In a perfect world, summer seems like it should be about soaking in the sunshine, long days on the beach, and traveling the world, but that’s not always possible for all of us all the time. Sometimes you’re stuck at home, still doing your 9-to-5 routine, or just bored and out of ideas. But K-dramas can fix that.
When you need a change of scenery but can’t go far, these five K-dramas make it feel like a summer vacation at home.
1. “Summer Strike”
“Summer Strike” is the epitome of a beachside summer vacation in K-drama form.
Yeo Reum (Seolhyun) leaves her life in the city behind and moves to a quaint town beside the beach. As a personal strike against the stress and hardships she’s experienced, she’s determined to declutter her life and start fresh where no one knows her, even if she doesn’t have everything figured out just yet.
Yeo Reum has no job, no place to live, and no friends. But the scenery is great, and the slower pace of life is exactly what the doctor ordered. On her first day in town, she meets An Dae Beom (Yim Si Wan), a quiet librarian who also left a different life behind.
Why it’s worth the watch:
This one is for all the introverts out there. Yeo Reum and Dae Beom are both adorably awkward, and their quiet, slow-burn romance makes this feel different compared to other romances you might have seen.
Start watching “Summer Strike” now:
2. “Once Upon a Small Town”
Han Ji Yul (Choo Young Woo) works as a successful veterinarian in the big city, but he’s forced to temporarily look after his grandfather’s countryside veterinarian hospital. Though he misses the ease of city life and detests the nosy nature of the town residents (not to mention the lack of a decent cup of coffee), a local policewoman named Ahn Ja Yeong (Joy) helps him soften up to country living.
Why it’s worth the watch:
Watching a stuffy city boy warm up to humble country life is about as satisfying as it gets. Together, Ji Yul and Ja Yeong tackle interesting animal (and human) cases around town, and least to say, it’s quite different from working with pets in the city.
3. “Encounter”
“Encounter” throws you right into the passionate heart of Cuba, where a chance meeting changes the lives of two strangers forever.
A kindhearted young man named Kim Jin Hyuk (Park Bo Gum) runs into a serious businesswoman, Cha Soo Hyun (Song Hye Kyo). Soo Hyun is on a work trip and hasn’t been able to soak in the beauty of where she is until she meets Jin Hyuk.
They think their time together in Cuba is just a fleeting moment, but they meet again in Seoul. Except this time, Jin Hyuk is an employee at Soo Hyun’s company. While Jin Hyuk isn’t ready to forget their connection, their stark difference in position means a difficult road ahead.
Why it’s worth the watch:
Jin Hyuk and Soo Hyun are opposites and at totally different stages in their lives, but the world keeps bringing them together. If you love an age-gap couple, noona romance, or stories of forbidden love, this is for you.
Start watching “Encounter” now:
4. “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”
Well-off dentist Yoo Hye Jin (Shin Min Ah) is a self-made city girl who appreciates a big paycheck and pair of designer heels just as much as she values treating her patients fairly and honestly. Fed up with her boss’s work ethic, she quits her job in Seoul and takes a solo trip to a seaside village. During her visit, she has a silly first meeting with the village’s jack-of-all-trades, Hong Du Sik (Kim Seon Ho).
Despite the many hiccups she has during her visit, Hye Jin decides to stick around and start her own dentist clinic. And helping her with building repairs and other miscellaneous tasks is none other than Du Sik.
Why it’s worth the watch:
This is as much about a beautiful seaside vacation away from the masses as it is about gaining a new outlook on life and learning to be more compassionate toward other people. The colorful residents and close community bring funny and reflective moments to this drama.
5. “Welcome to Samdalri”
The island of Jeju might sound like a dream vacation to anyone, but it’s a home Cho Sam Dal (Shin Hae Sun) has tried to move on from ever since she moved to Seoul years ago.
When her successful photography career she’s worked so hard to build comes crashing down, Sam Dal and her two sisters pack their bags and return to Jeju.
Embarrassed about her situation, Sam Dal tries to keep a low profile among her old friends and neighbors, but it doesn’t last long after she runs into her first love, Cho Young Pil (Ji Chang Wook).
Why it’s worth the watch:
The Jeju scenery is seriously beautiful, but the real hidden gem in this drama are the heartwarming friendships and the bond between the so-called “Three Terrible Sisters.” It makes sense why so many call this a comfort watch. Silly, warm, and sometimes heartbreakingly relatable, this is the perfect feel-good summer watch.
Watch Ji Chang Wook in “If You Wish Upon Me” too!
What shows are you watching this summer? Have you seen any on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Asya’s a BL-biased Soompi writer with a love of K-pop and all types of Asian dramas. Some of her favorite shows are “Psychopath Diary,” “Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!,” “Light On Me,” “The Untamed,” “Go Go Squid!,” and “Cherry Magic!”
Currently watching: “Desire the Series,” “My Girlfriend is the Man!,” “Ballboy Tactics,” and “Khemjira.”
Looking forward to: “Twelve,” Magic Lover,” “Love Carved in the Moonlight,” “Me and Thee,” and “The Love Matter.”
