If you’re looking for Korean dramas that offer more than just a brief escape, long-running series with over 100 episodes can provide deep character development and intricate stories that keep viewers engaged for months. These dramas take fans on a journey filled with emotional highs and lows, featuring complicated plots, family sagas, and themes of love, revenge, and redemption. For viewers who enjoy immersive storytelling and don’t mind investing time, here are 10 highly recommended Korean dramas with more than 100 episodes and storylines that promise to keep you hooked.
1. Rich Family’s Son
Rich Family’s Son tells the story of Lee Gwang Jae, a privileged heir forced to face reality when his family falls into debt. Throughout its 100 episodes, Gwang Jae navigates hardship with the unwavering support of Kim Young Ha, introducing viewers to the true meaning of resilience and love. The drama emphasizes how wealth does not guarantee happiness and portrays the importance of sincerity and perseverance.
2. A Place in the Sun
Spanning 102 episodes, A Place in the Sun follows Kim Yoo Wol, who assumes a new identity as Oh Tae Yang after surviving a near-death experience. The series is packed with twists, exploring themes of corporate intrigue, love lost and found, and personal redemption. The intense relationship between Oh Tae Yang and his ex-girlfriend Yoon Shi Wol, who believes he is dead, creates a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps viewers eager for the next revelation.
3. Once Again
Once Again centers around the Song family, with each member facing different personal challenges. Over 100 episodes, the show depicts failed marriages, stalled careers, and the everyday struggles of family life. Despite ongoing conflicts, the drama delivers a warm message that love and open communication can heal even the deepest wounds.
4. Second Husband
Bong Seon Hwa’s story of betrayal and resilience unfolds over 150 episodes in Second Husband. The protagonist’s quest for vengeance and new love demonstrates her determination to overcome a tragic past. The powerful performances and emotionally charged plotlines explain the enduring appeal of this series among fans of long-format Korean dramas.
5. The Witch’s Game
The Witch’s Game delves into the lives of two women whose fates intertwine in unexpected ways. Running for 119 episodes, this drama expertly blends revenge, corporate competition, and complicated family ties. Each episode adds layers of emotional tension, making it difficult for viewers to stop watching.
6. The Secret House
The Secret House follows Woo Ji Hwan, a lawyer searching desperately for his missing mother. This 124-episode drama stands out for its combination of legal thriller elements and tragic romance. With many secrets and unexpected developments, the story keeps audiences guessing about the true motivations of each character.
7. Elegant Empire
Elegant Empire explores the turbulent marriage between Gi Yun and Shin Ju Kyung through its 105 episodes. On the surface, their lives appear perfect, but underneath lies a web of ambition, secrets, and betrayal. The arrival of a mysterious woman who closely resembles Ju Kyung introduces more intrigue and complexity, ideal for fans of domestic suspense.
8. Woman in a Veil
This drama delivers intense emotional drama over 103 episodes, focusing on Gyeo Ul, a woman betrayed by both her husband and best friend. Scarred by trauma that leaves her blind and mute, she plans a dramatic revenge, transforming herself into a figure of strength. The show examines themes of trust, pain, and personal growth following deep betrayal.
9. Su Ji & U Ri
Set in a busy hospital environment, Su Ji & U Ri chronicles the evolving relationship between two female doctors. Spanning 128 episodes, it explores the professional and personal lives of Jin Soo Ji and Chae Woo Ri, moving from rivalry to mutual understanding after a scandal rocks their workplace. The drama is praised for its honest portrayal of friendship, career pressure, and the modern realities of women working in medicine.
10. Queen’s House
Queen’s House is a recent addition to the list, offering 100 episodes filled with corporate rivalry, marriage struggles, and deep secrets. Kang Jae In, a young company leader, finds her world upended after a life-changing incident. The appearance of Kim Do Yun, a kind-hearted doctor, introduces warmth and conflict, drawing viewers into a power struggle laced with emotion and hidden truths.
Why Do Long Korean Dramas Often Have Over 100 Episodes?
These dramas are typically broadcast daily, five days per week in morning or afternoon time slots, enabling them to build up large episode counts rapidly. This format is favored for melodramas, family sagas, and romance genres, which are well-suited for extended viewing.
What Is the Average Episode Length?
Most long Korean dramas have episodes running from 30 to 40 minutes, making it feasible to follow the story without feeling overwhelmed in one sitting.
Long-running Korean dramas offer not just entertainment but also an opportunity for viewers to invest emotionally in stories that unfold gradually. If you love complex narratives, these 10 series are worth adding to your watchlist, delivering both heartwarming moments and unexpected twists that will keep you coming back for more.
