Hey there, home design junkie! Looking for ways to spruce up your space with some serious style inspiration? You’ve come to the right place. Korea is home to some of the most gorgeous and dramatic set designs on television today. Their shows are works of art, featuring stunning backdrops that will spark your creativity and have you itching to do some redecorating. In this roundup, we’re featuring the top 10 Korean TV Series with jaw-dropping interior designs.
From the whimsical woodland themes of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” to the chic high-rise pads of “The Master’s Sun,” you’ll find small-space solutions, color palettes to covet, and decor details to drool over. These shows are binge-worthy for the stories and characters alone, but stay tuned through every episode just to catch another glimpse of those inspired interiors. Ready to dive in and start dreaming up ways to bring a bit of Seoul style into your space? Let’s go! The design inspiration starts now.
Transport Yourself to Seoul With These Top 10 Korean Shows
Can’t travel to South Korea right now? No worries, you can experience the sights and sounds of Seoul right from your living room. Some of the hottest K-dramas offer glimpses into trendy neighborhoods, traditions, and stylish spaces that will inspire your next home makeover.
Itaewon Class follows a group of youths who open a pub in the cosmopolitan Itaewon district. With neon signs, exposed brick walls, and an eclectic mix of furnishings, the set design will motivate you to infuse bold colors and industrial touches in your own space.
In Hotel Del Luna, an eccentric CEO runs an unusual hotel in downtown Seoul. Each room features whimsical themes, posh fabrics, and quirky antiques that would translate well to a glamorous bedroom or home office.
Korean TV series, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay shows emotional healing unfolding in a psychiatric ward. While the story tugs at your heartstrings, the minimalist cottages, rustic cabins, and whimsical gardens provide serene decor inspiration.
In Crash Landing on You, a South Korean heiress crash lands in North Korea and falls for a military officer. Despite the political backdrop, the show depicts stunning traditional architecture, furnishings, and clothing on both sides of the DMZ that you can incorporate into a modern home.
Transport your design to the bustling streets of Seoul without leaving your couch. These binge-worthy Korean TV series offer all the motivation you need for an interior makeover with a stylish Korean twist. Fighting!
A- Experience Royal Elegance With Hotel Del Luna & The King: Eternal Monarch
1- Hotel Del Luna
The glamor and mystery of Hotel Del Luna will sweep you off your feet. This Korean TV series is about a historic hotel, which is home to ghosts who can’t move on to the afterlife. As the owner, Jang Man-wol has been running the hotel for over a thousand years! Experience her luxurious lifestyle and enviable wardrobe as she helps lost souls settle their unfinished business.
2- The King: Eternal Monarch
The King: Eternal Monarch offers a glimpse into parallel worlds – one a constitutional monarchy, the other a democracy. Follow the story of Emperor Lee Gon as he tries to close the gateway between worlds with the help of Detective Jung Tae-eul. Their chemistry and the stunning cinematography will leave you captivated. This Korean TV series is just simple visually mesmerizing and emotionally heavy.
Interiors Explained
- Lee Gon’s palace is the epitome of opulence with its grand halls, priceless antiques, and traditional architecture. Pay attention to the symbolic use of red, the color of power, throughout the royal quarters. Likewise, the regal wardrobe of billowing hanbok gowns, fur-trimmed overcoats and statement headpieces are fit for royalty.
- On the other hand, Hotel Del Luna’s interior is moody yet lavish. Dark wood accents, luxurious fabrics, statement lighting fixtures and a blend of antique and contemporary furnishings create a mysterious allure. And of course, no luxury hotel is complete without an extravagant ballroom – perfect for hosting spirits and mortals alike.
For a glimpse into the lifestyle of the rich and noble, these two shows offer all the trappings of royalty and more. Lose yourself in the grandeur and drama of The King: Eternal Monarch and Hotel Del Luna. Your inner princess or prince will thank you! These Korean TV series are all about royalty.
B- Channel Minimalist Chic With Crash Landing on You & Itaewon Class
Talk about funny yet serious Korean TV series. The minimalist and stylish sets of Itaewon Class and Crash Landing on You are design eye candy. If you want to channel a chic, minimalist look in your home, take inspiration from these trendy K-dramas.
3- Crash Landing on You
Crash Landing on You, A romantic Korean TV series following the serendipitous love story between a South Korean heiress who accidently enters North Korea and a North Korean army officer, who upon finding her believes in her innocence and tries to send her back to her home by breaking all the rules.
4- Itaewon Class
Itaewon Class, An intense Korean TV series revolving around a young entrepreneur’s journey for success and revenge and a non-ordinary female lead who is unpredictable and bold.
Interiors Explained
In Crash Landing on You, opulent South Korean residences showcase modern luxury, while the modest yet functional interiors of North Korean homes present a unique blend of simplicity and resourcefulness.
Itaewon Class explores diverse and eclectic interiors in Itaewon vibrant district, offering inspiration for those drawn to a mix of modern and industrial design.
- Focus on Neutral Tones. The color palettes in both shows are full of light, airy neutrals like beige, gray and white. These muted tones help create a sense of openness and calm. Incorporate neutral paint colors, natural wood accents, and upholstery in your main living areas.
- Pare Down Clutter. Minimalism is all about simplicity. Get rid of excess knickknacks, clutter and furniture that make your space feel cramped. Aim for clean lines and multipurpose pieces. Both dramas feature open-concept spaces free of visual noise.
- Add Pops of Greenery. Despite the neutral backdrops, touches of greenery help bring life to the minimalist sets. Houseplants are an easy way to liven up any room without adding clutter. Try a few potted plants, an indoor tree or a living wall.
- Focus on Natural Light. Large windows and lots of natural light are common in K-drama homes. Natural light helps make a space feel more open and airy. Increase the natural light in your home by opening curtains and blinds, cleaning windows and adding skylights or more windows if possible.
By taking inspiration from the stylish sets of Itaewon Class and Crash Landing on You, you can design a minimalist yet cozy living space. Keep things simple but welcoming, focus on natural elements and bathe your home in natural light. The result will be a calm oasis perfect for living and entertaining.
C- Embrace Retro Vibes With Reply 1988 & Mr. Sunshine
If you love the retro style of decades past, two popular K-dramas offer design inspiration.
5- Reply 1988
Reply 1988 is a Korean TV series, set in a Seoul neighborhood in the late ‘80s, capturing the fashion and decor of the era perfectly. Check out the wallpaper, furniture, electronics and knickknacks for retro home accent ideas.
6- Mr. Sunshine
Mr. Sunshine, a Korean TV series, set in early 1900s Korea, exudes a rustic elegance that’s on trend today. Recreate the look with distressed wood furniture, rattan chairs, floral upholstery and vintage-style lighting. For extra flair, display classic books, a vintage globe or apothecary jars.
Interiors Explained
- Wood tones. Stained wood with visible grain provides warmth and texture. Try unfinished reclaimed wood or wood with an aged patina for lots of character.
- Floral and plaid. Upholstery, wallpaper, rugs, and linens featuring retro prints tie the look together. Look for small-scale florals, plaid, gingham or paisley in rich, muted colors.
- Vintage accessories. Scatter decorative touches from bygone eras like antique glass bottles, metal tins, typewriters or rotary telephones. Flashy touches of chrome or copper also work well.
- Tufted furniture. Deep button-tufting, rolled arms and nailhead trim are hallmarks of retro style. Chesterfield sofas, wingback chairs and ottomans are perfect choices.
- Painted floors or ceilings. For an unexpected pop of color, paint wood floors, concrete floors or ceilings in retro shades of forest green, burgundy or navy. The dramatic accent will make a bold style statement.
Bringing in a mix of these retro-inspired touches, from upholstery and accent furniture to wall treatments and decorative accents, is an easy way to channel the vintage vibe of your favorite K-dramas. Mixing modern pieces with retro ones also prevents the look from appearing too theme-y or cluttered. Finding the right balance, just like in the Korean TV series, creates an atmosphere that is nostalgic yet timeless.
D- Infuse Your Home With Romance Using What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim & Goblin
The romantic K-dramas What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim and Goblin are filled with swoon-worthy sets that will inspire you to create cozy spaces for curling up with your sweetheart.
7- What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is the first ever Korean TV series that gained global popularity and made people turn their head towards korean TV industry. It is a romantic comedy featuring a narcissistic company vice president and his dedicated secretary who are a great team at professional front. But after working non-stop for ten years, the legendary secretary Kim decides to leave as she wants to explore more of life on her own terms.
When the boss and male lead of the show comes to know about her decision, suddenly realizes that he can not let her go. Other than his professional dependency on her, they share a scary yet strong bond from the past which the secretary, our female lead does not remember. The show is about how both lead characters reconnect, solve the scary mystery of their past and became inseparable for the rest of their life.
8- Goblin
“Goblin,” also known as “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,” is a South Korean fantasy TV series that seamlessly intertwines elements of romance, fantasy, and historical fiction. The series, written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, captivated audiences with its intricate storytelling and visually stunning cinematography.
The narrative revolves around Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo), a military general from the Goryeo era who is unfairly condemned to immortality after being betrayed. The only way for Kim Shin to find peace is to locate his destined bride, the “Goblin’s Bride,” who possesses the power to end his immortal existence.
Enter Ji Eun-tak (played by Kim Go-eun), a high school student with the unique ability to see ghosts. Unbeknownst to her, she is the fated Goblin’s Bride. As their paths cross, a complex and heartfelt relationship develops between Kim Shin, who has grown weary of his eternal life, and Ji Eun-tak, a young woman navigating the challenges of her own life.
This show is just beautiful to look at. All the frames, male lead, natural backgrounds, their home, furniture and interiors, beauty is present in abundance.
Interiors Explained
- A Dreamy Bedroom. Secretary Kim’s leading lady has a bedroom right out of a fairy tale, with billowy white curtains, a plush pink bedspread and rose-colored pillows. For a similar romantic vibe, choose a padded headboard in pink, red or ivory and dress the bed in luxurious linens, throws and fluffy Euro shams. Place a vase of fresh flowers on the nightstand and hang gauzy curtains to filter the light.
- A Cozy Living Room. In Goblin, the main characters bond over late-night conversations in a warmly lit living room. Recreate the mood with dimmable table and floor lamps, a sofa and lounge chairs arranged for intimate chats. Add velvet or cable knit throw blankets, plush pillows and a crackling fireplace or fire pit. For extra coziness, string cafe lights or lanterns overhead.
- An Outdoor Escape. Secretary Kim’s leading man woos her on a secluded rooftop garden filled with lush greenery and twinkling string lights. Create your own secret garden hideaway with potted trees, flowering plants and vines. Add a bistro set or outdoor sofa and chairs, then drape the space in cafe lights or lanterns for a dreamy, dappled glow. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit will keep you cozy on chillier nights and set the perfect mood for romance.
Transporting your home to these K-drama-worthy spaces filled with warm lighting, plush textures and secret garden escapes is sure to spark passion and bring you and your loved one closer together. Curl up and get lost in the romance.
E- Enjoy Whimsical and Mysterious Style with It’s Okay to Not Be Okay and The Master’s Sun
The whimsical and mysterious styles featured in the K-dramas It’s Okay to Not Be Okay and The Master’s Sun are design inspirations for creating an immersive space.
9- It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, a Korean TV series, follows the story of a children’s book author with antisocial personality disorder and a psychiatric ward caretaker. The drama is set in a charming fairytale-like village, with the female lead’s huge house having a storybook esthetic and past memories.
Interiors Explained
- Painting one accent wall in your space a deep red, navy or forest green. Add stenciled golden swirls and vines for a storybook touch.
- Incorporating cut glass doorknobs, drawer pulls and lamp shades for a glamorous twist.
- Adding a plush armchair or sofa in a jewel tone velvet fabric for a dramatic pop of color.
- Displaying leather bound books, ornate clocks and vases to complete the look.
10- The Master’s Sun
The Master’s Sun, a Korean TV series, tells the tale of a woman who can see ghosts and the CEO of a conglomerate who helps her. The show has a stylish yet spooky vibe which you can capture with the below given points.
Interiors Explained
- Choosing a dark color palette of grays, blacks and deep purples for walls and furnishings.
- Incorporating metallic accents like silver candle holders, mercury glass vases or an antique bronze chandelier for a glam gothic feel.
- Adding taxidermy, skulls or crow statues as mysterious decorative touches.
- Using luxurious textures like silk, velvet and brocade in subdued colors to create depth.
Bringing in whimsical or gothic elements, rich textures and a dramatic color scheme are all ways to craft an immersive space inspired by these imaginative K-dramas. Balancing dark and moody with playful and fanciful details will make for an interior that intrigues the senses.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a list of 10 amazing Korean TV series with sets and spaces that will spark your creativity and have you itching to redecorate. Whether you love the rustic country charm of Itaewon Class, the eclectic fusion of traditional and modern in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, or The Master’s Sun’s moody gothic esthetic, there’s inspiration for every style. The best part is, you can enjoy binge-watching the shows while also picking up tons of ideas for your own home makeover. Now get to streaming, start pinning to your mood boards, and unleash your inner interior designer! The possibilities for transforming your space are endless.
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