'Arthdal Chronicles' and 4 Other Best Fantasy K-Dramas, Ranked by IMDb
From stories of immortal beings living among us, to epic journeys between worlds.
In recent years, Korean dramas have evolved into a genre capable of competing with the best Western TV series in terms of script quality, acting, and visuals.
This is particularly apparent in fantasy dramas, which blend magic, mythology, romance, and modern social issues.
5. 'Return to the Palace', 2025
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Yeo-ri is the granddaughter of a shaman, and like her grandmother, she has had the ability to see spirits since childhood. One of these spirits is an imugi, an ancient serpent who has dreamed of becoming a dragon for a thousand years. However, having failed, the imugi has developed a hatred for humans.
After the court official Yoon Gap is killed, the imugi possesses his body. Yeo-ri must make a difficult choice: rid herself of the dangerous spirit or try to save the man she once knew.
Meanwhile, inexplicable events beset the palace: the prince is haunted by evil spirits, an ancient curse hangs over the royal family, and a power struggle only exacerbates the situation.
4. 'Light Shop', 2024
IMDb Score: 7.8/10
An unusual lighting store selling everything from incandescent bulbs to LED strip lights is tucked away in a quiet, deserted alleyway. Casual visitors don't just wander in, though.
The store's owner is a mysterious man who wears dark glasses and meticulously keeps track of every visitor. He knows far more about his customers than he lets on and the lamps themselves are conduits between the worlds of the living and the dead.
Gradually, the stories of the strangers who come to the store begin to intertwine, revealing secrets about their pasts and presents. Each episode is a puzzle piece, part of a larger picture in which mystical events are closely linked to human feelings, losses, and hopes.
3. 'Mystic Pop-up Bar', 2020
IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Weol-ju owns Mystic Pop-up Bar, a diner that opens at midnight and welcomes the living and the dead alike. Weol-ju treats her guests to a special elixir that compels them to share their troubles.
In exchange, Weol-ju must console them. But it's not just out of good intentions – to atone for her past sins, she must console ten thousand people, or else she will go to hell.
2. 'Gu Family Book', 2013
IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Choi Kang-chi is a young man who spent his entire life believing he was an ordinary person. However, he learned the truth about his origins – it turns out that his father was a mythical nine-tailed fox, meaning that Kang-chi himself possesses supernatural powers.
Eager to live an ordinary life, he embarks on a quest for the legendary Gu Family Book, which, according to legend, can remove his demonic nature.
On this journey, he meets the warrior Dam Yeo-wool. Together, they face dangerous enemies, uncover family secrets, and must make a difficult choice between duty and feelings.
1. 'Arthdal Chronicles', 2019-2023
IMDb Score: 8.2/10
The story is set in the ancient world of Arthdal, which existed long before the states we know today came into being. Here, different tribes struggle for power, and magic is more than just an ancient legend.
The Neanthal are a race of creatures with immense strength and blue blood that inhabit this world. Fearing their abilities, humans mercilessly exterminated the entire race.
The story centers on Eun-seom, a young half-breed destined from birth for a difficult and great destiny: he must bring about the downfall of Arthdal. Eun-seom's path crosses with Tan-ya's, who is the cursed heir to one of the powerful tribes.
