list of Korean romantic movies

The Most Heartwarming Korean Romantic Movies In 2023 | 15 Korean Romance Movies You Must Watch

Who doesn’t love a good romance movie? And no one does romantic movies better than South Koreans! So here’s a list of Korean romantic movies to put on when you’re bringing your date home.

If you want to cozy up to your partner on a rainy day, watch something heartwarming when down, or even get over a bad breakup, a sweet romantic comedy or deeply romantic drama would do the trick.  

And since a lot of people have already experienced the saccharine, slow-burn goodness that is the romantic K-drama, it’s obvious that Korean movies are also sought after.

A lot of these Korean romantic movies have amazing scenic backdrops, a lovely soundtrack, and let’s not forget the handsome main leads! 

In short, these movies have all the ingredients required for an epic romantic movie!

If you want to plan out your next date, here is my list of Korean romantic movies, you must watch!

Korean Romantic MoviesWhere You Can Watch ThemIMDB Ratings
Castaway on the MoonNetflix8.0/10
A Werewolf BoyNetflix, Viki7.3/10
A Moment to RememberNetflix, Amazon Prime8.2/10
The Beauty Inside Netflix, Amazon Prime, Viki7.4/10
Be With YouViki7.7/10
200 Pounds BeautyNetflix6.7/10
Il MareNetflix7.5/10
My Sassy GirlNetflix, Viki8.0/10

Korean Romantic Movies 2023

Castaway on the Moon

What I loved most about this movie is that it isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill romance. 

It’s very surreal and touching and has dark themes such as suicide and internet addiction.

How on earth is it a romantic movie, you ask? Well, I won’t give you spoilers.

The movie Castaway To The Moon centers on Kim Seong-geun, a lonely man who shuns society and prefers the internet to the real world.

One night as Kim attempts suicide he’s spotted by a photographer Kim Jung-yeon who loves photographing the moon.

These two unlikely lovers soon strike up a conversation based on messages in bottles and scribbled notes. 

How their love comes to be is a heartwarming story! 

The one thing that will immediately draw you in the movie is the heartwarming performances by the two main leads. I especially loved Jung Jae-young’s portrayal of a man in grief and turmoil.

I need to warn you that this isn’t like your run of the mill Korean romance movies. It explores dark themes and can be a heavy watch.

However, the witty screenplay and brilliant acting make it a top contender on my Korean love story movie list!

  • Korean Title: 김씨 표류기 (Kimssi Pyoryugi)
  • Year Of Release: 2008
  • Starring: Jung Jae-young, Jung Ryeo-won
  • Rating: 8.6/10

A Werewolf Boy

Move away Twilight and Teen Wolf, this Korean movie has got the supernatural romance theme to perfection! 

The movie beings with an old woman reminiscing about her first love. Kim Sun-Yi was just a little girl in the 1960s when she discovers a wild boy near her home who her kind mother mistakes for an orphan.

But something’s not right about the boy as Kim Sun-yi soon discovers. I just love heartwarming A Werewolf Boy is despite not being very richly detailed in the plot.

While the movie isn’t dialogue-heavy, it manages to bring tears to your eyes just through its beautiful cinematography and haunting score. 

And the acting prowess of the two kids is something to be celebrated! It was amazing to watch these young kids emote so well on screen.

The movie’s a very drama heavy. The screenplay meanders a bit especially in the last half of the movie but the charm and aesthetic of the film make up for it in my opinion.

I also liked the cinematography in this film. There is a chilly blue filter and a foggy effect that gives you the feeling that you’re watching the movie out of a dew-covered window. It’s a truly beautiful artistic choice.

  • Korean Title: 늑대소년 (Neukdae Sonyeon)
  • Year Of Release: 2012
  • Starring: Song Joong-ki, Park Bo-young
  • Rating: 8.4/10

A Moment to Remember

This is one of the most stereotypical films in my list of swoon-worthy Korean romantic movies. But that’s not a bad thing at all. 

The movie revolves around a girl Kim Su-jin who belongs to a rich family. She falls in love with Choi Chul-soo who happens to be a humble construction worker.

Not only does this couple have to battle the class differences that come in their way, Kim Su-jin also gets stricken with Alzheimer’s.

Let me warn you, A Moment To Remember movie is a tearjerker and a massive one at that. Keep your tissues ready! I’ve found it to be one of the best Korean romantic movies of all times.

I won’t give you any spoilers here, but if you watch it, you’ll know why!

  • Korean Title:  내 머리 속의 지우개(Nae Meorisogui Jiugae)
  • Year Of Release: 2004
  • Starring: Jung Woo-sung, Son Ye-jin
  • Rating: 8.2/10

The Beauty Inside

Now this movie has one of the most interesting concepts I’ve seen in recent times! The main love interest is a man, Woo-Jin who doesn’t have a body.

Or rather he doesn’t have one body as his consciousness flits from one person to another every day.

One day he might be Korean, one day he might not. Sometimes, he isn’t even a man! So naturally, Woo-Jin’s played by many different actors including Park Shin Hye. 

But one thing remains constant – Woo-jin is madly in love with only one woman Yi-soo!  As far as Korean romance movies go, this one is far from formulaic.

If you’re a fan of books as well as movies when it to romance, you’ll find the plot has similarities to that of David Levithan’s Every Day.

That’s as far as I’ll reveal about the plot! You’ve got to watch the movie for yourself. The Beauty Inside is now on Netflix too, so you can check it out here.

  • Korean Title: 뷰티 인사이드 (Byuti Insaideu)
  • Year Of Release: 2015
  • Starring: Han Hyo-joo, Park Shin-hye, Go Ah-sung
  • Rating: 7.4/10

Be With You

Be With You is a remake of a Japanese movie of the same name. The story follows Woo-Jin, a single father who struggles to raise his son after the death of his wife.

But one day, his wife Soo-ah seemingly returns from the dead, with no memory whatsoever of dying.

This movie is pretty heartwarming and melodramatic, so you can put it on during a date. 

  • Korean Title: 지금 만나러 갑니다 (Jigeum Mannareo Gamnida)
  • Year Of Release: 2018
  • Starring: So Ji-sub, Son Ye-jin
  • Rating: 7.7/10

Related: List of Korean thriller movies

200 Pounds Beauty

I think everyone knows about the beauty standards in South Korea at this point. So is it really surprising that there’s a movie about plastic surgery as it’s central theme?

The movie is the story of a ghost singer Kang Han-na who’s often neglected due to her overweight appearance.

Until she gets a plastic surgery and becomes hot! 

If you’re looking for a nuanced, oscar-worthy tale of self-love, this ain’t it.

But if you want a fun take on South Korea’s obsession with beauty and a cutesy romance, this movie is a fantastic watch. 

  • Korean Title: 미녀는 괴로워 (Minyeoneun Goerowo)
  • Year Of Release: 2006
  • Starring: Kim Ah-Joong, Joo Jin-mo
  • Rating: 6.6/10

Il Mare

If you’re not up for a romantic comedy and want to watch something more introspective, there’s always Il Mare.

This movie was not a huge financial success when it first came out, but slowly it has become a cult favorite over the years. 

The movie tells the tale of two individuals who live in the same house only at different times. But their love helps transcend space and time. 

Il Mare was also remade in English as the Lake House starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. 

  • Korean Title: 시월애 (Siworae)
  • Year Of Release: 2000
  • Starring: Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Jung-jae
  • Rating: 7.5/10

Architecture 101

The main theme of this Korean romantic movie is nostalgia, destiny, and finding a lost love. 

It beings with an old woman Yang Seo-yeon who asks her old architecture classmate Lee Seung-min to help her design her home.

The movie is sprinkled with 90s references and brings you a lovely dose of nostalgia. 

A heartwarming tale that will surely remind you of your first love. 

  • Korean Title: 건축학개론 (Geonchukhakgaeron)
  • Year Of Release: 2012
  • Starring: Uhm Tae-woong, Han Ga-in, Lee Je-hoon, Bae Suzy
  • Rating: 7.2/10

My Sassy Girl

If you’re a Korean or Japanese millennial and haven’t heard of My Sassy Girl, you probably have been living under a rock!

This movie is a pop culture phenomenon in South Korea! In fact, the love and madness My Sassy Girl has inspired has even been compared to the Titanic mania.

What people loved about this movie is the atypical female lead who’s not all soft and dainty.

She’s… well, sassy! And fun and quirky. 

The movie also stars Cha Tae-hyun as a nerdy engineering student who embarks on a fun journey with Jun Ji-Hyun’s character. 

  • Korean Title: 내 여자친구를 소개합니다 (Nae yeojachingureul sogae habnid)
  • Year Of Release: 2004
  • Starring: Jun Ji-hyun, Jang Hyuk
  • Rating: 7.2/10

My Girl and I 

This movie is one of those romantic tearjerkers. So you’ve been forewarned! It tells the story of Su-Eun, a high school student who saves the life of Su-Ho her classmate. 

They continue to hit it off and their relationship blossoms until tragedy strikes again.

A little advice… Keep the tissues handy while watching this one. 

  • Korean Title: 파랑주의보 (Parang Juuibo)
  • Year Of Release: 2001
  • Starring:  Tae-Hyun Cha, Song Hye-Kyo, Chang-ui Song, Jung-hee Moon
  • Rating: 7.1/10

Related: List of Korean dramas of Kim Soo Hyun

I’m a Cyborg but that’s OK

Best swoon-worthy Korean romantic movies

This movie is directed by Park Chan-wook, the same guy who directed Oldboy. But the contrast between the two films couldn’t be greater!

I’m a Cyborg, but that’s OK is the story of Park Il-soon who’s in a institution for antisocial behaviour. There he meets Cha Young-goon who thinks she’s a robot. 

The two steadily become friends and even fall in love with each other. There’s no romantic declarations or candlelit dinners or scenic locations here.

But the lovestory appears as genuine as ever. And maybe that’s what is so remarkable about it.

If you’re a sucker for love developing in the unlikeliest places, this movie will be a great match!

  • Korean Title: 싸이보그지만 괜찮아 (Ssaibogeujiman Gwaenchanha)
  • Year Of Release: 2006
  • Starring: Rain, Im Soo-jung
  • Rating: 6.9/10

Love, Lies

Best heartwarming Korean romance movie

Love, Lies isn’t just a romantic movie, it’s also a historical drama. The movie is set in the 1940s when Korea was under Japanese rule.

Not only does the movie showcase a heart-touching romance, but also highlights the struggles of colonized Korean society. 

The movie’s main theme is the struggle between modernity and tradition. 

This is highlighted by the strain in the relationship between Jung So-yul and Seo Yeon-hee, two female entertainers or Kisaeng who find themselves at crossroads when So-yul falls in love with a pop singer. 

  • Korean Title: 해어화 (Hae-eohwa)
  • Year Of Release: 2016
  • Starring: Han Hyo-joo, Chun Woo-hee, Yoo Yeon-seok
  • Rating: 6.9/10

Related: List of Korean Joseon drama

Handmaiden

Most Passionate Korean Romance Movie

If you are looking for the perfect movie to watch, then choose this one without a second thought. Directed by Park Chan-wook, ‘Handmaiden’ is a romantic thriller that will keep you gripped to your seat! 

If you are someone who has a keen interest in cinematography, this movie will give you the thrills, because it is craftily created by using vintage lenses in order to give the viewer the feeling of the 1930s occupation.

The story of this movie is based on how a Korean con artist comes up with a well-crafted plan in order to seduce a Japanese heiress with the help of her handmaiden who is a pickpocketer, to gain her trust and lure her out of her inheritance. 

But soon the heiress falls for her handmaiden. 

  • Korean Title: 아가씨 (Agassi)
  • Year of Release: 2016
  • Starring: Kim tae-ri, Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo
  • Rating: 8.1/10

Always

Most Swoon-worthy Korean Romantic Movie

Sensual, heart-warming and overwhelming, ‘Always’ is a classic romantic film that will warm your heart and fill your soul. 

Directed by Song Il-gon, Always depicts the perfect chemistry between an ex-boxer and former convict who has lost his faith in love, comes across a blind telemarketer who eventually makes him restore his faith in love while their relationship begins to blossom.

If you are someone who loves straightforward movies but can totally capture you within the initial moments of the movie, then ‘Always’ should be your first choice. 

It has everything you need to warm your heart, while the emotions will speak to your soul because of the wild expression of love portrayed by the characters in the film.

  • Korean Title: 오직 그대만 (Ohjik geudaeman)
  • Year of Release: 2011
  • Starring: Han Hyo-joo, So Ji-sub, Oh Kwang-rok
  • Rating: 7.8/10

Love On Leashes

Sexiest Korean Romantic Movie

If you are tired of typical romantic fare and want something… different. Well, you’ve got to see Netflix’s new Love on Leashes.

The story explores kink and BDSM in relationships. So it’s like 50 Shades of Grey but so much better and tasteful.

Jiwoo and Ji-Hoo are two colleagues who are often at loggerheads until Ji-Hoo discovers certain kinky activities that Jiwoo likes to participate in. And from there begins a journey, first strictly contractual and then increasinly romantic between these two that blends pain and pleasure.

What I lked about this movie is how it presents a sensual romance and a tricky subject like BDSM in such a lighthearted funny way.

This movie will give you a few laughs along the way but never does it make fun of the leads’ kinks and seeks to potray them in a healthy manner. So it’s sort of a novelty in Korean cinema.

  • Korean Title: Love and Leashes
  • Year of Release: 2022
  • Starring: Seohyun, Lee Jun-young, EL
  • Rating: 6.8/10

Twenty Five Twenty One

“Twenty Five Twenty One” is a captivating Korean drama that takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster through the highs and lows of love, friendship, and self-discovery. From the very first episode to the heartwarming finale, this drama manages to strike a perfect balance between romance, personal growth, and familial bonds, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

The plot revolves around two individuals, Ji Soo and Min Jae, whose paths cross during their university years. Ji Soo, played brilliantly by a charismatic actress, portrays a cheerful and optimistic young woman with a passion for life. On the other hand, Min Jae, portrayed by a talented actor, is a reserved and ambitious medical student focused solely on his studies and career. As they get to know each other, their worlds collide, leading to unexpected and life-changing events.

One of the drama’s greatest strengths lies in its character development. Each main and supporting character is thoughtfully crafted, making them relatable and endearing to the audience. The growth of Ji Soo and Min Jae, both as individuals and as a couple, is beautifully depicted, allowing viewers to connect with their struggles, dreams, and triumphs. Their journey of self-discovery is filled with obstacles, sacrifices, and heartbreaks, making it a truly emotional and immersive experience.

Moreover, the chemistry between the lead actors is palpable and adds depth to the story. Their portrayal of a blossoming romance is both realistic and heartwarming, making viewers root for their happiness. The drama also cleverly weaves in elements of friendship and family dynamics, showcasing the importance of these relationships in shaping one’s life.

Aside from its engaging storyline and well-rounded characters, “Twenty Five Twenty One” boasts stunning cinematography and an evocative soundtrack that perfectly complements the emotional moments. From the picturesque landscapes to the subtle yet impactful musical cues, every element is carefully crafted to enhance the viewer’s experience.

However, “Twenty Five Twenty One” is not without its flaws. There are moments where the pacing could have been tightened, and some plotlines may seem predictable to seasoned drama enthusiasts. Nevertheless, these minor shortcomings do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the series.

In conclusion, “Twenty Five Twenty One” is a must-watch Korean drama that captures the essence of youth, love, and growth. Its compelling storyline, strong performances, and heartfelt messages make it a truly memorable viewing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama fan or new to the genre, this drama is sure to leave a lasting impression and warm your heart long after the final episode.

https://twitter.com/HoneyJuhyun/status/1517381162645463040

Ah, love! Where would the world be without it? I simply love these Korean romantic movies and their simple and sweet portrayal of relationships.

What I liked about this list of Korean romantic movies is how different they are from each other.

Some are your feel-good romantic comedies, others are period dramas, while some are fantasy romances. 

So even if there’s a romantic element, you’ll find something to interest you!

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