7 Best Apps to Watch K-Dramas

Korean dramas, or K-Dramas, are highly popular, especially among teenagers—particularly young women. However, they’re not just for teens; many housewives also enjoy following their favorite series episode after episode.

Unfortunately, not all Korean dramas are broadcast on local TV channels. But the good news is, as long as you have a smartphone or tablet with a stable internet connection, you can watch K-Dramas anytime, anywhere.

This time, I’ve put together a list of legal streaming apps where you can watch Korean dramas. Check out the recommendations below!

1. Viu

If you're looking for a streaming platform with a vast collection of original Korean dramas, Viu is one of the best options.

This app offers exclusive drama series, including some of the most popular titles. If you’ve heard of The Penthouse, True Beauty, or Taxi Driver, these are all Viu Originals.

Viu also regularly features classic Korean dramas and even screens newly released Korean movies shortly after their theatrical debut.

Since South Korean entertainment is Viu’s main focus, you’ll find a rich selection of Korean dramas, movies, and variety shows on the platform.

Another great thing about Viu is that it provides free episodes for many shows. However, if you want faster access to all episodes, you’ll need to subscribe to a premium plan. Plus, Viu allows you to download episodes, so you can watch your favorite content offline anytime!

Things I Love About Viu:

• One of the best streaming apps with a large collection of original Korean dramas.
• Offers various classic K-Dramas that can be watched for free.
• Allows free usage without a subscription for some content.
• Downloadable episodes for offline viewing.
• Besides K-Dramas, Viu also features a wide selection of South Korean movies and variety shows, more than many other streaming platforms.

Things to Note About Viu:

• To access the latest drama episodes faster, users need to subscribe to a premium plan.

2. Netflix

As one of the world's largest streaming platforms, Netflix consistently delivers shows with unique and compelling storylines.

This also applies to its selection of original Korean dramas. Take Squid Game, Hellbound, Sweet Home, and The Trauma Code, for example. All of which feature distinctive narratives and often go viral on social media.

Beyond its original productions, Netflix also offers a diverse catalog of Korean dramas spanning various genres and release years. While it doesn't host every Korean drama, the platform carefully curates popular older titles known for their uniqueness.

One of the things I love most about Netflix is its smart algorithm. It effectively recommends shows based on users' viewing habits. If you frequently watch dramas with a specific genre or theme, Netflix will automatically suggest similar content.

Additionally, its user-friendly interface and the availability of subtitles in multiple languages make Netflix a convenient platform for enjoying a wide range of Korean entertainment.

However, there's no option to watch for free. You’ll need to subscribe to one of the available plans to access its content.

Things I Like About Netflix:

• Its original Korean dramas always have unique storylines.
• It offers a catalog of Korean dramas across various genres and release years, including many popular titles.
• Its algorithm automatically provides recommendations based on users' viewing habits.
• Subtitles are available in multiple languages.
• Supports Picture-in-Picture mode.

Things to Keep in Mind About Netflix:

• There is no option to watch for free.

3. iQIYI

The iQIYI streaming platform offers a diverse catalog of dramas. You can explore them by tapping the "K-Drama" tab on the homepage. However, if you want to check whether your favorite drama is available, you can use the search bar for quicker access.

In addition to being a great platform for watching classic and popular Korean dramas, iQIYI also streams some of the latest Korean dramas simultaneously with their broadcast in South Korea. The platform even frequently features boys’ love dramas.

That said, the latest Korean dramas are typically only accessible to VIP members. However, iQIYI does offer a free plan, though it includes ads. Plus, you don’t need to register to enjoy the free content.

Things I Like About iQIYI:

• A great place to watch classic and popular Korean dramas.
• Offers a selection of ongoing Korean dramas.
• Provides a variety of boys’ love dramas.
• Includes a free viewing option.

Things to Keep in Mind About iQIYI:

• The latest Korean dramas are only available with a VIP subscription.
• Streaming quality is limited to 720p for free users and 1080p for VIP members.

4. Viki

Although Viki requires users to register, you don’t always have to subscribe to the Viki PASS premium plan to watch its content. You can access dramas for free, but you’ll have to deal with ads during playback.

Viki offers a collection of popular classic Korean dramas as well as underrated titles that are hard to find on other streaming platforms. If you enjoy lesser-known K-dramas, Viki could be a great option—your favorite hidden gem might just be available for free.

Another standout aspect of Viki is its large fan community. In fact, many of its subtitles are created by dedicated fans, making the platform accessible in multiple languages.

Viki also features "Timed Comments," which allows viewers to leave live reactions while watching. This feature adds a unique, interactive experience to drama-watching.

However, Viki doesn’t provide explicit details about its streaming quality for free or premium users. Instead, it claims that its video quality adapts dynamically based on the user’s internet connection.

Things I Like About Viki:

• Offers classic and underrated Korean dramas that are hard to find elsewhere.
• Has a large fan community that helps provide subtitles in multiple languages.
• The “Timed Comments” feature makes watching more interactive.
• Allows free streaming without requiring a premium subscription.

Things to Keep in Mind About Viki:

• Subtitles may not always be accurate since they are not professionally reviewed.
• No official information on streaming quality for free or paid plans.

5. WeTV

WeTV categorizes dramas and movies not only by their main genre but also by specific tropes. For example, if you're looking for Korean dramas about infidelity, you can find recommendations under the "The Edge of Marriage Life" category in the Korean drama section.

Another unique feature of WeTV is that it translates the international titles of its content into the language of the local country. However, this translation only appears on the posters, while the original title remains searchable. This approach likely ensures that users can still find their favorite dramas using the internationally recognized titles.

WeTV also offers a large collection of classic Korean dramas, though not all of them are available for free. The same applies to newly released K-dramas, which are exclusively accessible to VIP users.

Unfortunately, the selection of new Korean dramas on WeTV is somewhat limited. However, if you’re looking for variety, WeTV also offers Chinese dramas (C-dramas), Thai dramas (Lakorn), Korean variety shows, and anime.

Things I Like About WeTV:

• Uses translated poster titles as a unique touch.
• Categorizes Korean dramas based on specific tropes.
• Has a vast collection of classic Korean dramas.

Things to Keep in Mind About WeTV:

• The selection of new Korean dramas is quite limited.

6. Amazon Prime Video

Prime Video isn't typically the go-to platform for watching Korean dramas, but it does offer a selection for K-drama lovers, including a few exclusive titles that are only available on this platform.

Like other streaming services, Prime Video features Korean dramas across various genres, along with a collection of Korean films. One of its biggest advantages is its high-quality streaming, supporting up to 4K Ultra HD, with some content enhanced by Dolby Atmos for a cinematic viewing experience.

However, Prime Video does not offer free access. Users must subscribe to a premium plan to enjoy its content. Additionally, even accessing the app requires account registration.

Things I Like About Amazon Prime Video:

• Offers exclusive Korean dramas available only on Prime Video.
• Has a collection of classic Korean dramas.
• Supports 4K Ultra HD streaming with Dolby Atmos, providing a theater-like experience.
• Ad-free viewing experience.

Things to Keep in Mind About Amazon Prime Video:

• No free access—subscription is required.
• Account registration is mandatory to use the app.

7. Disney+ Hotstar

Korean dramas are definitely available on Disney+ Hotstar, and the best part? The platform generously offers a selection of K-dramas that can be watched for free—without ads! Pretty amazing, right? All you need to do is create a free account to enjoy this perk.

Disney+ Hotstar also features original Korean dramas, some of which have gained massive popularity, such as Light Shop, Moving, and Revenge of Others. These dramas are produced by Disney Korea and are exclusive to Disney+.

Interestingly, I've also noticed that some K-dramas’ latest seasons seem to have been "snatched" by Disney from competing streaming platforms. Quite amusing, don’t you think? In addition to dramas, Hotstar offers a variety of Korean entertainment, including movies and documentaries.

Of course, Disney+ Hotstar isn’t just about Korean content. It also provides Japanese dramas and films, anime, cartoons, American series, and more, making it a well-rounded streaming platform.

Things I Like About Disney+ Hotstar:

• Offers a variety of K-dramas, many of which can be watched for free—without ads.
• Features a collection of original Korean dramas, some of which are highly popular.
• Provides Korean movies and documentaries.
• Accurate subtitles, professionally done.

Things to Keep in Mind About Disney+ Hotstar:

• Strict device streaming limits, depending on the subscription plan.

Those are some apps you can try for watching Korean dramas. While some of them may have a limited selection of K-dramas, their libraries will likely continue to expand over time.

If you've experienced any of these apps, feel free to share your experience in the comments! Your insights could help other readers find the best platform for their K-drama needs.