7 K-Dramas Perfect For The Holiday Season Binge

The holiday season is upon us, and more and more often we find ourselves longing for a break from the hustle and bustle of the festive season and year-end chores.

Whether you're looking for a way to unwind or want some pleasant background noise for decorating your home or wrapping presents, a cozy winter-themed show is the best option.

Although South Koreans don't celebrate Christmas on a large scale, they still create many delightfully romantic stories set in whimsical winter scenes. Here are seven examples.

That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013)

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Tubi

Oh Soo is a gambler and con man who doesn't believe in love. He finds an easy target in Oh Young, a rich blind heiress, and poses as her estranged brother to steal her money. But the more time he spends with Oh Young, the more he realizes that she is not like other women. Of course, the show also features plenty of cozy winter scenes.

Soundtrack #1 (2022)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Where to stream: Disney+

Eun-soo is a lyricist who needs to write a song about love, and Sun-woo is a photographer and her old friend who is willing to help. The friends-to-lovers story of two artistic young adults is fairly simple and predictable, but the winter setting creates that unique, whimsical atmosphere we crave in December.

When the Weather Is Fine (2020)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki

Mok Hae-won is a cellist who has to quit her job in the capital and return to a tiny village where she briefly lived during her childhood. There she meets Im Eun-seob, a former classmate who now owns a bookstore. Amidst the cold weather and the hardships of life, Hae-won and Eun-seob find warmth in each other.

Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Where to stream: Hulu, Viki

You might think that a romantic story about a mermaid couldn't possibly be set in winter. But when beautiful mermaid Shim Cheong and con artist Heo Joon-jae, an incarnation of her lost love, meet on a snow-covered beach, the beauty of the scene just takes your breath away.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki

Kim Bok-joo is a young weightlifter who has a crush on the older brother of her best friend, Jung Joon-hyung. But when Jung Joon-hyung starts to help Bok-joo pursue a relationship with his brother, he realizes that it is not what he wants. In addition to the sweet college love story, the show is set in winter and features many cute warm scarves and sweaters, creating just the right holiday vibe.

While You Were Sleeping (2017)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Hulu, Viki

This K-drama is a mix of genres. The romantic, mystery, and fantasy storylines intersect to create an intriguing tale about three protagonists who get the ability to see the future through their dreams and team up to stop ominous events from happening. There's plenty of drama and some dark themes, but the mesmerizing snowy settings create the perfect atmosphere for the winter watch.

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki

The story of an immortal goblin who uses his powers to help people, and a cheerful young woman bound to him by fate, is one of the best romantic stories on South Korean television. Add to that gorgeous winter backdrops and you have the perfect holiday binge.