K-dramas are known for having interesting plotlines with twists, revenge thrillers with big chaebols, or romance with mystical figures. But not every K-dramas are like this. Sometimes, we crave for stories that speak to our hearts. These stories are perfect to watch after a stressful day, take a long breath and transport us beyond the chaos of our daily lives. The slice-of-life K-dramas tell us ordinary yet comforting tales of people, coming of age stories filled with love, laughter, heartbreaks, and most importantly, what’s it like to be a human.
If you are craving something similar to enjoy with your friends and family, here are some recommendations that capture this vibe.
- Reply 1988
A classic in K-drama history, this show embodies friendship, love, and nostalgia. Set in the 80s in a small neighborhood in Seoul, the show captures the texture of life perfectly. It follows five childhood friends and their families as they navigate their way through life. It doesn’t rush with its story but allows you to grow with each character, feel their friendship, heartbreaks and watch them grow. A perfect coming of age story with humor, and nostalgia, this K-drama will make you laugh and shed some tears as well.
- When Life Gives You Tangerines
A recent hit, this K-drama will definitely feel like a warm, cozy blanket on a cold night to your soul. Set on Jeju Island, this heartwarming show revolves around the island life of the protagonists as they go through hardships from their youth till old age, struggling with poverty, societal expectations, fulfilling their dreams and living a better life. Its a story of loss, forgiveness, acceptance and moving on as life throws sour moments on the way. This K-drama has beautiful cinematography and an emotional storyline, so have some tissues ready with you.
- My Liberation Notes
A tale of love, development and familial bond, this K-drama captures the feeling of loneliness and monotony of daily life, and finding ‘liberation’ in it. The show follows three siblings, unsatisfied with their lives as they commute between their home and city. It offers relatability to the viewers from its poetic, raw and introspective depiction of daily life. The show is thought provoking, builds slowly and forces you to reflect on your life.
- Our Blues
Another K-drama set in the backdrop of Jeju Island, Our Blues tells complex stories of numerous characters facing their own battles at different stages of their lives. The series touches on multiple topics, from an ordinary life to serious societal issues, portraying loss, love, longing and empathy. It offers comfort to the viewers through painful stories of the characters and how they try to keep moving in life in the face of it, through forgiveness, resilience and hope. It does not shy away from showing the ugly truths of life but shows the long yet necessary journey of healing and finding happiness.
- Welcome To Samdal-Ri
Another series set in Jeju, it revolves around themes of rekindled romance, returning to your roots and belonging. The drama shows the life of a famous photographer who goes through a scandal that shuns her career and is forced to return to her hometown. There she goes through the journey of overcoming insecurities, mending past friendships and unresolved feelings, and learning to find peace in a place she once cut her ties with. It beautifully portrays how your hometown and the people you once left behind can be your source of healing.
These slice of life K-dramas are comforting, realistic, and remind us that not every story needs extraordinary twists or big villains to be interesting. Sometimes, the real beauty lies in the daily, ordinary moments of life. So, grab a bowl of ramen and enjoy these healing K-dramas with your friends and family!!
Written by – Priyanjana Jha
About the Author –
Priyanjana is a post graduate in Global Studies, with a research background in feminism and cultural studies. Her interests lie in exploring themes related to cross-cultural relations, history and gender identities, with a particular passion for Korean culture and society. She is actively learning the Korean language and sees writing as a way to bridge cultural gaps in the world, and share her stories with others. In her free time, she loves to watch K-dramas and make K-pop dance covers.