Where Should I Start If I’m New to K-Dramas?
A Beginner’s Guide from a Korean Local
If you are new to K-dramas, welcome. You are about to fall into a very deep, very emotional rabbit hole, and as a Korean woman watching this global love for our dramas grow, I say that with affection.
Many foreigners ask the same question at the beginning: where do I even start? There are hundreds of dramas, countless genres, and very passionate fans telling you different things. Starting the “wrong” drama can feel overwhelming, but the truth is simpler than you think.
Let me guide you through this the way I would if a foreign friend were sitting next to me on the couch.
First, Forget the Idea That All K-Dramas Are the Same
One common misconception is that K-dramas are all romantic and cheesy. Romance is important, yes, but it is only one piece of the puzzle.
K-dramas cover crime, thriller, slice of life, fantasy, historical stories, workplace dramas, and deeply emotional family narratives. The key is not to ask what is the most famous drama, but what kind of story you personally enjoy.
Once you match the genre to your taste, K-dramas become addictive very quickly.
Start With Modern, Easy-to-Follow Stories
If you are completely new, I recommend starting with modern dramas set in present-day Korea. These usually have familiar settings like offices, schools, or cities, which makes cultural differences easier to absorb.
Modern dramas often explain emotions clearly and rely less on historical context or traditional language. This helps beginners focus on storytelling rather than feeling lost.
Choose Shorter Series First
Classic Korean dramas often have 16 episodes, sometimes 20. This length is ideal for beginners. It allows enough time to connect with characters without demanding months of commitment.
Avoid very long family dramas at first. While they are meaningful, they can feel overwhelming if you are still adjusting to Korean pacing and emotional style.
Romantic Comedies Are a Safe Entry Point
Romantic comedies are popular for a reason. They balance humor, emotion, and cultural insight without feeling heavy.
They introduce Korean dating culture, workplace etiquette, and social habits naturally. Even when situations are exaggerated, the emotional logic is very Korean and very relatable.
As a local, I often recommend rom-coms not because they are shallow, but because they gently teach how Koreans express feelings.
Slice of Life Shows Reveal Real Korea
If you want to understand Korean society, slice-of-life dramas are incredibly valuable.
These dramas focus on everyday struggles, friendships, family relationships, and personal growth. They move slower but feel deeply authentic.
Many foreigners tell me these shows helped them understand Korean emotions more than any documentary.
Do Not Worry About Understanding Everything
At the beginning, you will miss cultural references. That is normal.
Honorifics, family roles, workplace hierarchy, and subtle body language take time to understand. K-dramas are actually a great teacher because repetition helps learning without pressure.
Let yourself enjoy the story first. Understanding comes later.
Streaming Platforms Matter
Choose a platform with good subtitles and recommendations. This makes a big difference.
Well-translated subtitles help you understand tone, not just words. Poor subtitles can make even a great drama feel confusing.
Many global platforms now curate beginner-friendly lists, which is a helpful starting point.
Avoid Overhyping Your First Drama
Fans love to recommend masterpieces. While these shows are amazing, starting with the most emotionally intense drama can set unrealistic expectations.
It is better to start with something enjoyable rather than “the best drama ever made.” Let your taste develop naturally.
K-Dramas Are About Emotion, Not Speed
One thing I often tell foreigners is this: K-dramas are not rushed.
They take time to build emotional connections. Silence matters. Small gestures matter. If you accept this pacing, you will understand why people cry over scenes where almost nothing happens.
This emotional rhythm is very Korean.
So, Where Should You Start?
Start with a genre you already love. Choose a modern, mid-length drama. Trust subtitles. Ignore pressure. And most importantly, give yourself time to adjust.
From a Korean perspective, K-dramas are not just entertainment. They are emotional storytelling shaped by culture, history, and human connection.
Once you find your first drama that truly clicks, the rest will follow naturally.
Recommend 5 easily accessible K-dramas
1. Crash Landing on You(사랑의 불시착)
A romantic story about a South Korean woman who accidentally lands in North Korea and meets an unexpected love. Easy to follow, emotional, and very popular worldwide.
2. Itaewon Class(이태원 클라쓰)
A story about youth, ambition, and starting over in Seoul. It introduces Korean work culture and social issues in a modern, relatable way.
3. Business Proposal(사내맞선)
A light romantic comedy set in a corporate office. Fast-paced, funny, and perfect for beginners who want something entertaining without heavy emotions.
4. Reply 1988(응답하라 1988)
A warm slice-of-life drama about family, friendship, and growing up in Korea. It helps viewers understand Korean family culture and everyday emotions.
5. Extraordinary Attorney Woo(이상한 변호사 우영우)
A heartfelt legal drama about a brilliant lawyer with autism. Touching, inspiring, and very accessible for international viewers.