Noona romances, where the girl is older than the guy, have a special charm in K-dramas, mixing sweet moments with funny misunderstandings and often teaching us a thing or two about love's unexpected turns.
Here are 15 K-dramas which viewers say have the best noona romance plotlines and are guaranteed to take you on a roller coaster of emotions, from the excitement of a first crush to the challenges that come with dating someone who's at a different stage in life.
1. "Secret Love Affair" (2014)
In a prestigious arts foundation, a successful 40-year-old woman embarks on a passionate and secret affair with a 20-year-old genius pianist, a relationship that challenges societal norms and leads them to confront their desires, ambitions, and the dark underbelly of the art world.
2. "Sweet Stranger and Me" (2016) Stream it on: Viki, Kocowa+
A flight attendant returns to her hometown only to discover that her deceased mother's home has been taken over by a younger man, who claims to be her stepfather, sparking a series of comedic and romantic events as they live under one roof and unravel family secrets.
3. "Something in the Rain" (2018) Stream it on: Viki, Netflix
A woman in her 30s falls for her best friend's younger brother, who has just returned from abroad, leading to a tender and fraught romance that must navigate societal judgment, family opposition, and personal insecurities.
4. "Witch's Romance" (2014) Stream it on: Prime Video
A news reporter in her 30s, disillusioned with love, finds herself drawn to a much younger man, leading to a whirlwind romance that helps her rediscover her youthful passion and face the judgment of those around her.
5. "Encounter" (2018) Stream it on: Viki
The daughter of a politician, now a hotel CEO, meets a young, free-spirited soul in Cuba, leading to an unlikely romance that defies their vast social and economic differences, set against the backdrop of her navigating the responsibilities and expectations of her position.
6. "Search: WWW" (2019) Stream it on: Viki, Roku
Three ambitious women at the top of the tech industry in South Korea battle workplace politics, personal challenges, and societal expectations while managing romance and friendships in their quest for success in a male-dominated field.
7. "Dr. Romantic" (2016-2023) Stream it on: Viki, Hulu, Kocowa+
A genius but eccentric surgeon disappears to a small hospital in the countryside to escape the corruption and politics of the city's medical world, where he mentors two young doctors, teaching them about the true essence of being a doctor and healing, amidst various medical cases and hospital politics.
8. "My Lovely Sam Soon" (2005) Stream it on: Viki, Kocowa+
A pastry chef, dealing with societal pressures about her age and weight, enters into a contract relationship with a wealthy restaurant owner to make his ex-girlfriend jealous, leading to unexpected romance and self-discovery.
9. "Romance Is A Bonus Book" (2019) Stream it on: Netflix
A talented copywriter struggling after a divorce lies about her background to work as a temporary worker at a publishing company, where she becomes involved in the lives of her colleagues, including her longtime friend, the company's editor-in-chief, rekindling old feelings and facing new challenges.
10. "Dal Ja's Spring" (2007) Stream it on: Kocowa+
A 33-year-old home shopping channel manager hires a younger man to pose as her lover to escape the social stigma of being single, a decision that leads her through a journey of love, career challenges, and personal growth.
11. "Flower Boy Ramen Shop" (2011)
A college student accidentally encounters a high school teacher, leading to a series of comedic events that end with them working together in a ramen shop, surrounded by a group of attractive men, sparking romance and personal growth.
12. "I Hear Your Voice" (2013) Stream it on: Viki, Kocowa+
A public defender discovers she can read the thoughts of others, which leads her to a young man with the ability to hear people's innermost thoughts; together, they solve cases and seek justice, while unraveling a connection to a past murder case that affects them both deeply.
13. "The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry" (2010) Stream it on: Kocowa+
Focused on the lives of three women in their thirties who are navigating the challenges of career, friendship, and romance in a society that has expectations for their age, leading to a blend of comedic and poignant moments as they pursue their personal and professional goals.
14. "High School King of Savvy" (2014) Stream it on: Roku
A high school hockey player finds himself pretending to be his older brother, a high-ranking executive at an IT company, leading to hilarious situations and unexpected romance as he juggles dual identities.
15. "Let's Eat" (2013) Stream it on: Roku
A single woman living alone for the first time bonds with her neighbors over their shared love of food, leading to a series of culinary adventures, personal growth, and the unraveling of small mysteries within their community.
