15 Korean Dramas for Newbies to Watch If You Haven't Ever Seen One

1. Boys Over Flowers

Dive straight into the world of prestigious Shinhwa High School where you'll meet Geum Jan-di. She's not rich or influential but lands in this elite world by sheer chance. Now, she's rubbing shoulders with the F4, four super-rich and good-looking boys. Ah, but they're not as charming as they seem. Gu Jun-pyo, the leader, starts off as her arch-nemesis but guess what? Hate turns to love. High school drama, first love, and the challenges of friendship – it's classic K-Drama territory.

2. Descendants of the Sun

Ever wondered what happens when a soldier falls in love with a doctor? Yoo Shi-jin is a captain in the Special Forces. Kang Mo-yeon is a surgeon. Both have high-demand jobs and life-saving duties. Their worlds are poles apart, but when they meet, sparks fly! From natural disasters to military operations, this couple faces it all. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to watch a love story unfold amidst heroic undertakings?

3. My Love from the Star

Do Min-joon is, well, an alien. He's been stuck on Earth for 400 years. Just as he's prepping to head back to his home star, he encounters famous actress Cheon Song-yi. She's quirky, loveable, and has an undeniable connection with him. It's an interstellar romance! Imagine ET, but instead of phoning home, he's trying to manage his love life. A mix of fantasy, drama, and comedy, it's a joy ride you won't forget.

4. Reply 1988

This one's for the nostalgics. Five families live in the same neighborhood in 1988 Seoul. The show revolves around their daily lives, their kids' friendships, and all the ups and downs they experience. The biggest catch? One of the neighborhood boys is our female lead, Deok-sun's future husband. But they keep you guessing on who it is till the very end. It's like a warm trip down memory lane, even if it's not your memory.

5. Coffee Prince

Go Eun-chan's short hair and tomboyish behavior often lead people to mistake her for a boy. And to get a job, she doesn't correct her new boss, Choi Han-kyul, when he does the same. The catch? The job's at an all-male coffee shop. Things get a bit tangled when Han-kyul starts developing feelings for her, thinking she's a guy. It's all fun and frothy, just like a good cappuccino.

6. It's Okay, That's Love

Talk radio producer Ji Hae-soo and famous author Jang Jae-yeol seem like they're from different planets. She's pragmatic; he's free-spirited. They first meet on a talk show and, of course, they clash. Yet, destiny has other plans. Love brews but with a twist – both have past traumas and psychological scars. Watching them navigate these challenges while finding solace in each other is truly heartwarming.

7. Healer

Secret identities, past mysteries, and a love story: what's not to love? Seo Jung-hoo, aka Healer, is a night courier but not your usual delivery guy. He takes on secret and illegal jobs. Things get complicated when he falls for reporter Chae Young-shin and gets embroiled in a mystery dating back decades. It's like reading a detective novel, but instead of flipping pages, you're hitting "next episode".

8. Kill Me, Heal Me

Multiple personalities in one drama? Yep. Cha Do-hyun has seven different personalities thanks to trauma from his past. Trying to get his life in order, he seeks the help of psychiatrist Oh Ri-jin. As they work through his many personas, they uncover dark family secrets. It's a whirlwind of emotions, but in a good, "I need to see the next episode right now" way.

9. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo

What happens in the life of a young weightlifting athlete? Kim Bok-joo is strong physically but, like any young adult, faces personal challenges and vulnerabilities, especially when love enters the equation. Love, friendship, and personal growth with a sporty twist. And hey, isn't the university phase just the most confusing and exciting time of our lives?

10. Strong Woman Do Bong-soon

Born with superhuman strength, Do Bong-soon dreams of creating a video game with herself as the main character. However, life has other plans. She becomes a bodyguard for a CEO, who's got a stalker. While she protects him, love brews, but her childhood crush is still in the picture. It's romance with a strong (literally!) female lead. Who said love stories can't pack a punch?

11. Goblin: The Lonely and Great God

An immortal goblin, Kim Shin, needs a human bride to end his immortal life. Enter Ji Eun-tak, a cheerful high school student. Throw in a Grim Reaper with amnesia and you have a tale of love, destiny, and sacrifice. Imagine meeting someone who can finally end centuries of loneliness. Touching, right?

12. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Ever wondered about life in ancient Korean dynasties? Go Ha-jin gets to find out firsthand when she's transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty. In the body of Hae Soo, she gets caught in royal politics and a love triangle with two princes. Royalty, romance, and time travel? Talk about a triple threat!

13. The Legend of the Blue Sea

A tale of a fisherman and a mermaid, but not your typical fairy tale. Mermaid Shim Cheong falls for con artist Heo Joon-jae in modern-day Seoul. But there's a twist: their love story has its roots in the Joseon era. History repeating itself, but with more style and a cityscape.

14. Playful Kiss

High school crushes can be brutal, especially when the guy is the smartest in school, and you're, well, not. Oh Ha-ni confesses to crush Baek Seung-jo, but is met with ridicule. However, fate throws them under one roof (literally!) when Ha-ni and her dad move into Seung-jo's home after an earthquake. Will proximity lead to love? You've got to see to know!

15. Hotel Del Luna

A hotel for ghosts waiting for their afterlife? Unique, isn't it? Jang Man-wol has been cursed to run this hotel for 1,000 years due to a sin from her past. She's beautiful, moody, and has an impeccable style. Things shake up when she meets the new manager, Koo Chan-sung. It's not just another haunted tale, but one with heart, soul, and fashion goals.