Retro Learns Korean: 7 Korean Netflix Show Recommendations

The video above is a little outdated, with this list I will try to keep it updated as I continue to watch more shows and movies that are provided worldwide through Netflix. Personally I prefer movies to to a drama, usually because of the length. I still have a lot to catch up on, so I will only be including shows and movies that I have watched from start to finish.

Netflix has a great line up of international tv shows and movies and this extends to Korean. The content mentioned in this article should be available in every region, so no VPN required. They also all have audio description(음성 설명) and closed captions, which means you can make the most of your time watching.

For each entry I'll try to give a descrpition about the premise and who might enjoy it. You can see the full list of Korean audio content here. and a full list of content with audio description here. I'll start with TV shows first and remember to share your favourites below so others can find content they might enjoy.

TV Shows

The Sound of Your Heart (마음의 소리) [2016]

Genre: Sitcom

A sitcom based on a webtoon of the same name, the show follows the life of a webtoonist played by 이광수. It's definitely a lot more light hearted and shorter than most of the entries on this list. It's been a while since I've watched it so I can't remember much of the specifics. This one is for those who want something easy to get into, however some may find the comedy is very Korean.

If you enjoyed this one it might be worth checking some older sitcoms such as the High Kick series. Perhaps even some more comedic dramas like weightlifting fairy Kim Bok-Ju(영도요정 김복주).

Mr. Sunshine (미스터 션샤인) [2018]

Genres: Romance, Historical drama

Set during the closing years of the Japanese occupation of Korea, the main story follows many of the citizens who are caught up in the conflict. The dynamic of the main characters is excellent, having 4 characters who come from very different backgrounds. It's a bit of a slow starter but the highs are very high and the lows are few and far between.

I didn't realise it when I first watched it but their are some huge actors present in this one, most of them have been in some notable works prior and at the time of release it had one of the highest ratings on Korean television. If you like the setting for this one, you may like another drama set in same era Nokdu flower (녹두꽃), although it heavily uses 전라도 사투리, which may or may not be a positive.

Vagabond (배가본드) [2019]

Genre: Action

Mainly an action revenge plot with many twists and turns. A man sets out to find the cause of a plane crash, which his nephew was aboard. Audio description is great for this one because there are a fair few scenes that are in English and Arabic, with the audio description on they are dubbed in Korean.

I think this is one of the harder shows I've watched, it uses a lot of technical vocabulary, political and militaristic.

The Lies Within (모두의 거짓말) [2019]

Genre: Thriller

A woman investigates the disappearance of her husband, while she tries to run for a local political group. It starts strong however it drops off towards the end. It's worth sticking around to see the finale but I just wanted to warn you prior. Overall a relatively simple mystery, thriller perhaps a little similar to shows like Stranger (비밀의 숲).

Kingdom (킹덤) [2019]

Genres: Horror, 사극

Definitely one of the best Korean shows, a mysterious infection starts spreading from the north of the country, the story shows the conflict of the survivors and the realisation of what has happened as they try to fight back. Moderately scary in some senses but I'm sure most people are used to zombie aesthetic now to not need a scare warning.

I was a bit skeptical before watching because I was over the zombie genre but I think the more historic setting and also being set as the infection starts made it feel more fresh. They really nail the desperation of the characters and the building of relationships. There is a third seasion confirmed, so it's a good time to catch up.

Extracurricular (인간수업) [2020]

Genre: Teen drama; Crime drama

My favourite TV show of 2020, a young high school boy with excellent grades and monetary issues, gets involved in dangerous side business. 인간수업 really shows what can be produced when Netflix gives people opportunities. The acting is excellent and it's really short, at only 10 episodes. The main plot device is sure to have given people ideas in real life.

I don't think there is another tv show based in high school setting that covers subjects like crime. If yo enjoyed this you might like Itaewon Class (이태원 클라쓰) or SKY Castle (SKY 캐슬).

Rugal (루갈) [2020]

Genre: Action; Science fiction

Based on a webtoon of the same name, Rugal (루갈) follows an ex cop who wants to get revenge for the murder of his wife. He is left alive seriously injured and is forced to join a group of augmented personnel, giving them abilities. This one has a lot of action scenes and is quite gruesome at times. I enjoyed it for what it was, it's not exactly the greatest story but it does have a lot of interesting events to keep you hooked.

Sweet Home (스위트홈) [2020]

Genre: Drama; Horror; Apocalyptic

Also based on a webtoon, this one has been changed in many aspects, especially the ending. Extremely entertaining and slightly disturbing. We see a young guy who has lost his family and is planning to commit suicide until the sudden appearance of strange creatures. He becomes locked in his apartment building with various other residents.

The entertainment doesnt stop from start to finish, I think from the list this one might be top 1 or 2. Nothing really hits the same but I hope Netflix continues to fund webtoon adaptations so we can continue to get great content.

Closing

There are so many more great shows on Netflix that are not listed here. I'm trying to get round to more so that I can recommend the best ones. I still have a lot to catch up on especially the newer ones but some others such as Crash Landing on You(사랑의 불시착) that are super popular. Personally I've always been more interested in movies than tv shows, especially dramas. Maybe you can tell from the list as it has less of the romance dramas you may find from others.

I will make post soon for Korean movies that are on Netflix, which will once again be for content that will hopefully be available in all regions so that anyone who finds this does not miss out. If there are any Korean shows that you would like to recommend please leave a comment below.

Retro Learns Korean

7 Korean Netflix Show Recommendations