Korean Dating Shows to Start With
EditorialSteffen20 titles08/24/2026
If you want to get into Korean dating shows, here are the formats you should know, roughly in the order that makes them easiest to start with: first the big Netflix shows, then the long-running Korean TV series, and finally the shows with unusual rules. Each title comes with a description so you know what you're getting into.
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- 1
Single's Inferno솔로지옥
What it's aboutSingles land on a deserted island where they have to fend for themselves. Those who become a couple get to spend the night on the luxurious “Paradise Island”; everyone else stays behind in “Hell.” Beach couple games offer dates, better food, and a chance to get closer to the person they like.
Why it's on this listThe obvious place to start: available on Netflix, with a simple rule and a grand setting.
- 2
Better Late Than Single모태솔로지만 연애는 하고 싶어
What it's aboutWomen and men in their twenties and thirties who have never been in a relationship take a chance on their first one. First, they get makeovers and encouragement from the “Some Makers”: Seo In-guk, Kang Han-na, Lee Eun-ji, and Car, the garden. The show calls itself a makeover dating show and made it into Netflix’s global top 10.
Why it's on this listWarm rather than harsh: people with no dating experience take their first steps, with the show there to support them.
- 3
Nineteen to Twenty19/20
What it's aboutTeenagers spend their last week at 19 in a “school” where falling in love is forbidden, then their first week at 20 in a house where the ban is lifted. The show follows their transition from school life to adulthood. Hosted by Kyuhyun, Kim Ji-eun, and Lee Soo-hyun (AKMU), from the team behind “Single’s Inferno.”
Why it's on this listA quiet coming-of-age story from the team behind “Single’s Inferno,” also available on Netflix.
- 4
I Am Solo나는 SOLO
What it's aboutSix women and six men who are serious about getting married live together in “Solo Land.” There’s no glamour here; it’s about honest conversations, uncertainty, and figuring out who’s right for whom. The show describes itself as “hyperrealistic” and has featured new casts every year since 2021. Defconn provides commentary from the studio.
Why it's on this listThe opposite of glamour: This long-running series offers a serious look at people hoping to get married.
- 5
Heart Signal하트시그널
What it's aboutOrdinary singles move into the “Signal House” and secretly send one another messages at night. In the studio, a panel of celebrities, a lyricist, and a psychiatrist guess who messaged whom, earning points for every correct answer. The panel includes Yoon Jong-shin, Lee Sang-min, Shin Dong, Kim Yi-na, Shim So-young, and Yang Jae-woong.
Why it's on this listA classic guessing game: The studio panel tries to figure out who secretly texted whom, and you can guess along.
- 6
EXchange환승연애
What it's aboutFive former couples who broke up for very different reasons move into a house together. Between old memories and new encounters, they all face the same question: get back with an ex or start over with someone new? The show focuses on genuine feelings rather than games. Directed by Lee Jin-joo.
Why it's on this listThe basic blueprint for ex-couple dating shows: five former couples under one roof, with real feelings instead of games.
- 7
Love After Divorce돌싱글즈
What it's aboutEight singles who have been married before move into “Dolsing Village” for a fresh start. Those who choose one another move in together for a trial run and experience the realities of life as a couple. On the studio panel are Lee Hye-young and Jung Gyu-woon, both of whom are divorced, along with Yoo Se-yoon and Lee Ji-hye.
Why it's on this listProof that dating shows aren't just about people in their early twenties: Here, divorced singles get a fresh start.
- 8
His Man남의연애
What it's aboutKorea’s first dating show where men date men: The participants move into the “Man’s House” to figure out whose heart they’re drawn to. Viewers see flirting, doubts, and plenty of courage in front of the cameras. Each new episode has topped Wavve’s rankings, and the show is now in its fourth season.
Why it's on this listIf you're looking for a dating show about men who love men, start here—with the first of its kind.
- 9
My Sibling's Romance연애남매
What it's aboutReal-life siblings search for love together but don’t tell anyone who’s related to whom. They act like strangers, then secretly help each other at crucial moments while the others try to figure out who’s family. The show comes from the team behind “EXchange” and is directed by Lee Jin-joo. Han Hye-jin and Code Kunst are among the studio panelists.
Why it's on this listA fresh idea with plenty of heart: Siblings date under one roof and secretly help each other out.
- 10
We Got Married우리 결혼했어요
What it's aboutCelebrities who aren’t a couple in real life get married on camera. As virtual spouses, they take on tasks such as a housewarming party, their first vacation, and household chores, and have to figure out how to live together. The show ran for almost ten years and paired many idols.
Why it's on this listA TV classic from before the streaming era: celebrities played married couples for nearly ten years on MBC.
- 11
Love Catcher러브캐처
What it's aboutTen singles spend eight days together at the “Love Mansion.” Some are genuinely looking for love; others are “Money Catchers,” pretending to flirt in order to win a cash prize. No one knows who’s who, so every connection becomes a test of trust. Hosted by Shin Dong-yup.
Why it's on this listFor anyone who likes suspense: Some contestants are flirting for money, and no one knows who.
- 12
Mind the Noona Gap누난 내게 여자야
What it's aboutWomen who have focused mainly on their careers meet younger men who don’t think age matters when it comes to falling in love. The show asks whether a few years really matter when the sparks fly. Han Hye-jin, Hwang Woo-seul-hye, Jang Woo-young, and TXT’s Soobin join the studio panel.
Why it's on this listThe show puts the age gap front and center: older women, younger men, and the question of whether it matters.
- 13
Change Days체인지 데이즈
What it's aboutThree couples on the verge of breaking up travel to Jeju together to see whether there’s anything left between them. To find out, they switch partners and go on dates with the others. On the final day, each couple has to decide what comes next. Hosted by Jang Do-yeon, Yang Se-chan, Code Kunst, and Heo Young-ji.
Why it's on this listBetter saved for later: Couples on the verge of breaking up date other people on Jeju, and it hits close to home.
- 14
Love Alarm Clap! Clap! Clap!좋아하면 울리는 짝!짝!짝!
What it's aboutThe reality-show version of Chun Kye-young’s webtoon “Love Alarm”: Eight singles install an app that rings whenever someone nearby has a crush on them. It turns into a game of hearts where a single ring can throw the whole group into chaos. Host Hong Seok-cheon gets so caught up in the show that he cries in almost every episode.
Why it's on this listLight and playful: An app rings when someone nearby has a crush on you.
- 15
Eden, Descendants of Instinct에덴, 본능의 후예들
What it's aboutEight singles move into the “Eden House” without knowing how much the others earn, what they do for work, how old they are, or how famous they might be. What matters is first impressions and gut instinct. The show is considerably more risqué than most Korean dating shows. Hosted by Lee Hong-gi (FT Island), Yoon Bo-mi (Apink), and Shimizu.
Why it's on this listBolder than most Korean formats, so it's better suited to viewers who've already seen a few shows.
- 16
Shining Solo빛 나는 SOLO
What it's aboutFive members of boy group TREASURE—Jihoon, Junkyu, Yoon Jae-hyuk, Asahi, and Haruto—take part in a romantic survival show. They meet the women in the cast, who choose a daily “Jewel Man.” A co-production by SBS and YG, the show recalls the format of “I Am Solo.”
Why it's on this listThe obvious place for K-pop fans to start: Five members of TREASURE take on a romantic survival show.
- 17
Match to Marry: With Parents자식방생프로젝트 합숙 맞선
What it's aboutTen singles hoping to get married head off to meet one another, accompanied by their mothers. They all live together for six days while the mothers watch the dates and sometimes even choose who their children will go out with. Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Yo-won join the studio panel.
Why it's on this listA distinctly Korean take on the genre: The mothers come along and weigh in on the dates.
- 18
Love Against Time내 남은 연애
What it's aboutYoung people who have experienced a serious or life-threatening illness search for love. Every evening, each person gets 100 minutes to share with the people they like: time becomes a measure of affection. Lee Se-young, Jung Yong-hwa, DK (SEVENTEEN), and Choi Ye-na join the studio panel.
Why it's on this listA show with a serious premise that demonstrates just how much emotion the genre can hold.
- 19
Sleeping Only Relationship잠만 자는 사이
What it's aboutOther dating shows turn off the cameras at night; this one is just getting started: Two strangers go on a date from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The show follows those 12 hours, when strangers may or may not become close. Hosted by Noh Hong-chul, Jung Hye-sung, and George.
Why it's on this listAn unusual experiment for seasoned viewers: a 12-hour date that lasts from evening until morning.
- 20
The Love Lab연애실험실
What it's aboutStrangers are placed in unusual experimental setups: One blind date begins right in bed, while another group is completely cut off from the outside world. The show observes how these conditions affect attraction and trust. Directed by Lee Jin-joo (“EXchange”), with Jooheon (MONSTA X) and YouTuber Charles Entertainment on the studio panel.
Why it's on this listThe boldest show on the list: If you know the classics, you'll see just how far the genre is pushing its experiments now.
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