Best 15 Romantic Fantasy K-Dramas to Fall in Love With in 2023

Korean dramas, commonly known as K-dramas, have recently taken the world by storm, and romantic fantasy K-dramas have a huge fan base.

When fantasy and romance are mixed, they may produce an exciting and compelling watching experience. K-dramas are well-known for mastering this genre, which has grown in popularity among viewers worldwide. From time-travelling goblins to human-world mermaids and from strong independent women to supernatural abilities, these romantic fantasy Korean tv series will keep you captivated till the end. 

In this article, we’ll explore the magic of fantasy romantic K-dramas, and their key elements and list 15 must-watch Korean dramas in this category.

15 Must-Watch Romantic Fantasy K-Dramas:

1. Goblin (2016-2017)

Also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God is one of the best romantic fantasy K-dramas about an immortal goblin named Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) who has lived for 900 years. He is also a soul protector. Shin is also looking for a human spouse to extract the sword from his chest to end his immortality. Ji Eun-Tak (Kim Go-Eun), a high school student, emerges into his life one day and claims to be his bride. They begin to develop affection for one another as they spend more time together, but their relationship is restricted by the fact that Shin is a goblin and Eun-Tak is a human. 

The drama also delves into issues such as love, redemption, and the power of memory. With top-notch acting from Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun, beautiful cinematography, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, Goblin is a must-watch for any K-drama fan.

2. The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-2017)

The Legend of the Blue Sea is another one of the top romantic fantasy K-dramas that tells the story of a mermaid named Shim Cheong who falls in love with a con man named Kim Dam-ryeong. The story takes place in two time periods — the current day and the 17th century. Dam-ryeong meets and falls in love with Cheong in the current day. Dam-ryeong learns more about Cheong’s history and actual identity as a mermaid as they spend more time together. Dam-ancestor, Ryeong’s also named Kim Dam-ryeong, is a nobleman in the 17th century who saves and falls in love with a mermaid named Se-hwa. 

The drama delves into topics such as fate, destiny, and the power of love to conquer all difficulties. With a star-studded cast led by Lee Min-ho and Jun Ji-hyun, stunning underwater scenes, and a beautiful soundtrack, Legend of the Blue Sea is a must-watch for any K-drama fan.

3. Hotel del Luna (2019)

Hotel del Luna is a romantic fantasy K-drama about Jang Man-wol, the CEO of the titular hotel, which is only for ghosts. She is a strong and mysterious person who has managed the hotel for centuries. Ku Chan-sung, the hotel’s new manager, is a rule-follower who clashes with Man-wol at first. As he becomes increasingly involved in the hotel’s operations, he learns about Man-wol’s history and the motivations behind her acts. They develop affection for one another as they work together to help the ghosts at the hotel seek closure and go on to the afterlife. The plot also delves into themes of atonement and the significance of confronting one’s faults in the past.

4. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo(2016)

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a K-drama about a 21st-century woman named Go Ha-jin who is transported back in time to the Goryeo dynasty. There, she becomes entangled in the royal court’s politics and power conflicts, and she falls in love with the ambitious and dangerous 4th prince, Wang So. Ha-jin is caught between her affection for Wang So and her duty to aid the other princes and the nation as she navigates the dangerous realm of the royal court.

5. Chicago Typewriter (2017)

Chicago Typewriter is a romantic fantasy K-drama about three people: Han Se-Joo (Yoo Ah-in), a successful but haunted author, Jeon Seol (Im Soo-Jung), a devoted follower of Seojoo’s work, and Yoo Jin-oh (Go Kyung-Pyo), a ghost from the 1930s and also a great writer.

Se-Joo is experiencing writer’s block and finds solace in Jeon Seol and her grandfather’s past. As he learns more about Seol and Jin-oh, he begins to unravel their former lives’ mysteries and the reasons for their bond. Meanwhile, Seol and Jin-oh are both haunted by their prior lives and try to figure out what occurred. The drama delves into issues of love, sacrifice and memory.

6. My Love from the Star (2013-2014)

My Love from the Star is a K-drama about Do Min-Joon, an alien who has been residing on Earth for 400 years, and Cheon Song-Yi, a prominent actress. Min-Joon arrived on Earth during the Joseon Dynasty and has kept his alien identity hidden. He is a perfectionist and a loner, but his life changes when he meets Cheon Song-Yi, a gorgeous and famous actress who reminds him of his home planet’s first love. Min-Joon develops affection for Song-Yi as they spend more time together, and he strives to protect her from the horrors of his history. The drama delves into issues such as love, sacrifice, and the force of fate. With a stellar cast led by Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun, My Love from the Star is a timeless classic that is sure to make you laugh, cry, and fall in love.

7. Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015)

Scholar Who Walks the Night is a historical-romantic-fantasy Korean drama series that set in the Joseon Dynasty era. the story revolves around a young scholar named Kim Sung-yeol (Lee Joon-gi) who becomes a vampire to protect his loved ones and his country from evil forces. As Sung-yeol navigates his double life as a vampire and a scholar, he encounters Jo Yang-sun (Lee Yoo-bi), a cross-dressing bookseller who becomes his ally and eventually falls in love with him. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a political conspiracy that threatens to destabilize the country. The show features a talented cast of actors, including Lee Soo-hyuk as the main antagonist, and is notable for its beautiful cinematography, stunning costumes, and intricate plot. 

8. Oh My Ghost (2015)

Oh My Ghost is a romantic fantasy K-drama about Bong Sun (Park Bo-young), a timid and shy assistant chef who is possessed by the spirit of a virgin ghost named Shin Soon-ae (Kim Seul-gi) who has been dead for many years and wishes to experience love before passing on. Soon- ae’s possession of Bong Sun causes her personality to shift, making her more confident and assertive. Bong Sun begins working at a well-known restaurant, where she meets the head chef, Kang Sun-woo (Jo Jung-suk), a perfectionist and a bit of a jerk. As Bong Sun develops affection for Sun-woo, she struggles to manage her new forceful attitude, which has been affected by Soon-ae’s ghost.

9. Master’s Sun (2013)

Master’s Sun is a romantic fantasy Korean drama about Joo Joong-won (So Ji-sub), a cold-hearted and selfish shopping mall CEO, and Tae Gong-Sil (Gong Hyo-jin), a shy and sensitive woman who can see ghosts. Joong-won is a realist who does not believe in ghosts, but he begins to reconsider after meeting Gong-Sil. He hires her as his assistant to keep the ghosts away, but as they spend more time together, he develops feelings for her.

10. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon(2017)

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is a romantic fantasy Korean drama about Do Bong Soon, a young woman with superhuman strength. Despite her extraordinary abilities, Bong Soon wishes to live a regular life and discover true love. Bong Soon is employed as a bodyguard by Ahn Min Hyuk, the CEO of a game company. An unknown person threatens Min Hyuk, and Bong Soon’s power makes her the ideal option to protect him. Min Hyuk and Bong Soon develop feelings for each other as they spend more time together, but their relationship is complicated because Min Hyuk is her boss. Bong Soon’s strength makes it impossible for her to live a regular life.

There is also a love triangle in the drama, as Bong Soon develops emotions for her childhood friend and police officer, In Gook Doo. The show is a blend of romance, fantasy, and comedy, and it explores themes like love, identity, and the value of being true to oneself.

11. I Can Hear Your Voice (2013)

I Can Hear Your Voice is a thought-provoking drama that follows Jang Hye Sung, a snobbish lawyer, as she navigates the legal system. Along the journey, she encounters Park Soo Ha, a mysterious boy who can read people’s minds. After interacting with a police officer, they decide to work together. They strive for justice and find the truth about a prior tragedy that changed Soo Ha’s life. The tragic story of Soo Ha’s father’s murder and his particular gift lends depth and passion to the drama. With flawless performances and a heartfelt relationship, this drama is likely to leave an impact on viewers.

12. W: Two Worlds (2016)

W: Two Worlds is a unique K-drama that combines fantasy and thriller elements. The story follows a surgeon who gets pulled into a webtoon world created by her father and falls in love with the main character. However, their love is threatened by the antagonist of the webtoon world, and they must fight to stay together. With a fresh and innovative concept, great chemistry between the leads played by Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo, and stunning visuals, W: Two Worlds is a must-watch for any K-drama fan.

13. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

The King: Eternal Monarch is a romantic fantasy K-drama that tells the story of a king who travels between two parallel worlds and falls in love with a detective from the other world. With a stellar cast led by Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun, stunning visuals, and a unique concept that explores themes of parallel universes and destiny, The King: Eternal Monarch is a must-watch for any K-drama fan.

14. Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020)

Tale of the Nine-Tailed is a recent K-drama that tells the story of a gumiho or a nine-tailed fox who has been living among humans for centuries. He falls in love with a producer who is investigating supernatural occurrences, and their love story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. With a captivating plot, great acting from Lee Dong-wook and Jo Bo-ah, and stunning visuals, Tale of the Nine-Tailed is a must-watch for any K-drama fan.

15. Queen In-hyun’s Man (2012)

Queen In-hyun’s Man — also known as Queen & I — is a popular romatic-fantasy Korean TV series that follows the story of a scholar named Kim Boong Do, played by actor Ji Hyun-woo, who travels through time from the Joseon era to present-day Seoul. Boong Do meets an actress named Choi Hee-jin, played by actress Yoo In-na, who resembles his beloved Queen In-hyun from his own time period. As Boong Do navigates through modern-day Seoul, he and Hee-jin begin to develop a deep connection despite their different time periods. However, their love is complicated by the political turmoil of Boong Do’s time, as he must protect Queen In-hyun from her enemies and ensure that she ascends to the throne.

Queen In-hyun’s Man is a romantic and thrilling drama that explores the themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. It has become a beloved series among Korean drama fans and has helped cement its leads’ positions as top actors in the industry.

Note: This List is Not Ranked. It’s numbered randomly.

With their captivating storylines, unique premises, and heartwarming romance, these romantic fantasy K-dramas are guaranteed to keep you entertained. From time-travelling goblins to human-world mermaids and from strong independent women to supernatural abilities, these dramas will keep you captivated till the end. So grab a bowl of popcorn and prepare to be taken to the fantasy romance realm of K-dramas.