If you love animated shows and need a break from the usual American cartoons and Japanese anime, here’s a list of the 21 best Korean animated shows.
Some people might not think that there are any good Korean anime shows out there, but they’re wrong. There are tons of great series out there that you can watch. These series ranges in genres such as comedy, adventure, and fantasy.
So without further ado, let’s look at some great animated series to get you started:
21. Track City
- Logline: Trapped inside a racing game, Jimmy must learn the skills of a professional racer to beat the virus.
- Year: 2000
- Genre: Racing
- Studio: SBS Production
Trapped inside a video game is a common anime trope. Track city is an anime that features a similar trope but inside a racing game.
If you are a motorhead and want some hardcore 90’s anime action in full throttle then you must binge on this Korean racing anime.
Synopsis
Our protagonist Jimmy is a video game freak. One of his favorite games is Track City. One day while playing this game, a short circuit occurred and Jimmy lost consciousness. When he woke up he discovered that he has been transported inside the game – “Track City”.
Jimmy is shocked to learn that the game is at the risk of an attack from a malign virus and he has been mistakenly picked up as the most powerful player by the game. Now Jimmy must learn the skills to save the game as well as himself from being erased by the virus.
20. Stone Age
- Logline: Tale of Woody and his baby dinosaur.
- Year: 2017
- Genre: Kids
- Studio: –
Before you start guessing, the story does resonate like Dr. Stone’s. Unlike standard Japanese anime, it uses modern 3d animations that are perfect for kids’ audiences.
If you welcome modern age animations with open arms then you might just try watching the amazing Korean Anime.
Synopsis
You already know what happens when the world meets a collective technology failure. Another rise of the primitive stone-age era begins. This is what exactly happens in the anime Stone Age.
It sets is a fictitious world of Tectonika. A world that was once dominated by AI’s and modern tech but now it people face the adversity of living like primitives in the Stone age.
19. Winter Sonata
- Logline: Yoo Jin and her dramatic trilogy.
- Year: 2009
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Studio: Studio Comet
Winter Sonata is a Korean anime based on Korean drama that every romance genre lover must add to their binge list. The anime explores the complexities of an intense, lifelong relationship.
It is backed by a suspenseful plot and thoughtful storytelling that keep you hooked throughout. If you have a taste for romance anime like Itazura na Kiss, then you have no question you’ll dislike this one.
Synopsis
If you haven’t already watched the original Korean drama then I suggest you don’t do it anyways. The anime adds 100x intensity to the same story.
Joon Sang was Yoo Jin’s childhood love. Unfortunately, Joon died of an accident at a young age and Yoo’s first love ended in despair.
Now Yugi is in her mid twenty’s and is planning to marry her childhood friend. Just about when Yigu is about to announce her engagement she encounters a man who looks exactly like her childhood love Joon Sang.
18. Choegang Top Plate
- Logline: Beyblade rebuilt in Korea.
- Year: 2013
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- Studio: –
Choegang Tabpeulleiteu is a Korean anime that aired in 2013. It’s a Korean version of the famous Japanese anime- Beyblade.
If you’re looking for an interesting and lighthearted anime that’s just right for lunchtime or when you’re in the mood for something new, then this is the one for you!.
Synopsis
The show was first released at the Korean Ostuni Festival. It features a Beyblade-like story where children compete with each other using similar objects.
Our hero and his team are on a mission to end evil forces using their top plate. Similar to the Japanese anime Beyblade, the Top Plates also possess a spirit inside them that relates to any form of animal.
17. Agigongryong Doolie
- Logline: Tale of a baby dragon in modern age Korea.
- Year: 1987
- Genre: Kids, Adventure
- Studio: –
Some anime can be a little too intense for young children. However, there are also some good anime that are perfect for kids.
One such show is the Agigongryong Doolie. It is a vintage Korean anime that was focused on children.
Synopsis
This is about a girl named Mel and her adventures with her pet dragon, Doolie. Along with her friends, Mel does everything from hanging out at the beach to exploring nature and working on arts and crafts projects.
This series is ideal for girls ages 4 to 12 years old but maybe enjoyed by both genders of any age as well!
16. Kkaemo-ui Moheom
- Logline: Adventures of price Choco to find his kidnapped princess.
- Year: 1998
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: –
This anime is really good for those who are new to the Korean culture because it contains a lot of important themes such as bullying, family relationships, and how to overcome challenges.
Like you must have guessed by now, this Korean anime too was focused on children under 16.
Synopsis
King Kukuma is an evil ruler who had abducted the Mimi Princess. To Save the Princess and end the barbaric King Kukuma’s rule, Price Choco and Phanang travel to earth.
The story unfolds as Awamu and Anto join Price Choco on his quest to find his princess and defeat King Kukuma.
15. Greek-Roman Sinhwa Olympus Guardian
- Logline: Stories of Greek Mythology.
- Year: 2002
- Genre: Historical
- Studio: –
Olympus guardian is a unique anime that comes from South Korea. Based on ancient Roman and Greek Myths, the anime is an extended version of a 2005 movie of the same name.
It has a decent collection of 39 episodes with a runtime of 22 minutes each.
Synopsis
One day Ji-Woon and his brother Ji-Yeon discover a Roman mythology book on their father’s desk.
Upon witnessing their interest in the book the father decides to recite his kid’s, tales of Olympus Gods from the Greek Mythology. Each episode is a chapter of events that happens in ancient Greek.
14. Seupideuwang Beongae
- Logline: Every kid dreams of winning the National Convention RC Gaming Event.
- Year: 1998
- Genre: School
- Studio: –
If you’re a fan of anime, then you should know that the Seupideuwang Beongae anime is worth checking out. This show is a really popular work in Korea and was even seen by a large number of people from other countries.
Synopsis
The story follows a group of school students. Our protagonist lightening Khan leads the group. These students fight against each other in the games of RC racing. Each one has a unique RC vehicle with unique powers.
13. Origami Warriors
- Logline: A group of friends on a mission to save the world.
- Year: 2004
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Studio: Unknown
Origami Warriors is a Korean anime that takes inspiration from popular shows like Bayblade. Though it is unique in its execution.
If you like animes that take MCs on an incredible adventurous journey where they fight with their superpowers then you’ll enjoy this show too.
Synopsis
‘Origami Warriors follows the story of four teenagers who are chosen to protect Earth from an alien invasion.
They use their origami skills in order to transform into their superhero alter-egos and go on a mission to stop the aliens and save the day.
12. Badaui Jeonseol Jangbogo
- Logline: A group of mercenaries on a mission in the deep ocean.
- Year: 2002
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Studio: Unknown
Badaui Jeonseol Jangbogo is a popular Korean animated series st in not so distant future. The story is about a band of warriors who set sail on an action-packed adventure.
The show includes loads of action sequences that will keep you entertained for hours as well as beautiful visuals and captivating music.
Synopsis
The government put together a group of mercenaries and they are asked to board a high-tech submarine and embark on a mission in the deep ocean.
There they are confronted with the powerful mafia and other mysteries of the oceans.
11. Turning Mecard
- Logline: Jason teams up with Evan, a mecanimal to find his family.
- Year: 2015
- Genre: Mecha
- Studio: Unknown
Turning Mecard is a Korean anime like Yu Gi Oh and does a decent job of presenting an engaging story. It has some nice action and the plot keeps you in the loop. Give it a try and see if it fit matches your vibe.
Synopsis
Jason is a kid who comes across Evan, a transforming minicar from the alternate world. Both are looking for their respective families and decide to help each other.
Together they battle numerous other mecanimals and discover new secrets.
10. Nogsaegjeoncha Haemosu
- Logline: A race to save the planet from destruction.
- Year: 1997
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Studio: Unknown
Nogsaegjeoncha Haemosu is a Korean animated series that explores the world of a fantasy planet that is in danger. It’s sometimes a little sluggish but has a satisfying ending.
Synopsis
Terra is a very beautiful planet but is on a verge of an explosion due to pollution and wars. The only way to save it is by collecting the 7 magical crystals.
But the main person who is in charge of saving the planet has other ulterior motives after getting his hands on the crystals.
9. Narara Superboard
- Logline: A priest and his crew embark on a journey to remove evil from the world.
- Year: 1990
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Studio: Unknown
The animation in this series is really well done and it has a great comedic storyline. There’s also a lot of cool, wild stunts and skateboarding tricks that you’ll see throughout the series.
This series isn’t just about skateboarding though—it’s also about friendship and teamwork. You’ll enjoy watching these characters grow up as they face challenges together.
Synopsis
Samjang Bupsa, a priest on a mission to save the world from evil. He frees Sonogong, a divine being from 500 years old imprisonment.
Together they embark on this ambitious journey and along the way they come across tons of enemies and few comrades.
8. Kemy
- Logline: A cute educational animated show for kids.
- Year: 2011
- Genre: Kids
- Studio: Unknown
Kemy is a sweet show for little kids between the age of 5-7 years. It is an educational Korean anime that caters to kids’ curiosity and in every episode, they learn something new and at the same time get entertained.
Synopsis
The show is set against the backdrop of a supermarket where a character named Kemy spends most of the time exploring new stuff and figuring out a solution for various problems.
7. Flowering Heart
- Logline: Ari opens a Problem-solving club with her best friends.
- Year: 2016
- Genre: Kids
- Studio: Unknown
Another kid’s Korean anime that gained much popularity outside of Korea. It’s an interesting animated show for people who like comedy mixed with cute stuff.
Flowering Heart is good for kids of all age groups and even grown-ups can watch it.
Synopsis
Ari is a 5th grader who is curious and energetic. Along with her best friends, she opens a Problem-solving Club, but sadly there are no problems in her school.
One day she comes across a hamster that can speak, who is looking for a magical ring and thus Ari’s new adventure begins.
6. Mix Master: King of Cards
- Logline: Creatures from an online video game come out in the real world.
- Year: 2005
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Studio: Nippon Animation
Mix Master is a Korean animated series that takes inspiration from the Pokemon series and if you are a fan of it, you’ll probably enjoy Mix Master too.
The show has received mixed reviews, but it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something different.
Synopsis
Mix Master is a very popular online card game. A technology fault leads to the creatures of the card game entering the real world and along with it entering the villain of the game.
To prevent the creatures from wreaking havoc on the planet, a group of kids set out to catch and control them.
5. Hello Jadoo
- Logline: Daily life of Choi Jadoo.
- Year: 2011
- Genre: Slice of Life
- Studio: Unknown
Hello Jadoo is a Slice of life Korean anime. The animation style of this show is similar to that of classic animes. You’ll find yourself hooked on this show for its engaging plot, complicated characters, and beautiful animation.
Synopsis
Choi Jadoo is a young enthusiastic girl. Her life is filled with drama. She always ends up in a crazy situation either in school or at home.
But she is very optimistic and tries to solve every problem that comes her way.
4. The Haunted House: The Secret of the Ghost Ball
- Logline: A cute horror show for kids.
- Year: 2016
- Genre: Action, Mystery
- Studio: Unknown
The Haunted House is one of the Best Korean anime on this list. Despite being a show catered for small kids, there is a great amount of consideration given to the story.
It is cute, fun, and mysterious, and definitely worth your time.
Synopsis
It is a story of two siblings who live in a haunted house. It is also inhabited by a 102-year-old goblin. The two kids along with the goblin face-off with ghosts and take on spooky mysteries.
3. Pucca
- Logline: Pucca is in a quest to win over her love.
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- Studio: Unknown
Pucca is probably the funnies Korean anime on this list. It has all the ingredients that make this show an absolute package of fun and entertainment.
This show is rated G and it’s perfect for people who are looking for an easy-to-watch show with good humor.
Synopsis
Pucca is a young girl and she is crazily in love with Garu. She is always trying to find a way to get close to him and make him fall in love with her.
But Garu tries to avoid her advances all the time and this leads to a comical relationship between the two.
2. Jang Geum Ieui Kkum
- Logline: A story of a girl who wants to be a chef.
- Year: 2005
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy
- Studio: Unknown
This Korean anime takes you back to the time of ancient Korea and presents a story that is rooted in the culture and customs of that time.
This show is a great mix of humor and suspense. It also has an interesting storyline that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Synopsis
Jang Geum is a cheerful girl with a dream of becoming a professional cook. She joins the imperial palace as a servant. There she makes new friends and also comes across the dark side of royal life.
1. Shining Star
- Logline: A story of girls dreaming to become famous idols.
- Year: 2017
- Genre: Kids
- Studio: Maro Studio
It is an anime that sheds light on the popular culture of Idol in Korean society. Since the show is made for kids thus its tone is light-hearted.
But it still touches upon some sad realities that are common for someone who dreams of becoming an idol.
Synopsis
Shining Star is a Korean animated series about girls who are struggling to make their dreams come true. They use their love of singing and dancing to make a name for themself in this competitive world.
The story revolves around 3 girls from the different economic background who enrolls in the prestigious Shining Star School which is well known for producing great idols.
