New to K‑Dramas? A Beginner’s Guide to Korean Dramas on Netflix

If you’ve heard everyone talk about K‑dramas but have no idea where to start on Netflix, this guide is for you. Instead of giving you an overwhelming list of 50 titles, we’ll walk you through a small, curated set of beginner‑friendly shows and help you choose your first K‑drama based on your taste, mood, and watching style.

Why K‑Dramas Are So Addictive (Even for Beginners)

K‑dramas are popular worldwide because they mix strong emotions, cinematic visuals, and relatable stories in a way that’s easy to binge. Most series are one season with 12–16 episodes, so you don’t have to commit to years of watching. They also come with high‑quality subtitles and a wide range of genres: romance, slice of life, thriller, fantasy, historical, and even zombie horror.

If you’re new, the key is not to start with the most hyped or complicated show. Instead, pick something with:

✅ A simple, easy‑to‑follow story

✅ Modern, everyday language

✅ A tone that matches your mood (light, emotional, suspenseful, etc.)

The list below is organized by mood, not just by genre, so you can find the right drama for you, not for “everyone.”

Beginner‑Friendly K‑Dramas to Start With

1. For Cozy, Heart‑Warming Vibes

Hometown Cha‑Cha‑Cha

A big‑city dentist moves to a small seaside town and clashes (then falls in love) with a local jack‑of‑all‑trades. It’s gentle, funny, and full of everyday life moments like neighborhood gossip, market trips, and seaside walks. Great if you want something relaxing and healing rather than stressful.

Our Beloved Summer

Two ex‑high‑school classmates, who once filmed a documentary together, are forced to reunite years later when the footage goes viral. The show is visually beautiful, slow‑paced in a good way, and perfect if you like character‑driven romance with emotional growth and nostalgia.

2. For Light Romance and Office Life

Romance Is a Bonus Book

Set in a publishing company, this drama follows a talented but overqualified woman who struggles to re‑enter the workforce and her relationship with her longtime friend, a successful editor. It’s ideal if you enjoy workplace stories, books, and slow‑burn romance.

Crash Landing on You

A rich South Korean businesswoman accidentally paraglides into North Korea during a storm and meets a stoic North Korean officer. The premise sounds wild, but the show balances comedy, romance, and emotional drama. It’s a good entry point if you want something epic yet still easy to follow.

3. For Slice‑of‑Life and Deeper Emotions

Move to Heaven

A young man with Asperger’s syndrome and his uncle run a “trauma cleaning” service that organizes the belongings of people who have passed away. Each episode focuses on a different story, and while it can be emotional, the episodes are short and very human. If you like meaningful, reflective stories, this is a great first pick.

My Mister

A quieter, more mature drama about three middle‑aged brothers and a young woman struggling through hardship. It’s slower and more realistic than many other K‑dramas, so it’s better if you’re comfortable with heavier themes and prefer thoughtful, character‑focused storytelling.

4. For Suspense, Mystery, and Thrills

Kingdom

A crown prince in Joseon‑era Korea investigates a mysterious illness that turns people into zombies. Even if you’re not usually into horror, this series might surprise you—it's visually stunning and has a clear, fast‑moving plot. A good pick if you like historical settings and action.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

A young attorney on the autism spectrum joins a major law firm and tackles new cases each episode. The show has legal cases, but the language is surprisingly clear and the emotional arcs are easy to follow. Choose this if you like smart, uplifting stories with a strong main character.

5. For Feel‑Good “Everyday Life” Stories

When the Camellia Blooms

A single mother running a bar in a small town meets a sincere, slightly clumsy police officer who falls hard for her. The drama mixes romance, comedy, and a bit of mystery. It’s set in a very “real” Korean neighborhood, which makes it great for understanding everyday culture and relationships.

Something in the Rain

This drama follows a woman in her 30s who falls in love with her best friend’s younger brother. It explores Korean dating culture, workplace expectations, and family pressure. Good if you’re interested in modern urban life and more realistic romance.

How to Choose Your First K‑Drama on Netflix

If you still don’t know where to start, use these simple “quick picks”:

✅ “I want something soft, cute, and relaxing.”

→ Start with Hometown Cha‑Cha‑Cha or Our Beloved Summer.

✅ “I want romance but not too cheesy.”

→ Try Romance Is a Bonus Book or Crash Landing on You.

✅ “I like deep, emotional stories that make me think.”

→ Go for Move to Heaven or My Mister.

✅ “I love suspense and action.”

→ Choose Kingdom.

✅ “I’m curious about Korean daily life and small towns.”

→ Watch When the Camellia Blooms.

Pick one show, not three at once. Give it at least two or three episodes before deciding if it’s for you.

Subtitle & Watching Tips for Beginners

If English is your main language and you’re new to Korean:

✅ Start with English subtitles so you can focus on the story.

✅ If you’re learning Korean, try: Korean audio + Korean subtitles + occasional pause and rewind.

✅ Use the “skip intro” and “play next episode” features wisely—K‑dramas are very bingeable, so it’s easy to lose track of time.

✅ Watch with a friend or partner and talk about the characters and plot. It makes the experience more fun, especially for your first K‑drama.

Turning K‑Dramas into a Gateway to Korea

Once you fall in love with your first or second K‑drama, you’ll start recognizing:

✅ Common phrases like “daebak” (awesome) or “gwenchana” (it’s okay)

✅ Korean food you might want to try when you visit (fried chicken, tteokbokki, ramyeon)

✅ Real places in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju you can later add to your travel bucket list

If you’re planning a trip to Korea, you can even build a small itinerary around filming locations, cafes, and neighborhoods featured in your favorite show. Your Netflix watchlist can easily become your future travel list.

Note: Availability of each series may differ depending on your country and Netflix catalog. Always check your local Netflix library for the latest lineup.