29 Korean Dramas with Mythical Creatures: Goblins, Gumihos, Vampires, and more!
Korean dramas are full of mythical creatures that often take on human form. While they may seem like pure fantasy, these dramas explore the human condition in a way that is both unique and captivating.
These creatures range from the unfamiliar like goblins and gumihos to the familiar like mermaids and angels–and these storylines make Korean dramas so fascinating!
Grab your “I’m Watching a K-Drama T-shirt” or check out this gift guide for some K-drama comfort and settle in!
In this post, you’ll find lists of Korean dramas with mythical creatures full of English subtitles!
Many Korean dramas with mythical creatures are easily accessible from anywhere in the world. But there may be certain platforms that will only work with a VPN (i.e. US Netflix or Singapore VIU).
Sign up for a VPN, also known as a virtual private network if the drama you’d like to watch is not reachable in your country.
Korean Dramas with Goblins
You may be wondering, what in the world is a goblin and why are they shown in K-dramas?
A goblin, also known as a Dokkaebi in Korean mythology, is a creature with supernatural powers and interacts with humans. Goblins are known to help or play tricks on humans.
Not at all similar to a ghost who comes from the death of a human, goblins possess inanimate objects stained by human blood.
1. Kiss Goblin (2020)
Quick facts: 12 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural | Watch on Viki, Watch on DramaCool, Watch on AppleTV
160-year-old goblin Ban Sook wants to be human. The only way to do so is to kiss 10 human beings, according to his advisor the Goblin Queen.
However, Ban Sook discovers that it’s much easier said than done. Whenever he kisses someone, Ban Sook discovers a new human emotion, which complicates his relationships immensely.
Oh Yeon Ah is a human who doesn’t like Ban Sook very much after she witnesses him kiss a girl and then her best friend.
Besides Yeon Ah attacking Ban Sook, he also needs to beware of an exorcist who is out to stop him from becoming human.
2. Goblin, Guardian: The Great & Lonely God (2016)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural | Watch on Viki, Watch on DramaCool
Kim Shin, once a decorated soldier in Goryeo’s military, was betrayed by his king and watched his family die in front of him. Given the chance for immortality, Kim Shin has been living as a goblin for 900 years.
Kim Shin is searching for his bride who can remove the sword from his body and end his immortal life.
Surprisingly, Ji Eun Tak claims to be his bride although she isn’t anything like he expected. Bubbly and outgoing Eun Tak is only a high schooler who still needs to grow up.
Korean Dramas with Gumihos
Gumihos are also a part of Korean mythology and can be found in a handful of Korean dramas.
A gumiho, also known as a thousand-year-old nine-tailed fox, is a mythical creature that can transform from a fox to a beautiful human and possesses a fox bead that is the source of its energy.
Gumihos can shapeshift, love to eat human livers, and are fairly strong though not immortal. A gumiho may have the chance to become a human if they can successfully shed their fox bead.
For more information about gumihos, check out this Youtube video from The Swoon.
3. My Roommate is a Gumiho (2021)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
College professor Shin Woo Yeo is just about ready to become a human after wandering the earth for 999 years as a gumiho. He has been collecting human energy in his precious bead for the past thousand or so years.
Lee Dam is a university student who has a late-night encounter with Woo Yeo while trying to bring her drunk friend home. It was during this time that Lee Dam accidentally swallows Woo Yeo’s bead.
Swallowing a gumiho’s bead will kill a human, which propels Woo Yeo to tell Lee Dam her current situation. Not knowing how to solve the issue, Woo Yeo suggests that they live together until he can figure something out.
Can living together really help them find a solution? Or will new problems arise?
4. Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Fantasy, Thriller, Horror | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
Nam Ji Ah has always believed that there is a grain of truth in old mythical stories. In fact, she seeks out urban legends and reports them on her TV show.
Ji Ah believes she’s found something too good to be true when she comes across Lee Yeon, a perfect man with intelligence and good looks. However, the more she follows him, the more she’s convinced that he’s just a cold and unemotional human.
Lee Yeon is indeed a gumiho, or nine-tailed fox, who had settled in the city many centuries ago. Wanting to keep a low profile, Lee Yeon doesn’t want anything to tip Ji Ah off.
Things get complicated when his vengeful brother Lee Rang shows up in town and doesn’t care which human he hurts.
5. Gu Family Book (2013)
Quick facts: 24 episodes | Romance, Historical, Action, Fantasy | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
Choi Kang Chi is half-human, half-gumiho adopted by the owner of the Hundred Years Inn. Dam Yeo Wool is the daughter of an underground organization whose goal is to protect its region.
When Yeol Wool is sent to the Hundred Years Inn to protect the owner, she meets Kang Chi and falls in love with him.
As their world erupts in chaos, it’s up to Kang Chi to save everyone and Yeol Wool to protect him.
6. The Thousandth Man (2012)
Quick facts: 8 episodes | Romance, Supernatural, Comedy, Fantasy | Watch on KissAsian
Goo Mi Jin is a gumiho and longs to be a human. After consuming 999 livers, she is looking for a liver of a man who is in love with her. Will Mi Jin be successful?
7. My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho (2010)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Supernatural, Comedy, Drama | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
Cha Dae Woong is an aspiring actor who lives a carefree life due to the silver spoon he grew up with. When Dae Woong goes to a temple and sets a gumiho free from 500 years in a painting, he becomes afraid.
Due to a series of accidents, Dae Woong accidentally swallows her bead. Knowing that she only has 100 days to become human, the gumiho asks Dae Woong to teach her how to become a human.
8. Gumiho: Tale of the Fox’s Child (2010)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Historical, Melodrama, Supernatural | Watch on MyAsianTV
After the betrayal of her husband, Goo San Daek leaves him with her daughter.
San Daek is a gumiho and her daughter hasn’t gained her gumiho powers just yet.
As they escape to a village and her daughter now is showing signs of change, will they be able to keep their presence a secret?
Korean Dramas with Vampires
Although frequently portrayed in English films, vampires are also very popular in Korean dramas.
A vampire is a human that has been changed into a blood-sucking creature by either being bitten or acquiring vampire blood.
You may not find very many vampire Korean dramas, but the ones that have been produced do not disappoint!
9. Vampire Detective (2016)
Quick facts: 12 episodes | Slight Romance, Supernatural, Thriller, Mystery | Watch on MyAsianTV
Private detective Yoon San runs an agency with his buddy Yong Goo Hyung. When he mysteriously becomes a vampire, Yoon San tries to figure out what happened to make him one while still solving cases using his new and unique abilities.
10. Blood (2015)
Quick facts: 20 episodes | Romance, Action, Medical, Supernatural | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
Cold and emotionally unavailable Park Ji Sang is a vampire doctor in the best cancer research hospital in the country. Even though he acts coldly towards other people, he longs for closeness.
Ji Sang truly believes in the sanctity of life so he suppresses his desire for human blood and does his best to treat the sick.
When Ji Sang meets Yoo Ri Ta, a snooty doctor who entered the medical field in her teens, he finds himself falling for her. Now Ji Sang and Ri Ta are fighting the battles of good and evil together.
11. Orange Marmalade (2015)
Quick facts: 12 episodes | Romance, Drama, Youth, Supernatural | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
Even though vampires have evolved and no longer need human blood, there is still a stigma, and vampires are discriminated against. Add to this, vampire Baek Ma Ri is a socially withdrawn young high school student.
When Ma Ri is driven out from several neighborhoods and is finally able to settle down in a new town, she is eager to live a quiet life.
However, her life just got a little more complicated when Ma Ri falls in love with a human boy, the most popular guy at her high school.
12. The Scholar Who Walks The Night (2015)
Quick facts: 20 episodes | Romance, Historical, Mystery, Supernatural | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
Set in the Joseon Dynasty comes a tale of a vampire protector. Kim Sung Yeol has been a vampire and a scholar for many years.
During his human years, Suen Yeol discovered that the vampire Gwi has a lusty bloodthirst for young noble women.
Now that Sung Yeol has the powers of a vampire, he will do all he can to protect the royal ladies from Gwi.
13. Vampire Flower (2014)
Quick facts: 6 episodes | Romance, Youth, Supernatural, Miniseries | Watch on MyAsianTV
Although Louis is centuries old, he appears to be very young because he is a vampire. Seo Young is a human high school student who has blood that entices Louis.
Together, Louis and Seo Young take a journey deep into the land of vampires to find a long-lost flower.
14. Vampire Prosecutor (2011)
Quick facts: 12 episodes | Action, Mystery, Drama, Supernatural | Watch on MyAsianTV
Prosecutor Min Tae Yeon was bitten by a vampire and consequently turned into one. He resents the fact that he is a vampire and survives by drinking the blood of dead people.
Since he still needs to do his job, Tae Yeon uses his new abilities as a vampire to prosecute powerful people who think themselves above the law.
When a mysterious case comes across Tae Yeon’s desk that leads him to suspect a vampire is involved, Tae Yeon must discover who it is. Even more, does this vampire have anything to do with his turning?
15. Hello Franceska (2005)
Quick facts: 12 episodes | Family, Sitcom, Supernatural | Watch on MyAsianTV
In Romania, one of the last vampire families on earth decide to disguise themselves and live among humans. Their hope is that their empire will revive one day.
Each of them are sent to live in different places all over the world, but they, unfortunately, board the wrong ship. The family is making their way to Korea instead.
On board the ship, one of the vampires runs into Du Il and takes a bite, turning Du Il into a vampire. With no other option, the family lives in Seoul with Du Il.
Korean Dramas with Grim Reapers
Similar to vampires, grim reapers are also a point of interest in Korean folklore.
A grim reaper, or jeoseung saja in Korean, is a human-like figure who appears when a human has died to guide the soul into the afterlife.
In Korean dramas, you’ll find grim reapers on the spectrum of wanting to save human lives to relishing their job of escorting souls to their next life.
16. Tomorrow (2022)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Music, Enemies to Lovers | Watch on Netflix
Choi Joon Woong is short of a job and no one wants to hire him. When he witnesses a man trying to end his life, Joon Woong steps in to stop him.
In doing so, Joon Woong meets Koo Ryeon and Im Ryoong Guy, two grim reapers who are a part of the crisis management team who stops people from taking their own lives.
Joon Woong wakes up from a coma and learns that he’s become half-human, half-spirit as he’s been newly inducted into the crisis management team.
17. Hotel Del Luna (2019)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Mystery, Horror, Supernatural | Watch on Netflix, Watch on Viki
Deep in the heart of Seoul sits the curious and unassuming Hotel del Luna, which caters to a special type of clientele–souls of the dead. Though it’s been standing for millennia, no living human eye has ever seen it thriving.
Jang Man Wol, a greedy and resentful soul, has spent the last thousand years running Hotel del Luna. Her only hope of leaving the hotel is to let go of her past resentment and find true love.
The time has come for Goo Chan Sung to be made aware of Hotel del Luna and keep the deal his father made with Man Wol years ago. As he steps into getting financial straits in order, it might just be the thing that Man Wol needs to leave her cursed position.
18. Black (2017)
Quick facts: 18 episodes | Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Supernatural | Watch on Netflix
Detective Han Moo Gang is a grim reaper who takes souls to their afterlife, but he would rather save lives. Kang Ha Ram can see shadows of death. When she touches these shadows, she can predict when the person will die.
Having the same purpose, Moo Gang and Ha Ram partner up to save people from their predicted death, breaking the rules of heaven in their wake.
19. The Universe’s Star (2017)
Quick facts: 6 episodes | Romance, Supernatural | Watch on DramaNice
As a grim reaper, Byul’s job is to guide dead souls to their afterlife. However, things get complicated when she finds out that her favorite pop star Woo Joo is going to die soon.
Not wanting his fate to end so soon, Byul decides to save him and learns more about herself and relationships than what she thought was possible.
20. Irish Uppercut (2017)
Quick facts: 8 episodes | Comedy, Food, Supernatural | Watch on Viki, Watch on AppleTV
Do Hae Na, a grim reaper, is not doing very well at her job: running Irish Uppercut, a restaurant in purgatory where souls in passing can stop to eat.
Even though she has heart and passion, her cooking isn’t great and her business acumen is even worse. It seems that the restaurant will close soon.
However, lucky for Hae Na, arrogant chef Woo Shi Hyung finds himself in purgatory when he accidentally kills himself. Hae Na finds this a great opportunity to recruit Shi Hyung’s skills for the restaurant.
Not wanting to be dead or cook for the dead, Shi Hyung only agrees when he finds out that the winner of a cooking contest will win a chance to go back to the land of the living.
Korean Dramas with Mermaids
Korean dramas have also strived to create fantastical films involving mermaids.
Mermaids are creatures with a human upper torso and fish-like tail who are able to live and breath underwater.
As with the Disney tale of the Little Mermaid, these Korean mermaids also have a desire to live among land with two legs.
21. The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)
Quick facts: 20 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Fantasy | Watch on Hulu, Watch on Viki
Con artist Heo Joon Jae looks exactly like a nobleman Kim Moon from the Joseon Dynasty. Shim Cheong, a mermaid, follows Kim Moon from the past to modern-day Joon because she is in love with him.
Having met her, Joon Jae is only interested in the $6 million dollar jade bracelet that Shim Cheong is wearing. Since Shim Cheong doesn’t have a home, she moves in with Joon Jae and his con artist partners.
Now Joon Jae has a mermaid after his heart and a jealous stepmother after his fortune. Can Joon Jae catch a break?
22. Surplus Princess, Idle Mermaid (2014)
Quick facts: 10 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Fantasy | Watch on MyAsianTV
Princess Kim Ha Ni is a mermaid who lives in her underwater empire. When she falls in love with Kwon Shi Kyung, Ha Ni becomes a human and starts living above water.
However, Ha Ni only has 100 days to make Shi Kyung fall in love with her. Will Ha Ni succeed?
Korean Dramas with Other fantastical creatures
Not falling into any particular category, there are more fantastical creatures that Korean dramas have endeavored to portray.
From angels to witches, you’ll find many more supernatural Korean dramas to enjoy with English subtitles!
23. Doom at Your Service (2021)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Drama, Supernatural | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
Tak Don Kyung is down on her luck. She lost her parents to an accident a few years ago, now her boyfriend is cheating on her, and on top of that Don Kyung finds out that she has a terminal brain tumor.
One night when she’s at her wit’s end, Don Kyung curses the heave and wishes for the world to be doomed.
Little does she know, Don Kyung’s curse actually summons Myeol Mang, Doom himself. Neither god nor human, he offers her a deal: 100 days to live her life to the fullest.
Only, Myeol Mang finds himself entranced by Don Kyung and not really sure where the line of humanity is.
24. The Witch’s Diner (2021)
Quick facts: 8 episodes | Psychological, Life, Drama, Fantasy | Watch on Viki, Watch on DramaCool
Jeong Jin is as happy as can be: she has a wonderful job and an attentive boyfriend. Everything was perfect.
But her world comes crashing down when Jeong Jin loses her job and her boyfriend leaves her. Now she has no idea what she’s supposed to do with her life.
With nothing to lose, Jeong Jin agrees to open a restaurant with her mother, which quickly turns sour. When her mother leaves, Jeong Jin meets Jo Hee Ra, a witch who grants wishes.
Wishing to borrow Hee Ra’s restaurant, Jeong Jin wonders if sometimes the price can be too high for making wishes.
25. Angel’s Last Mission: Love (2019)
Quick facts: 32 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
Lee Yeon Seo hasn’t always been cynical and arrogant. After her parents’ deaths, Yeon Seo inherited a fortune and could never trust anyone who tried to befriend her.
When Yeon Seo has an accident as a ballerina, she has to give up her dreams.
Kim Dan is a mischievous and carefree angel who gets into trouble multiple times. He is given one last chance to make it up before he is extinct forever.
Dan is assigned to play cupid to Yeon Seo, but he despairs having to watch over such an arrogant person.
26. When the Devil Calls Your Name (2019)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Music, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
For the past 10 years ago Ha Rip has made his mark on history with his talent and passion for his music. Only, he didn’t do it all on his own.
Struggling to get noticed, Ha Rip sold his soul to the Devil who offered him a deal to make him famous. Now the Devil has come calling and Ha Rip doesn’t want to give it up.
27. Witch’s Love (2018)
Quick facts: 12 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Fantasy | Watch on Viki
Three generations of witches have been living under the radar in the busy city of Seoul. However, their presence is on the verge of being revealed.
Kang Cho Hong is the youngest of the 3 witches, and because of her youthfulness, she is attracting the attention of a neighbor, Hwang Jae Wook.
Add to that, the building landlord shows up wanting to know about a traumatic childhood incident inside the building, too.
Will the 3 witches be able to keep their identity secret?
28. The Bride of Habaek (2017)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy | Watch on Netflix, Watch on Viki
Also referred to as Bride of the Water God, this fantasy Korean drama is about the love between a water god and a mortal woman.
Han Baek is the reincarnated water god and Yoon So Ah’s family has been serving him for many generations. Han Baek starts to fall in love with So Ah, but is unhappy when he discovers that the CEO of a resort company is also trying to win her heart.
Add to the drama, Moo Ra, a goddess from the water kingdom who has been living on Earth for many centuries, is in love with Han Baek. What she doesn’t know is that the wind god Bi Ryum has his heart set on her.
In this drama of who likes whom, can love prevail?
29. My Love From the Star (2013)
Quick facts: 21 episodes | Romance, Drama, Comedy, Supernatural | Watch on Viki, Watch on MyAsianTV
Min Joon landed on earth 400 years ago from a different planet during the Joseon Dynasty.
Now in present-day Korea, Min Joon meets famous Hallyu star Cheon Song Yi. Song Yi has an air of arrogance because of her celebrity status and doesn’t treat Min Joon very well because he doesn’t recognize her.
However, what will happen when Min Joon starts falling for the Hayllu star and finds out he only has 3 more months on Earth?
Final Thoughts: Korean Dramas with Mythical Creatures
After reviewing Korean dramas with mythical creatures, what are your thoughts? Have you found a new love for goblins and gumihos?
Share with us your favorites in the comments below!
More K-Drama Content:
- 20 Popular Supernatural Powers Korean Dramas
- 46 Best High School Korean Dramas
- 23 Humor and Horror-Filled Korean Dramas with Ghosts
- Top 29 Forced Fake and Arranged Marriage Korean Dramas
- 37 Best Family Korean Drama Series to Watch
- 39 Best Enemies to Lovers Korean Drama
- 50+ Top-Rated Medical Korean Dramas
Liked what you read? Share it on Pinterest!
MY TOP PICK
Best VPN for Asian Dramas
I highly recommend and use Express VPN as they are one of the best virtual private networks globally, defeats censorship, and has reliable service. You can use it on any streaming service to watch your favorite drama!
