The global phenomenon When Life Gives You Tangerines has hooked global audiences with its nostalgic storytelling, emotional depth, and picturesque Jeju Island setting.
If you loved its blend of romance, family bonds, and slice-of-life charm, here are six equally touching K-dramas to watch next—each with rich narratives and unforgettable characters.
Reply 1988 – Nostalgic Coming-of-Age Friendship
Set in 1988 Seoul, this beloved drama follows five childhood friends and their families in a tight-knit neighborhood. Park Bo-gum shines as Choi Taek, a genius Go player with a quiet demeanor, while Hyeri’s Sung Deok-sun brings humor and heart. The series beautifully captures adolescence, first love, and the warmth of community through shared meals, school struggles, and nostalgic ’80s references. Its realistic dialogue and emotional depth make it a timeless classic .
Our Blues – Interwoven Lives on Jeju Island
Like Tangerines, Our Blues unfolds on Jeju Island, weaving multiple emotional stories of locals facing love, loss, and redemption. Shin Min-a and Lee Byung-hun portray ex-lovers reconnecting amid personal crises, while Kim Woo-bin’s gentle sailor offers quiet strength.
The drama’s anthology format explores themes of forgiveness, aging, and parenthood, all against breathtaking coastal backdrops. The Jeju dialect and haenyeo (female divers) culture add authenticity .
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha – Seaside Healing Romance
Kim Seon-ho stars as Hong Du-sik, a jack-of-all-trades in the charming village of Gongjin, where he crosses paths with Seoul dentist Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-a). Their slow-burn romance is layered with humor and heartfelt moments, supported by quirky townsfolk.
The drama’s emphasis on community, second chances, and healing from past wounds mirrors Tangerines’ emotional resonance. Stunning cinematography highlights Jeju’s coastal beauty .
IU delivers a powerhouse performance as Lee Ji-an, a debt-ridden young woman forging an unlikely bond with middle-aged engineer Park Dong-hoon (Lee Sun-kyun).
Their platonic relationship, rooted in mutual suffering and quiet support, is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Directed by Tangerines’ Kim Won-seok, the drama’s gritty realism and emotional weight explore themes of survival and human connection in a judgmental society.
Thirty-Nine – Friendship and Life’s Transitions
This mature drama follows three women (Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, Kim Ji-hyun) navigating love, careers, and mortality in their late 30s. When one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, their bond is tested through grief and acceptance.
The series balances tearful moments with witty banter, offering a raw look at aging, regret, and cherishing time. Its focus on deep friendships parallels Tangerines’ generational storytelling .
Twenty Five Twenty One – Youthful Passion and Heartbreak
Set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, this drama stars Kim Tae-ri as aspiring fencer Na Hee-do and Nam Joo-hyuk as fallen chaebol heir Baek Yi-jin. Their passionate but bittersweet romance opens alongside themes of ambition and economic hardship.
The vibrant ’90s aesthetic, coupled with a nostalgic soundtrack, enhances its emotional impact. Like Tangerines, it celebrates resilience amid life’s unpredictability .
