Stories about gumiho, Korea’s legendary nine-tailed fox, continue to capture the hearts of fans worldwide through fantasy-packed dramas. For those searching for K-dramas where gumiho plays a central role, these series blend myths, romance, and surprising plot twists that make viewers fall in love over and over again.
Gumiho in Korean folklore is a magical fox capable of transforming into a beautiful woman, often tempting humans with her charm. The creature’s origin as either a guardian spirit or a feared predator gives these dramas their unique emotional range and appeal.
1. My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho
Lee Seung Gi and Shin Min Ah star in this romantic comedy that delights with its playful chemistry. The story follows Cha Dae Woong, a student who accidentally frees Mi Ho, a gumiho sealed in a painting. As she lends him her mystical fox bead to save his life, their relationship evolves into an unforgettable love story. According to MyDramalist and Netflix, this drama’s lighthearted narrative makes it a go-to introduction for gumiho-themed shows.
2. My Roommate Is a Gumiho
Based on a popular webtoon, this drama stars Jang Ki Yong as Shin Woo Yeo, a 999-year-old male gumiho longing to become human. A university student named Lee Dam, played by Lee Hye Ri, accidentally swallows his precious fox bead, entangling their destinies. Available on iQiyi and Viu, industry sources credit the series with modernizing the gumiho trope for today’s audience.
3. Grudge: The Revolt of Gumiho
Han Da Gam and Kim Yoo Jung lead this historical fantasy where a young gumiho named Gu San Ho strives to escape her fated curse and find humanity. The series stands out for blending horror and drama within Korean folklore. Viewers on AsianWiki note its dark atmosphere and tragic undertones, showing another complex side of the gumiho myth.
4. Nine Tailed Fox (Forbidden Love)
Kim Tae-hee and Jo Hyun-jae headline this early adaptation in which gumiho Yoon Shi-yeon hides in the human world after her family is wiped out. Her dual identity as a mythical being and a human woman fuels the tension as she confronts her past and a secretive organization. Viewers consider this drama foundational in building the public image of gumiho as more than just a seductress.
5. Gumiho Recipe
A fresh take on the legend, Gumiho Recipe tells the story of Yeo Hee, a kind-hearted vegetarian café owner who remains a nine-tailed fox. She is caught in a love triangle with two reincarnated humans, her unresolved feelings becoming the centerpiece of this musical fantasy broadcast on KBS2. The musical format is unique among gumiho series, as noted by Korean drama critic forums.
6. The Thousandth Man
Starring Kang Ye Won and Lee Chun Hee, this mini-series on MBC explores morality and sacrifice. Gumiho Goo Mi Jin tries to eat one thousand men’s livers so she can finally become human, but insists on receiving hearts only from those who give willingly. The story’s dilemma about love, fate, and survival adds emotional depth, a point frequently cited on K-drama review platforms.
7. Gu Family Book
Set in a historical era, this fantasy combines legend with action. Lee Seung Gi plays Choi Kang Chi, who is half-gumiho, half-human and wishes to gain a fully human existence. As the child of a mystical guardian, his journey to discover the “Gu Family Book” is filled with personal struggles and familial loyalty. Streaming on Viu, the series is praised for weaving folklore into themes of identity and belonging.
8. First Love Again
Blurring the lines between reincarnation and supernatural romance, this webdrama features Jin Gun as Yeon Seok, a novelist and gumiho waiting 300 years to reunite with his first love’s reincarnation, only to discover his beloved has returned as a man. With elements of boys’ love (BL) and comedy, the story received attention on Viki and GagaOOLala for broadening the traditional audience.
9. Tale of the Nine-Tailed
A critical and commercial success, this series stars Lee Dong Wook as Lee Yeon, once a guardian mountain spirit now hunting evil. Jo Bo Ah plays Nam Ji Ah, a TV producer uncovering urban legends linked to the gumiho myth. Kim Bum joins as Lee Rang, his troublesome half-brother gumiho. International platforms like Netflix, iQiyi, and WeTV make this tale accessible worldwide, and according to Soompi, it sparked renewed fascination with Korean urban legends.
Overview Table: Top Gumiho Dramas and Where to Watch
| No. | Title | Main Cast | Genres | Streaming Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho | Lee Seung Gi, Shin Min Ah | Romance, Comedy | Netflix, Viki, Kocowa, Viu |
| 2 | My Roommate Is a Gumiho | Jang Ki Yong, Lee Hye Ri | Fantasy, Romance | iQiyi, Viu |
| 3 | Grudge: The Revolt of Gumiho | Han Da Gam, Kim Yoo Jung | Horror, Fantasy | Local TV (archival) |
| 4 | Nine Tailed Fox | Kim Tae-hee, Jo Hyun-jae | Thriller, Fantasy | Local TV (archival) |
| 5 | Gumiho Recipe | Ha Yun Joo, Moo Jin Sung | Musical, Romance | KBS2 (archival) |
| 6 | The Thousandth Man | Kang Ye Won, Lee Chun Hee | Romance, Fantasy | MBC (archival) |
| 7 | Gu Family Book | Lee Seung Gi, Bae Suzy | Period, Action | Viu |
| 8 | First Love Again | Jin Gun, Jeon Chang Ha | BL, Comedy | Viki, GagaOOLala |
| 9 | Tale of the Nine-Tailed | Lee Dong Wook, Jo Bo Ah | Fantasy, Action | Netflix, Viu, iQiyi, WeTV |
Gumiho dramas are more than mere tales of seduction—they are vehicles for exploring themes of love, identity, morality, and humanity. For Korean drama enthusiasts and curious new viewers alike, these nine K-dramas top the list for anyone interested in the fascinating world of the nine-tailed fox. The range of streaming options—Netflix, Viki, iQiyi, Viu, Kocowa, WeTV, and other platforms—ensures easy access for audiences across the globe.
These series deliver everything from classic folklore and heartwarming romance, to comedy and musical drama, showing that the gumiho legend remains a cherished and ever-evolving part of Korean storytelling. Each title offers a different glimpse into the mythical creature’s challenges and relationships, keeping viewers entertained and emotionally moved. For those eager to discover more about Korean mythology through television, these dramas provide stories that are both magical and deeply human at their core.
