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1. My Love from the Star (2014): Romance, fantasy and comedy
My Love from the Star is a fantasy romance between a top actress and a man who has supernatural powers. Extra terrestrial Do Min Jun landed on Earth in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), but 400 years later in modern times he falls in love with actress Chun Song-Yi. This drama attracted many foreign tourists to Seoul, as it displayed popular districts for food and shopping in city areas.
2. The Heirs (2013): Romance
If Gossip girls disclosed the lives of privileged teenagers in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, The Heirs unveils the lives of young inheritors from families of Chaebol [Korean form of business conglomerate] in Korea. But the main male character Kim Tan, who is the heir of the biggest conglomerate in Korea, falls in love with Cha Eun-Sang from a poor family background. His love for Eun-Sang causes a conflict with his parents. What decision will he make in the end? His family’s wealth or love?
3. Iris (2009): Action
If you are a fan of the action genre, this drama is highly recommended for you. It was Korea’s first blockbuster drama. The story is based on a spy thriller between the two Koreas, and it portrays betrayal and romance in the National Security System (NSS). Lee Byung-Hun, who made himself known as G.I. Joe’s Storm Shadow in Hollywood, starred in Iris.
4. Goong [The Princess Hours] (2006): Romance and drama
Goong [The Princess Hours] is a romance drama which focuses on the lives of Crown Prince Lee Shin and his new bride Shin Chae-Kyeong, who is a commoner. This drama depicts 21st century Korea’s imperial family, but imagining that Korea has still maintained its monarchy since it gained independence from Japan in 1945. Therefore, viewers can see harmony between tradition and modern in architectures, costumes and food.
5. Dae Jang Geum [The Great Janggeum] (2003): Historical fiction
Daejanggeum [The Great Janggeum] is a perfect drama to introduce traditional Korean history and cultures including food and costumes, as it is set in Korea during Joseon Kingdom (1392-1897). The story is based on the historical figure Janggeum, who was the first female royal physician of the Joseon dynasty. It was exported to 90 countries. In Sri Lanka, it marked 99 percent of the viewing rate.
