15 Time Travel Themed Korean Dramas, Exploring the Footsteps of the Past and the Future

Kapanlagi.com - Kapanlagi.com - Written by Silma Salsabilla

Who doesn't love a colorful fantasy world? Especially if we can explore time and witness other lives with unique stories! Korean dramas always succeed in captivating audiences with intriguing time travel themed narratives. The uniqueness in each of these time-crossing dramas serves as a magnet for fans of the fantasy genre.

Imagine, you could see how the timeline intertwines and follow the journeys of fascinating characters! One of the latest Korean dramas in 2023, MY PERFECT STRANGER, takes us back through time by decades. Not only that, various other dramas with similar themes have also successfully attracted public attention.

With every fantastic story journey, viewers will surely be curious about what will happen next. So, what are you waiting for? Come on, check out the list of Korean dramas with a time travel theme that are ready to take you on an adventure from the past to the future! Prepare yourself to dive into unforgettable stories, KLovers! (kpl/slm)

1. MY PERFECT STRANGER

Drakor MY PERFECT STRANGER (credit:mydramaist)

The latest Korean drama of 2023, MY PERFECT STRANGER, is ready to captivate KLovers with its mysterious time travel theme! It tells the story of Yoon Hae Joon (Kim Dong Wook) and Baek Yoon Young (Jin Ki Joo) who are thrown into the year 1987, each with their own unexpected missions. Hae Joon is determined to uncover the mystery of a serial killer who also threatens his life in the future, while Yoon Young, who is trapped in a time accident, gets the chance to meet her young mother and tries to make her happy. Interestingly, these two missions are interconnected, pushing them to work together and share secrets to solve the great puzzle that threatens their lives. Don't miss the excitement of this 16-episode drama still airing on VIU!

2. TUNNEL

TUNNEL invites us to experience extraordinary tension through the story of a detective trapped in an unexpected time travel. While investigating a serial murder case in 1986, he is suddenly thrown into 2017 after crossing a mysterious tunnel in his attempt to catch the killer.

In this new era, he meets another detective who is also uncovering a murder case that happened three decades ago. Despite facing various obstacles, both from within and outside, they unite to solve the threatening mystery.

Watch this thrilling time-crossing investigation drama only on VIU and WeTV, KLovers!

3. MR. QUEEN

Drakor MR. QUEEN (credit:mydramalist)

Prepare yourself to dive into an unexpected adventure in the Korean drama "MR. QUEEN"! The story begins with a famous chef in 2020 who suddenly finds himself trapped in the body of a prospective queen during the Joseon dynasty after falling into a swimming pool.

In his efforts to return to his original life, he becomes entangled in various intriguing conflicts that occur in the past. With all the chaos and challenges he faces, this drama is not only entertaining but also provides a deep insight into the life and history of the Joseon dynasty.

Don’t miss the excitement of "MR. QUEEN" that you can enjoy on NETFLIX, VIU, and tvN!

4. LIFE ON MARS

Who would have thought, a time travel full of mystery comes in an intriguing drama titled LIFE ON MARS! This story follows a detective from 2018 who suddenly wakes up in 1988 with amnesia.

In his adventures in the past, he meets another detective with a different investigative style, often leading to conflicts between them. However, from the conflicts that arise, they become closer and more united in solving various cases.

Don’t miss the excitement of this story, watch LIFE ON MARS in full on VIU, KLovers!

5. MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO

Drakor MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO (credit:mydramalist)

MOON LOVERS has captured the attention of many viewers as one of the most popular time travel dramas since it first aired, KLovers! The story begins when a woman from the modern era is trapped in sadness by the lakeside, and accidentally saves a child who is almost drowning.

However, her heroic act sends her back in time to the mysterious Goryeo dynasty. Trapped in an era hundreds of years ago, she must adapt to a new life and face various thrilling conflicts, including her complicated love story with the prince.

Don't miss this exciting adventure, watch MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO on VIU, WeTV, and Vidio!

6. MUST YOU GO

Korean Drama MUST YOU GO (credit:mydramalist)

Prepare yourself to be swept away by the amazing story of the Korean drama titled MUST YOU GO, KLovers! In this intriguing tale, a man from the Joseon dynasty embarks on an extraordinary time travel journey, leaping 600 years into the future to modern-day Seoul.

There, fate brings him together with a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his true love from the past. With a musical backdrop that binds them, the two find themselves caught in a beautiful and emotional love story. Don't miss this romantic adventure, which you can watch on VIU!

7. BLUE BIRTHDAY

The Korean drama "BLUE BIRTHDAY" comes as one of the enchanting works that raises the theme of time travel, with Yeri from RED VELVET as the main star. The story focuses on Oh Ha Rin, a woman who is trapped in memories as she travels back to her past through mysterious photos left by her first love.

Tragically, Oh Ha Rin's first love died on his birthday ten years ago, and the photos become a bridge for her to return to the precious moments that have been lost. Don't miss the chance to watch this drama on WeTV and follow this emotional journey full of mystery, KLovers!

8. LIVE UP TO YOUR NAME

Get ready to be captivated by the intriguing story in the drama "LIVE UP TO YOUR NAME", KLovers! This drama tells the tale of two doctors from different eras: a healer and an acupuncturist from the Joseon dynasty who are unexpectedly thrown into the future, 400 years later.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of modern Seoul, he meets a contemporary female doctor, and this is where things get exciting!

The clash between traditional and modern medical practices is unavoidable, making each of their encounters colorful and entertainingly contentious. Don’t miss their thrilling adventure, watch it only on NETFLIX and VIU!

9. TWINKLING WATERMEL

K-drama TWINKLING WATERMELON (credit:mydramalist)

In this heartwarming drama, we are invited to dive into the life of Eun Gyeol, a high school student living a double life as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). During the day, he is a diligent model student, while at night, he entertains with his guitar melodies.

However, his life takes a 180-degree turn when he discovers a mysterious music store that transports him back to the year 1995. There, he meets his young father, Ha I Chan, and strives to reunite his parents to change their bleak future.

In his quest to mend his family’s life, Eun Gyeol embarks on an emotional time-traveling adventure, where themes of friendship, love, and family beautifully flow in every moment.

10. LOVELY RUNNER

K-drama LOVELY RUNNER (credit:mydramalist)

In the midst of the dazzling glimmer of the entertainment world, Ryu Seon Jae shines as a big star, but behind that light lies a deep exhaustion. His loyal fan, Im Sol, has made him a source of inspiration since her teenage years.

When the sad news of Seon Jae's death shakes the world, Im Sol finds herself thrown back 15 years, where she has the opportunity to meet her idol in his teenage form. With unwavering determination, she fights to change the timeline and prevent that devastating tragedy from repeating.

Im Sol's journey through time to save Seon Jae is filled with captivating stories and unexpected challenges, where she must face a series of failures to save her idol from a dark fate.

11. A TIME CALLED YOU

Drakor A TIME CALLED YOU (credit:mydramalist)

Han Jun Hee is still mired in sadness after losing her lover, Koo Yeon Jun. However, fate brings her awake in 1998 with a new identity as Kwon Min Joo.

In that different world, she meets Nam Si Heon, a young man who looks exactly like the late Yeon Jun. In this emotional journey full of love, loss, and self-discovery, Han Jun Hee tries to make the most of every moment to be with her lover, even in a different form.

12. THE ATYPICAL FAMILY

Drakor THE ATYPICAL FAMILY (credit:mydramalist)

The Bok Gwi Ju family has an unexpected miracle, including Gwi Ju's ability to travel through time and return to the happy moments in her life. However, as depression envelops her, that power fades, leaving her life in emptiness.

The presence of Do Da Hae, a mysterious woman who suddenly moves in with them, brings a breath of fresh air and triggers an extraordinary transformation. Over time, this family's abilities begin to rise again, connecting the power of time with the process of deep emotional healing.

13. BON APPETIT, YOUR MAJESTY

Drakor BON APPETIT, YOUR MAJESTY (credit:mydramalist)

In an amazing story, Yeon Ji Yeong, a modern chef trained in France, is thrown back to the royal era due to an unexpected event. Now, she must face the challenge of cooking for King Yi Heon, a perfectionist ruler with a sharp palate and high taste.

Amidst the complex palace intrigues, Ji Yeong struggles to survive by blending her culinary skills with sharp intelligence. Although the King initially behaves coldly, he gradually becomes enchanted by the warmth and extraordinary talent of the chef.

In the hot and secretive atmosphere of the royal kitchen, time and love intertwine, while Ji Yeong tries to adapt to a new life full of mystery, even though she doesn’t know how to return to her original world.

14. THE STORY OF PARK'S MARRIAGE CONTRACT

On the night that was supposed to be the pinnacle of her happiness in the 19th century, Park Yeon U found herself losing her beloved husband to a heart attack, only to be kidnapped and thrown into a well shortly after.

However, a miracle occurred when she woke up in modern Seoul, where fate brought her to meet Kang Tae Ha, a figure who mirrored the face of her late husband. In an effort to fulfill the last wish of Tae Ha's dying grandfather, they became bound in a contract marriage that initially seemed merely a duty.

Yet, as time went on, the bond developed into something deeper, opening a new chapter that connected the love stories of the past and present in an unexpected way.

15. SPLASH SPLASH LOVE

Drakor SPLASH SPLASH LOVE (credit:mydramalist)

In this captivating mini-drama, we are invited to delve into the story of Dan Bi, a high school student who absolutely hates mathematics. One day, during a heavy rain on the day of the exam, she suddenly gets thrown back to the Joseon era, where the kingdom is suffering from a drought.

There, she meets King Lee Do, a figure who secretly yearns for an understanding of modern science, including mathematics. From this unexpected encounter, a sweet and touching time-crossing love story blossoms, combining logic and emotion amid the rain that brings them together.

However, their happiness does not last long, as Dan Bi must soon return to the future, leaving behind unforgettable beautiful memories.

16. QnA Recommendations for Korean Drama Time Travel

Q1: Why is the concept of time travel so popular in K-dramas?
A: Because it allows for emotional exploration of regret, love, and the chance to fix the past.

Q2: Is all time travel in Korean dramas magical?
A: Not always. Some use science fiction, while others are completely mystical or spiritual.

Q3: Who is the most iconic character in this genre?
A: Eun Gyeol is known for their struggle to fix the past without changing their identity.

Q4: Do time travel dramas usually have happy endings?
A: Not all. Many end bittersweet to emphasize the meaning of life and loss.

Q5: Which drama is suitable for beginner viewers of the time travel genre?
A: Splash Splash Love because it is light, funny, and easy to follow without a complicated timeline.

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(kpl/vna)