15 Wholesome K-Dramas That Serve Up Some Seriously Cozy Vibes

We got you. These K-Dramas are the perfect companions for when you want to feel cozy and uplifted.

1. A Poem a Day (2018)

Set in the bustling corridors of a hospital, A Poem a Day centers around the often-overlooked heroes: the physical therapy team. Ye Jae-Wook works as a physical therapist and teaches others in the same profession. He's skilled, but blunt, and often comes off as harsh. Bo-Young, our main gal, is a physical therapy intern who's got a side hobby that's a bit unexpected – she loves to write poetry. But it's not just for kicks; her verses are her way of expressing and processing the flurry of emotions that come with their demanding jobs and complex personal lives.

2. Welcome to Waikiki (2018 - 2019)

A guesthouse that's seen better days and a trio of friends with dreams bigger than their wallets. Dong-Gu, an aspiring film director with a streak of bad luck, Jun-Ki, an actor who's more about quantity over quality when it comes to roles, and Du-Sik, who's still trying to figure out what he wants in life, are all trying to keep their guesthouse, Waikiki, from going under. Cue a baby left at their doorstep, an unexpected guest who stirs the pot, and a series of oddball visitors, and you've got a recipe for disaster.

3. I'm Not a Robot (2017 - 2018)

Imagine a man who's literally allergic to human touch. That's Kim Min-Kyu, a wealthy man who lives a secluded life due to his rare condition. Enter Jo Ji-Ah, a plucky entrepreneur who somehow finds herself pretending to be a humanoid robot to aid in Min-Kyu's isolation. What starts as a bizarre ruse evolves into a quirky and complex relationship, as Ji-Ah's 'robotic' interactions with Min-Kyu start to break down the barriers around his heart.

4. Mystic Pop-up Bar (2020)

Mystic Pop-up Bar is based on a popular webtoon and spins the tale of a pojangmacha that caters to both mortals and spirits. This bar helps its visitors resolve their deepest grudges by entering their dreams. The fierce and foul-mouthed owner, Wol-Ju, has a quota to meet for settling grudges to earn her place in the afterlife, and she's running out of time. With the help of a part-timer with a special ability and a former afterlife detective, each episode unfurls a new customer's tale.

5. Reply 1988 (2015 - 2016)

Nostalgia, family, friendship – these are the cornerstones of Reply 1988, a series that will transport you back to the late '80s in a small neighborhood in Seoul. Five families live in a tight-knit alley, and their lives intertwine through the joys and pains of adolescence. There's Deok-Sun, the middle child of one family who often feels invisible; Jung-Hwan, who's got a tough exterior but a soft spot for his friends; Sun-Woo, the responsible one; Dong-Ryong, who always provides comic relief; and Taek, a baduk prodigy who's more comfortable with a game board than a conversation.

6. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016 - 2017)

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo follows the uplifting journey of young athletes at a university, focusing on the spirited Kim Bok-joo, a talented weightlifter with Olympic aspirations. Alongside her, there's Jung Joon-hyung, a swimmer with his own set of hurdles to overcome. When they're not lifting weights or slicing through water, they're struggling with the complexities of growing up and falling in love. Watch them juggle their dreams, family expectations, and the pangs of first love.

7. Shopping King Louie (2016)

Louie, a wealthy heir with a penchant for splurging, finds himself with no recollection of who he is. Go Bok-shil, a sweet and industrious country girl, crosses paths with him and takes it upon herself to help him find his identity. As Louie, accustomed to luxury, navigates life without a credit card, relying on the kindness and patience of Bok-shil, they unravel the mystery of Louie's past.

8. Beautiful Gong Shim (2016)

The lives of two sisters, Gong Shim and Gong Mi, diverge not just in looks but in fortune. While Gong Mi climbs the social ladder, Gong Shim seems to stumble at every rung. Enter Dan-tae, an offbeat lawyer with a zest for life and a penchant for mystery-solving, and Joon-soo, a chaebol with a gentle demeanor. Gong Shim may not have her sister's conventional beauty, but she's got a heart of gold and a wig to match her quirky personality. Her unlikely bond with Dan-tae is a mix of antics and affections, as he helps her gain confidence.

9. 20th Century Boy and Girl (2017)

This sweet drama invites us into the world of three childhood friends, now in their late thirties, as they encounter the twists and turns of life and love. Jin-jin, a successful actress; Ah-reum, an air stewardess; and Young-sim, a lawyer, are all successful in their own right but are unlucky in love. As they confront the reality of ticking clocks – both biological and career – they find solace in each other's company. But when their teenage crush, Gong-ji, re-enters their lives, the trio is thrown into a tizzy of what-ifs and maybes.

10. My First First Love (2019)

The premise is simple yet resonant: a group of friends experiencing the tidal waves of young adulthood together. Tae-o, Do-hyun, Song-yi, Ga-rin, and Hoon all find themselves under one roof, thanks to a series of personal challenges that push them out of their nests. Their shared house becomes a crucible for their growth. Tae-o is the anchor, a college student whose initial reluctance to house his friends turns into a journey of self-discovery and unexpected love.

11. Splash Splash Love (2015)

Time travel gets a romantic twist in Splash Splash Love, where a high school student, Dan-bi, who is overwhelmed by the pressure of college entrance exams, finds herself transported from a rain puddle in modern Korea to the Joseon Dynasty. She lands straight into the royal palace, where she is mistaken for a eunuch. Her modern-day knowledge becomes an asset in the court, especially for the young king who is seeking ways to improve his kingdom's plight.

12. Pegasus Market (2019)

An unconventional supermarket managed by the eccentric Mr. Moon. The employees are a motley crew, who are united by their dedication to the market despite its financial troubles. Enter Mr. Jung, sent by the Daema Group to sabotage the market so the company can take over the land. But his plans go awry as he finds himself charmed and changed by the market's employees and their infectious camaraderie.

13. Diary of a Prosecutor (2019 - 2020)

Life inside the prosecutor's office is not what TV often portrays, especially in a small town. Lee Sun-woong and Cha Myung-joo are prosecutors who deal with all the paperwork, petty crimes, and the life-and-death decisions of their job, while also managing personal issues. The drama highlights their humanity, the small-town dynamics, and how their work affects their lives and vice versa.

14. The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019)

Imagine being so absorbed in your work that you don't notice the world around you – that's Do Min-ik, a competent but aloof executive who relies heavily on his secretary. Things take a turn when he develops face blindness and can't recognize anyone – except, curiously, his secretary, Veronica Park. Or so he believes. The real Veronica Park is a flamboyant businesswoman, while the woman Do Min-ik recognizes is his dedicated secretary, Jung Gal-hee, who leads a double life to help her boss.

15. Be Melodramatic (2019)

A peek into the lives of three best friends in their thirties, dealing with their personal and professional challenges with humor and heart. Im Jin-joo is a scriptwriter grappling with the intricacies of love, Lee Eun-jung is a documentary director handling grief in her unique way, and Hwang Han-joo is a marketing executive trying to balance work and single motherhood.