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        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        Find out the top best school/college romance K-Dramas to have on your watchlist. (Updated with 2023 dramas)

        Laure, Kpopmap Editor
        10 min to read  ·  Published : Nov 7, 2023 · Updated : Dec 26, 2023
        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        JTBC

        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 comedybest 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

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        JTBC

        When: 2018

        Cast: ASTRO's Cha EunWooIm SooHyangKwak DongYeonJo 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”

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        MBC

        When: 2016-2017

        Cast: Nam JooHyukLee 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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        KBS

        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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        KBS

        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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        KBS

        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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        SBS

        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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        Playlist

        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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        SBS

        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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        KBS

        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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        tvN

        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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        MBC

        When: 2019

        Cast: Kim HyeYoonSF9's RoWoonLee JaeWook, APRIL's Lee NaEunKim YoungDaeJung GunJooLee 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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        KakaoTV

        When: 2020

        Cast: Park JiHoon, Lee RuBy, THE BOYZ's YoungHoon, Jung DaEun, WJSN's DaYoung, Ko ChanBinAhn 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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        tvN

        When: 2020-2021

        Cast:  Moon GaYoungASTRO's Cha EunWooHwang 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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        KBS

        When: 2021

        Cast: Park JiHoonKang MinAhBae InHyukCLC's Kwon EunBinWoo DaBiChoi 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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        KBS

        When: 2022

        Cast: NCT's JaeHyun, Park HyeSu, Bae HyeonSeong,

        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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        Watcha

        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"

        Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

        tvN

        When: 2023

        Cast: RyeoUnSeor InAChoi 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)

        What is the best school/college romance K-Drama according to you?

        ※You can vote multiple times without sign in.

        Twinkling Watermelon

        My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

        Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo

        Who Are You: School 2015

        Dream High

        Boys Over Flowers

        The Heirs

        A-Teen 2

        To the Beautiful You

        Orange Marmalade

        Cheese in the Trap

        Extraordinary You

        Love Revolution

        True Beauty

        At A Distance, Spring is Green

        Dear.M

        Semantic Error

         

        EduReviewer.com

         

        Check out other K-Drama watchlists below:

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