Why Watch: tension, rescues, separations, and romance under fire

Perfect For: if you want your heart to clench every 10 minutes
A man in military uniform leaned down toward the girl's leg as she looks at him
Poster from the series "Descendants of the Sun"
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A military doctor (Song Hye-kyo) falls for a UN peacekeeper (Song Joong-ki). Independently, they both end up in the middle of military action. How can they survive in such an atmosphere without breaking?

After this melodrama, you'll never be the same. Fun fact: the peacekeeper role was Song Joong-ki's first major part after completing his two-year mandatory military service in the Korean army.

Step 4. A Light Story You'll Want to Rewatch

We Recommend: "My Demon"

Genre: romantic fantasy

Why Watch: charming demon learning to feel emotions

Perfect For: when you need comfort, beautiful visuals, and a touch of magic
A guy and girl smiling in black and white clothing, looking at the camera
Posters from the series "My Demon"
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One day, a demon (Song Kang) suddenly loses his powers. The only way to get them back is by entering into a marriage contract with a girl from a wealthy family.

This is a gentle, warm series that's perfect for unwinding. There are no villains here, just a sweet message and an ideal cast — pure viewing pleasure.

And that's it — you won't escape this genre after this. Because K-dramas aren't just TV shows. They're emotional hurricanes where the main characters can hold hands for three episodes straight, and you'll be crying tears of joy. Start small. Then you'll find yourself reaching for "just one more episode." Earlier on zoomboola.com, we shared how to fall in love with Turkish series in 4 steps: a beginner's guide.