Conversion-Focused Landing Pages – More Leads, Less Bounce!
Written by Noah Blake » Updated on: May 13th, 2025
When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) is a sweeping romantic slice-of-life series set on Jeju Island, following Ae-sun, a spirited young poet, and Gwan-sik, her steadfast childhood friend, as they grow together through Korea’s turbulent history. If you loved the gentle pacing, emotional depth, and enduring love story of Tangerines, the following 10 K-dramas offer similar healing, heartfelt storytelling and richly drawn characters. Each recommendation below explains how it echoes Tangerines’ tone or themes, what makes it compelling, and how it differs from Tangerines.
Why it’s similar: Set on Jeju Island like Tangerines, Our Blues is a bittersweet anthology of multiple characters’ lives in a tight-knit community. Against the scenic Jeju backdrop, it depicts the “sweet and bitter lives” of people at various stages of life, much as Tangerines shows Ae-sun’s and Gwan-sik’s lifelong journey. Both dramas emphasize slice-of-life storytelling and the healing power of human connections.
Why watch: Our Blues boasts a stellar ensemble cast (Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Han Ji-min, Kim Woo-bin, etc.) and tackles real-life issues (love, family conflict, loss) with warmth and empathy. Viewers praise its cathartic endings and multi-generational stories. It was also a ratings hit – one of cable TV’s highest-rated dramas – indicating broad appeal.
Differences: Unlike Tangerines’ single love story across decades, Our Blues is anthology-style, juggling many storylines and characters. It’s more modern and episodic, rather than a historical romance. Viewers won’t find one central couple, but will appreciate the series’ empathetic, observational tone.
Original run: April 9 – June 12, 2022 on tvN (also on Netflix).
Why it’s similar: Directed by Tangerines director Kim Won-seok, My Mister is a slow-burn, character-driven drama with emotional depth and a gentle style. Like Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, the protagonists — a middle-aged man and a struggling young woman — bear deep scars and find solace in each other’s company. Both dramas emphasize quiet resilience and healing over sensational plot.
Why watch: My Mister has won critical acclaim (Baeksang Best Drama) for its “real” portrayal of life’s hardships. The chemistry between Lee Sun-kyun and IU (the very IU from Tangerines) is remarkable, and viewers often call it a “healing” drama. Its unhurried pace, gorgeous cinematography, and poignancy reward patient viewers.
Differences: My Mister is much more melancholic and modern; it focuses on adult issues (workplace struggles, family pressure) rather than youthful romance. There is no central love plot – instead it’s about friendship and emotional support. In tone it’s heavier and more somber, though still ultimately uplifting.
Original run: March 21 – May 17, 2018 on tvN (also available on Netflix).
Why it’s similar: This romantic comedy-drama shares Tangerines’ seaside setting and warm-hearted vibe. It follows a pragmatic Seoul dentist who moves to the quaint seaside village of Gongjin, where she meets the ever-helpful handyman Hong Du-sik. Like Tangerines, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha celebrates community, simple pleasures, and the blossoming of first love against a peaceful ocean backdrop.
Why watch: It’s lighthearted and heartwarming, with lovable leads (Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho) whose chemistry carries the show. The show was a hit in Korea (one of cable’s highest-rated dramas) and on Netflix worldwide. Its small-town charm, gentle humor, and “slice-of-life” moments (villagers gossiping, fishing trips, warm family scenes) make it an easy crowd-pleaser.
Differences: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha leans more on comedy and romance, with fewer tragic turns than Tangerines. It’s a contemporary story (no decades-spanning narrative), and the heroine arrives from the city rather than growing up in the rural setting. While still touching, it generally stays lighter and more cheerful throughout.
Original run: August 28 – October 17, 2021 on tvN (also on Netflix).
Why it’s similar: Both are sweeping romantic dramas with strong leads and emotional heft. Here, a South Korean heiress (Son Ye-jin) crash-lands in North Korea and falls for a North Korean officer (Hyun Bin). Though more high-concept than Tangerines, it shares its themes of forbidden love, devotion, and overcoming barriers. The heroes in each drama are stalwart and loyal (the “unyielding iron” Gwan-sik and the brave Jeong-hyeok), and both love stories are bittersweet and heartfelt.
Why watch: Crash Landing on You was a phenomenon, the highest-rated tvN series ever on cable. It mixes romance with humor, stylish cinematography (the Swiss scenery), and well-developed secondary characters (cynical North Korean soldiers, the heroine’s family). Fans praise the witty script and the way even tense moments have heart.
Differences: Crash Landing has a much more comedic, adventurous plot and a cross-border political setting, unlike the grounded realism of Tangerines. It’s glossier and more fast-paced, with dramatic conflicts (military drama, family intrigue) that Tangerines avoids. But if you enjoyed Tangerines’ emotional sincerity, Crash will offer a more action-packed but still emotional love story.
Original run: December 14, 2019 – February 16, 2020 on tvN (also on Netflix).
Why it’s similar: This series also centers on a spirited woman starting anew in a rural town. Oh Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin) opens a bar in the small town of Ongsan and endures gossip and danger, much like Tangerines’ Ae-sun bravely pursuing her dreams despite hardship. Both dramas blend humor and heartbreak, and feature a kind, persistent male lead (a policeman) who cherishes the heroine.
Why watch: Camellia Blooms is praised for its realistic portrayal of a single working mother and its mix of romance, comedy, and suspense. It was hugely popular (highest-rated mini-series of 2019) and won awards for acting and writing. Viewers will enjoy its heartfelt love story between Dong-baek and the earnest Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul), and the way it addresses societal issues gently.
Differences: While Tangerines stays in the realm of romance and personal growth, Camellia Blooms incorporates a crime-thriller subplot (a serial killer in town). It’s also more comedic in parts. The tone can be darker (there are tense thriller scenes) and it’s set in contemporary times. But the romantic core — a woman slowly opening her heart to a devoted man — will resonate with Tangerines fans.
Original run: September 18 – November 21, 2019 on KBS2 (episodes available soon after broadcast on Netflix).
Why it’s similar: Both dramas focus on ordinary people in a rural or suburban setting yearning for a better life. My Liberation Notes follows three siblings in the sleepy village of Sanpo who feel trapped in mundane jobs. Like Ae-sun in Tangerines, the characters are rebellious in their own quiet ways and seek personal freedom. The pacing is slow and meditative, emphasizing internal struggles over external action — much like Tangerines’ reflective tone.
Why watch: Viewers love My Liberation Notes for being "one of the realest K-dramas out there". Its portrayal of simple, everyday moments (commutes, family dinners, heart-to-heart conversations) feels authentic. The characters’ longing and gentle transformations strike an emotional chord. It’s a subtle, mood-driven drama with beautiful scenery of small-town life, ideal for fans of “healing” stories.
Differences: Unlike Tangerines’ clear romantic arc, My Liberation Notes is more about personal liberation and family. Its romance is understated and slow to develop. The setting is contemporary (not historical Jeju) and there’s no sweeping time span. It’s more introspective and slower-paced overall. But if you appreciated Tangerines’ quieter, character-focused storytelling, this will appeal.
Original run: April 9 – May 29, 2022 on JTBC (also on Netflix).
Why it’s similar: Reply 1988 is a nostalgic slice-of-life drama about five families in 1980s Seoul. Though it’s set in the past, like Tangerines, it captures the warmth of community and the bittersweet nature of growing up. It weaves together romance, friendship, and family ties in a small neighborhood. Both dramas emphasize emotional nostalgia — Reply 1988 for the 1980s era, Tangerines for the older generation’s past — and they share a gentle, heartwarming tone.
Why watch: This series is beloved by K-drama fans for its relatability and charm. It earned stellar ratings (its finale was the highest-rated Korean cable drama at the time) and is often called a “national drama” for its wide appeal. Reply 1988 balances humor (kids pulling pranks, friendly banter) with tender moments (first loves, parenthood). If you enjoy character-driven stories that evoke nostalgia and warmth, this is a must-watch.
Differences: Reply 1988 is very much a period piece focused on teenage friendships and family life in 1988. Its romantic storylines (which of the boys will marry the protagonist) are lighter and more comedic than Tangerines. And because it’s ensemble-driven, no single relationship dominates the narrative as Ae-sun and Gwan-sik do in Tangerines. Still, its heartfelt exploration of love and kinship makes it spiritually akin.
Original run: November 6, 2015 – January 16, 2016 on tvN.
Why it’s similar: This series follows five doctor friends in their forties juggling work, family, and love. Like Tangerines, it’s a slice-of-life drama that finds joy and meaning in everyday experiences. The tone is warm and often sentimental, with a focus on long-term friendship and romance. Both dramas have a slow, comfortable pace and emphasize characters supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.
Why watch: Hospital Playlist is renowned for its feel-good vibe. Viewers adore its ensemble cast (Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, etc.), catchy band music (the doctors play in a band), and its balance of light comedy with moving patient stories. It was a hit on tvN – by season’s end, it became one of cable TV’s top-rated dramas. Its emphasis on gentle humor, nostalgia, and healing makes it perfect for fans of heartwarming K-dramas.
Differences: The setting is very different — a modern hospital instead of a rural island. Romance is secondary (each doctor has his own subplot), and the focus is on friendship and daily life. It’s more episodic (each episode may feature a different medical case) and has modern humor. However, if you liked Tangerines’ warm friendship element (Ae-sun’s bond with her family, etc.) and gentle tone, Hospital Playlist delivers similarly comforting storytelling.
Original run: Season 1 aired March 12 – May 28, 2020; Season 2 aired June 17 – September 16, 2021 on tvN (available on Netflix).
Why it’s similar: While not a romance, Move to Heaven shares Tangerines’ emphasis on healing and emotional closure. It follows a young man with Asperger’s (Tang Joon-sang) and his ex-convict uncle (Lee Je-hoon) as they run a trauma-cleaning business, sorting the belongings of the recently deceased. Each episode unveils a life story behind the items, evoking empathy and catharsis. This anthology-like format mirrors Tangerines’ gentle life-lesson vibe, and the bond between the duo is touching.
Why watch: The show is deeply moving and beautifully made. Critics note its ability to make viewers feel alive through stories of death. Each installment is a mini-drama that can bring tears — much like watching Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s trials. The performances are strong (especially the young actor Tang Joon-sang) and the storytelling is richly human. It’s the kind of poignant drama that fans of emotional, “healing” series will appreciate.
Differences: There’s essentially no romance in Move to Heaven. It’s very episodic (nearly every episode introduces new characters or situations) rather than a single continuous love story. The themes are about grief, forgiveness, and family legacy, rather than first love. If you enjoy Tangerines for its emotional catharsis and poignant tales of human life, Move to Heaven will resonate, but it’s a different genre.
Original release: Premiered May 14, 2021 as a Netflix original series (global streaming).
Why it’s similar: Navillera is an inspiring drama about dreams and second chances. It centers on a 70-year-old retired mailman (Park In-hwan) who decides to pursue his lifelong dream of ballet, and a 23-year-old aspiring dancer (Song Kang) who faces crushing setbacks. Their unlikely friendship helps both overcome personal hurdles. Like Tangerines, it’s a heartfelt story about unlikely pairings and perseverance. Both emphasize empathy across generations and the idea that it’s never too late to pursue the life you love.
Why watch: Netflix describes it as “inspiring, heartfelt” (and indeed it is). Viewers praise its beautiful message about aging, grief, and passion. The chemistry between the young and old lead is touching, and the visuals of ballet add poetic flair. It’s a tear-jerker that celebrates human spirit — in line with the uplifting moments of Tangerines.
Differences: Navillera is fundamentally about pursuing dreams, not romantic love. The setting is modern Seoul (not a rural or island town). Romance is largely absent, and the conflict comes from personal and familial challenges. However, its tone of gentle encouragement and the deep bond between two very different people give it a similar warm, emotional feel to Tangerines.
Original run: March 22 – April 27, 2021 on tvN (also available on Netflix).
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All of these series — from the small-town charm of Our Blues and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, to the nostalgic warmth of Reply 1988, to the inspiring dreams of Navillera — share When Life Gives You Tangerines’ gentle, healing storytelling style. They explore life’s challenges and romances with sincerity, memorable characters, and emotional depth. For fans looking for 10 other Korean dramas like When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025), each of the above offers its own version of poignant romance and life-affirming drama that is sure to enchant and comfort.
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