Top 6 Korean Office Dramas Recommended by Locals
Hello everyone living in or visiting Korea!
Brought to you by Enkostay’s Marketing Managers, here are the Top 6 Korean Office Dramas you should start watching right now.
Are you curious about Korean culture?
Do you ever wonder
“How do Koreans actually work at their companies?”
“How’s office life in Korea?
If so, you’re in the right place. Today, we’ll introduce you to six office dramas that Koreans themselves recommend. Watching these series won’t just entertain you, it will also give you a closer look at the reality, struggles, and humor of Korean office life.
1. Misaeng (Incomplete Life, 2014)
Cast: Im Si-wan, Lee Sung-min, Kang So-ra, Kim Dae-myung
Plot: The story follows Jang Geu-rae, a young man who fails to become a professional baduk (Go) player and suddenly enters the corporate world as an intern. With no prior experience, he must navigate the hierarchical, competitive, and often unforgiving culture of Korean corporations. This drama is widely considered the most realistic depiction of Korean office life.
I personally recommend Misaeng above all. My friends still watch this drama regularly.
Misaeng (Incomplete Life, 2014)
2. Awl (2015)
Cast: Ji Hyun-woo, Ahn Nae-sang, Kim Ga-eun, Hyun Woo
Plot: Based on a true story, Awl depicts workers at a large supermarket who are unfairly dismissed and fight back by forming a labor union. It highlights Korea’s labor struggles, employee rights issues, and the courage it takes to challenge injustice in the workplace.
3. The Producers (2015)
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Cha Tae-hyun, Gong Hyo-jin, IU
Plot: Unlike traditional office settings, this drama is set in a TV broadcasting company. It portrays the daily lives of producers (PDs) working behind popular Korean entertainment shows. With a mix of comedy, romance, and behind-the-scenes chaos, it shows the unique work culture of the media industry while still reflecting the challenges of Korean office life.
4. My Liberation Notes (2022)
Cast: Kim Ji-won, Son Seok-gu, Lee El, Lee Min-ki
Plot: This series captures the quiet struggles of three siblings commuting from a rural town to Seoul for work. It reflects the exhaustion, disconnection, and yearning for “liberation” that many office workers in Korea feel. With its slow but emotional storytelling, the drama resonates deeply with anyone who has felt trapped by routine.
5. Agency (2023)
Cast: Lee Bo-young, Cho Sung-ha, Son Na-eun, Han Joon-woo
Plot: Centered on a female executive working at a top advertising agency, Agency dives into the cutthroat world of advertising. It deals with gender discrimination, fierce competition, and survival in a high-pressure workplace. At the same time, it portrays a strong and determined female lead who fights her way to the top.
6. Gaus Electronics (2022)
Cast: Kwak Dong-yeon, Go Sung-hee, Bae Hyun-sung, Kang Min-ah
Plot: A comedy-drama about employees working in the least glamorous department of a big corporation. From quirky coworkers to absurd company rules, the series humorously showcases the “funny but sad” side of Korean office culture. It’s lighthearted, satirical, and easy to watch.
Final Thoughts
Korean dramas aren’t just entertainment, they can also be windows into the country’s culture and work life.
If you’re curious about how Koreans experience their jobs, face challenges, and build relationships at work, these six office dramas are the perfect starting point.
Which one would you watch first?