Best Korean Romance Movies You Have to Watch – A Korean’s Personal Recommendations
If you’re someone who enjoys heartfelt love stories with a unique cultural twist, best Korean romance movies should be at the top of your list. As a Korean in my late 20s, I’ve grown up with some of the most touching and thought-provoking romantic films that reflect both traditional values and modern relationships. These films not only portray beautiful love stories but also offer insight into Korean society and the complexities of love.
From sweet, lighthearted rom-coms to heart-wrenching dramas, here’s a list of 5 best Korean romance movies that I personally recommend. Whether you’re a fan of tear-jerkers or feel-good tales, there’s something here for every type of romantic at heart.
1. The Classic (2003)
Where to Watch: Available on streaming platforms like Viki and YouTube.
Brief Plot:
The Classic is a timeless romance that spans across two generations. The film alternates between the love story of two college students in the 1970s and their children, creating a deep, emotional narrative. The story follows Ji-hye (played by Son Ye-jin), who discovers letters from her mother’s past. As Ji-hye reads them, she begins to learn about her mother’s first love, a poignant and unforgettable romance with her own deep connections to Ji-hye’s present life. This film is full of longing, sacrifice, and the beauty of rediscovered love.
Why Watch It?
This movie is a perfect blend of past and present love stories, allowing viewers to experience the emotional weight of a romance that transcends time. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast, particularly Son Ye-jin, will tug at your heartstrings. The Classic is one of the best Korean romance movies you can revisit again and again, each time uncovering new layers of the characters’ emotions.
2. A Moment to Remember (2004)
Where to Watch: Available on Viki, YouTube, and Amazon Prime.
Brief Plot:
In A Moment to Remember, we are introduced to the character of Su-jin (Son Ye-jin), a young woman who falls in love with a kind-hearted man, Chul-su (Jung Woo-sung), after a chance encounter. However, just as their relationship deepens, Su-jin is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The movie portrays the challenges of love and memory loss, showing how Chul-su desperately tries to hold on to the woman he loves, even as she begins to forget everything—including him.
Why Watch It?
This is one of the most heartbreaking best Korean romance movies ever made. The emotions are raw, and the performances by both Son Ye-jin and Jung Woo-sung are superb. It’s a film about love, loss, and the importance of memories, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates stories about enduring love. A Moment to Remember is an unforgettable journey that leaves a lasting emotional impact.
3. My Sassy Girl (2001)
Where to Watch: Available on Viki and YouTube.
Brief Plot:
My Sassy Girl is a quirky, hilarious romantic comedy about a young man named Gyun-woo (Cha Tae-hyun) who falls in love with a crazy, unpredictable woman (Jun Ji-hyun), known only as the “sassy girl.” Despite her outrageous behavior, they develop an unexpected relationship that changes both of their lives. The film is famous for its humor, sweet moments, and, of course, the memorable, wild personality of the female lead.
Why Watch It?
This is one of the best Korean romance movies that has become iconic in Korean cinema. It’s a perfect blend of humor and heart, showing how love can come from the most unexpected places. Jun Ji-hyun’s portrayal of the sassy girl is one of her most beloved roles and is guaranteed to make you laugh and fall in love with her character. It’s a fun, easy watch with a deep, lovable connection between the leads that stands the test of time.
4. The Beauty Inside (2015)
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Brief Plot:
The Beauty Inside presents a unique concept about love and identity. Woo-jin (played by multiple actors, including Lee Beom-soo, Park Shin-hye, and others) is a man who wakes up in a different body every day. Despite this physical transformation, he falls in love with the kind and artistic Yi-soo (Han Hyo-joo). As their relationship deepens, Woo-jin must struggle with the complexities of living in different bodies while maintaining a sense of identity and love for Yi-soo.
Why Watch It?
This is an innovative and visually captivating film that explores the idea of love beyond appearances and superficial judgments. The concept of constantly changing identities will have you questioning what makes us who we are and how love transcends physical form. The chemistry between Han Hyo-joo and the various actors who play Woo-jin makes it one of the best Korean romance movies that will have you reflecting on the true meaning of love. It’s a beautifully layered movie that’s truly worth watching.
5. Be With You (2018)
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix, Viki, and YouTube.
Brief Plot:
Be With You is a heartwarming and tear-jerking film that follows a woman, Soo-ah (Son Ye-jin), who dies in a tragic accident. A year later, she mysteriously returns to her family on a rainy day, with no memory of the time that passed. As Soo-ah tries to reconnect with her husband (So Ji-sub) and son, they struggle with the emotional weight of the situation. Will their love survive the test of time and memory loss?
Why Watch It?
This movie will tug at your heartstrings from start to finish. The emotional depth of the plot, combined with the performances of Son Ye-jin and So Ji-sub, makes this one of the best Korean romance movies you can watch if you enjoy bittersweet, moving love stories. Be With You explores themes of family, memory, loss, and the power of love, making it a film that resonates deeply with viewers.
Do you like my recommendations?
As a Korean, I’ve watched and cherished these films for their depth, relatability, and ability to capture the complexities of love. From laughter-filled moments to heart-wrenching scenes, best Korean romance movies often reflect the deep emotions we experience in relationships. These 5 films are my personal favorites, and I hope they resonate with you as much as they have with me.
If you’re new to Korean films or just looking for something to watch, give these movies a try—you won’t regret it! Whether you’re in the mood for a classic, a tearjerker, or a lighthearted comedy, these movies have it all. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and let these stories of love sweep you off your feet.
