There’s no one more skilled at mixing fantasy, history, and romance into the perfect TV series than South Korean filmmakers. Netflix’s Korean drama Alchemy of Souls is perfect proof of that. Blending genres and elements seems to be the prototype for both Korean cinema and music. They draw what they need from different areas and combine them into one big work of art that somehow works, despite the seeming improbability.
If you’ve enjoyed the perfect mix that is Alchemy of Souls, which wrapped its two-part run with Light and Shadow in early 2023, here are some other Korean TV series you might want to check out next. From Arthdal Chronicles to Hotel del Luna, these shows are essential viewing for any fan of the genre.
‘Arthdal Chronicles’ (2019)
Korea’s First Ancient Fantasy Epic
Regarded as the first Korean ancient fantasy drama, Arthdal Chronicles is set in the Bronze Age and is loosely based on the founder of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon. It’s set in the mythical land of Arth, where its inhabitants face power struggles and the hardships of love and unity as they try to build a new society.
We get South Korea’s favorite leads in the main roles: the incomparable Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won. This epic fantasy sucks you in and provides a fascinating look into Korea’s early civilization and its differing tribes. A sequel series, Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun, followed in 2023 with Lee Joon-gi stepping into the lead, so there’s plenty here for anyone who loves historical fantasies.
‘Lovers of the Red Sky’ (2021)
A Painter With a Magical Talent
Adapted from the novel of the same name, Lovers of the Red Sky is a fantasy romance historical drama starring Kim Yoo-jung and Ahn Hyo-seop as the lead romantic couple. The plot centers on the only woman painter in the fictional Dan dynasty, a figure briefly recorded in the historical texts.
Brought up as a fierce young woman with a magical painting talent, she stumbles upon an astrologer who can read stars and constellations. This is a very addictive must-see K-drama that leaves you on the edge of your seat by the end of every episode.
‘Mirror of the Witch’ (2016)
A Cursed Princess and a Black Magic Shaman
Inspired by the book Dongui Bogam, Mirror of the Witch, also known as Scarlet Healer, is yet another historical fantasy drama worth checking out. It follows the story of an infertile princess who meets a black magic shaman in an attempt to rid herself of the curse she’s been put under.
The mix of costumes, fantasy, and modern-day mannerisms may feel odd at first, but you’ll eventually get used to it. The storyline is different, interesting, and riveting, even if it occasionally feels like it’s written in circles. The show leaves an impression with both its plot and its superb acting.
‘The Moon Embracing the Sun’ (2012)
Royal Romance Meets Palace Conspiracy
South Koreans love their shaman plotlines, and The Moon Embracing the Sun is no different. Set against the backdrop of a traditional Korean palace, it stars Kim Soo-hyun as a fictional king in the Joseon dynasty and his poignant love with a woman shaman, played by Han Ga-in.
Per usual, political conspiracies and conflicts are included. It won Best Drama and Best Actor in the television category at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards. Many argue the teen actors outperformed their adult counterparts, but after a watch, you’ll realize the whole show deserves its strong reviews and ratings.
‘Gu Family Book’ (2013)
A Were-Fox in Search of His Humanity
Starring singer-actors Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy in the lead roles, Gu Family Book is a fusion of martial-arts action and historical fantasy drama. It revolves around a half-human, half-were-fox man on a desperate search for a centuries-old book that will help him become fully human.
Prepare for many tragic backstories and a lot of crying. The show is a little unconventional and doesn’t take itself seriously, quenching the thirst for many genres in one with action, comedy, fantasy, and strong male and female characters.
‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ (2016)
A Time-Travel Love Triangle
Based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a historical fantasy drama starring South Korea’s Lee Ji-eun, Lee Joon-gi, and Kang Ha-neul as the leading love triangle. It tells the story of a 21st-century woman who, during a solar eclipse, is transported back in time to the Goryeo dynasty, falls in love, and is unwillingly drawn into political conflicts.
Even if you’re not an avid K-drama lover, you’ll find the plot interesting and heart-wrenching in its complications. The show is thrilling from beginning to end and leaves you crying like a baby near the finale.
‘Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth’ (2016)
Brotherhood and Subtext in Silla
Don’t worry, we have something for the lovers of homoerotic subtext as well. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth is a period drama centered on an elite group of trained warriors, called Hwarang, who discover love and friendship among themselves against the backdrop of turmoil in the Silla kingdom.
The drama is known for its star cast, including Park Seo-joon, Go A-ra, Park Hyung-sik, Choi Min-ho of Shinee, and Kim Taehyung of BTS. The series’ many strengths overpower the small flaws some people like to point out. K-dramas mostly last for one season only, and you’ll definitely be saddened that this one doesn’t have a follow-up.
‘A Korean Odyssey’ (2017)
A Modern Spin on Journey to the West
Serving as a modern spin-off of the 16th-century Chinese classic Journey to the West, A Korean Odyssey is a fantasy TV series starring Lee Seung-gi, Cha Seung-won, and Oh Yeon-seo in leading roles. It revolves around Son O-gong and King Wooma, who are in constant conflict yet bond over their shared quest for light in an evil world.
The show is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before: simple, unique, and refreshing. The plot feels like a dream, and the chemistry between the two leads only enhances its appeal.
‘Goblin’ aka ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’ (2016)
The Gold Standard of K-Dramas
Starring Gong Yoo in the title role alongside Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, and Yook Sung-jae, Goblin quickly became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea upon release. It tells the story of an immortal goblin who has to find his one true love to help remove an invisible sword from his chest.
With its high audience rating, it became one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. It has also become the gold standard for K-dramas thanks to its truly transcendent on-screen artistry. Throw out all your reservations and watch this one, because you certainly won’t regret it.
‘Hotel del Luna’ (2019)
A Hotel for the Dead
Last but not least is a TV series written by the Hong sisters and starring Lee Ji-eun yet again, alongside Yeo Jin-goo: Hotel del Luna. Lee plays the owner of a special hotel that caters only to ghosts, caring for them before they step into the light. Yeo plays the hotel manager as well as Lee’s love interest. It has become one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history.
The top-notch production makes it better than the average K-drama, and the styling team excels at makeup and costumes. It gets slow from time to time, but that doesn’t take away from its amazing qualities.
There are plenty of great Korean fantasy dramas out there that will appeal to fans of Alchemy of Souls, so make sure you let us know which ones you would recommend on top of our ten picks for fans of the genre.
