The 14 Best Korean Romance Movies

You might already know that Korean entertainment excels in the drama genre, making their romantic films especially powerful and distinctive.

For those learning Korean, these movies also provide excellent material for picking up more vocabulary related to love and relationships.

So without further delay, here are 14 of the most beloved Korean romance movies.

1. Always

Available on: Amazon Prime

Korean title: 오직 그대만 (Only You)

Genre: Romance, Action

Year: 2011

Chul-min, a disillusioned former boxer, now works as a parking attendant. His personality couldn't be more different from Jung-hwa's, an optimistic young woman who is gradually losing her eyesight.

A random meeting sparks a hopeful romance between them, but the question remains: how long can it endure?

This is a touching story guaranteed to stir your emotions, even if you're usually skeptical of romantic narratives.

The two leads share a wonderful chemistry, building a subtle yet authentic connection that offers a fresh take on the idea that "love is blind."

2. Be With You

Available on: Amazon Prime

Korean title: 지금 만나러 갑니다 (I’m Coming to Meet You Now)

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Year: 2018

On her deathbed, Soo-ah makes a promise to her husband Woo-jin that she will come back to him and their son exactly one year later when the rainy season arrives.

After his wife's passing, Woo-jin raises their son alone, a child who firmly holds onto the belief of his mother's return. Miraculously, a year later, a woman who looks just like Soo-ah but has no memory of her past life reappears.

How can this be happening, and why does she remember nothing of her family?

This Korean version is based on a Japanese film which was itself an adaptation of a novel by Takuji Ichikawa. It's a poignant and intriguing story that will likely have you shedding tears along with the film's significant rain scenes.

3. The Classic

Available on: Amazon

Korean title: 클래식

Genre: Romance, Drama

Year: 2003

Ji-hye, a college student, is navigating a complicated romantic situation. While cleaning her home, she discovers some old belongings of her mother: a diary and a bundle of letters.

What she uncovers is a hidden story of a love triangle that surprisingly mirrors her own current experiences.

A timeless favorite, "The Classic" is an exciting, multi-generational story filled with the kind of melodrama you'd expect from a complex love story.

I can confirm the film's lasting impact—its main theme song has been a part of my music collection for more than ten years.

You'll also be amazed by the skill of the lead actress, Son Ye-jin, as she portrays both the student Ji-hye and a younger version of her mother.

4. Decision to Leave

Available on: Apple TV

Korean title: 헤어질 결심 (Decision to Break Up)

Genre: Romance, Thriller

Year: 2022

Detective Jang Hae-jun is a committed officer with a wife he rarely sees. He becomes involved in a peculiar case concerning a man found dead at the foot of a mountain.

His inquiries lead him to the dead man's wife, Song Seo-rae, a Chinese immigrant. She appears to be concealing something, but despite the situation, Hae-jun finds himself deeply attracted to her.

Looking for a story of forbidden love within a dark detective mystery? This is it.

The dynamic between the two main characters is complex, so prepare for an intense journey, especially given the film is directed by the acclaimed Park Chan-wook.

5. The Handmaiden

Available on: Amazon Prime

Korean title: 아가씨 (Lady)

Genre: Romance, Thriller, Historical

Year: 2016

A swindler hatches a scheme to marry a wealthy Japanese heiress to steal her fortune. To improve his odds, he enlists a young woman to act as the lady's maid and slowly convince her to accept his marriage proposal.

However, the deceptive plan doesn't unfold as intended.

The movie is actually a reinterpretation of "Fingersmith," a crime novel by Sarah Waters.

But instead of the novel's Victorian England setting, the film's events occur during the era of Japanese colonial rule in Korea.

The film contains numerous erotic and sensual scenes, along with some potentially disturbing content, making it suitable only for adult viewers.

6. Il Mare

Available on: Amazon Prime

Korean title: 시월애 (Time-transcending love)

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Year: 2000

As she prepares to leave her house by the sea, Eun-joo leaves a letter in the mailbox for the next resident.

This turns out to be Sung-hyun, an architecture student, but there's a catch—he is supposed to be the very first person to live in the house, and the letter's date is from two years in the future.

He writes back with questions, and the two come to understand that, despite living in different times, they can still communicate with each other.

A heartfelt and moving tale that beautifully illustrates the idea that love knows no time. It was successful enough to inspire a 2006 American remake titled "The Lake House," featuring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.

7. A Moment to Remember

Available on: Amazon Prime

Korean title: 내 머리 속의 지우개 (Eraser in my Head)

Genre: Romance, Melodrama

Year: 2004

Soo-jin and Chul-soo's relationship had an awkward beginning, but it grew over time, leading to a joyful marriage.

However, Soo-jin's occasional memory lapses turn out to be more serious than mere forgetfulness.

If you're familiar with Alzheimer's disease, you know it's a devastating illness that damages far more than just memory.

The film's portrayal of this condition and its impact on a young couple is challenging and emotional to witness, but the enduring love story will keep your tearful eyes fixed on the screen.

8. My Sassy Girl

Available on: Netflix

Korean title: 엽기적인 그녀 (That Strange Girl)

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Year: 2001

When Tae-hyun noticed a drunk young woman perilously close to the train tracks, he felt compelled to help her to safety.

Little did he know that this single act would lead to a series of embarrassing and stressful situations, all thanks to the very same girl.

This is another classic you shouldn't overlook. "My Sassy Girl" is highly regarded, having inspired several remakes and being recognized as one of the key works that fueled the Korean cultural wave.

It's an incredibly enjoyable film that will have you both laughing and feeling sorry for the unfortunate male lead. If you like it, you might want to explore some of its many adaptations.

9. Sweet and Sour

Available on: Netflix

Korean title: 새콤달콤 (Sour and Sweet)

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Year: 2021

Jang-hyeok and Da-eun make a good couple, but their love faces challenges when Jang-hyeok begins a new job in another city, turning their relationship into a long-distance one. At his new workplace, he meets another woman who attracts his attention.

The movie's title perfectly captures its essence. As it explores the ups and downs of a romantic relationship (mostly through comedy), I value this story because, unlike many romance films, it doesn't only focus on the happy moments.

It addresses the real-life issues and difficulties of a modern relationship strained by physical separation and emotional distance.

10. 3-Iron

Available on: Amazon Prime

Korean title: 빈집 (Empty House)

Genre: Romance, Drama, Crime

Year: 2004

Tae-suk is a wanderer and an unusual, surprisingly polite squatter. He discovers a remarkable home currently lived in by a married couple.

Tae-suk quickly realizes the wife is suffering in an abusive marriage, setting off a chain of events that pulls the two of them together.

For those wondering about the title—yes, golf plays a significant role in this film. I was surprised by the movie's artistic and poetic quality, to the extent that labeling it just a romance feels somewhat inadequate.

The ending left me with a sense of emptiness (making the Korean title quite appropriate), but it's certainly a movie that will stay with me for a long time.

11. Tune in for Love

Available on: Netflix

Korean title: 유열의 음악앨범 (Yoo-yeol’s Music Album)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Year: 2016

Mi-soo and Hyun-woo first meet in a bakery and develop a connection, but their budding romance is interrupted when Hyun-woo suddenly leaves.

Yet, fate has more in store for them as they coincidentally cross paths several more times, though not always under the best conditions.

I'll confess, I began watching this film anticipating a lot of typical melodrama and emotional turmoil, but I was happily surprised by its gentle and sweet nature.

The characters shared great chemistry, so the slow development of their relationship evokes more understanding than frustration.

12. 20th Century Girl

Available on: Netflix

Korean title: 20세기 소녀 (20th Century Girl)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Year: 2022

Bo-ra, a loyal friend and high school student, agrees to observe and report on Hyun-jin, a boy her best friend is deeply infatuated with. However, she unexpectedly starts developing feelings for the very boy she's supposed to be watching. Cue the drama.

Ah, the classic scenario of a love triangle spiraling out of control. I'm not particularly romantic, nor have I ever spied for a friend, but I still felt deeply for our conflicted protagonist as she wrestles with choosing between her friend's happiness and her own desires.

This heartwarming film delivers both joy and sorrow.

13. 200 Pounds Beauty

Available on: Amazon Prime

Korean title: 미녀는 괴로워 (Beauty is pain)

Genre: Romance, Music, Comedy

Year: 2006

Han-na is a plus-sized woman with an incredible singing voice. She works as the unseen vocalist for a famous pop star who lip-syncs her performances.

When Han-na falls for a music producer, she decides to have extensive plastic surgery to get a body that she believes matches her talent.

This popular film explores the classic "ugly duckling" romance theme, but that doesn't make it any less uniquely charming and inspiring.

Also, a friendly heads-up: the film's signature song is incredibly catchy and will likely be stuck in your head for days.

14. Wish You: Your Melody From My Heart

Available on: Viki

Korean title: 위시 유 : 나의 마음속 너의 멜로디 (Wish You: Your Melody From My Heart)

Genre: Romance, Drama, Music

Year: 2021

In-soo is a street musician with remarkable talent and a deep passion for music. His skills catch the attention of Sang-yi, an employee at a record label.

Sang-yi scouts In-soo for a project that could lead to stardom. This requires them to live together while they collaborate.

However, their relationship soon evolves beyond a professional one.

This film handles LGBTQ themes with sensitivity and warmth. I thought it was a beautiful watch, free from many overused plot devices.

If you love the movie and can't get enough of the male leads' sweet relationship, you might also enjoy the drama series that came out shortly after the film.

These films will immerse you in captivating worlds of enchanting love and profound heartbreak.

So before you start watching, it's a good idea to get emotionally ready and keep a box of tissues within reach.