Magical kdrama: Korean dramas, also known as kdramas, have gained immense popularity worldwide for their unique storytelling, captivating characters, and exceptional production quality. Among the various genres of kdramas, magical kdramas hold a special place in the hearts of viewers. Magical kdramas often revolve around supernatural elements, such as magic, fantasy worlds, time travel, or mythical creatures. These dramas transport viewers to a realm where extraordinary events unfold and ordinary lives are changed forever. One of the defining characteristics of magical kdramas is their ability to blend fantasy elements seamlessly with relatable human stories. These dramas not only entertain but also explore deep emotions, personal growth, and the power of love.

8 fantasy K-dramas on Netflix that will make you believe in magic again

Underlined by quirky superpowers, pesky ghosts, and plotlines drawn from popular folklore – fantasy K-dramas make for an entertaining escape from the hustle of life. We’re listing out a few of the more out-of-this-world options that are on our Netflix watchlist.

Romance and comedy might be the lifeblood of K-dramas, but the allure of fantasy and mystical occurrences has propelled many supernatural shows to the top of overall ratings. They further the dreamy, too-good-to-be-true tropes that often come with Korean productions while offering viewers a glimpse of the culture’s fables and common old wives tales.

Characters like goblins, mermaids, and nine-tailed foxes find themselves grappling with time travel, reincarnation, and the fate of the world resting on their shoulders. Combine this with the high production value that the industry is known for and you’ve got yourself cinematic excellence. Give these popular dramas a watch this weekend.

These dramas not only entertain but also explore deep emotions, personal growth, and the power of love. The combination of magical and real-life elements creates a unique viewing experience that leaves a lasting impact. Magical kdramas also often feature visually stunning settings and breathtaking special effects.

Binge-worthy fantasy K-dramas to add to your Netflix watchlist

Guardian – The Lonely And Great God

A wildly popular production that has served as a gateway show for many current K-drama enthusiasts, Guardian follows the life of Kim Shin, an immortal goblin with a tumultuous past who yearns for a way to end his life. The only caveat? He needs to find his fated bride to pull the plug.

Centuries of existence pass until he discovers Ji Eun-Tak, a cheery girl with a tragic life who finds herself entwined in Shin’s life. Also in the picture – Shin’s roommate Wang Yeo, a grim reaper who can never get his romantic happy ending. Rib-tickling humor, dreamy romantic instances, and a plotline so fantastical you can’t help but binge-watch – this drama’s a classic.

Hotel De Luna

Checking into this establishment – located in downtown Seoul – is an out-of-the-box experience. Having survived for a millenia, the Hotel De Luna serves the dead with its CEO Jang Man-Wol cursed to run the place to make up for a set of sins that she can no longer remember committing. Her only escape? To find someone who’s made a bigger mistake than hers. Things take an interesting turn when straight arrow Goo Chang-Sung is forced to join her due to a deal his father had made. As they navigate the magical world they inhabit, you’ll find yourself hooked.

The Legend Of The Blue Sea

An age-old Joseon legend about a fisherman who captured a mermaid inspired this tale. The story goes that a mermaid Shim Cheong comes to the city after being washed ashore and discovers Heo Joon-Jae, a man with magical abilities who looks like her nobleman lover from a bygone era.

The latter, a con man, offers up his home to the naive creature with the hope of robbing her of her expensive jade bracelet worth millions. Meanwhile, Joon-Jae’s stepmother is out to have him killed so her biological son can inherit all of his properties. What follows this is a series of hilarious instances, complete with fantastical occurrences and a dreamy romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

A strong female lead in every sense of the word, Do Bong-Soon has superhuman strength. While on the hunt for a steady means of living, she meets Min-Hyuk, a gaming company CEO. While the former wishes to star in her own video game, the latter needs a personal bodyguard to help him navigate a set of menacing threats.

Meanwhile, a range of gruesome abductions and murders of young women has Bong-Soon’s neighborhood worried. Despite the underlying theme of mystery, the show is largely comedic, with instances of the female lead struggling to keep her powers under control and Min-Hyuk flashing his devil-may-care smile at anything that moves. If you need a good laugh alongside your dose of fantasy, this show checks all the boxes.

My Love From The Star

Do Min-joon, an alien stranded on Earth 400 years ago, is cynical about humans. Just as he’s gearing up to return to his planet, however, he meets a popular actress named Chun Song-Yi, who’s got a child-like, youthful spirit. As the two discover their feelings for eachother, the alien finds his resentment for the Earth-based species fading. Dreamy, with themes of immortality and reincarnation, this one’s quite beloved in the fantasy K-drama circles.

Mystic Pop-Up Bar

Another drama that’s based on a webtoon, Mystic Pop-Up Bar is centered on an outdoor drinking establishment – pojangmacha – where those dead and alive visit to have their conflicts resolved. The only catch? It’s through the medium of their dreams. The bar itself is run by an ill-tempered ghost who’s been condemned to cure 100,000 souls to atone for her sins. Also embroiled in the series of events is Hang Kang-bae, a human who holds the power to have people reveal their secrets just by touching them as well as former afterlife detective Chief Gwi. At once hilarious and engaging, this one’s capable of making you smile after a long day.

My Roommate Is A Gumiho

Based on a webtoon, this popular show follows Shin Woo Yeo, a mystical fox who’s wandered the earth for over 999 years. After collecting human energy in his beard, the gumiho is set to shed his skin to be fully human. That is until Lee Dam accidentally swallows his fox bead. Light-hearted and romantic, there’s plenty in the show to be engaged over. Besides, it also has some of the most hilarious instances in K-drama history.

Sound Of Magic

Abandoned by her debt-burdened parents, teenager Yoon Ah Yi supports herself and her younger sister by juggling work and school. Her life changes when she meets magician Lee Eul who eases her troubles and fills her days with wonder. At once charming and heart-warming, the interactions in this show alone are worth the binge. Not to mention, this is one of the few musical dramas on offer. Watch for the moments of magic, stay for the songs.

All images: Courtesy Netflix/IMDB

5 Fantasy Historical K-Dramas You’ll Want To Check Out ASAP

Make room for magic in your life with fantasy historical K-dramas! From sorcery to gumihos, K-dramas excel in feeding viewers’ appetite for fantasy with some of the best productions. Combining fantasy elements with historical settings can make for a perfect fantasy K-drama creation! Take a look at some of the most intriguing fantasy historical titles now.

“Alchemy of Souls”

Set in the fictional nation of Daeho, souls find a new home with the power of awe-inspiring sorcery. Naksu (Go Yoon Jung) is a powerful sorceress and assassin, and her soul enters the weak body of a servant named Mu Deok (Jung So Min). She begins working for Jang Wook (Lee Jae Wook), who is the troublemaking son of a nobleman’s family. As she teaches him her fighting techniques, Mu Deok and Jang Wook start falling in love.

“Alchemy of Souls” boasts an incredible cast and great show. The spectacular computer graphics and special visual effects in the magic and fight scenes don’t overshadow the natural acting abilities of Jung So Min and Lee Jae Wook. They make you believe that their characters are polar opposites in the beginning and hopelessly in love at the end. The K-drama is set entirely in a fictional location, but it’s inspired by the Joseon dynasty. Viewers can’t help but love the great acting, special effects, and unique scenery. “Alchemy of Souls” is a remarkable journey to an unknown world, and there’s also a Season 2 starring Lee Jae Wook with Go Yoon Jung as the leads!

“The Moon Embracing the Sun”

A late shaman’s daughter named Yeon Woo (Han Ga In) becomes Crown Princess of Joseon after Crown Prince Lee Hwon (Kim Soo Hyun) falls in love and marries her. The queen doesn’t approve of the marriage and orders her head shaman to curse the new princess. As a result, Yeon Woo allegedly dies from a mysterious illness only to reappear in Lee Hwon’s life years later as Shaman Wol. Lee Hwon sets out to uncover the truth.

“The Moon Embracing the Sun” perfectly blends the fantasy and historical genres! The fantasy is evident in the shamans’ powers, Yeon Woo’s mysterious death, and her rebirth. Even though she isn’t a superhero or supernatural being, Yeon Woo literally comes back to life after being buried. The historical genre is tied in with the setting as well as the queen’s desire for her son to ascend the throne and marry a woman of her choosing. It resembles our idea of what life was probably like for many in history: power and arranged marriages ruled the land. Also, Han Ga In and Kim Soo Hyun’s onscreen chemistry is impossible to beat! They are acting royalty in this series with their affectionate romance. “The Moon Embracing the Sun” is a classic K-drama you can’t miss!

Watch “The Moon Embracing the Sun” here:

“Mirror of the Witch”

Set in the Joseon dynasty, “Mirror of the Witch” follows the story of cursed Princess Seo Ri (Kim Sae Ron), who was abandoned and left for dead by her mother. She, along with her twin, was born to the king and queen. While her brother rises to his proper place in the royal family, Princess Seo Ri lives in hiding and becomes a witch. It is up to royal physician Heo Jun (Yoon Shi Yoon) to help her lift the curse, which makes everyone around her die a terrible death. “Mirror of the Witch” is inspired by the classic book “Mirror of Eastern Medicine” by royal physician Heo Jun.

“Mirror of the Witch” is full of fantastic scenes—from the magical conception of the queen to Heo Jun’s curse elimination attempts, you will be entertained every step of the way! Despite the 14-year age gap between Kim Sae Ron and Yoon Shi Yoon, their professional on-screen chemistry proves their expertise as actors. They know how to give each production their all. While watching this series, you’ll find yourself rooting for Princess Seo Ri’s freedom until the very last episode.

Watch “Mirror of the Witch” here:

“Gu Family Book”

Born to a human and gumiho during the Joseon Dynasty, Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi) grows up to be a troublemaker and is unaware of his supernatural roots. After his adopted family is attacked, Kang Chi is on a mission to protect the family’s siblings and uncover the truth about his own superhuman strength and ability to become fully human. Along the way, he meets Dam Yeo Wool (Suzy), a swordswoman disguised as a swordsman, and they embark on an action-packed journey together. This fantasy is a martial arts masterpiece!

“Gu Family Book” is a fantasy roller coaster from start to finish. Lee Seung Gi does a great job making viewers believe that he truly possesses superhuman strength. His powers during fight scenes protecting his adopted family are jaw-dropping. “Gu Family Book” will keep you glued to the screen as you’ll be spellbound by Kang Chi’s biological parents’ romance, entranced by his adopted family life, shocked by the attack that leads him to discover his supernatural roots, and charmed by his love story with Yeo Wool. If you love fantasy historical K-dramas, you don’t want to miss this series!

Watch “Gu Family Book” here:

“Scarlet Heart: Ryeo”

During a total solar eclipse, a modern-day woman named Hae Soo (IU) magically transports to the Goryeo Dynasty. She meets Prince Wang So (Lee Joon Gi) and his fellow princes, who are all fighting to be King. Hae Soo and the troubled Prince Wang So fall in love.

Based on the hit C-drama “Scarlet Heart,” “Scarlet Heart: Ryeo” expertly blends the past and present in the most magical way. It uses a total solar eclipse to allow Hae Soo to time travel, while the series plays with history and the events surrounding the real King Wang So. IU and Lee Joon Gi did such a great job playing historical lovers that many viewers are still waiting for them to reprise their roles for a second season. Hae Soo’s fight for modern women’s rights and Wang So’s fight for his family’s love mirror each other, making “Scarlet Heart: Ryeo” an unforgettable drama. The acting, gorgeous costumes, and trendy K-pop music make this show a must see.

Which fantasy historical K-drama is your favorite? What incredible titles would you add to this list?

KMoody is a Soompi writer who is a longtime Korean drama fan. Her favorite dramas include “Boys Over Flowers,” “Dream High,” and “Love Alarm”! For more information about her personal and professional writing journey, follow her on Instagram at BTSCelebs.

The 15 Best Korean Fantasy Series With Magical and Supernatural Elements

If you're craving fantasy television, don't overlook Korean TV series (K-dramas). Here are some of the best ones with supernatural elements.

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Fantasy is one of the more interesting K-drama genres, featuring out-of-this-world elements like magic, reincarnation, history come to life, or even characters being taken to another world.

Sometimes, fantasy Korean drama series can cross over into other genres as well, like horror with undead and ghostly figures.

When done right, fantasy can make a Korean drama series feel unique in its approach as it blends other elements—like action and romance—into the main plot and character development.

Here are some of the best Korean fantasy series that include magical and supernatural elements that really kicks thing up.

From enchanting forests to ethereal realms, these dramas create a visually immersive experience that transports viewers into a world beyond reality. The meticulous attention to detail and artistic vision bring the magical aspects to life, making them even more captivating. In addition to the captivating plots and visual aesthetics, magical kdramas also boast exceptional performances by talented actors and actresses. Their ability to portray characters with depth and sincerity adds an extra layer of realism, even in the midst of magical elements. The chemistry between the cast members further enhances the emotional impact of the story, leaving viewers invested in the journey of the characters. Furthermore, magical kdramas often incorporate elements of humor, romance, and mystery, creating a well-rounded viewing experience. These dramas have the ability to make viewers laugh, cry, and contemplate life's possibilities, all while being entertained by the magical elements at play. Overall, magical kdramas offer a unique escape from reality, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a world where anything is possible. The combination of fantasy, relatable human stories, visually stunning settings, and exceptional performances make magical kdramas a beloved genre that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether it's a tale of a time-traveling journalist or a romance between a human and a supernatural being, magical kdramas have a way of enchanting viewers and leaving them longing for more..

Reviews for "Breaking Boundaries: How Kdramas Push the Limits of Imagination"

- Sarah - 1 star

I really didn't enjoy this kdrama at all. The plot was all over the place and it felt like the writers were just making things up as they went along. The characters were flat and their relationships didn't make any sense. The acting was also very subpar, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Overall, a disappointment.

- Jason - 2 stars

I had high hopes for this kdrama, but it fell short for me. The special effects were cheesy and poorly executed, making it hard to take the magical elements seriously. The pacing was also very slow, and it felt like the story dragged on and on. I found myself losing interest after a few episodes and ended up not finishing it.

- Jessica - 2.5 stars

While I appreciate the effort put into creating a magical world, the execution in this kdrama was lacking. The magical elements felt forced and didn't add much to the story. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and there were too many subplots that went nowhere. The acting was decent, but it couldn't salvage the messy storyline. Overall, I was left disappointed and unsatisfied.

- Mark - 1 star

I really didn't enjoy this kdrama at all. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked development. The magical elements felt gimmicky and out of place, and didn't add any depth to the story. The pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest very quickly. The ending was also unsatisfying and left me with more questions than answers. Overall, a forgettable and disappointing watch.

The Quest for Magic: Protagonists on a Journey in Kdramas