If you’re looking for a new Korean drama to watch, why not try one that incorporates time travel?
I used to steer away from time travel dramas because I felt they would be unnecessarily repetitive, but, guys, I’m a convert.
These shows offer a unique twist on the genre and will definitely keep you entertained for hours. So, whether you’re in the mood for a romance or something edgier like a thriller, there’s a time travel Kdrama out there for you.
In this article, I’ve put together a list of the 25 best Kdramas about time travel that are going to captivate you from start to finish. So, sit back and get ready to find your next great watch!
Here are some of the best Kdramas about time travel you should add to your watchlist:
1. Tale Of The Nine-tailed 1938 (2023)
In this fantasy Kdrama, Lee Yeon, a mystical nine-tailed fox, travels back in time to 1938 with a crucial task: retrieve a stolen guardian stone before time runs out. But, a series of unforeseen events traps him in the past.
This captivating drama chronicles Lee Yeon’s quest to return to the present while navigating the perils of the past.
At the point I’m writing this article, this drama is still ongoing, but if the prequel is anything to go by, I just know this one’s going to be great.
Cast:
Lee Dong Wook as Lee Yeon.
Kim Bum as Lee Rang.
Kim So Yeon as Ryu Hong Joo.
Ryu Kyung Soo as Cheon Moo Young.
2. Faith (2012)
In a desperate attempt to save the dying queen, King Gong Min orders Choi Young to travel through a magical portal to retrieve a heavenly doctor.
But when the portal lands him in modern-day Seoul, Choi Young is forced to bring the doctor, Eun Soo, back to Goryeo through the same portal.
However, Eun Soo soon finds herself embroiled in a dangerous power struggle and forbidden from returning to her own time.
This is the perfect romantic historical Kdrama about time travel that will definitely have you in your feelings.
Cast:
Lee Min Ho as General Choi Young.
Kim Hee Sun as Yoo Eun Soo.
Ryu Deok Hwan as King Gongmin.
Park Se Young as Queen Noguk.
3. Longing Heart (2018)
Shin Woo carries the weight of his unrequited love for Han Ji Soo, wishing he had expressed his feelings a decade ago. However, a miraculous second chance presents itself when he travels back in time.
Determined to help his younger self win over Ji Soo’s heart, Shin Woo unexpectedly finds himself in competition with his past self when Ji Soo begins to develop feelings for the older version of him.
Cast:
Lee Jung Shin as Kang Shin Woo.
Lee Yul Eum as Han Ji Soo.
Cho Seung Hee as Baek Na Hee.
4. Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)
In this time travel Korean drama, Han Tae Su is a brilliant engineer renowned for his game-changing inventions, but when he comes face-to-face with his deceased brother and witnesses something unimaginable, his world is turned upside down.
Enter Gang Seo Hae, a time-traveler from a post-apocalyptic future who lands in the present day seeking his help.
Together, they fight against evil immigrants from the future who want to exploit Tae Sul’s inventions for their own gain.
Cast:
Cho Seung Woo as Han Tae Sul.
Park Shin Hye as Gang Seo Hae.
Tae In Ho as Eddie Kim / Kim Seung Bok.
5. Hit The Top (2017)
Yoo Hyun Jae, a beloved pop idol from 1993, is inexplicably transported to the present day.
And as he navigates this unfamiliar world, he uncovers shocking evidence that he was reported missing and presumed dead in 1994.
With his world turned upside down, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his sudden disappearance in the past, and he tries to unravel the secrets of his past while adapting to the present in this captivating drama.
Cast:
Yoon Shi Yoon as Yoo Hyun Jae.
Lee Se Young as Choi Woo Seung.
Kim Min Jae as Lee Ji Hoon.
6. Live Up To Your Name (2017)
Heo Im is a gifted medical practitioner whose social status prevents him from achieving higher positions in life.
But his world is turned upside down when he time-travels to the modern era and meets Dr. Choi Yeon Kyung.
Together, they travel back in time to Joseon and fight against the pervasive social discrimination of the time.
Han Tae Joo is a top investigator in the modern era who wakes up in 1988 as a detective in a small-town police station following an accident.
As he navigates his way through this unfamiliar world, he is tasked with solving a case of serial killings while also trying to find a way back to his own time.
Cast:
Jung Kyung Ho as Han Tae Joo.
Park Sung Woong as Kang Dong Chul.
Go Ah Sung as Yoon Na Young
8. Go Back Couple (2017)
Choi Ban Do and Ma Jin Joo, who were once deeply in love now struggle with their relationship due to work pressures and low self-esteem, embark on a journey to rediscover their love.
In a surprising twist of fate, they travel back in time to their college years in their 20s.
This is one of the best time travel Korean dramas, and I just know you’re going to enjoy watching them work through their problems and try to rekindle their love.
Cast:
Son Ho Jun as Choi Ban Do.
Jang Na Ra as Ma Jin Joo.
Heo Jung Min as Ahn Jae Woo.
9. My Only Love Song (2017)
In the midst of her self-centered world, Sung Soo Jung, a haughty actress, is transported through time to the Goguryeo Kingdom.
There, she meets the opportunistic On Dal, who is willing to do anything for money.
But as she spends more time with him, she begins to see a different side of him. The drama unfolds as Soo Jung and On Dal embark on a journey in one of the three ancient kingdoms of Korea, discovering more about themselves and each other.
Cast:
Lee Jong Hyun as On Dal.
Gong Seung Yeon as Song Soo Jung.
Lee Jae Jin as Byun Sam Yong.
10. Rooftop Prince (2012)
After being transported from the Joseon period to the present time, Crown Prince Lee Gak meets two sisters, Park Ha and Hong Se Na.
At first, he tries to befriend Hong Se Na, who resembles his deceased wife and former crown princess.
However, as time goes on, Lee Gak finds himself drawn to Park Ha on a deeper level.
Along the way, he navigates through the complexities of modern relationships while unraveling the mystery behind his wife’s untimely demise.
Cast:
Park Yoo Chun as Crown Prince Lee Gak / Yong Tae Yong.
Han Ji Min as Park Ha / Hong Bu Yong.
Jeong Yu Mi as Hong Se Na / Hong Hwa Yong.
Lee Tae Sung as Yong Tae Mu / Prince Muchang.
11. Tunnel (2017)
Park Gwang Ho, a 1986 detective investigating a serial killer case, accidentally travels through time and ends up in present-day Seoul.
There, he teams up with the brilliant yet quirky detective Kim Sun Jae and a psychology professor, Shin Jae Yi, to solve a murder case.
Together, they navigate the challenges of the present while uncovering clues from the past.
Cast:
Choi Jin Hyuk as Park Gwang Ho.
Yoon Hyun Min as Kim Seon Jae.
Lee Yoo young as Shin Jae Yi.
12. Time Slip Dr. Jin (2012)
Jin Hyuk, an accomplished but aloof neurosurgeon, is unexpectedly hurled back in time to the Joseon period in 1860.
In this new world, he faces the daunting task of practicing medicine without the modern technology and knowledge he has grown accustomed to.
Determined to make a difference and become a genuine healer, Jin Hyuk strives to adapt to his surroundings and earn the trust of the people he serves.
As he navigates through the complex social hierarchy of Joseon and faces the challenges of life in a bygone era, Jin Hyuk begins to learn the true meaning of compassion and the value of human life.
Cast:
Song Seung Heon as Jin Hyuk.
Park Min Young as Hong Young Rae / Yoo Mi Na.
13. Tinted With You (2021)
Jung Eun Ho finds himself transported back in time where he meets the deposed prince, Lee Heon, who lives in constant fear of being assassinated by his power-hungry elder brother.
As Eun Ho and Lee Heon become allies, they work together to overthrow the tyrannical king and restore justice to the kingdom.
This is a fantastic historical BL Kdrama with the time travel twist that I know anyone would enjoy. If you’re in the mood for something different, this drama should be on your list.
Cast:
Jun as Jung Eun Ho.
Yoo Hyun Woo as Lee Heon.
Kim Tae Jung as Go Geum.
14. Blue Birthday (2021)
In this high school Kdrama, Oh Ha Rin’s first love Ji Seo Jun died by suicide on her 18th birthday, leaving her devastated.
Ten years later, Oh Ha Rin discovers some mysterious photos of Ji Seo Jun which allow her to time-travel back to the past.
Through the photos, Ye Rim goes back to that fateful day to save Ji Seo Jun and uncover the reason behind his decision to take his own life.
Cast:
Kim Ye Rim as Oh Ha Rin.
Yang Hong Seok as Ji Seo Jun.
Lee Sang Jun as Cha Eun Song
15. Manhole (2017)
Bong Pil, an unemployed man who pretends to study for the civil service exam, has been in love with Kang Soo Jin for a long time.
However, Soo Jin is about to get married to someone else. One day, Bong Pil discovers a manhole that takes him back and forth in time.
Using this manhole, he travels to the past to change events and prevent Soo Jin’s wedding.
This drama follows Bong Pil’s attempts to alter the past to win Soo Jin’s heart.
Cast:
Kim Jae Joong as Bong Pil.
Uee as Kang Soo Jin.
Jung Hye Sung as Yoon Jin Sook.
I hope this list of the top 25 Kdramas about time travel has introduced you to some new shows that you’ll love just as much as we do.
Whether you’re a fan of romance, action, or science fiction, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So go ahead and start watching – you never know where (or when) these shows will take you!
There are so, so, so, so, so many other recommendations, so if you’re looking for a new watch, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Check out the related posts for more stunning recs!
