7 Best Streaming Sites to Watch Your Favorite K-Dramas

Watching Korean movies or dramas on illegal streaming sites may seem exciting and fun, but there's always the risk of malware that can come from using those platforms.

No need to worry, though, we’ve put together a list of legal Korean drama streaming sites, both paid and free, especially for die-hard K-drama fans. Curious to know what they are? Check out the list below!

1. Viu

If you're a fan of Korean dramas, Viu could be the best place to marathon your favorite dramas! From nostalgic classics to currently airing series packed with surprises, it's all available here. With Viu, you can enjoy high-definition dramas complete with subtitles.

For those who love following ongoing dramas, there's no need to worry about long waits, Viu is well-known for its fast updates, so you can catch the latest episodes without much delay.

Viu doesn’t just offer Korean dramas either. You’ll also find a variety of Korean variety shows, along with dramas and films from across Asia, including China, Japan, Thailand, and even the Middle East.

One standout feature is the download mode, which lets you watch your favorite shows anytime, even without an internet connection. And the best part? Much of the content is available for free! But of course, there’s a catch. Free users will have to deal with ads and won’t have access to premium content.

Personally, I also appreciate one aspect of Viu’s user interface: the catalog of newly released episodes. It helps users easily keep track of which Korean dramas have dropped new episodes and which ones haven't, making it super convenient.

Things I Like About Viu:

• Offers a good selection of classic and ongoing Korean dramas.
• Has its own collection of original Korean dramas.
• Allows free access, though with some limitations on episodes and occasional ads.

Things to Note About Viu:

• To get early access to the latest drama episodes, you’ll need to subscribe to a premium plan.

2. Netflix

This global streaming service has become the go-to platform for movie and series enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its high-quality content, Netflix is now seriously stepping up its game when it comes to Korean dramas. Just to name a few standout titles: Kingdom, Arthdal Chronicles, Extracurricular, Sweet Home, and many more.

Of course, Netflix isn’t limited to just K-dramas. The platform also offers a diverse range of TV shows and films from around the world, including a fairly comprehensive collection of Korean dramas, from timeless classics to the latest releases.

What truly sets Netflix apart, however, is its powerful recommendation algorithm. Without even searching, you’ll be served with K-dramas that match your preferences and viewing history. It’s like having a personal assistant who knows exactly what you want to watch, pretty amazing, right?

Things I Like About Netflix:

• A diverse collection of Korean dramas, from timeless classics to the latest releases.
• Consistently produces high-quality original Korean dramas.
• Smart and helpful content recommendation feature.
• Professional multi-language subtitles, definitely not poorly translated.

Things to Consider About Netflix:

• There’s no free access option, so be prepared to subscribe if you want to enjoy all the premium features.

3. Disney+ Hotstar

Who says Disney+ Hotstar is only great for Disney content? When it comes to Korean entertainment, this platform has its own unique charm.

Many of the Korean dramas available on Disney+ Hotstar have gone viral on social media due to their impressive quality, Light Shop and Moving are just a couple of examples. These titles gained massive popularity and quickly became fan favorites when they aired.

What’s even more exciting is that Disney+ Hotstar offers a generous selection of Korean dramas that you can watch without a subscription and completely ad-free. Pretty awesome, right? All you need to do is create a free account to enjoy these benefits.

Beyond dramas, Hotstar also features a variety of South Korean content, including movies and documentaries. And it doesn’t stop there, you’ll also find entertainment from other countries, such as Japanese dramas and films, anime, cartoons, American series, and much more.

Things I Like About Disney+ Hotstar:

• Offers a variety of Korean dramas, many of which can be watched for free without a subscription and without ads.
• Includes Korean movies and documentaries in its library.
• Subtitles are accurate and professionally made.

Things to Note About Disney+ Hotstar:

• Disney+ Hotstar has strict limits on multi-device streaming, depending on your subscription plan.

4. Rakuten Viki

Most K-drama enthusiasts are likely familiar with Viki. This American-based streaming platform is quite popular among fans of Korean dramas. Viki offers a comprehensive collection of K-dramas, ranging from timeless classics to more recent titles, all equipped with subtitles in various languages.

Beyond Korean dramas, Viki also features a variety of Korean films and variety shows. Plus, the platform gives viewers access to dramas from other Asian countries like Taiwan, China, and Japan.

One of the things I personally appreciate about Viki is its generosity in offering many Korean dramas for free viewing, some of which are even Viki Originals.

Although it may not always have the latest K-dramas right away, its extensive library more than makes up for it. You’ll find a great mix of classic, popular, and even underrated gems.

Things I Like About Rakuten Viki:

• One of the platforms that focuses on broadcasting Asian content, including Korean dramas.
• Offers a wide range of dramas that are accessible for free.
• Has an extensive library, including underrated dramas that are hard to find on other platforms.

Things to Note About Viki:

• Some dramas don’t have fully completed subtitles, as translations are done by the Viki user community.
• Not always up-to-date with the latest Korean drama releases.

5. iQIYI

If you're looking for a reliable streaming platform to enjoy your favorite Korean dramas anytime, anywhere, iQIYI is definitely worth considering! This platform has earned a reputation as a hub for a wide variety of Asian entertainment.

iQIYI not only offers legendary classic Korean dramas but also simulcasts the latest shows alongside their broadcasts in South Korea. Interestingly, it also features a collection of boys' love (BL) dramas, which have become quite popular among fans.

That said, there's one thing to keep in mind: the newest Korean dramas on iQIYI are typically reserved for VIP users. Still, the platform is friendly to free users too, offering a no-registration-needed option to watch a selection of dramas with occasional commercial breaks.

Things I Like About iQIYI:

• A collection of classic Korean dramas that always brings a nostalgic vibe.
• Offers the latest Korean dramas that are still ongoing.
• A wide selection of boys’ love-themed dramas for fans of the genre.
• You can enjoy free content without needing to register.

Things to Note About iQIYI:

• A VIP subscription is required to watch ongoing dramas.

6. WeTV

One thing that sets WeTV apart from other streaming platforms is its unique approach to presenting content. Instead of only displaying the original titles, WeTV often translates international titles into the local language, at least on the posters.

But don’t worry, you can still search using the original international titles, making it easy to find your favorite dramas.

WeTV is also known for housing a great collection of popular classic dramas. However, not all of them are available for free. To access the latest Korean dramas, you’ll need to become a VIP user.

That said, WeTV's library of the newest Korean dramas is still relatively limited. But don’t fret! If you're in the mood for other types of entertainment, WeTV also offers a variety of exciting content, including Chinese dramas (C-dramas), Thai dramas (Lakorn), Korean variety shows, and anime, which are perfect for filling your free time.

Things I Like About WeTV:

• Posters are displayed with titles in the national language, giving it a unique local touch.
• Korean dramas are categorized by tropes, making it easier to find shows that match your preferences.
• A treasure trove of popular classic dramas that bring a sense of nostalgia.

Things to Note About WeTV:

• The collection of the latest Korean dramas is still limited.

7. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video isn’t just a hub for Hollywood movies and Western TV series. This streaming platform has been making a serious push into the Asian market by offering a growing collection of anime, films, and dramas, including Korean dramas.

While its K-drama library may not be as extensive as some other platforms, don’t underestimate it, you can still find several popular titles here.

What makes Prime Video different is its selection of underrated Korean dramas that are actually hidden gems. If you're someone who enjoys discovering unique and lesser-known shows, this platform might just surprise you.

Plus, with its download feature, you can enjoy your favorite Korean dramas anytime, anywhere, no internet connection needed. Your drama marathon doesn’t have to stop!

Things I Like About Amazon Prime Video:

• It not only features popular Korean dramas but also offers a wide selection of high-quality, underrated K-dramas.
• Subtitles are available in multiple languages and are professionally done.
• The download feature makes it easy to watch offline without interruptions.

Things to Note About Amazon Prime Video:

• The Korean drama collection is still limited compared to other streaming services.
• Access to all content requires a premium subscription.

So there you have it, several legal streaming platforms and apps where you can enjoy Korean dramas safely and conveniently. By choosing legal streaming services, you’re not only supporting the creative industry but also protecting your device from potential malware threats.