time travel kdrama

The 35 Best Korean Time Travel Dramas

Korean dramas have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with their unique storytelling and captivating narratives.

One particular theme that has always had immense popularity is time travel.

These dramas skillfully weave together the complexities of the past, present, and future, inviting viewers on a thrilling journey through time.

The allure of time travel lies not only in the imaginative plotlines but also in the emotional depth it adds to the narratives.

Characters find themselves facing extraordinary circumstances as they grapple with the consequences of altering the course of history or attempting to rectify past mistakes.

This exploration of the human condition, accompanied by a touch of fantasy, creates a profound and thought-provoking viewing experience.

Moreover, K-dramas often infuse time travel narratives with elements of romance, heightening the emotional stakes and adding a layer of the dramatics that we’ve all come to know and love with K-dramas.

The intricate relationships that develop between characters across different time periods lend an air of mystery and longing, making these dramas all the more captivating.

In this article, we will delve into the world of K-dramas that feature time travel! So fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a thrilling journey through time and discover the enchanting realm of Korean dramas about time travel.

Mr. Queen, tvN (2020 – 2021)

Mr. Queen is a historical fantasy drama series that tells the story of Jang Bong-hwan, a womanizing, free-spirited chef working in the Blue House who gets transported back in time and finds himself inhabiting the body of Queen Cheorin in the Joseon dynasty.

Jang Bong-hwan must negotiate the complicated world of the royal court, where political intrigue and power struggles are common while coping with the confusion of being in a woman’s body.

In his role as Queen Cheorin, he is forced to rely on his resourcefulness and uncanny partnerships to survive after becoming embroiled in a plot to depose the king.

Queen and I, tvN (2012)

Queen and I is a fantasy romantic comedy-drama that revolves around Kim Bung-do, a scholar in the Joseon dynasty.

He is also one of the supporters of the rightful Queen In-Hyun, who had previously been deposed by a royal concubine.

A magical talisman somehow transports Bung-do to the present where he encounters the famous Queen In-hyun – who happens to just be a character in a new K-drama – and ends up falling in love with the actress who plays her, Choi Hee-jin.

However, their romance faces numerous challenges and Bong-gu must navigate the complexities of the unknown future, all while striving to find a way back to the past.

Splash Splash Love, MBC (2015)

Splash Splash Love is a Korean time-travel romantic drama that follows the story of Danbi, a high school student who, in a bid to escape a major mathematics exam, uses her time-travel abilities to transport herself to the Joseon era during a rainstorm.

Despite hating math in her own timeline, she becomes known as the smartest in this kingdom!

She and the King inexplicably fall in love, but Danbi makes the hard choice to return to her own time.

King Lee Do swears that he will find her again and once again during a rainstorm, the two are reunited through Lee’s reincarnation.

The King: Eternal Monarch, SBS TV (2020)

The King: Eternal Monarch is a fantasy romance drama that follows the parallel worlds of the modern-day Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Corea.

Emperor Lee Gon of Corea discovers a portal connecting the two worlds and crosses over to find detective Jung Tae-eul, who is a familiar face associated with his father’s murder.

As they navigate their differences and the political tensions in both worlds, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy and strive to protect their loved ones.

Love blossoms between them, but they face immense challenges, including a power-hungry villain who seeks to exploit the portal for his own gain.

Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, tvN (2023)

One of the most recently aired series on the list is Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 , which actually just recently wrapped up its 12th and final episode.

It serves as the second season of the popular supernatural fantasy drama Tale of the Nine Tailed , but the storyline is also somewhat of a prequel.

Following the events with Nam Ji-ah in the original series, protagonist Lee Yeon is transported back in time to 1938 and the then Japanese occupation of Korea.

Dr. Jin, MBC (2012)

Dr. Jin is a historical medical drama that follows the story of Jin Hyuk, a brilliant neurosurgeon in the present day who, because of his highly analytical mind, can sometimes be cold and indifferent.

After suffering from a personal tragedy involving his girlfriend, he gets transported back in time to the Joseon dynasty.

Struggling to adapt to the primitive medical practices of the era, Jin Hyuk uses his modern knowledge to save lives and make advancements in medicine and even medical devices.

He meets people who help him, but his actions soon start interfering with the course of history.

Rooftop Prince, SBS (2012)

In a complex story of intersecting fates and (possible) reincarnations across timelines and generations, Rooftop Prince weaves romance into comical misunderstandings and heartwarming moments.

Crown Prince Lee Gak and his three loyal servants time-travel from the Joseon era to present-day Seoul in a bid to solve the mysterious death of his beloved Crown Princess.

He poses as the lost grandson of a wealthy CEO – who he happens to resemble exactly – and encounters a woman who also looks exactly like his late wife.

Getting closer to her might help solve the mystery of her death back in their timeline, but he may end up hurting someone else along the way.

Live Up to Your Name, tvN (2017)

In the historical medical drama Live Up to Your Name , Heo Im is a respected doctor and acupuncturist in the Joseon era, tending to the poor by day and the nobles by night.

However, he is mistakenly charged with treason and supposedly killed. Instead he wakes up in present-day Seoul!

In the modern era, he meets and forms an unlikely partnership with Choi Yeon-kyung, a pragmatic and ambitious cardiothoracic surgeon.

Together, they navigate the clash between traditional and modern medical practices while overcoming personal obstacles and gradually developing a deep bond.

Faith, SBS TV (2012)

Also known as The Great Doctor , Faith begins in a historical setting where the King’s wife is fatally injured in an accident.

He orders his Captain of the Royal Guard, Choi Young, to enter a portal to retrieve the “Heaven’s Doctor” that they heard of in their legends.

Choi Young travels to modern-day Seoul and brings back Eunsoo, an actual doctor, who then saves the queen.

He had promised to bring her back once her duty was done, but they both soon get embroiled in schemes to keep Eunsoo in the past as more and more people become selfishly interested in her medical prowess.

Life on Mars, OCN (2018)

In a slightly different theme from the previous shows on the list, Life on Mars is a crime thriller series that follows a talented forensic scientist who also leads a crime investigation team.

After an accident, Taejoo awakens to find himself transported back to 1988 with no idea how he got there or why.

Now a detective in the past, he works with his current team to solve a serial murder case with the antiquated technology and methods of the era in order to also solve the mystery behind his time travel.

Signal, tvN (2016)

Signal is yet another crime thriller series that is less about actual physical time travel and more about a mysterious connection between past and present that stems from a seemingly innocuous object: a walkie-talkie.

Park Hae-young is a young criminal profiler from the present day who stumbles upon a mysterious walkie-talkie that helps him solve a murder cold case through its ability to connect him to a detective from the past, Lee Jae-han.

Through the walkie-talkie, they collaborate to solve cold cases and prevent crimes from happening, but consequences soon follow.

Times, OCN (2021)

Similar to Signal , OCN’s political thriller series Times connects the past and present, but this time through a phone and between two journalists : Jinwoo in 2015 and Jungin in 2020.

They work together at first to prevent the murder of Jungin’s father, who is the current president of South Korea.

Along the way, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving political corruption and manipulation of time and work together to fight against the forces that seek to control the future so they can preserve their nation’s tomorrow.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, SBS TV (2016)

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a historical drama series based on a Chinese novel.

Like many of the previous shows on this list, the series features the protagonist (named Hajin) traveling way back in time but this time, to the Goryeo dynasty to the year 941.

On top of that, she finds herself in the body of Haesoo, one of the many male princes of the current ruling family who are all fighting for the crown.

As she navigates political rivalries and intense love triangles, Ha-jin discovers her own destiny and the tragic fate that awaits those around her.

Chicago Typewriter, tvN (2017)

In the popular fantasy drama series Chicago Typewriter , viewers will meet three central characters whose stories unfold over the course of time – specifically, two different timelines.

There’s Sejoo, a handsome and renowned writer with many fans who suffers from depression; Seol, a veterinarian and fan of Sejoo; and Jinoh, a talented ghostwriter.

As their paths converge, a mysterious typewriter helps them discover how their past lives were connected during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s , and how their friendship then crossed decades into the present.

Manhole, KBS2 (2017)

If we could time travel, we’d always be tempted to go back in time to prevent the things that we don’t want to happen.

In Manhole , Bongpil does just that when he discovers a manhole that allows him to travel back in time.

What does he do when he gets to the past? Well, anything to stop his dream girl’s wedding from happening!

However, his efforts often lead to hilarious and chaotic consequences.

Alongside his loyal friends, he navigates the challenges of altering the past and learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the importance of living in the present.

Hit the Top, KBS2 (2017)

Hit the Top is a combination of humor and nostalgia, and takes place primarily in the constantly evolving world of K-pop.

Back in the early 1990s, popular K-pop idol Hyunjae accidentally time travels to 2017, where he soon discovers that he had been in the news for mysteriously disappearing and subsequently presumed dead.

As he adjusts to his vastly different life in the future, he tries to investigate the cause of his time travel.

At the same time, an aspiring K-pop trainee crosses his path – one who he is more connected with than either of them expected.

My First Love, OCN (2018)

The South Korean romantic fantasy drama My First Love centers on Kang Shinwoo, a man in his 30s who goes back in time to his high school years.

Shin-woo runs into his younger self and his first love, Han Jisoo, when he travels back in time. Shin-woo makes an effort to rewrite their fate and win Jisoo’s affection in an effort to alter the tragic course of their history.

At the same time, Shinwoo discovers important lessons about love, regret, and the value of honoring the present as he wrestles with the repercussions of changing the past.

Tomorrow, with You, tvN (2017)

Tomorrow, with You is a romance series that follows the story of Yoo Sojoon, a time-traveling CEO of a real estate agency who can foresee his future through subway rides, and his wife Marin, a cheerful and optimistic amateur photographer.

To change his impending tragic fate that he accidentally glimpses, he marries Marin and together, they navigate the complexities of marriage while battling against their own personal struggles.

Eventually, Sojourn learns to truly love her amidst the consequences of altering destiny.

Marry Him If You Dare, KBS (2013)

Yet another romance drama on the list is KBS’ Marry Him If You Dare , which is set in the world of television broadcasting.

It follows the story of Na Mirae, a young woman who receives a mysterious opportunity to travel back in time to change her future.

The present Mirae is married to news anchor Kim Shin but travels to visit her 32-year-old self to prevent that from happening.

This causes her to go down a completely different path to really pursue the dreams she had always wanted.

Familiar Wife, tvN (2018)

The decisions we make impact the road our lives go down; one different decision could catapult things in a direction we never would have expected.

That’s what happens in Familiar Wife , a romantic fantasy drama that tells the story of Joohyuk, a married man who regrets the choices he made in his life.

One day, he encounters a mysterious opportunity to travel back in time and change his past.

In the blink of an eye, the life he knew with his wife Woojin and best friend Joonghoo is gone and his first love Hyewon comes back into the picture.

Go Back Couple, KBS2 (2017)

It’s complicated enough when a person goes back in time to change their previous decisions, but what happens when two people time travel together? Especially when these two people have a life together in the present?

Go Back Couple follows married couple Bando and Jinjoo, who are parents to a young boy and have become deeply unsatisfied with their lives – family, career, and relationship-wise.

Suddenly, the couple is transported 18 years back to when they were university students, where they make different choices and learn the enduring power of love.

The Light in Your Eyes, JTBC (2019)

The Light In Your Eyes is also known as Dazzling  and emphasizes the importance of valuing the people who cause the lights in our eyes to shine throughout our lives.

In the drama series, we meet a young woman named Hyeja who possesses a special watch that allows her to manipulate time. However, using the watch causes her to age rapidly.

After having used it one too many times, Hyeja is now passing the time at an elderly care center where she meets Joonha, an employee who looks like the young Hyeja’s husband.

Nine: Nine Time Travels, tvN (2013)

A news anchor named Park Sunwoo finds nine magical incense items that enables him to travel 20 years back in time in the fantasy thriller drama entitled Nine: Nine Time Travels .

Sunwoo makes numerous trips to the past in an effort to change the tragic events that have occurred in his life, changing both his decisions and the course of history.

He soon learns, though, that every change has unintended consequences both for himself and those he loves around him, and he is forced to deal with the moral dilemmas that follow.

Sisyphus: The Myth, JTBC (2021)

In the dystopian science fiction series Sisyphus: The Myth , engineer and brilliant quantum physicist Taesul crosses paths with a mysterious woman from the future named Seohae.

In Seohae’s present, she explores a war-torn Korea and travels back in time to both prevent Taesul’s death and his invention of the time travel device she used.

Meanwhile, Taesul is trying to investigate the strange circumstances around his brother’s death and a time-travel conspiracy where he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game where past, present, and future collide.

Tunnel, OCN (2017)

Some crimes can span decades, with the case passing through the hands of several teams and detectives without ever getting resolved.

In the crime thriller Tunnel , we begin the story in 1986 when Detective Park Gwangho is hot on the tail of a serial killer.

He chases the perpetrator through a tunnel and ends up in 2016 where the same killer is still on the loose and just beginning to continue his murder spree.

Gwangho teams up with Detective Kim Seonjae and criminal profiler Shin Jaeyi to race against time and apprehend the killer before they can commit further crimes.

Alice, SBS TV (2020)

Science fiction drama series Alice weaves a complex tale of love, fate, and the consequences of tampering with time.

The title is a reference to the time-traveling agency in 2050 that sends clients to the past in order to find peace and closure with dead loved ones and also makes sure these trips are done properly.

Viewers meet Alice agents Taeyi and Minhyuk as they travel almost 60 years to the past on a mission, but their personal lives get intertwined and affect the present – 2020.

My Perfect Stranger, KBS2 (2023)

My Perfect Stranger is one of the newest shows on this list, having just finished airing in June of this year!

The romance mystery tells a beautiful story of two strangers who time travel back to 1987.

Haejun is a seemingly aloof newscaster who is trying to seek the truth behind a serial killing case; Yoonyoung is an editor at a publishing company who wants to prevent the marriage of her parents.

They find themselves in the past and also discover that their goals are more intertwined than they think.

Kairos, MBC TV (2020)

Kairos is similar to a few other shows as the time travel occurs in parallel timelines that connect characters instead of actually traveling through time.

However, it is also a rare one as the timelines are only one month apart!

Seojin is a company executive whose daughter suddenly goes missing while Aeri is a young woman living one month behind and whose mother also disappears.

When Seojin and Aeri meet through a phone call, he asks the latter to help find his daughter while helping to find her mother in his future timeline.

God’s Gift: 14 Days, SBS (2014)

God’s Gift: 14 Days tells the story of Kim Soohyun, a distraught mother whose daughter is abducted and killed, who miraculously gets the chance to travel back to the two weeks prior to the tragedy.

Soohyun is in a race against time to find the kidnapper and stop terrible things from happening because she is determined to change the outcome.

She discovers that the truth is much more complicated and perilous than she had anticipated as she digs deeper into the murky secrets surrounding her daughter’s death.

365: Repeat The Year, MBC TV (2020)

If you could repeat the last year of your life, would you?

In the mystery thriller 365: Repeat The Year , 10 people are given the opportunity to reset their lives by going back one year in time.

They participate in a time-traveling experiment, hoping to change their fates and undo their regrets.

However, they soon realize that altering the past has dire consequences, and they must unravel the mystery behind the experiment to save their lives.

Reunited Worlds, SBS (2017)

In Reunited Worlds , a man named Sung Haesung mysteriously reappears 12 years after his untimely death.

While he hasn’t aged, he finds that everyone around him has changed and gone on with their lives.

Haesung reconnects with his childhood friends, including his first love Jung Jungwon, as he navigates the difficulties of his new reality.

Together, they learn the truth about his time travel and work to mend relationships, sever old wounds, and find happiness in the present.

See You in My 19th Life, tvN (2023)

See You in My 19th Life is based on the webtoon of the same name that was published on Naver.

It tells the story of Jieum, who has lived out several lifetimes through reincarnation and has the supernatural ability to remember all of her past lives.

Her 18th life is tragically cut short due to an accident, and as she lives out her 19th, she knowingly heads down a path that will lead her to reconnect with a man from her previous life.

A Time Called You, Netflix (2023 – present)

Then there is the romance drama A Time Called You , which premiered on Netflix relatively recently – on September 8th, 2023.

It is an adaptation of a Taiwanese series and follows Junhee, who continues to mourn her boyfriend Yeonjun’s death one year later.

Somehow, she finds herself transported back to 1998 and in the body of an 18-year-old named Minju, who meets Siheon, a boy who looks like her deceased partner.

Marry My Husband, tvN (2024 – present)

The newest series on this list is Marry My Husband , which premiered on tvN on January 1st, 2024.

Marry My Husband follows Jiwon, described as a “time-limited woman” who has the opportunity to go back ten years.

In her new present, she dreams of exacting revenge on her cheating, murderous husband who killed her after having an affair with her best friend.

The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract, MBC (2023 – present)

Finally, we come to the last show in this countdown – The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract .

The fantasy romance series tells the story of Park Yeonwoo, a beautiful woman from the Joseon dynasty who loses her husband on the first night of their marriage.

She suddenly finds herself transported to the 21st century and under a modern marriage contract with Kang Taeha, who looks exactly like her husband.

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Hi, thanks for the list. There is also “Perfect marriage revenge” 2023

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29 Binge-worthy Time Travel Kdramas

Looking for time travel kdramas you’ve come to the right place.

Time travel Korean dramas have become increasingly popular in Korean television, as viewers are drawn to the unique storylines and characters that come with this genre.

The use of time-traveling plots has allowed producers to explore different eras, cultures, and perspectives while also creating amazing stories that keep viewers hooked.

With a wide range of genres from fantasy, mystery, romance, and even horror available for exploration through time travel Kdramas, it’s no wonder why they’ve become so beloved by fans all over the world.

From classic hits like Queen In Hyun’s Man to recent fan favorites such as When I Was Most Beautiful , these shows have captivated audiences with their intriguing plotlines and captivating visuals.

Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or an emotional journey through time, you’ll find something binge-worthy with these fascinating Korean dramas!

Let’s jump in!

Many time travel kdramas are easily accessible from anywhere in the world. But there may be certain platforms that will only work with a VPN (i.e. US Netflix or Singapore VIU).

Sign Up for a VPN: ExpressVPN

Time travel kdramas, 1. again my life (2022).

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Mystery, Drama, Law, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on Viu

Kim Hee Woo is a public prosecutor who has worked hard to get where he is. During the course of his investigations, he must conduct a probe into a politician suspected of corruption.

Suddenly, Kim Hee Woo finds himself killed by an unknown man. However, he soon comes back to life and discovers that he must return to university and complete his academic journey again in order to find out what happened to him.

With the help of Kim Hee Ah, an exceptionally intelligent young woman from a wealthy family, he embarks on his investigation. Will they be able to uncover the truth about what happened? Find out by watching Again My Life now!

2. Reborn Rich (2022)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Business, Drama, Political, Time Travel | Watch on Viki

Reborn Rich is a Korean drama that follows the story of Yoon Hyun Woo, a devoted and hard-working secretary to the Soonyang chaebol family.

When he is betrayed by an unknown member of the family and killed under their orders, he miraculously wakes up in the body of Jin Do Jun, the youngest member of the family.

Hyun Woo plots to use his new identity to take control of Soonyang Group from Jin Yang Cheol’s children, who are vying for power within it.

He must face off against Seo Min Young, nicknamed “Soonyang Group Grim Reaper,” as well as overcome other obstacles along his journey. Will he be able to wrest control from Jin Yang Cheol’s children or will his mission fail miserably?

3. Hello Me! (2021)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Life, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on MyAsianTV

Hello Me! is a Korean drama that follows the story of Ban Ha Ni, a 37-year-old single woman who feels miserable and unsuccessful.

After her spunky 17-year-old self travels from the past to meet her current self, she realizes that she needs to make drastic changes to find happiness and security.

Through this journey, she must navigate through an unfamiliar world while uncovering clues about herself and getting her spark back.

4. Blue Birthday (2021)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Romance, Drama, Sports, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissKh

Blue Birthday is a Korean drama that follows the story of Oh Ha Rin, a woman who has been struggling with the pain and grief of her first love’s death for 10 years.

On the 10th anniversary of his death, she discovers mysterious photos left behind by him which take her back in time to moments before his sudden passing.

She must use these 8 chances to go back in time wisely as she tries to change their fate and save Ji Seo Jun from taking his own life while also finding out what he wanted to tell her all those years ago.

It is an emotional journey full of mystery and romance as Ha Rin attempts to rewrite history!

5. Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)

Quick facts:  20 episodes | Action, Thriller, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix

Sisyphus: The Myth is a Korean drama that follows the story of Han Tae Sul, a genius engineer and co-founder of Quantum and Time who has outstanding coding skills.

After his brother’s death ten years ago, he starts to cause fluctuations in the company’s stocks. One day, he witnesses something unbelievable and sets off on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth.

Along his way, he meets Kang Seo Hae ( Park Shin Hye ), a survivor from a future dystopian world who travels back in time to save him. Together they must navigate through this unfamiliar world while uncovering clues about their time period.

6. Mr. Queen (2020)

Quick facts:  20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on Viki

Mr. Queen is a time travel Kdrama focused on the life of Jang Bong Hwan, a South Korean chef living in the present day. Jang Bong Hwan is a rising chef for top politicians in the Blue House’s presidential residences.

Jang Bong Hwan finds himself in an alternate past, inhabiting the body of Queen Kim So Yong after a serious accident.

This Kdrama takes viewers on a journey with Jang Bong Hwan as he navigates the dangerous political landscape of ancient Korea and discovers that his “husband” harbors secrets.

With comedy, romance, fantasy, and time travel all rolled into one, Mr. Queen is sure to have viewers hooked from start to finish!

7. Alice (2020)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Mystery, Melodrama, Sci-Fi, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on Viu , Watch on MyAsianTV

In the year 2050, a revolutionary organization called Alice was born to enable humans to traverse different periods in history and explore alternate universes.

Upon discovering a “Book of Prophecy” that predicts the fate of all travelers, Alice entrusts Yoo Min Hyuk and Yoon Tae Yi with an important mission: to venture back in time to 1992 and reclaim it from its last known keeper.

During their mission, Tae Yi discovers she is pregnant with Yoo Min Hyuk’s child and decides to stay in 1992 while hiding from him by changing her name.

Fast forward to 2020 when Park Jin Gyeom, son of Park Sun Young (formerly known as Yoon Tae Yi) is now a successful detective who crosses paths with his mother’s lookalike, another version of Yoon Tae Yi, who is now a physics professor specializing in quantum and temporal mechanics.

Together they embark on an adventure filled with mystery, melodrama, sci-fi elements, and time travel as they search for answers about the Book of Prophecy which could determine the fate of all travelers through time.

8. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Mystery, Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix

The King follows the story of Lee Gon ( Lee Min Ho ), a king of the Korean Empire who would rather attend conferences than fulfill his duties.

While playing hooky one day, Lee Gon discovers a door that opens to a parallel world and the modern day. He meets Jeong Tae Eul, a police inspector who he teams up with to take out criminals. But they both also work towards closing the door between their 2 worlds.

This Kdrama is filled with mystery, romance, drama, sci-fi, and time travel elements that will keep you glued to your screen.

9. The Light in Your Eyes (2019)

Quick facts:  12 episodes | Romance, Life, Melodrama, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on Viki

The Light in Your Eyes is a Korean drama that follows the story of Kim Hye Ja, a 26-year-old woman who uses a mysterious watch to rewind time in an attempt to save her father from an accident. However, she fails and ends up aging into a 70-year-old.

Lost and seeking answers, she embarks on a quest to restore order in her life. She encounters people from her past who don’t recognize her, including Lee Joon Ha, the man she loves, who remains devoted to her while confronting his demons.

When 70-year-old Kim Hye Ja and young Lee Joon Ha form an unlikely bond together, they discover the truth behind all of the time Kim has lost over the years as well as uncover secrets about their pasts that will change their lives forever.

10. Longing Heart / My First Love (2018)

Quick facts:  10 episodes | Romance, Mystery, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian

Longing Heart is a Korean drama that follows the story of Shin Woo, a man who regrets letting his first love, Han Ji Soo, go ten years ago.

He gets a second chance when he travels back in time and finds out that she liked him too. With this knowledge, he tries to help his younger self win her heart.

However, things become complicated as Han Ji Soo starts to develop feelings for the older version of himself and he discovers the reason why they were separated in the first place.

Will he be able to win her heart or will it be an impossible mission for Shin Woo?

11. Familiar Wife (2018)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Comedy, Romance, Drama, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on Viki

Familiar Wife is a Korean drama that follows the story of Cha Joo Hyuk, a banker who has been married to Seo Woo Jin for five years. When an unexpected incident occurs one day, Joo Hyuk makes a decision that changes his life and those around him in ways he never expected.

Suddenly, his relationship with Woo Jin and his best friend Yoon Joong Hoo is gone and he finds himself living an entirely different life.

As he adjusts to this new reality, Joo Hyuk must also contend with the reappearance of his first love Lee Hee Won as they all seek to find out if he can get back the life he once had.

With its mix of comedy, romance, drama, and time travel elements, Familiar Wife will make you think about the decisions we make every day and the “what ifs.”

12. Life on Mars (2018)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Action, Mystery, Psychological, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on KissAsian

Life on Mars is a Korean drama that follows the story of Han Tae Joo, a leader of a crime investigation team in the present day.

While investigating a serial murder case, he has an accident and wakes up to find himself in the winter of 1988.

In this unfamiliar time period, he is appointed as a detective at a police station in a small city and must solve the case to get back to his own time. Along his journey, he discovers new clues about his current situation while navigating through an unfamiliar world with its own set of rules.

13. Hit the Top / The Best Hit (2017)

Quick facts:  32 episodes | Comedy, Romance, Drama, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on AppleTV

Uncover the captivating story of Lee Ji Hoon and Choi Woo Seung in Hit The Top, a Korean drama that follows their journey as they strive to pass the civil service exam while Ji Hoon pursues his dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter.

Their lives change when they meet Yoo Hyun Jae, an idol from the ’90s who accidentally time-traveled to 2017. Together, they embark on an adventure filled with passion, love, and friendship as they explore their dreams in the entertainment industry.

With comedy, romance, drama, and time travel elements all rolled into one show, Hit The Top is sure to keep viewers hooked until the end!

14. Tomorrow With You (2017)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Romance, Drama, Life, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on AppleTV , Watch on KissAsian

Yoo So Joon, a prosperous CEO of an enterprise in the real estate sector, embarks on an unforgettable journey as he discovers his ability to time travel in Tomorrow With You. During his trips on the subway, he often glimpses a bleak future of himself living an unfulfilled life.

In a desperate attempt to resolve this dilemma, he decides to marry Song Ma Rin, an optimistic photographer whom he doesn’t love.

Can Ma Rin help So Joon change his unhappy future or will they be doomed by fate as well as time travel itself? Follow their journey of love, drama, and mystery as they attempt to rewrite their destiny together!

15. Live Up to Your Name (2017)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Historical, Romance, Medical, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix

Live Up to Your Name is a Korean drama following the story of Heo Im, a brilliant doctor born in a concubine family during the Joseon era. Despite his remarkable medical skills, his background prevents him from climbing up the ladder of success.

One day, he travels through time to present-day Seoul and meets Yeon Gyung, a modern-day doctor who doesn’t believe his claims.

When they travel back together to Joseon again, they embark on an adventure filled with romance and medical drama as Heo Im strives to live up to his name by proving himself despite all odds.

With its thrilling mix of historical elements and time travel themes, Live Up To Your Name is sure to keep viewers hooked!

16. Manhole (2017)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Thriller, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian

Manhole is a Korean drama that tells the story of Bong Pil, an unemployed man who time travels into the past through a manhole to stop the wedding of his lifelong crush Soo Jin.

Every time he goes back in time, he becomes someone else and must find ways to get closer to Soo Jin while avoiding getting caught up in various situations. With an element of thrill, Manhole is different from other time travel Kdramas.

17. Tunnel (2017)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Thriller, Sci-Fi, Mystery Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on MyAsianTV

Tunnel is a thrilling Korean drama that follows the story of Park Gwang Ho, an excellent and enthusiastic detective in 1986 who gets transported to present-day Seoul after pursuing leads in a serial homicide case.

He meets Kim Sun Jae, an elite detective with eccentric tendencies but highly skilled investigating skills.

With help from psychology professor Shin Jae Yi, they embark on an adventure filled with mystery and suspense as they work together to solve cases while navigating through time portals.

18. Go Back Couple (2017)

Quick facts:  12 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian

Choi Ban Do and Ma Jin Joo have been married for 38 years, but their romance hasn’t been the same in a long time.

When they said “I do,” Choi Ban Do and Ma Jin Joo were deeply in love; yet, now the couple are full of resentment for one another. While he has been bearing the weight of supporting his household, she is stuck in a housewife role with a waning sense of self-confidence.

Unhappily married at such an early age, both regret their impulsive decision to wed.

Through time travel, they find themselves as 20-year-old university students when they first met and must rekindle their relationship all over again if they want to stay together forever.

19. My Only Love Song (2017)

Quick facts:  20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix

My Only Love Song is a Korean drama that follows the story of Song Soo Jung, a top star who is incredibly arrogant and classifies people by how much money they have.

Suddenly, she finds herself transported back in time to the Goguryeo era where she meets On Dal, an ambitious man who will do anything for money.

Song Soo Jung soon realizes that On Dal has a generous heart towards those less fortunate than him.

20. Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo (2016)

Quick facts:  20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Melodrama, Time Travel | Watch on KissAsian , Order on Amazon

Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo is a Korean drama that follows the story of Go Ha Jin, who finds herself transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea during King Taejo’s rule.

In this alternate past, she inhabits the body of Hae Soo and lives in the house of 8th Prince Wang Wook.

Along the way, she befriends the princes and the people during this time and experiences a passionate love story with the ostracized 4th Prince Wang So.

This drama has plenty of romance, melodrama, and time-travel elements that will keep you hooked until the end!

21. Splash Splash Love (2015)

Quick facts:  2 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Historical, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian , Watch on Kocowa

In the romantic Korean drama, Splash Splash Love, we follow Dan Bi’s story, a high school senior who is determined to overcome her disappointment in math.

On the morning of her college entrance exam, a sudden rainstorm whisks her away to the ancient Joseon Kingdom. She is now at the height of its existence and must navigate how she will return home!

But she meets King Lee Do who yearns to learn advanced mathematics and she falls in love with him. As they come to know each other better, their romance transcends space and time as they face various obstacles together.

Will Dan Bi be able to help King Lee Do achieve his goals or will their mission fail miserably in this heart-warming drama full of adventure and romance?

22. God’s Gift: 14 Days (2014)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Time Travel | Watch on MyAsianTV , Watch on Kocowa ,

In the harrowing thriller, God’s Gift: 14 Days, Kim Soo Hyun plays a mother devastated when her beloved daughter Han Saet Byul is violently abducted and murdered.

A miraculous event sends time back 14 days, giving Soo Hyun a second chance to uncover the kidnapping conspiracy and rescue her daughter before it is too late.

Ki Dong Chan, a former police officer who has become a private investigator, is joining her on this task. It appears that he has his interest in the whole matter.

As time rapidly dwindles, the crimes become clearer, and far more treacherous secrets than Soo Hyun could ever have predicted are discovered.

Will they be able to save Saet Byul or will history repeat itself once more in God’s Gift: 14 Days?

23. Nine: Nine Times Time Travel (2013)

Quick facts: 20 episodes | Mystery, Romance, Time Travel | Watch on KissAsian

Nine: Nine Times Time Travel tells the captivating story of Park Sun Woo, a devoted anchorman at a TV broadcasting station, and his love for Joo Min Young, another news reporter.

He manages to earn 9 scented items that transport him 20 years back in time, granting him the capability to protect his family and alter the current world he inhabits.

Yet, his actions have consequences that ripple through time, affecting the lives of those around him in the future, including his crush.

Along this journey, Park Sun Woo must navigate through unfamiliar situations while uncovering clues about his own life and those around him.

24. Marry Him if You Dare (2013)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on MyAsianTV

Set within the world of TV broadcasting, Marry Him if You Dare features Na Mi Rae who embarks on a journey to the past to save her 32-year-old self from marrying news anchor Kim Shin.

This sends her past self down a different path and enables her to pursue the things she wanted in life. Along this journey, she discovers more about herself and those around her while striving to make a better future for herself and those close to her.

Will Na Mi Rae be able to find true happiness or will fate keep getting in the way of what she wants most in Marry Him if You Dare?

25. Faith (2012)

Quick facts:  24 episodes | Historical, Romance, Medical, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on MyAsianTV

Faith is a Korean drama that follows the story of 21st-century plastic surgeon Eun Soo, who gets kidnapped and brought 700 years into the past for her healing powers.

There she meets General Choi Yeong, bodyguard to the king in the Goryeo era. Despite their initial conflicts and his struggle with a female doctor, they soon feel attracted to each other as they face various obstacles together.

26. Queen In Hyun’s Man (2012)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Youtube , Watch on KissAsian , Order on Amazon

Queen In Hyun’s Man is a time travel Korean drama following Kim Boong Do, a scholar from the Joseon era who travels 300 years into the future.

He meets Choi Hee Jin, a no-name actress who is trying her best to get a role in a Queen In Hyun TV drama.

27. Rooftop Prince (2012)

Quick facts:  20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on MyAsianTV

Crown Prince Yi Gak finds himself transported from the Joseon Dynasty to modern-day Seoul.

After meeting Hong Se Na, who bears a striking resemblance to his dead wife, he assumes the identity of her company’s CEO’s grandson to stay close and investigate her mysterious 300-year death.

Along his journey, he must navigate through the unfamiliar world of a modern corporation while uncovering clues about his period.

28. Time Slip Dr. Jin (2012)

Quick facts:  22 episodes | Romance, Historical, Medical, Time Travel | Watch on Amazon Prime , Watch on KissAsian

Jin Hyuk is a talented neurosurgeon with an aloof and austere personality, driven by his longing for perfection. Unexpectedly he finds himself swept away to the Joseon Dynasty of 1860 through some mysterious power.

With no access to modern medical technology and knowledge, Jin Hyuk must find new ways of treating the sick while navigating through unfamiliar situations.

Along this journey, he discovers more about himself and those around him while striving to become an actual doctor in Time Slip Dr. Jin!

29. Operation Proposal (2012)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Romance, Drama, Sports, Time Travel | Watch on MyAsianTV , Order on Amazon

Kang Baek Ho and Ham Yi Seul have been best friends since elementary school, but Baek Ho has never acknowledged his attraction to her. On the day of Yi Seul’s wedding to another man (Jin Won), Baek Ho regrets not confessing his love for her.

Suddenly, a mysterious conductor appears and gives him a second chance by allowing him to travel back in time to various events of their lives.

He hopes that he can use this opportunity to win over Yi Seul’s heart and change the outcome of their relationship. However, changing the future is not as easy as it seems.

Will Kang Baek Ho be able to convince Yi Seul that they are meant for each other or will his mission fail miserably in Operation Proposal?

Final Thoughts: Time Travel Kdramas

Korean dramas have been able to captivate viewers in many different genres, including time travel. The stories of these characters are unique and the journey that they embark on is often filled with love, comedy, suspense, and sometimes even tragedy.

These time travel Kdramas provide us with an escape from our own lives and allow us to experience the joys, sorrows, and excitement of different periods.

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, then these time travel Kdram might be just what you need!

Looking for something different? Check out more Korean dramas !

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Best vpn for asian dramas.

I highly recommend and use Express VPN as they are one of the best virtual private networks globally, defeats censorship, and has reliable service. You can use it on any streaming service to watch your favorite drama!

Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld.

Korean Time Travel Series

1. The Call

2. The King: Eternal Monarch

3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

4. Legend of the Blue Sea

5. My Perfect Stranger

7. Durian's Affair

8. Again My Life

10. Il Mare

13. Familiar Wife

14. Rooftop Prince

15. Splash Splash Love

16. Blue Birthday

17. Queen In-hyun's Man

18. Nine: Nine Time Travels

19. Somehow 18

20. Dr. Jin

21. Longing Heart

22. My Mother, the Mermaid

23. Must You Go?

24. 300 Year-Old Class of 2020

25. Sijipeuseu: The Myth

26. My Only Love Song

More to explore, recently viewed.

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19 Time-Travel Dramas You Really Should Be Watching

A detective from 2000 and a cold case criminal profiler from 2015 solve old cases, as well as prevent new ones, by communicating through a mysterious walkie-talkie.

A man finds 9 magical incense sticks that allow him to travel 20 years back in time. He attempts to change the current world by saving his family from dangers 20 years ago, but the consequences are bigger than he can handle.

A detective accidentally travels to the future while chasing a serial killer through a mysterious tunnel. He discovers that the serial killer was never caught and continues to kill. With the help of the detectives in the future, he sets out to catch him once and for all.

4. Moon Lovers

An ordinary 21st-century woman gets transported back in time to year 941. She encounters royal princes of the Goryeo Dynasty and falls in love with the 8th prince.

5. Tomorrow, With You

A time traveling man foresees into the future to find himself living a miserable life. In order to change his fate, he marries a woman who ultimately teaches him how to love.

6. Saimdang, Light’s Diary

A Korean art history lecturer finds the mysterious diary of a historical figure named Saimdang. Through the diary, he tries to discover the truth behind her history.

7. Confession Couple

A divorced couple in their late-30s gets sent back in time to their college days. They try to change their life around by meeting new people, but destiny has its own plans.

8. Hit The Top

A famous idol travels to the future and meets his son, who is training to be an idol.

9. Live Up To Your Name

An oriental doctor from the past travels to the future and meets a doctor who firmly believes in modern medicine.

10. Splash Splash Love

A high school girl who has the ability to transport anywhere on a rainy day travels back to the Joseon dynasty, where she meets the young king.

11. Queen In Hyun’s Man

A noble-born scholar, who is the last remaining member of his family after a massacre, travels to the future and falls in love with an actress who stars in the drama about the massacre.

12. Rooftop Prince

A prince from the Joseon dynasty is sent to the future after he loses his lover. In the 21st century Seoul, he finds the reincarnation of his lost love who tries to help him back home.

13. Dr. Jin

A successful doctor travels back in time to the Joseon dynasty and meets a girl who looks exactly like his lover.

14. Somehow 18

A man travels back in time to try to save his first love who died when she was 18.

15. God’s Gift: 14 Days

A child gets kidnapped and is found dead. The mother of the child child travels back in time to save her child and catch the kidnapper.

16. Run Toward Tomorrow

A troublemaking high school student accidentally travels to the future, where he learns that his father was severely injured while looking for him. He tries to go back in time to change the future.

17. Manhole

A man travels between present and past in order to stop his ideal girlfriend from getting married.

18. Marry Him, If You Dare

A woman who regrets the choices she made in life travels back to her 32-year-old self, and tries to guide her away from making the same mistakes. One of the main mistakes being that she married the wrong person!

19. Bing Goo

A man from 1979 travels to the year 2016 and falls in love with a girl from the future.

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5 Time Travel K-Dramas To Binge If You Are Enjoying "Lovely Runner"

What would it be like to turn on a switch and miraculously be transported in time? You could be your old self and even have the ability to rearrange your destiny. Sounds freaky, but it could well be the ultimate adventure.  

“ Lovely Runner ” is the evocative and beautiful story of Im Sol ( Kim Hye Yoon ), who slips in time to save her ultimate bias and pop star, Ryu Sun Jae ( Byeon Woo Seok ) of Eclipse. The drama has made many go weak in the knees. It goes beyond being just a time slip romance, but it also handles issues such as surmounting your deepest fears. It imparts hope as well as a delightful love story.

If you are loving “Lovely Runner,” here are five more time travel K-dramas to revisit and binge!

“ Twinkling Watermelon ”

Eun Gyeol ( Ryeoun ) is a high school student who is wise beyond his 18 years. He grew up fast and has been responsible for his family, which includes his parents and older brother, since he was a young boy. Eun Gyeol is the only person in his family who can speak and hear and is their connection with the outside world as he interprets their signs into words. Though his parents want Eun Gyeol to pursue medicine, his world revolves around music. He can strum magic with the guitar and has it in him to make it, but his family would not have it. One day, he finds himself back in time to the year 1995, only to end up meeting the younger version of his father, Lee Chan ( Choi Hyun Wook ), an aspiring musician. But his father can hear and speak. He also encounters   Se Kyung ( Seol In Ah ) and the aloof Chung Ah ( Shin Eun Soo ), an artist who has been deaf since birth. But could this time slip help him rearrange and change his future?

“Twinkling Watermelon” struck a warm chord for its evocatively moving storyline. The drama is all heart and comes packed with life lessons, music, and excellent performances.

Start watching “Twinkling Watermelon”:

“A Time Called You”

Han Jun Hee ( Jeon Yeo Been ) has been having a tough time ever since the tragic demise of her boyfriend Ko Yeon Jun ( Ahn Hyo Seop ). She is wrecked by guilt, since he was on the way to see her before he passed, and is unable to get closure. Exactly a year after his death, she receives a cassette player as a gift. As she turns it on the moving strains of “Gather My Tears” by Seo Ji Won, it takes her back in time to 1998. Jun Hee not only wakes up in the body of her doppelganger, a high school student named Kwon Min Joo, but she ends up meeting her boyfriend’s look-alike Si Heon. Si Heon is the school’s poster boy—he is an outgoing and playful character. Si Heon’s best friend is the introverted In Kyu ( Kang Hoon ). But it seems the three are entwined in a strange fate.

A remake of the hit Taiwanese drama “Someday or One Day,” “A Time Called You” is a cleverly written show as it switches between past and present. The stars of the show are the performances and chemistry shared between Jeon Yeo Been and Ahn Hyo Seop.

“ Mr. Queen ”

Imagine going back in time but ending up in a different century and a gender other than your own. Is this retribution of some sort? When the chauvinistic and arrogant master chef of the Blue House (the South Korean presidential home) Jang Bong Hwan ( Choi Jin Hyuk ) meets with a freak accident, he lands in the Joseon period. Not only is he taken to a time hundreds of years in the past, but he is also trapped in the body of the queen, Kim So Yong ( Shin Hye Sun ).

As Bong Hwan’s spirit takes charge of So Yong’s body, she starts behaving rather oddly but also unearths the palace’s deep dark secrets. This gender-bending time travel drama goes beyond the typical stories of palace intrigue but also explores a romance on the queer spectrum as well as highlights the gender inequalities and sexism inherent in patriarchal societies. Shin Hye Sun shines as So Young, and her impeccable comic timing with Choi Jin Hyuk is a riot.

Start watching “Mr. Queen”: 

“ 18 Again ”

It is often said that your present could be a representation of the choices made in the past. Hong Dae Young ( Yoon Sang Hyun ) is 37 and frustrated in life with deep anger issues. He has lost his job, his wife Da Jung ( Kim Ha Neul ) wants him out, and neither is he an admirable father figure in the eyes of his two children. But it seems the universe has heard his prayer, and Dae Young goes back in time. He finds himself in the body of his 18-year-old self ( Lee Do Hyun ), a star basketball player who is being scouted by universities. He realizes he does have a chance to start all over again. As he ends up going to the same school as his children, he forms a deep bond with them, which he was unable to do as a dad.

A heartwarming drama, “18 Again” gives an insight into society and its stereotypes. The constant stress of work-life balance and its impact is well brought out. Lee Do Hyun does super well as Dae Young and impressively portrays both aspects as a student and a father of two.  

Start watching “18 Again”:

“ Go Back Couple ”

Another drama which finds its cure of a problematic present in the past is “Go Back Couple.” University sweethearts, Choi Ban Do ( Son Ho Jun ) and Ma Jin Joo ( Jang Nara ) couldn’t wait to get married, but after 18 years of being together, they cannot stand the sight of each other. Ban Do is struggling as a pharmaceutical salesperson and barely has any time for Jin Joo and their son, since he is constantly networking to increase sales. Jin Joo, on the other hand, is tired handling their home and being a homemaker with no help. As the couple reach a breaking point, they travel back in time and are university freshmen again. Well aware of the situation that lies ahead of them, the two decide whether it would be best if they had neither dated or married.

“Go Back Couple” is a breezy watch, and though it has several tropes and cliches, they are well done. Jang Nara and Son Ho Jun are hilariously cute together, and there is never a dull moment in their playful banter.

Watch “Go Back Couple” below:

Hey Soompiers, which one of these is your favorite time travel drama? Let us know in the comments below!

Puja Talwar  is a Soompi writer with a strong  Yang Yang  and  Lee Junho  bias. A long time K-drama fan, she loves devising alternate scenarios to the narratives. She has interviewed  Lee Min Ho ,  Gong Yoo ,  Cha Eun Woo , and  Ji Chang Wook  to name a few. You can follow her on @puja_talwar7 on Instagram.

Currently watching:  “ Will Love in Spring “

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A Korean Drama Addiction

Best Time-Travel Kdramas

Time-travel is one intriguing genre for me and I’m always willing to stir up my brain a little for some time-traveling adventure!

A Time Called You – rated 8.5 stars

with Ahn Hyo Seop & Jeon Yeo Bin

Han Jun Hee still grieves the death of her boyfriend who died a year ago. One day, she receives a cassette recorder from a mysterious sender, which allows her to time travel back to 1998. There she meets Nam Si Hyeon who resembles her dead boyfriend.

with Park Joo Mi & Kim Min Jun

The Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 – rated 8.5 stars

with Lee Dong Wook & Kim So Yeon

Lee Yeon has to travel back to the past to retrieve an important item that’s been missing in the future. He travels back to 1938, the Japanese colonization era, and there he meets his past self, Lee Rang, his brother, Ryu Hong Joo, a former guardian spirit of the West and Cheon Moo Young, a former guardian spirit of the East, who harbors ill-feeling against Lee Yeon.

with Cho Seung Woo & Park Shin Hye

Han Tae Sul is a rich, genius engineer who owns Quantum and Time, a successful company in Korea. After a plane accident, he discovers traces that leads to his brother’s death. While investigating, he meets Kang Seo Hae, an elite soldier from the future who travels back in time to help him.

with Kim Hee Sun & Joo Won

Park Jin Gyum is a police detective finding out about people traveling from the future through a place called Alice. The main purpose of Alice is to provide healing for clients in the future who had some bad experiences in the past. So they get to travel back to fix it. While investigating, Park Jin Gyum meets a woman who totally looks like his dead mom.

with Lee Min Ho & Kim Go Eun

King Lee Gon of the Kingdom of Corea, a parallel world of the Republic of Korea, crosses dimension chasing after a person who he thinks was his savior when he was a little boy who was about to get killed. He finally meets Jung Tae Eul, a detective in the other world, who he thinks was his saviour but she doesn’t have a recollection of him. In his constant trip to the other side, King Lee Gon realizes the two worlds are messed up due to the doing of his traitor uncle Lee Rim. So he is finding a way to fix it.

with Choi Jin Hyuk & Lee Yoo Young

Park Kwang Ho, a detective in the 80’s tried to solve a series of murder cases in his hometown but when he was about to catch the culprit in a tunnel where the last murder took place, he was transported 30 years later where he still tried desperately to solve the case with the hope of getting transported back to the past. “Absolute intriguing!”

with Lee Je Hoon & Shin Min Ah

A time-traveler makes all his fortune and even meets his wife by time traveling, but can he also save her life by going back and forth.

with Lee Bo Young & Cho Seung Woo

2 people went back in time exactly 14 days before the death of their loved ones. One is a mother who will try to save her daughter from getting murdered and the other one is the brother of a prisoner who’s going to be hung.

with Jeon Ji Hyun & Kim Soo Hyun

What happens if an alien who doesn’t age falls in love with a human? She dies, he’ll be left alone and of course wait for her to be reborn! That’s some alien love!

with Yoon Eun Hye & Lee Dong Gun

A lady travels back to the past to meet her future husband and stop it from happening. Hm, a lot of you perhaps will love to do this but is it possible? Find out!

with Ji Hyun Woo and Yoo In Na

Not a 100% period drama and also involves time-travelling of a Joseon man to the present time and meeting an actress portraying as the queen of his past era. Beware: can get a bit cheesy!

with Lee Min Ho and Kim Hee Sun

First reason to watch it, it’s because there’s Lee Min Ho in it. Second reason is how it ended – time-travel solution and a brief reunion were just perfect.

with Park Yoochun and Han Ji Min as Park Ha

A semi-period drama and involves time travelling of a Joseon prince to the present time that leads unraveling deep secrets in the past. Lots of hilarious scenes that will keep you laughing but will have to endure some heartbreaks too.

Related Posts:

10 time-travel K-dramas to watch if you liked Lovely Runner

T he ongoing time-travel K-drama Lovely Runner is trending in the K-drama community due to its appealing storyline and the onscreen chemistry between Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok. The series has been gaining quite the momentum and garnering a wide fanbase among both international and domestic audiences, as it witnessed 4.095% nationwide ratings for episode 8, as per Nielsen Korea.

As the female protagonist time-travels to save someone dear to her, fans are hooked on the series with its constant twists and turns. They are eagerly awaiting to see how the Lovely Runner unfolds the tragic fate of Ryu Sun-jae (played by Byeon Woo-seok) and if Im Sol (played by Kim Hye-yoon) will save him through time travel.

While waiting for the next episodes of Lovely Runner, viewers can binge-watch some of the best time-travel dramas depicting themes of love, crime, psychology, history, comedy, and many more.

Signal , Mr.Queen , My Perfect Stranger , and other K-dramas to watch while waiting for new episodes of Lovely Runner

Where to watch: WeTV, Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, Tubi, Prime Video, and iQIYI

Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, and Cho Jin-woong

The crime and time-travel series Signal was named the Best Drama Award at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards and received acclaim from critics due to its realistic storyline. The drama aired from January 22 to March 12, 2016, and is based on the 2000 film Frequency and real-life crime incidents in South Korea.

Signal was penned by Kim Eun-hee and helmed by Kim Won-seok and included episodes on the infamous Hwaseong serial murders. The drama delves into the terrific partnership of a cold case profiler based in 2015 and a detective living in 1989. They connect via a supernatural Walkie-Talkie and solve multiple cold cases.

Unlike Lovely Runner , the drama revolves around crime cases and their adverse consequences and can keep viewers hooked to their screen. It has been renewed for a second season in March 2024.

2) Mr. Queen

Where to watch: Viki, Netflix, Prime Video and Hulu

Cast: Shin Hye-sun and Kim Jung-hyun

Mr. Queen aired from December 12, 2020, and February 14, 2021. It is the tenth highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history, with the last episode bagging 17.3% viewership ratings nationwide, as per Nielsen Korea. The story is based on the Chinese web series Go Princess and is directed by PD Yoon Sung-sik and penned by Park Gye-ok and Choi Ah-il.

The drama chronicles the story of a modern-day chef discovering himself in the body of a queen, Kim So-Yong, residing in the Joseon era. As he struggles to find his way home, he is entangled with King Cheoljong, and multiple events unfold to change their fates. Similar to Lovely Runner , the drama emphasizes themes of budding romance and comedy, which viewers find entertaining.

3) My Perfect Stranger

Where to watch: Wavve, Rakuten Viki, Viu, and Kocowa

Cast: Kim Dong-wook and Jin Ki-joo

My Perfect Stranger aired from May 1 to June 20, 2023, and was penned by screenwriter Baek So-yeon. The series was directed by Kang Soo-yeon and Lee Woong-hee.

It chronicles the strange encounter of two individuals with different goals who time-travel to 1987 and begin working towards their dreams. While the male protagonist wants to know the truth behind the serial murder case, the female lead aims to prevent her parents from falling in love.

Unlike Lovely Runner , My Perfect Stranger remains an underrated masterpiece waiting to be discovered by more viewers.

4) Twinkling Watermelon

Where to watch: TVING and Rakuten Viki

Cast: Ryeoun, Choi Hyun-wook, Seol In-ah, and Shin Eun-soo

Aired between September 25 and November 14, 2023, the hit time-travel series, Twinkling Watermelon , is directed by Son Jeong-hyeon and Yoo Beom-sang. It is penned by screenwriter Jin Soo-wan.

The time-travel drama depicts the story of a CODA boy with a gifted voice who goes back in 1995, where he has the opportunity to change the future. He is accompanied by another female time traveler and forms a music band called Watermelon Sugar with his father.

Similar to Lovely Runner , the lead in Twinkling Watermelon wants to change the fate of his close ones. The central characters in the drama pulled the heartstrings of the audience, and Twinkling Watermelon was one of the most viral dramas of last year.

5) Life on Mars

Where to watch: Disney+

Cast: Jung Kyung-ho, Park Sung-woong, Go Ah-sung, Oh Dae-hwan, and Noh Jong-hyun

The psychological and comedy-drama Life on Mars aired between June 9 and August 5, 2018. A remake of the hit British TV series of the same name, Life on Mars was directed by Lee Jeong-hyo and penned by Lee Dae-II.

The series delves into the story of an ambitious and successful leader of a crime investigation team, Han Tae-joon, who finds himself in the winter of 1988 after an unfortunate accident. In the past, he was appointed as a detective at a police station in a small city, when he experienced multiple mental issues.

Unlike Lovely Runner, the drama focuses on the psychology of a person who sets out to solve cases with instinct. It is one of the most underrated dramas that should be watched for its compelling storytelling.

6) Marry My Husband

Where to watch: Prime Video and TVING

Cast: Park Min-young, Na In-woo, Lee Yi-kyung, Song Ha-yoon, and Lee Gi-kwang

The time-travel drama with a flavor of revenge, Marry My Husband , concluded with a high viewership rating of 11.951% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea. The drama aired between January 1, 2024, and February 20, 2024, and is based on a web novel of the same name. It was penned by Shin Yoo-dam and directed by Park Won-guk and Han Jin-seon.

The plot follows the story of Ji-won, who is diagnosed with gastric cancer in 2023 and has to deal with a terrible husband having an affair with her best friend. After Ji-won discovers her husband's affair, she gets killed by him, but surprisingly travels back to 2013, where she meets Yoo Ji-hyuk and tries to change her future by embarking on the journey of revenge.

Similar to Lovely Runner, the drama emphasizes how the leads could save themselves from succumbing to the terrible fate of the future. It is one of the popular dramas of 2024 due to its concept of self-love and revenge and a strong female lead.

7) Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Where to watch: SBS VOD

Cast: Lee Joon-gi, IU, and Kang Ha-neul

Based on the Chinese novel, Bu Bu Jing Xin, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, premiered between August 29 to November 1, 2016. It was penned by screenwriter Cho Yoon-young and directed by Kim Kyu-tae. Each episode was sold for $400,000 to the Chinese broadcasting station Youku, with the series totaling $8 million. Moon Lovers emerged as the most expensive drama to be purchased in 2016.

The series revolves around the story of Go Ha-jin, who time-travels to the period of the Goryeo Dynasty during a complete solar eclipse. As she finds herself in 941, in the body of Hae-soo, the female lead is intertwined in a love triangle with Prince Wang-wook and Prince Wang-soo. However, as she dies in the drama, Ha-jin finds herself back in the 21st century.

Similar to Lovely Runner, the drama revolves around a love story that remains incomplete due to the enmity prevailing in the palace. Viewers were left craving for season 2, as Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo concluded with a cliffhanger.

8) Go Back Couple

Where to watch: iQIYI, Rakuten Viki, Netflix, and Kocowa

Cast: Jang Na-ra and Song Ho-jun

The time-travel and romance drama Go Back Couple premiered between October 13 and November 18, 2017. It was penned by Kwon Hye-joo and helmed by Ha Byung-hoon. It was based on the Naver webtoon, Do It One More Time, published in 2016 by Hong Seung-pyo and Kim Hye-yeon.

The drama chronicles the story of a 38-year-old married couple, Choi Ban-do and Ma Jin-joo, who become bitter with time and regret marrying each other, despite being head-over-heels for each other at the time of their marriage. They subsequently travel back to when they were in their 20s and rekindle their faded love like Lovely Runner.

Similar to Lovely Runner , the drama narrates a beautiful and heartbreaking love story that only needs a chance to bloom again. Fans believe it is one of the underrated dramas in South Korea.

9) Hit the Top

Where to watch: Rakuten Viki, Netflix, and Apple TV

Cast: Yoon Shi-yoon, Lee Se-young, Kim Min-jae and Cha Tae-hyun

The comedy and time-travel drama Hit the Top aired between June 2 and July 22, 2017. It was written by screenwriter Lee Young-chul, while the directors of the show include Cha Tae-hyun and Yoo Ho-jin.

The drama depicts the journey of idol Yoon Hyun-jae, who mysteriously time-travels from 1993 to 2017. He discovers his disappearance in 1994 in the past and starts digging up the reason behind the troubles of his life. Similar to Lovely Runner , the underrated masterpiece entertains viewers with its comical elements.

10) Again My Life

Where to watch: Rakuten Viki

Cast: Lee Joon-gi, Lee Kyung-young, Kim Ji-eun, and Jung Sang-hoon

Again My Life concluded with an impressive nationwide viewership rating of 10.5%, according to Nielsen Korea. It premiered between April 8 and May 28, 2022, and was penned and helmed by Lee Hae-nal and Han Chul-soo, respectively. The law and time-travel drama is based on the web novel of the same name.

The drama delves into the struggling life of Kim Hee-woo, who works hard from emerging as a low-grade high schooler to becoming a righteous prosecutor. While investigating corruption, he is murdered by an unidentified man. However, instead of dying, he finds himself alive again and strives to live.

Unlike Lovely Runner , the drama is more focused on law and justice, which keeps viewers glued to their screen throughout the ending of Again My Life.

Apart from these titles, viewers can also binge-watch other time-travel series similar to Lovely Runner, such as Tunnel, Rooftop Prince, Live Up to Your Name, Tomorrow With You, Blue Birthday, 365: Repeat the Year, and others. For a fresh yet intriguing concept, fans can also check out the highly acclaimed time-travel Taiwanese drama Someday or One Day .

The new episodes of Lovely Runner air every Monday and Tuesday and are available to stream on Rakuten Viki .

Screen Rant

Park min-young’s time travel k-drama perfectly flips her most famous role 6 years later.

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Marry My Husband Ending Explained: Does Ji-won Find Happiness?

8 villain reveals that ruined their shows forever, 10 harsh realities of rewatching mash, 51 years later.

• Marry My Husband flips Park Min-young's Secretary Kim role in a revenge-filled time travel story.
• Ji-won escaped an abusive marriage after going back in time and decided to focus on her professional career.
• Both shows involve second chances and reevaluating life priorities for the main characters.

Park Min-young’s character in the time travel K-drama Marry My Husband perfectly flipped her most famous role, Kim Mi-so from What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim . One of the most acclaimed actors of her generation, Park Min-young has starred in several successful shows. This includes hits like What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim and Forecasting Love and Weather , the former of which is widely considered one of the best K-dramas of all time . Following a two-year hiatus from Korean dramas, Park Min-young recently starred in Marry My Husband , which ran from January 1 to February 20, 2024.

While shows like Her Prive Life and Forecasting Love and Weather were very well received, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim arguably remains Park Min-young’s most famous role six years later. Released in 2018, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim featured Park Min-young as Kim Mi-so, a highly efficient secretary who was now reconsidering her priorities. The show also starred Park Seo-joon as Young-joon , Mi-so’s boss. There are some interesting parallels between Marry My Husband and What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim , especially when it comes to the differences between Park Min-young’s characters.

Park Min-young’s Marry My Husband Character Flips Her Secretary Kim Role

Kang ji-won has the opposite goal from kim mi-so.

In Marry My Husband , Park Min-young plays Kang Ji-won , who, at the start of the series, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. On the same day she received her diagnosis, Ji-won found out her husband was cheating on her with her best friend. Not only that, but the two of them were counting the days for Ji-won to die so that they could get the insurance money. To accelerate things, Ji-won’s husband tried to kill her once she found out about his affair. While Ji-won did tie in this timeline, she instantly woke up 10 years in the past.

Mi-so’s story was not as tragic as Ji-won’s, yet both of these characters realized there was something wrong with their lives and decided it was time to change.

Ji-won was mysteriously given the chance to rebuild her life in Marry My Husband , after which she decided not only to plot her revenge against her soon-to-be-husband but also to ditch everything that was hurting her. Ji-won built new friendships, stopped caring about pleasing everyone, and focused on her professional career instead of living for her fiancé. Ji-won regained control of her life after leaving an abusive marriage as part of a toxic family that also included an abusive mother-in-law. Her character arc in the time travel K-drama was the opposite of what Mi-so went through in What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim .

In What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim , Park Min-young’s character is somewhat happy professionally but dreams of building a family and wants to focus more on her personal life. Secretary Kim had built an incredible reputation as the trustable, competent executive secretary of an important CEO, yet she was not fully happy. Mi-so was tired of being known as “Secretary Kim” and wanted to build a life outside of work. Mi-so’s story was not as tragic as Ji-won’s, yet both of these characters realized there was something wrong with their lives and decided it was time to change.

How Marry My Husband Is Different From What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim

Marry my husband was about ji-won finding her strength.

Marry My Husband and What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim play with some similar tropes , including but not limited to romance at the workplace. That said, they are very different shows with very different tones. Marry My Husband adds a supernatural element to a classic tale of revenge, with the time travel aspect of the story setting the narrative for Kang Ji-won’s journey. Most of the show is told from the perspective of Ji-won, allowing viewers to connect with her as her plan for revenge progresses. Most Marry My Husband characters are oblivious to Ji-won’s secret, except for her boss, Ji-hyuk.

Marry My Husband episode 16 saw the end of Ji-won’s quest to escape her fate and the start of a new chapter in her life, but was it a happy ending?

What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim , on the other hand, tells its story from the perspective of Park Min-young and Park Seo-joon’s characters . It becomes clear right from episode 1 that Secretary Kim and Young-joon have feelings for each other and might become a couple. From then on, the show explores how Mi-so’s decision to leave her job affects not only her life but also her boss’ life. Their pasts are slowly revealed as the show progresses, with audiences learning that their connection is deeper than anyone imagined. Compared to Marry My Husband ’s time travel plot , What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim is more grounded.

Marry My Husband & What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim Do Have Things In Common

Both k-dramas were about second chances.

Despite the differences between What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim ’s Mi-so and Marry My Husband ’s Ji-won, both shows are essentially about the same thing – second chances. Even though they were facing different challenges, these two characters were given a second chance in life and reconsidered their priorities. Ji-won’s tragedy led her to distance herself from all the toxic people in her life, which is why Marry My Husband was not only about revenge but also about fresh starts. Park Min-young’s character in What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim was in a relatively good place, yet she rightfully felt like she deserved more.

Stream Marry My Husband on Prime Video

Stream What's Wrong With Secretary Kim on Hulu

• Marry My Husband
• What's Wrong With Secretary Kim?

This Underrated Stephen King Miniseries About JFK and Time Travel Is Worth Revisiting

Stephen King's time-travel thriller 11.22.63 is worth revisiting for its brilliant blend of science fiction and historical drama.

• Stephen King's "11.22.63" offers a thrilling blend of science fiction, history, and moral dilemmas worth revisiting.
• The miniseries dives deep into the ethical stakes of altering history, showcasing exceptional performances by the cast.
• Underrated and overlooked, "11.22.63" delivers gripping storytelling that explores themes of love, redemption, and fate.

Although Stephen King will always reign supreme among horror scribes, the celebrated author's most underrated stories often expand beyond the grave. Stand by Me and The Green Mile are excellent big-screen examples of King's storytelling range, but there are also overlooked small-screen adaptations fans should check out. For example, the 2016 Hulu miniseries 11.22.63 is a riveting time-travel revisionist history tale that melds science fiction with romance and mystery.

Based on the Stephen King novel 11/22/63, the miniseries follows Jake Epping (James Franco), a time traveler who is given a chance to alter the course of history by going back to prevent the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. The 8-part miniseries aired between February and April 2016, and despite garnering positive reviews, the show remains underrated among die-hard King fans. With a U.S. Presidential election upcoming, it's time to go back in time and assess the merits of 11.22.63 and explain why King fans should revisit the show.

*Availability in US

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11.22.63's Genre-Blending Plot

Adapted from Stephen King's 2011 novel 11/22/63 , the Hulu miniseries, 11.22.63, begins in modern-day Maine (unsurprisingly). The story concerns English teacher Jake Epping, who is approached by his cancer-stricken friend Al Templeton (Chris Cooper). Al reveals a time portal that takes people back to 1960 and asks Jake to time travel to Dallas, Texas, to avert the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Al also reveals that he is dying of cancer and that his terminal illness has prevented him from staying in the past for long durations. As such, Al couldn't stop President Kennedy's killer and needed Jake to finish the job.

Assuming the alias James Amberson, Jake travels to 1960 Dallas and becomes embroiled in a mysterious controversy. He begins spying on Lee Harvey Oswald's (Daniel Webber) handler, but when he returns to his quarters and finds Al's notes burned and his superintendent's son dead, Jake knows he's in danger and that someone is deliberately hiding the truth. Despite the peril, Jake settles in Fort Worth, becomes a school teacher, and befriends a Kentuckian in 1960 named Bill Turcotte (George Mackay) who helps him abort the presidential assassination. The more time Jake spends in 1960 Texas in the Hulu Original series , the more comfortable he becomes in his new life, which threatens to undermine his mission and life.

Why 11.22.63 Is so Underrated

Beyond the expert storytelling acumen of Stephen King, 11.23.63 remains underrated in its ambitious and well-executed blend of science fiction and revisionist historical drama. The dichotomy between modern-day Maine and 1960 Texas is stark, yet through Jake's time travels, King convinces viewers that the more things change, the more they stay the same. If the past is a prologue, King makes a profound cautionary statement in the guise of a fun, moody time-travel thriller with high dramatic stakes.

Produced by J.J. Abrams and his Bad Robot production company with top-notch production values, fans may be turned off by the slow, unclear beginning that gradually picks up steam and becomes more compelling as it progresses, fusing fantasy and history in exciting ways. At first, viewers identify with Jake, an ordinary citizen caught in extraordinary circumstances as he navigates a fish-out-of-water past. Although Franco has courted controversy, he strikes a believable balance between anxiety and earnestness that keeps viewers on their toes as he unravels a grand conspiracy.

Unless they read the novel beforehand, viewers tuning into 11.22.63 during its initial run expected the assassination date to play a larger role in the story. One of the most unheralded aspects of the show is how it uses President Kennedy's assassination as a backdrop to tell Jake's redemption tale. For instance, Jake tests his ability to alter the past by attempting to stop the murder of one of his future students at the hands of his murderous father.

Jake grapples with his moral compass, weighing the options to lash out violently or idly watch his student die. Jake's dark and violent turn is tempered by his romance with Sadie Dunhill (Sarah Gadon), which pulls him further from his contemporary reality as a divorcee. By the end of the journey, King's thesis that humanity must accept the things they cannot change rings loud and clear, using President Kennedy's death as an apt metaphor.

Is 11.22.63 Worth Revisiting?

With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. running for the U.S. President in 2024, the Stephen King miniseries , 11.22.63, is even more timely and topical now than during its release in early 2016. However, the real reason why it's worth rewatching nowadays comes down to the compelling ethical bind Jake finds himself in during the finale. Torn between his love for Sadie and devotion to his country, Jake faces a moral dilemma that arises with the dramatic stakes of a TV finale. The personal and the historical converge with tension, suspense, and a deeply satisfying conclusion. As such, it's no surprise that 11.22.63 won a Saturn Award for Best Television Presentation.

11.22.63 is also worth revisiting for its excellent performances by Franco, Gadon, and Cooper. While some have criticized Franco's turn as uneven, he does a terrific job serving as a conduit for viewers, guiding them through a bizarre political environment in 1960 Texas that feels familiar and otherworldly. Franco also embodies an air of menacing intrigue that keeps viewers guessing what will happen next, avoiding predictable plotting and formulaic storytelling tropes. Apart from the convincing performances, 11.22.63 proves that Stephen King is often at his best and most overlooked when penning non-horror stories.