Korean dramas have been a favorite choice for many over the years thanks to the variety of genres offered, from slice of life, romance, thriller, to fantasy, all can be found in Korean dramas.
In addition, the in-depth attention to detail also gives life and charm to the story.
Explanation of the Slice of Life Genre
Slice of life is a term that refers to describing a storytelling technique or movie genre that showcases everyday life. Generally, this genre has simple storylines and conflicts, and emphasizes the lives of characters in a very realistic way, so as to make the audience feel connected or relevant to the story.
In addition, the slice of life genre is rich in strong and unique characters. Therefore, it is only natural that fans of this genre often feel emotionally close to the characters.
Best Slice of Life Genre Korean Drama Recommendations
1. Welcome to Samdalri (2023)
Welcome to Samdalri, a work written by Kwon Hye-joo and starring Ji Changwook and Shin Hyesun, will take you to explore a small village that has a quiet and harmonious life.
The drama highlights the beauty of village life and the support of a close-knit community. The simple and friendly characters provide a sense of warmth despite the conflicts. Suitable for those who want to take a break from the busy city.
2. The Good Bad Mother (2023)
This drama tells the story of a single mother’s efforts in raising her son. The task is not easy, and they often face challenges. Their stories are filled with sad and regretful events.
The Good Bad Mother presents the relationship between a mother, Jin Young-soon (Ra Mi-ran), and her son, Choi Kang-ho (Lee Do-hyun). Young-soon, a single mother, runs a pig farm and has raised Kang-ho alone since childhood, which has shaped her unique upbringing style. Young-soon wants her son, Kang-ho, to grow up disciplined and strong, even though she has to be strict and is considered a bad mother.
3. Our Beloved Summer (2022)
Our Beloved Summer is the latest slice of life Korean drama starring Choi Woo Shik and Kim Da Mi. The story follows a pair of ex-lovers who unexpectedly meet again due to a project.
In fact, they still have feelings for each other, but due to the prestige of expressing them, their love relationship has become complicated.
4. My Liberation Notes (2022)
In general, My Liberation Notes describes the life of a family living in the Seoul suburb of Sanpo. The family consists of a mother, a father, and their three children.
These three brothers were bored with their boring routine as adults every day. They try to find happiness and freedom from the monotonous life. This drama will accompany you to stay optimistic in seeking happiness and achieving your dreams.
5. You Are My Spring (2021)
This drama with a romantic mystery genre tells the journey of three characters: Kang Da Jeon (Seo Hyun-jin), Ju Young Do (Kim Dong Wook), and Chae Joon (Yoon Park). Kang Da Jeon is a hotel manager who is facing difficulties in her love life, while Ju Young Do is a psychiatrist who has contributed a lot in saving the lives of people planning to end their lives.
However, underneath it all, Ju Young Do harbors trauma from the past. He feels guilty for not being able to save his brother and also one of his patients who died in a tragic way.
6. Record of Youth (2020)
This drama depicts the lives of young men in the entertainment industry. Sa Hye Jun, played by Park Bo Gum, has long had a dream of becoming an actor. As a model, he tried hard to realize his goal. Although she attended many auditions, luck was not on her side.
Besides Sa Hye Jun, there is also a makeup artist named An Jeong Ha played by Park So Dam, who is trying hard to achieve her dreams. Both of them struggle to achieve success in a world that values their backgrounds more than their aspirations.
7. Hospital Playlist (2020)
Hospital Playlist tells the story of five doctors who have been friends from medical school to working at the same hospital, namely Lee Ik Joon, Ahn Jung Won, Kim Joon Wan, Yang Seok Hyung, and Chae Song Hwa, with each taking a different specialty.
This drama will depict the daily life of a doctor in a hospital in a relaxed way. Thus, you won’t feel burdened or bored. Instead, you will be entertained by the cuteness and silly behavior of these five friends.
8. My Unfamiliar Family (2020)
My Unfamiliar Family tells the story of relationships between family members that feel like strangers, while strangers become close like family. In this story, the characters live apart from their families over time, which makes it difficult for them to share and open up to each other.
However, their life experiences led them to an unknown individual who understood their innermost feelings and secrets better than their own family.
9. Be Melodramatic (2019)
Be Melodramatic is a slice of life drama rich in themes of life and romance. The story follows the daily lives of three 30-year-old best friends, each facing their own problems.
Im Jin Joo is a playwright who is skeptical of love and still remembers her former lover. Lee Eun Jung, a documentary film director, faces psychological problems after the death of her husband. Hwang Han Joo, a single mother, struggles to divide her time between work and caring for her child.
10. My Mister (2018)
My Mister is one of the most moving and widely appreciated slice of life dramas. The drama well depicts various human emotions through a very realistic approach, so both characters in the story will feel familiar to the audience.
In addition, this drama also shows that in every relationship, mutual respect is very important.
11. Because This Is My First Life (2017)
The plot of the series revolves around two individuals who are thirty years old and facing financial problems, so they decide to enter into a contract marriage. Yoon Ji Ho (played by Jung So Min) is an assistant drama screenwriter who is having financial difficulties.
He was forced to give up the house he had paid for, because it was now occupied by his married brother and his pregnant wife. She did not want to live with the young couple.
12. Reply 1988 (2016)
Korean drama Reply 1988 is set in 1988 and tells the story of the friendship of five people-Sung Deok Sun, Sung Sun Woo, Kim Jung Hwan, Choi Taek, and Ryu Dong Ryong-who grew up together in the Ssangmundong settlement. They have different family backgrounds and their own problems.
Some friends have different family backgrounds, ranging from wealthy to struggling. Despite this, their closeness from childhood has kept them together and they often spend time together as adults, albeit with various silly antics.
Those are some recommendations for slice of life Korean drama that you might be looking for. Hope this helps!
