Given the abundance of folktales in Korean culture featuring mythical creatures, it's unsurprising that Korean fantasy dramas elevate the genre to new heights. With immortal goblins, aliens, superhumans, ghosts, and mermaids among its cast of characters, these shows offer a thrilling escape to other dimensions. Check out our top picks for the best fantasy Korean dramas to add to your watchlist.

The King: The Eternal Monarch (2020)

The main character of this grandiose production is Lee Min-ho (playing Lee Gon), a highly acclaimed actor in South Korea. In the show's plot, Min-ho portrays a king who traverses a mysterious gateway and ends up in an alternate reality. The King features breathtaking imagery and presents concepts such as reincarnation, alternate dimensions, time travel, and mythical artifacts with authenticity. Furthermore, the lead actors, Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun (as a spirited detective), deliver outstanding performances and infuse their characters with relatable subtleties.

My Love From The Star (2013)

My Love From The Star is a Korean drama that features extraterrestrial beings, with Do Min-Joon (played by Kim Soo-Hyun) as the alien protagonist who has been residing on Earth for 400 years and is scheduled to depart in three months. He possesses superior physical abilities such as heightened senses and speed, and holds a pessimistic attitude towards humans. However, his encounter with the beautiful actress Chun Song-Yi (played by Gianna Jun) alters his perspective, leading him to develop romantic feelings for her. This creates a dilemma for Min-Joon as he is torn between choosing to remain with his newfound love or returning to his home planet.

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin) (2016-2017)

What if legendary beings such as undying goblins and death personified lived alongside us? That's the premise of this enchanting tale of love and magic. The series follows the journey of Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo), an immortal goblin, who is seeking his soulmate as she is the only one who can release him from a thousand-year curse. This drama portrays the heartfelt and poignant struggles that Gong Yoo experiences as he embarks on his quest to find his true love. If you're seeking a Korean drama that features skillful direction, stunning visuals, and outstanding performances, this show is a must-watch.

Hotel Del Luna (2019)

The K-drama revolves around Jang Man-wol (IU), a mythical figure who has been the CEO of a hotel for the deceased, Hotel del Luna, for the past millennium. The show is a dark comedy and features Koo Chan-sung (Yeo Jin-Goo), a human who becomes the new manager of the haunted hotel. Every episode showcases a different ghost guest, which adds to the intrigue and captivates the audience. In addition, the unusual love story between Jang Man-wol and Koo Chan-sung is heartwarming, and despite being doomed, the viewers can't help but cheer for them.

Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)

The plot of The Legend of the Blue Sea revolves around the romantic relationship between Heo Joon Jae, a brilliant swindler, and Shim Chung, an enchanting mermaid who becomes enamored with him. The quality of the acting, screenplay, and cinematography in this production are remarkable. Both Heo Joon Jae and Shim Chung are portrayed as being simultaneously vulnerable, strong, and endearing. The depiction of the mermaid character is especially noteworthy, as it avoids being overly childish or cringe-worthy. Additionally, the fact that the show was filmed in the picturesque Spanish cities of Barcelona, Girona, and A Coruña adds to its charm.

The Uncanny Counter (2020)

Mun portrays a physically challenged teenager in high school who is frequently subjected to bullying. However, his fortunes take a turn for the better after he is recruited by a team of superhuman individuals called the Counters. By day, the Counters work in a noodle shop, and by night, they hunt demons. The group is a fascinating one, each member with a heart-warming tale. The series charts Mun and the Counters' journey as they attempt to uncover the truth about his parents' death in a car accident. Though the plot is gripping, the most enjoyable aspect is the camaraderie and companionship shared by the Counters.

Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020)

The plot of Tale of the Nine-Tailed revolves around Lee Yeon, a gumiho or a mythical nine-tailed fox from Korean folklore, as he sets out to find his past love, Ah-eum, who has been reincarnated. However, his half-brother Lee Rang feels resentment towards him for what he perceives as betrayal. The story explores themes of love, heartbreak, devotion, and treachery. Additionally, the show features a cast of attractive actors, making it a delightful watch for many.