For new K-Drama fans, it is often hard to make a great watchlist from scratch. You most probably ask your friend’s opinions or read online reviews to make your selection, but that is probably not enough to decide on your next drama.

K-Dramas have plenty of genres. This time, we listed romance dramas set in school and university. We made a selection of the best teen romance and campus romance. If you are a K-Drama beginner, look out for the dramas we have selected to find which ones suit your taste! For K-Drama addicts, you probably have watched all the dramas listed below, if not, it is time to add them to your watchlist.

If you are looking for more romance recommendations, you check our previous recommendations: best romantic comedy, best romance historical, best action-thriller romance, and best fantasy romance.

Note: This list was first published in 2019 and updated several times with new releases. Latest update: November 2023. This is not a ranking.

 

1. “My ID Is Gangnam Beauty”

When: 2018

Cast: ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, Im SooHyang, Kwak DongYeon, Jo WooRi

Summary: The story of a woman living a new life through plastic surgery. She ends up meeting Do KyungSuk at college orientation, and while everyone thinks that appearance is important, he thinks differently. She will learn what real “beauty” is.

For: Viewers looking for a campus romance questioning what is "beauty" with a swoon-worthy main couple.

Why watch?: This campus romance has an interesting theme on “what is real beauty”. The plot mainly focuses on romance and other issues of university students, making the whole story very interesting. The main couple's chemistry is one of the best. It is a must-watch!

 

2. “Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo”

When: 2016-2017

Cast: Nam JooHyuk, Lee SungKyung

Summary: It tells the dreams and love stories of students who are in pursuing a career in sports.

For: Viewers looking for the sweetest and the most hilarious campus romance.

Why watch?: This drama is just too good to miss! The female lead is a bubbly weightlifting athlete and the male lead is a soft swimmer. This true OTP created this perfect romantic comedy with their perfect chemistry! This drama gave birth to one of the legendary K-Drama lines, "Do you like Messi?".

 

3. "Who Are You: School 2015"

When: 2015

Cast: Kim SoHyun, BTOB's Yook SungJae, Nam JooHyuk

Summary: A youth drama that tells the story of an 18 year old high school girl who's life completely changes as well as the students surrounding her.

For: Viewers looking for a mysterious and exciting teen story.

Why watch?: This drama is a must for young viewers. Kim SoHyun's acting is perfect in this teen drama. The plot and the love triangle also made it worth watching. There is no wonder why this 2015 drama of the "School" series was popular.

 

4. "Dream High"

When: 2011

Cast: Suzy, Kim SooHyun, 2PM's Ok TaecYeon, Ham EunJung, Jang WooYoung, IU

Summary: It tells the love story and dreams of young people who desire to become stars by attending an Art High School.

For: Viewers looking for a heart-fluttering high-school romance with a music theme.

Why watch?: It might be an old drama, but the story is easy to watch and completely addictive. If you like K-Pop and dramas about singers, this drama might be for you. Suzy and Kim SooHyun couple's chemistry is unforgettable.

 

5. "Boys Over Flowers"

When: 2009

Cast: Ku HyeSun, Lee MinHo, Kim HyunJoong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon

Summary: The love story of a girl from a poor family and a boy from one of the largest conglomerates family who attends the same private high school.

For: Viewers looking for a hit high school love story.

Why watch?: There are many reasons why this drama is worldwide popular (and not only the Korean version). Even after all these years, "Boys Over Flowers"'s plot and cast are still worth watching. The handsome F4 and the fierce female character created this memorable drama with famous scenes.

 

6. "The Heirs"

When: 2013

Cast: Lee MinHo, Park ShinHye, Kim WooBin

Summary: It tells the love and friendship stories of wealthy high school students.

For: Viewers looking for an addictive cliché teen K-Drama.

Why watch?: There are two types of "The Heirs" viewers: those who loved it and those who hated it. "The Heirs" is entertaining and filled with K-Dramas clichés but that is for the best. If you are looking for an emotional rollercoaster and cheesy drama, don't miss this one.

 

7. "A-Teen 2"

When: 2019

Cast: APRIL's Lee NaEun, Kim DongHee, Golden Child's BoMin, Kim SooHyun, Ryu EuiHyun, Kang MinAh, Shin YeEun, Shin SeungHo

Summary: The web drama is about the worries and love stories of teens. The changes that the main characters are going through by changing from 18 to 19 years old. They are going through a lot with the preparation of the CSAT (college entrance exam) and this comes with a lot of choices to be made.

For: Viewers looking for a cute teen love story reflecting Korean students' worries.

Why watch?: It is a web drama of excellent quality. The story is engaging and has a slow pace. The love story and school worries of the characters are interesting (feat. handsome actors). All in all, the drama is definitely worth watching.

 

8. "To the Beautiful You"

When: 2012

Cast: Sulli, SHINee's MinHo, Lee HyunWoo

Summary: It tells the story of a girl pretending to be a guy who entered an all-boys physical education high school.

For: Viewers looking for a funny and easy-to-watch teen story.

Why watch?: The drama is a bit old. However, the whole drama's light-hearted atmosphere and laughable circumstances make it likable. You will find yourself falling for the characters and laughing out loud. SM Entertainment stan might want to look at this drama as various idols appear.

 

9. "Orange Marmalade"

When: 2015

Cast: Yeo JinGoo, AOA's SeolHyun

Summary: An emotional fantasy romance drama taking place in a world where vampires and humans co-exist.

For: Viewers looking for a high school story with vampires.

Why watch?: If you like dramas with vampires and cute school love stories, "Orange Marmalade" might be for you. There are few K-Dramas about vampires, and this one stands out. Even if the script was a bit unorganized, the interesting overall plot took over.

 

10. "Cheese in the Trap"

When: 2016

Cast: Park HaeJin, Kim GoEun, Seo KangJoon, Lee SungKyung

Summary: A romance thriller that tells the story of a female college student who is the only one who saw the real true self of her sunbae. This perfect guy is hiding his dangerous nature behind a sweet smile.

For: Viewers looking for an unusual campus story.

Why watch?: Many have divided opinions about this drama. The two main male characters are quite unusual because of the way they think. They are different from other dramas' characters and make viewers try hard to understand them. That is the charm of this drama making you curious until the end.

 

11. "Extraordinary You"

When: 2019

Cast: Kim HyeYoon, SF9's RoWoon, Lee JaeWook, APRIL's Lee NaEun, Kim YoungDae, Jung GunJoo, Lee TaeRi

Summary: It tells the story of a girl who realizes that she is a supporting character inside a romance manga named "Secret". She tries to change the fixed story for her love and life.

For: Viewers looking for a swoon-worthy couple with fantasy and mysterious elements.

Why watch?: If you are looking for one of the best romance dramas with a high school background, this is for you! The drama has eye-candy leads and a fun lead female character in a story full of fantasy and mysteries. You will get quickly addicted and captivated. If you like cute and innocent love stories, this is even more recommended for you.

 

12. "Love Revolution"

When: 2020

Cast: Park JiHoon, Lee RuBy, THE BOYZ's YoungHoon, Jung DaEun, WJSN's DaYoung, Ko ChanBin, Ahn DoGyu

Summary:"Love Revolution" tells the love story of the couple Gong JuYoung and Wang JaRim while also depicting the teen's lives realistically with their love, friendship, studies, and dream.

For: Viewers looking for a hilarious plot and an innocent love story of high school students.

Why watch?: The main reason to watch this Kakao TV web drama is the lead character Gong JuYoung, the cutest and cheesiest boy in the world. He is crazy in love with Wang JaRim, a cold high school girl, and will do everything to win her heart. As you can expect from such a storyline, their love story will be full of unexpected and funny events. Moreover, all their friends have an essential part in the fun of the drama. It is light and hilarious.

 

13. "True Beauty"

When: 2020-2021

Cast:  Moon GaYoung, ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, Hwang InYoup

Summary: It tells the romantic comedy story of JuGyeong, who is bullied for her appearance and then turns into a goddess through makeup with the help of her friend SuHo who keeps hidden scars. The two met and by sharing their secrets, they grow and restore their self-esteem.

For: Viewers looking for a heart-fluttering high school romance and a focus on self-esteem.

Why watch?: It is a must-watch! This school story is relatively light with an addictive love story (feat. tons of heart-fluttering scenes) and numerous entertaining scenes. However, it also has its darkness. The female lead is harshly bullied for her looks, and she lost her self-esteem (to mention just a few of the issues in this drama).

 

14. "At A Distance, Spring is Green"

When: 2021

Cast: Park JiHoon, Kang MinAh, Bae InHyuk, CLC's Kwon EunBin, Woo DaBi, Choi JungWoo

Summary: It tells the real struggles of people in their 20s and the issues of university students. At a distance, their youth seems beautiful, but if you look at it closely it is harsh. University students' lives would've been a little easier if they utilize guides to exams (like IT exam dumps & practice tests online).

For: Viewers looking for friendship and romance stories with characters with painful and sad stories.

Why watch?: This drama perfectly mixes two opposite feelings in its plot. It is sad because the drama highlights the painful wounds of each of its characters and the real hardship of university students (it is realistic). Despite having an overload of darkness, the drama isn't all gloomy and dark. At the same time, it is bright with an adorable romance, cute friendships, and likable characters who grow together.

 

15. "Dear. M"

When: 2022

Cast: NCT's JaeHyun, Park HyeSu, Bae HyeonSeong, Roh JeongEui, UP10TION's Lee JinHyuk, Woo DaBi, CLC's Kwon EunBin

Summary: It tells the stories of students of SeoYeon University who try to find "M", the anonymous main character of a story posted on the school community that turned the school upside down. The characters' romantic lines will change as they are looking for "M".

For: Viewers looking for a friends-to-lovers campus love story with interesting characters.

Why watch?: If you like campus romance, this is for you! Between the heart-fluttering main love line, rivalry in the second couple, diverse characters, and busy campus life, this drama has filled up all the requirements. It is sweet and addictive. You will not be able to stop yourself from watching the next episode.

 

16. "Semantic Error"

When: 2022

Cast: Park SeoHam, DKZ’s JaeChan

Summary: A campus romance about the inflexible SangWoo and his encounter with the campus’ most popular student, JaeYoung.

For: Viewers looking for the addictive love story of two opposite university students.

Why watch?: It might just be the most heart-fluttering short campus romance of the century. BL newbies or experts alike, it will keep you away from your sleeping schedule (you're warned). The story of SangWoo and JaeYoung who go from enemies to lovers is played with amazing chemistry. This drama has been acclaimed left and right for good reasons.

 

16. "Twinkling Watermelon"

When: 2023

Cast: RyeoUn, Seor InA, Choi HyukWook, and Shin EunSoo

Summary: "Twinkling Watermelon" focuses on Ha EunGyeol (RyeoUn), a model student who aims to make his parents proud. However, he's a natural-born, gifted guitarist who harbors a desire to pursue music instead. When this leads to an argument with his father, EunGyeol ends up discovering a strange yet enticing music store. After leaving the store, he finds himself in the year 1995 where he meets the teenage version of his father, Ha YiChan (Choi HyunWook). What ensues next is a story of youth, romance, family bonds, and music that gets everyone clapping along to its rhythm.

For: Viewers looking for a youthful drama full of emotions.

Why watch?: The drama has a good mix of heart-pounding youthful romance, family setting, bromance, a bit of mystery, and music. You will love the unexpected plot twist in the beginning, the handsome actors, and a rollercoaster ride of emotions. 

 

You can also recommend to readers through the poll and the comments. (Note that "Dear. M", "Semantic Error", and "Twinkling Watermelon" were added later than other dramas in the poll)

 

EduReviewer.com

 

Check out other K-Drama watchlists below:

It's another month jam packed with the celebration of our favorite K-Pop idols!

With the rolling of the chilly season, November marks the month when some of the most famous K-Pop stars have been born. To make sure we don't miss out on congratulating our K-Pop loves on their birthday, we compiled a list of all the idols with November birthdays!

Must Read : K-Pop Idols Celebrating December Birthdays

Check out which November idols' birthdays you gotta keep an eye out for!

Korean romance web dramas are of good quality and offer different types of content. While there are a few school and college dramas airing on TV every year, it is not the case with web dramas. Middle school, high school, college, and early 20s are often a subject for Korean web dramas.

If you are new to web dramas, you might want to check the Best 5 Channels To Watch Korean Web Dramas With Subtitles where we introduce the best YouTube channels to watch web dramas.

Note: the list does not include Netflix Original series.

Here are romance web dramas that you should not miss!

Let us know in the comment which web drama would you advise your friend to watch.

 

1. "A-Teen 2"

When: 2019

Cast: APRIL's Lee NaEun, Kim DongHee, Golden Child's BoMin, Kim SooHyun, Ryu EuiHyun, Kang MinAh, Shin YeEun, Shin SeungHo

Summary: The web drama is about the worries and love stories of teens. The changes that the main characters are going through by changing from 18 to 19 years old. They are going through a lot with the preparation of the SAT (college entrance exam) and this comes with a lot of choices to be made.

Why watch?: The whole "A-Teen" series is worth watching, you can start with season 1 or 2 directly. This is definitely one of the best web dramas and a must-watch if you are looking for a high school story with love and friendship. The lead couple is amazing with a lot of heart-fluttering scenes and the surrounding characters are also entertaining.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

2. "Love Playlist 4"

When: 2019

Cast: Lee YooJin, Park JungWoo, Kim SaeRon, Bae HyunSung, Park ShiAhn, Kim HyungSuk, Jung ShinHye

Summary: The love stories of university students in a relatable melodrama.

Why watch?: "Love Playlist" has four seasons, they are all good but the fourth is especially entertaining (you can start from the fourth without understanding issues). This college web drama is focusing on various characters with their own particular issues and it has different love stories. "Love Playlist" story looks authentic and relatable. If you are curious about real Korean university students' life, this is for you.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

3. "XX"

When: 2020

Cast: EXID's Hani, Hwang SeungEon, Bae InHyuk, Lee JongWon

Summary: It tells the story of the best bartender of the industry who is working in a speakeasy bar. She solves the problems of the couples and is overcoming her past love wounds.

Why watch?: Have you ever been betrayed by your friend or ex? Then, you would completely relate to this interesting web drama. The addictive plot focuses on revenge but also healing and moving onto a new relationship. The male lead is eye-candy and the drama is set in a bar which is quite unique.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

4. "Twenty Twenty"

When: 2020

Cast: UP10TION's Kim WooSeok, Han SungMin, Park SangNam, Jin HoEun, Chae WonBin, A.C.E's Chan

Summary: It tells the dream and love of twenty-year-olds who share the realistic problems that they face as they just became adults. Lee HyunJin and Chae DaHee meet and start to mature together by creating their own boundaries.

Why watch?: This web drama is perfect for those of you who are looking for a college romance web drama. The drama is not only about romance but also about growth and familial issues. Each character is finding their true self in this drama. The directing is also particularly good and the secondary characters are funny.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

5. "One Fine Week"

When: 2019

Cast: Lovelyz's JiSoo, Former MYTEEN's Shin JunSeop, Supernova's Park GeonIl 

Summary: DaEun works part-time and Kim Byul is an idol in her 5th year since debut. These two girls who look alike decide to change each other's lives just for 7 days. It tells the romantic encounters of these 2 girls.

Why watch?: This drama might be a simple and cute love story but it is addictive and romantic. Moreover, it is about K-Pop idols' lives, a subject that interests many. It is worth watching if you are looking for a captivating love story. The male lead is also charming.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

6. "Ending Again"

When: 2020

Cast: Jo SooMin, Kang Hui, Kim GunWon

Summary: It tells the fraud marriage romance of two persons who do not want to marry but decided to get married to get be able to receive the "Newlyweds jeonse loan" [e.g. governmental financial support for newly married couples to help them rent houses].

Why watch?: The story is intriguing and there is good chemistry between the leads. It is not a comedy as it is more on the emotional side. If you are looking for something quite new with a college love story, you might want to watch this one.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

7. "Best Mistake 2"

When: 2020

Cast: Lee EunJae, Kang Yul, Lee JungJun, Park EHyun, THE MAN BLK's Yoon JunWon, THE MAN BLK's Choe ChanYi, Ju HyunYoung, Yang YuJin, Keum DongHyun

Summary: It tells the love and friendship stories of teens. It is a new semester with new faces. YeonDoo is now in the last year of high school. Her life is complicated with misunderstandings and conflicts. What should she choose love or friendship?

Why watch?: "Best Mistake" (season 1 and 2) is a drama for those who are looking for a simple and cute teen love story. Don't watch if you are looking for something serious and if you don't like cheesy content. The drama touches on teens' friendship, trust, fight, love, and more in an engaging story and lovable characters. "Best Mistake 3" is as good.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

8. “The World Of My 17"

When: 2020

Cast: OH MY GIRL's Arin, Hwang BoReumByeol, FANATICS's DoAh, Han ChaeKyung, RyeoUn, Kwon HyunBin (VIINI)

Summary: Through the stories of friendship and growth of high school friends, it tells the lovely story of school days when friends are one's whole world.

Why watch?: As someone who did not read the webtoon, the story about these four cute girls with their friendship and love stories is cute. The characters were fun and the overall story is interesting. If you are looking for a high school web drama, this is a good one.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

9. "Queen of the Ring"

When: 2017

Cast: Kim SeulGi, Ahn HyoSeop, Yoon SoHee

Summary: It tells the romance of a girl who thinks she is unattractive. She receives a secret ring from her family that changed her appearance and starts to get the attention of a handsome and cold guy.

Why watch?: This fantasy drama has a good plot that questions a society judging people's appearance but don't expect the plot to be too deep. It is an easy-to-watch and catchy love story.

It is available on NaverTV.

 

10. "beautiology101"

When: 2016

Cast: Han JiEun, Kim JaeYoung, JinHyuk, Lee ChulWoo, Choi JiHun

Summary: It is a beauty drama that tells the story of young people in the "K-Beauty School".

Why watch?: This drama was made to promote the makeup brand Innisfree but the whole story and characters are so interesting that it worth watching. If you are interested in makeup, this is pretty much a must-watch.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

11. "The Way I Hate You"

When: 2019

Cast: NCT's JaeMin, Kim JeeIn, Lee JongWon, Kim YooJin

Summary: It is a college campus romance with freshmen's love and friendships. It tells the story of MiRi who is worrying between love and friendship as she started to like her best friend's boyfriend.

Why watch?: It is a cute and short love story of college students that will make you smile with their heart fluttering scenes.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

12. "Splash Splash Love"

When: 2015

Cast: Highlight's Yoon DooJoon, Kim SeulGi

Summary: It is the fantasy growth drama of the high school student DanBi who arrived in the Joseon dynasty through the rain and met the king.

Why watch?: If you are looking for good laughter and a sweet love story, this is for you. The web drama is adorable and the leads have great chemistry.

It is available on NaverTV.

 

13. "Love Revolution"

When: 2020

Cast: Park JiHoon, THE BOYZ's YoungHoon, Lee RuBy, Jung DaEun, WJSN 's DaYoung, Ko ChanBin, Ahn DoGyu

Summary: "Love Revolution" tells the love story of the couple Gong JuYoung and Wang JaRim while depicting realistically the teen's lives with their love, friendship, study, and dream.

Why watch?: Are you looking for a cute and cheesy web drama to make you giggles and smile? Search no more, "Love Revolution" is for you! The web drama is based on a popular webtoon, and this may be why all its characters are fun. Gong JuYoung (Park JiHoon), the cuteeest boy ever, is the story's highlight. He is never short of confessing his love for Wang JaRim (Lee RuBy) and makes us all laugh.

 

 

14. "Semantic Error"

When: 2022

Cast: Park SeoHam, DKZ’s JaeChan

Summary: A campus romance about the inflexible SangWoo and his encounter with the campus’ most popular student, JaeYoung.

Why watch?: BL fan or not, this is a must-see! This web drama received a lot of love and was even released in the movie theater in Korea following its popularity. Two handsome university students that everything opposes fall in love with each other and show one of the best chemistry on screen. The story might be a deja-vu, but this drama will teach you not to stop at its summary.

 

15. "Be My Boyfriend"

When: 2021

Cast: Lee SiWoo, Shin HyunSeung, Cherry Bullet's YuJu, Im SungKyun, A.C.E's Kim ByeongKwan, Jung BoMin

Summary: Lee SeungMin is a common boy with no presence and he has a crush on the most popular girl in school Oh JiNa. One day she suddenly suggests starting a contract relationship with him. Can SeungMin and JiNa safely end their contract relationship and start a real relationship?

Why watch?: "Be My Boyfriend?" is a KOKTV high school love story of quality. This is not for you if you expect to find something completely new. But if you are looking for a really cute love story and male lead (yes, no tsundere here), you must watch. It is entertaining and relatable.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

16. "User Not Found"

When: 2021-2022

Cast: CIX’s Bae JinYoung, Shin SoHyun, Han YeJi, Jung HyunJi, Ahn SeMin

Summary: MinJae, who made all kinds of efforts dreaming of becoming an insider full of presence at school, feels that everything has changed since she first transferred. Isn't the prettiest girl in school asking to be friends with her? That is until she gets entangled in a provocative skinship rumor with the most popular guy at Woojeong High School. It turned out that all of these incidents happened because people misunderstood MinJae for another girl with the same name "Yoo Minjae.” Can MinJae finish her school life as an insider safely without being caught by anyone?

Why watch?: "User Not Found" is one more KOKTV romance high school web drama on this list. This drama has more depth than you would expect with topics such as acceptance of oneself, past trauma, social media, etc. The primary purpose of watching is the growth of the lead character and her love story. The mysterious two leads also help in making you curious about the characters.

You can watch the first episode here.

 

You can also recommend the dramas you liked to readers through the poll and the comments. (Note that "Love Revolution", "Semantic Error", "Be My Boyfriend" and "User Not Found" were added later than the other dramas in the poll.)