From Seoul to Worldwide: 10 Best K-Dramas Set Abroad
From a coastal town in Spain to the very heart of France.
With their captivating blend of romance, drama, and striking locations, Korean dramas have ventured beyond Seoul's bustling streets to set compelling stories in far-flung, exotic places. Here are 10 of the best K-dramas set abroad, each a masterpiece in its own right.
1. The Legend of the Blue Sea (Spain)
The Legend of the Blue Sea is a mesmerizing K-drama that masterfully weaves the web of a centuries-old legend with a modern romance. The sapphire waters of Spain's Asturias region serve as a breathtaking backdrop for the story of Shim Chung, a mermaid who follows her true love, Kim Ryung, to modern-day Seoul, where he's reincarnated as Heo Joon Jae, a charming con man.
As their relationship develops, Shim Chung must navigate romantic competition from Cha Shi Ah, a research scientist at KAIST. Spanning centuries and continents, this captivating K-drama is a unique addition to your watch list.
2. The Package (France)
The Package invites us to share in the magic of the city of love, Paris, as it follows Yoon So So, who moved to France with her boyfriend, but was eventually abandoned by him. She starts working as a tour guide and her group of tourists embark on an adventure of self-discovery.
With an elderly couple, a long-term couple, a man traveling with a younger woman, and San Ma Roo, the troublesome member who may be Yoon So So's fated lover, the group sets out to create unforgettable memories. Set against the backdrop of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, with this series viewers will be treated to an unforgettable experience.
3. Doctor Stranger (Hungary)
Doctor Stranger takes us to the enchanting city of Budapest, Hungary, where the life of a brilliant North Korean doctor takes a dramatic turn. Set against Budapest's stunning architecture, the drama unravels an intricate web of espionage and political intrigue as it follows Park Hoon, who was kidnapped by North Korea with his father as a child.
Trained to be a brilliant heart surgeon, he escapes to South Korea, but despite his success at a prestigious hospital, he feels like an outsider and will do anything to earn money to reunite with his North Korean love.
4. Vagabond (Portugal)
Vagabond unfolds in the sun-kissed streets of Lisbon, Portugal, where Cha Dal Gun, fueled by anger over the mysterious death of his nephew in a plane crash, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Go Hae Ri, a former marine's daughter turned NIS agent, joins the investigation, and together they uncover a web of corruption surrounding the crash.
Released in 2019 with 16 episodes, this action-packed romantic series offers an exciting exploration of Portugal's stunning landscapes and a quest for justice.
5. Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me (Slovenia)
Black Knight takes us to Ljubljana, Slovenia, where Moon Soo Ho, an honest businessman, reveals his true identity as an immortal black knight only to Jung Hae Ra, a travel agent who's never left her homeland. Although they grew up as siblings in Hae Ra's home, their lives take different paths, but fate brings them together in adulthood, sparking a fated love.
Released in 2017, this romantic series, set in the medieval charm of Ljubljana, delivers a heartwarming story of love and destiny in a stunning European setting.
6. Memories of the Alhambra (Spain)
Memories of the Alhambra transports us to the historic city of Granada, Spain, as Yoo Jin Woo, a CEO and game developer, unravels unexpected adventures in pursuit of a mysterious game against the stunning backdrop of the Alhambra Palace.
While searching for the enigmatic inventor of an innovative augmented reality video game, Yoo Jin finds himself drawn to Jung Hee Joo, the owner of the hostel. This romantic drama captures the allure of Andalusia's rich history and architectural wonders while offering a tale of love and adventure.
7. Goblin (Canada)
Goblin, a highly acclaimed K-drama series and modern classic, blends fantasy, romance, and the supernatural in the snowy landscapes of Quebec, Canada. Set against the old-world charm of Quebec City, the drama revolves around Kim Shin, a warrior who becomes a goblin tasked with protecting specific individuals from a life of suffering.
However, immortality begins to weigh heavily on Kim Shin, and he longs to find the prophesied human bride who can free his soul from the eternal bonds of immortality. Notably, the hotel owned by the Goblin character in the series is the real-life Chateau Frontenac Hotel in Quebec, which you can visit to fully experience this compelling story.
8. Saimdang, Light’s Diary (Italy)
The story takes us on a journey from South Korea to the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany, Italy, as Seo Ji Yoon, an art historian, stumbles upon the secret diary of Shin Saimdang, a renowned Korean artist and poet from the Joseon Dynasty.The diary sheds new light on Saimdang's life, her relationship with painter Lee Gyeom, and the iconic Mount Geumgang paintings.
Set against the picturesque landscapes of Italy and the art of the Renaissance, the drama offers a tale of redemption, history, and artistic discovery.
9. Are You Human Too? (Czech Republic)
Set in the enchanting city of Prague, Czech Republic, Are You Human Too? tells the story of an android, Nam Shin III, who is forced to assume the identity of a wealthy family's son, Nam Shin, after he falls into a coma.
Created by Nam Shin's mother, Oh Ro Ra, an expert in brain technology and AI, the android faces the challenging task of replacing his human opponent as the heir to the PK Group. Prague's gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, and ethereal towers provide a captivating backdrop for this unique story.
10. Crash Landing on You (Switzerland)
Crash Landing on You transports us to the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland as it tells the story of Yoon Se Ri, a South Korean heiress who lands in North Korea after a paragliding accident. It is there that she meets Ri Jung Hyuk, a North Korean military officer, and in spite of the political divide between them, they fall in love.
Set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, this 2019 K-drama offers an enchanting journey through mesmerizing landscapes and an unforgettable tale of love that transcends borders.