10 Slow Burn K-Dramas That Will Test Your Patience

While it's always satisfying to see two characters you're rooting for come together and take their relationship to the next level, sometimes romance in K-dramas feels rushed.

With little to no build-up, two leads feel the tension and chemistry and act on it almost immediately, causing the viewer to lose interest.

If you are longing for a show with a more realistic portrayal of relationships and a long wait for the tension to build, check out the list of 10 K-dramas with perfect slow burn love stories below.

The Matchmakers (2023)

If there's one thing that Western and Eastern societies had in common in the past, it's the place of women. Those who didn't manage to get married quickly were considered old maids and became a problem in the eyes of Joseon.

Luckily, a young widower, Shim Jung-woo, and a young widow, Jung Soon-deok, were there to put their matchmaking skills to the test.

Summer Strike (2022)

A perfectly paced, slow-paced and very cinematic drama for anyone who's tired of the constant hustle and bustle of the big city.

If you've ever thought about giving up the life you've built and moving to the country in search of solitude and happiness, Summer Strike might be just the thing to inspire you to risk it all.

Hospital Playlist (2020)

It's not surprising that the group of doctors working in the hospital would take time to face, recognize, and act on their feelings.

After all, they have too much work to do and too many people depending on them to give in to the desires of their own hearts. But that only adds to the satisfaction of finally seeing it happen on the screen.

Our Blooming Youth (2023)

Two people already under suspicion for crimes they didn't commit have to be especially careful who they trust.

When Crown Prince Lee Hwan, suspected of his brother's poisoning, meets a noble woman, Min Jae-yi, who is accused of killing her entire family, they decide to stick together and help each other. Only then can trust turn into something more.

Fight for My Way (2017)

In order to be able to commit to a relationship, you have to take control of your own life.

Two friends, Ko Dong-man and Choi Ae-ra, who completely refuse to grow up even though they have reached adulthood and higher goals in life, find themselves at a crossroads. Together they can learn to grow at a pace that is comfortable for them.

Sh**ting Stars (2023)

There's no other dynamic that can provide a logical and consistent slow burn like enemies to lovers, and that's exactly the trope that was used as the basis for Gong Tae-sung and Oh Han-byul's relationship. Can a celebrity with a tainted past find common ground with the talented and determined head of the PR agency? It's just a matter of time.

Bo-ra! Deborah (2022)

Yeon Bo-ra is a dating coach who takes immense pride in her own perfect love life and teaches everyone else how to achieve it.

However, her world begins to crumble when her CEO boyfriend turns out to be a cheater. Luckily, her path crosses with Lee Soo-hyuk, a publisher who becomes her next project.

Once Upon a Small Town (2022)

While some people want to get away from the city, others would prefer it to any village. This is the case for Han Ji-yul, who is forced to move to take over his grandfather's veterinary practice.

Not only does he have to learn to live and work in a completely different environment, but he also has to meet a bunch of new people.

Alchemy of Souls (2022)

If you like period drama with a fantasy twist, Alchemy of Souls is for you. Two young mages fall victim to a forbidden "Alchemy of Souls" spell that forces their souls to switch bodies. Now they must find a way back to their old selves, while also embarking on a journey of self-exploration.

Do You Like Brahms? (2020)

For anyone who has truly fallen in love with art, it will always be above all the challenges of everyday life.

Two classical music students, Park Joon-young and Chae Song-ah, learn to give their all to music while slowly realizing how many difficulties they'll have to face to stay on the right track. Luckily, they have each other.