9 Best Korean Reality Shows to Binge on Netflix This Year (2026)

Over the past few years I've really become invested in the Korean side of Netflix. Not only is it a great way to practice my Korean, but it also makes me feel a lot closer to Korea when I have to be away. With worldwide sensations like K-Pop Demon Hunters and Squid Games, there's lots of reality shows available to watch as well.  From testing the limits of one's physique to culinary aspirations on the Michelin Star level, to toying with emotions and falling in love for the first time ever, there's something for everyone on Netflix Korea.

My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest travel dates to South Korea.

Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to have a copy of your international driver's permit with you!

I always use AGODA's  easy-to-use platform for hotels in Asia.

To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required) - make sure to have NordVPN ready too while you surf random wifi connections.

For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

Lastly, my essential packing list when traveling.

Reality TV in Korea, What to Expect

Reality TV shows in Korea are unlike reality shows I've seen from any other country. Dating shows are much more conservative, emphasizing the emotional aspects of relationships much more than the physical aspect. Often, Korean reality shows have a commentary panel of celebrities that they'll cut to every so often that helps share the narrative of the contestants as well as add their own humorous and emotional aspects. You'll also often find quirky edits with text overlays and fun sound effects on different shows - something you don't often see in other countries.

My Favorite Activities in Seoul : 
- Full Day DMZ Tour from Seoul
- Lotte World Tower at Seoul Sky
​- Afternoon Tea on the Han River

9 Best Korean Reality Shows on Netflix

1. Kian's Bizarre B&B
This quirky reality show showcases celebrity Kian84 (a webtoon illustrator and YouTuber), along with Ji Ye Eun and Jin from BTS as a trio who begins to run their own B&B. Not only does Kian create his own crazy building based off his animations (a building with no stairs and outside sleeping only), but him and his workers are completely in charge of everything that needs to be done - cooking, laundry, cleaning, you name it. Every so often they get a new guest, and you get to know them and their story.  If you're in the mood for a laugh, or for a show to jumpstart your creativity, this is the perfect one.

2. Better Late Than Single
Another one of my favorites, Better Late Than Single gathers a group of "eternal singles" - people in their late 20s that haven't had a "real" relationship before. Not only do they each undergo a complete physical transformation including how to dress, but they get full on training for their communication and people skills, plus dating advice from their "cupids." It's a funny show that pulls on your heart strings and has you rooting for each of them by the end.

3. Nineteen to Twenty
This adorable show has a similar plot line to Better Late Than Single. It follows a group of 19-year-olds right before they turn 20, and the transition they undergo from a school like setting (19), to New Year's when they turn 20, and then to a dorm like setting (20). For most of them, this is their first dating experience, and time living away from home with no parents.

4. The Devil's Plan
This strategic game show gathers some of the smartest celebrities in Korea and puts them into a dorm building where they challenged to beat others in various puzzles and mind games. There's alliances, secrets, and betrayals that ensue - plus a few plot twists - that makes The Devil's Plan a show that hooks you until the end.

5. Culinary Class Wars
This unique cooking competition is unlike any I've ever seen before. The show begins with 100 chefs, divided into two groups. White Spoons are chefs that have already established their space in the cooking industry - think Michelin star, chefs, or people that have cooked in the White House. Black Spoons our chefs that are still looking for their big break - think self-taught, homestyle meals. Throughout the series they compete to become the final, and best, chef with celebrity judges. If you're wanting to learn more about Korean cooking or Korean cuisine, this is a great show to watch.

6. Physical 100
This unique reality show is similar to Culinary Class Wars - but instead of chefs, they have athletes. The show aims to find a single person with "the most perfect physique." They have everyone from Olympic medalists to bodybuilders, professional athletes to dancers, even Korean travel influencers. They undergo a series of individual and team based challenges to determine the winner.

7. Singles Inferno
Singles Inferno is one of Korea's most "risqué" reality shows, and it's the closest you'll get to their version of Love Island. Even though the most touching you'll see is handholding, this dating show really shares how conservative the Korean culture is. Unlike Better Late Than Single, these adults have been on dates before, and after being corralled on an island off the coast of Korea, they spent the next days participating in various games to win dates, including chances at overnights.

8. The Influencer
This game show gathers influencers from throughout Korea, whether that's TikTokers, Youtubers, or just flat out celebrities. Through various challenges, the goal is to find the influencer who can best hold their audience's attention. It's silly, wild, and studies just how far we'll go for strangers' approval.

9. Pop Star Academy
Falling to the very bottom of my list is Pop Star Academy. The reality show/docuseries follows a group of girls as they train to become a K-pop idol, eventually becoming the sensation that is KATSEYE. Even though it's not necessarily Korean, it is a unique show that showcases just how hard the K-pop field is and gives you an insiders look at what it takes to become a K-pop idol.

Watch my Korean Adventures Here!

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Other Korea Blog Posts you might be interested in : 
-> Lotte World Full Guide
-> Seoul's Best Cherry Blossoms
-> Seoul Capsule Hotel

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