For all you College K-Drama lovers out there, get ready to dive into a world of romance, friendship, and academic pursuits. College K-Dramas bring stories of friendship, romance, and personal growth. They capture the excitement and challenges of university life. These dramas explore dreams, struggles, and relationships in a relatable way.
Some focus on first love, while others dive into ambition and self-discovery. The characters are young, full of hope, and facing real-life problems. College K-Dramas offer a unique blend of youthful energy, relatable campus life, and heartwarming stories that will keep you hooked.
For those looking for engaging stories set in a college environment, these dramas are worth watching. They offer humor, romance, and inspiring moments. Here are twelve must-watch College K-Dramas that stand out.
1. My ID is Gangnam Beauty
Kang Mi-rae has always struggled with her looks. Bullied for years, she finally undergoes plastic surgery before starting college. She hopes for a fresh start, but things don’t go as planned. Instead of feeling confident, she faces judgment from others. Her classmate, Do Kyung-seok, sees beyond appearances. He values her for who she is, not how she looks.
Their friendship slowly grows into something deeper. Throughout the series, Mi-rae learns to love herself. She realizes beauty is more than just physical features. The drama highlights self-acceptance, personal growth, and society’s obsession with looks. It’s a heartfelt journey of finding confidence and true happiness.
2. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo
Kim Bok-joo is a talented weightlifter with big dreams. She trains hard and stays focused on her goals. But when she falls for a handsome doctor, things get complicated. Her crush leads her to do things she never imagined. She even pretends to be interested in weight loss just to be near him. Meanwhile, her childhood friend, Jung Joon-hyung, quietly supports her.
Over time, she realizes Joon-hyung has always been there for her. Their relationship slowly shifts from friendship to love. The drama captures the struggles of young athletes, the pressure to succeed, and the beauty of first love. Bok-joo’s story is about chasing dreams, embracing imperfections, and discovering what truly matters.
3. Go Back Couple
Choi Ban-do and Ma Jin-joo are a married couple in their late thirties. Life hasn’t turned out how they expected. Burdened by responsibilities and regrets, they feel stuck. One day, they wake up and find themselves back in their college days. They get a second chance to relive their youth. At first, they enjoy the freedom and excitement of being young again.
However, they soon face old challenges with new perspectives. Their past choices come into question. Will they make the same mistakes? Or will they change their future? The drama beautifully portrays love, regret, and personal growth. It reminds viewers that every moment in life matters.
Also Read: Can Love Bloom Twice? Top K-Drama Second Chance Couples
4. Cheese in the Trap
“Cheese in the Trap” follows the life of Hong Seol, a hardworking college student juggling academics, part-time jobs, and social challenges. She crosses paths with Yoo Jung, a seemingly perfect senior with a hidden manipulative side. Their relationship unfolds with tension, misunderstandings, and deep emotions.
The drama explores college struggles, friendships, and the unseen battles of students. Hong Seol’s journey is filled with relatable moments—pressure from studies, financial struggles, and the challenge of dealing with difficult people. Yoo Jung, on the other hand, has a dark, mysterious personality that keeps others at a distance. His intentions remain unclear, making their relationship complex.
As the story progresses, Seol discovers the true nature of the people around her, including her unpredictable classmate Baek In-ho, who has his own painful past. The drama portrays the raw realities of college life, including competition, jealousy, and hidden agendas. Unlike typical romance stories, this one dives deep into human psychology and emotions. The realistic character portrayals make it stand out. With its relatable storyline and strong performances, this drama is a must-watch for those who enjoy thought-provoking narratives.
5. Heartstrings
“Heartstrings” tells the story of Lee Gyu-won, a passionate traditional music student, and Lee Shin, a talented but cold-hearted guitarist. Their paths collide at a performing arts university, where music brings them together despite their differences. Gyu-won, known for her bright personality, is determined to prove the beauty of traditional Korean music, while Lee Shin remains focused on modern rock.
The drama beautifully captures the journey of self-discovery, growth, and the challenges of following one’s dreams. Gyu-won faces obstacles from her strict grandfather, who wants her to focus on academics instead of music. Meanwhile, Lee Shin struggles with personal loss and emotional barriers. As they work on a musical production together, their relationship slowly transforms from rivalry to admiration.
“Heartstrings” highlights the power of passion, teamwork, and resilience. The characters’ journeys feel real, as they deal with conflicts, misunderstandings, and personal struggles. The drama also offers a glimpse into the world of university performances, auditions, and artistic ambitions. With a mix of romance, music, and youth-driven storytelling, this drama is a refreshing watch.
6. My First First Love
“My First First Love” follows a group of college students navigating friendship, love, and independence. Yoon Tae-oh, a carefree young man, suddenly finds himself living with his close friends due to unexpected circumstances. Among them is Song-i, his childhood friend, who starts developing feelings for someone else.
The drama focuses on the transition from teenage years to adulthood. Each character has their own struggles—finding a place to live, chasing dreams, and dealing with first loves. Tae-oh, who initially enjoys his freedom, slowly realizes his responsibilities and hidden emotions. Song-i, hardworking and kind, faces challenges in balancing studies and personal life. Their other friends also deal with career ambitions, financial problems, and changing relationships.
Unlike many romance dramas, this one keeps things simple and realistic. The friendships feel genuine, and the emotions are portrayed naturally. It captures the essence of youth—the confusion, excitement, and heartbreak that come with growing up. The characters’ journeys feel personal, making viewers reflect on their own experiences. With its easygoing pace and relatable storytelling, this drama is perfect for those who enjoy heartfelt, coming-of-age stories.
7. Cheer Up
This drama follows Do Hae-Yi, a hardworking student at Yonhee University. She joins the cheerleading squad, Theia, for financial reasons but finds herself drawn into the group’s passion. While balancing academics and part-time jobs, she experiences new friendships, competition, and romance. The drama highlights the struggles students face when trying to survive in a demanding world.
Hae-Yi’s journey is about self-discovery. At first, she sees cheerleading as just a way to earn money. Over time, she realizes it is much more than that. The team becomes her second family, supporting her through hardships. The story beautifully shows how youth is full of uncertainty but also growth. It explores the importance of teamwork, trust, and following one’s passion. The chemistry between the characters adds depth to the storyline, making it relatable and engaging.
8. My Roommate Is a Gumiho
Shin Woo-Yeo, a 999-year-old gumiho, is close to becoming human. His fate changes when Lee Dam, a university student, accidentally swallows his marble. Since the marble inside her can harm her, they must live together until they find a solution. This setup leads to hilarious moments and unexpected romance.
The drama blends fantasy with the everyday lives of college students. Lee Dam is strong-willed and independent, challenging Woo-Yeo’s calm nature. Their interactions bring both humor and heartwarming moments. The story explores themes of trust, fate, and personal growth. As they spend time together, Woo-Yeo learns to understand humans better, and Lee Dam discovers new sides of herself. The drama keeps a perfect balance between romance, comedy, and fantasy, making it refreshing and entertaining.
9. Dear M
Set at Seoyeon University, this drama revolves around an anonymous post by “M” on the university forum. The post shakes the campus as students try to uncover the identity of “M.” The story follows four students—Ma Joo-A, Cha Min-Ho, Seo Ji-Min, and Park Ha-Neul—who experience love, friendship, and personal struggles.
Ma Joo-A is energetic but has never been in a romantic relationship. Her best friend, Cha Min-Ho, is a computer science student who secretly has feelings for her. As they navigate college life, their relationships are tested. The drama captures the ups and downs of young love and the pressure of figuring out the future. It also highlights the impact of social media on student life. The mystery behind “M” keeps the story interesting, but the real heart of the drama is the strong friendships and personal growth of each character.
10. At a Distance, Spring is Green
This drama tells the story of students trying to navigate college life while dealing with personal struggles. Yeo Joon seems to have a perfect life, but he hides deep wounds from his troubled past. Nam Soo Hyun, a hardworking senior, keeps his distance from others due to financial struggles. The two form an unexpected friendship that slowly changes their perspectives.
The drama highlights the contrast between their backgrounds and how they help each other heal. It also explores relationships, academic pressure, and the challenges of growing up. The characters feel real, and their struggles are relatable. The way their friendship develops adds depth to the story. Every moment carries meaning, making it easy to connect with their journey. The drama also touches on mental health and the impact of family expectations. It offers a raw and honest look at the hidden struggles of youth.
11. Reply 1994
This drama follows a group of students living in a boarding house in Seoul. It takes place in the 90s, adding nostalgia to the story. Sung Na Jung is a passionate basketball fan who lives with her parents, who run the boarding house. She and her housemates, who come from different regions of Korea, form close bonds. The story focuses on their friendships, dreams, and romantic relationships.
The mystery of Na Jung’s future husband keeps viewers engaged until the end. Each character has a unique personality, making their interactions fun and heartwarming. The drama also captures the excitement of college life, from cheering for sports teams to late-night study sessions. Family, love, and friendship are at the heart of the story. It shows how people from different backgrounds become like family. The 90s references add charm, making it enjoyable for those who love nostalgia.
12. Meloholic
This drama blends romance with a touch of fantasy. Yoo Eun Ho has the ability to read people’s thoughts when he touches them. This makes relationships difficult for him. One day, he meets Han Ye Ri, a woman with a split personality. Despite her condition, he finds himself drawn to her. As they grow closer, they try to understand each other’s struggles. The story explores how their unique challenges shape their relationship. The college setting adds a fresh dynamic, showing how they deal with love and personal growth.
The mix of romance, mystery, and fantasy keeps things interesting. The drama also explores trust and acceptance in relationships. The characters’ struggles feel real, making their journey engaging. The balance of humor, romance, and suspense makes it stand out. It offers something different from typical college dramas while still capturing the essence of youth.
College K-Dramas offer engaging stories with meaningful lessons. They capture the excitement, struggles, and emotions of university life. Each drama on this list presents a unique perspective on friendships, love, and self-growth. Whether you’re craving a lighthearted comedy or a heart-wrenching romance, college K-dramas have something for everyone. From navigating competitive exams to finding true love amidst the chaos, college k-Dramas capture the essence of the college experience.
For those who enjoy character-driven stories and relatable themes, these dramas are a great choice. They reflect real-life college experiences while keeping things entertaining and heartfelt.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
