‘Alchemy of Souls’ follows the journey of Jang Uk, a young nobleman, who goes on to become a powerful mage with the help of a soul-shifting assassin, Naksu, in the fictional land of Daeho.
‘Alchemy of Souls’ is one of Netflix’s most popular Korean fantasy romance dramas. The show takes the viewers to the world of mages. The protagonist, Jang Uk, struggles to be recognized as a mage until he meets Naksu, a soul shifter.
If you are looking for similar shows that promise to take you to a fictional world, look no further. Here are the 10 shows like ‘Alchemy of Souls’ that bring the world of fantasy to life with a dose of romance on the side:
1. Tale of the Nine Tailed
Available on: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki
Cast: Lee Dong-Wook, Jo Bo-ah, Kim Bum
The ‘Tale of the Nine Tailed’ follows Lee Yeon, a former mountain god, who sacrificed his position for the sake of the woman he loved. Centuries later, he lives his life in his human form in the city and hunts supernatural creatures that pose a threat to humans.
When he meets Nam Ji Ah, a television producer, she immediately figures out his secret. He is then forced to help her uncover the mysteries of her past. However, he ends up getting a few answers about his own past in the process.
Similar to ‘Alchemy of Souls’, this show features a powerful male lead, who had to mourn the death of his lover before being reunited with her. The second season of the show is set to be released in 2023.
2. The King: Eternal Monarch
Available on: Netflix
Cast: Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun, Woo Do-hwan
Emperor Lee Gon of the Kingdom of Corea crosses a mythical door and enters a parallel world. He meets Jung Tae-eul, a detective he recognizes as he had come across her in his world.
Lee Gon must work with Jung Tae-eul to stop his half-uncle, who killed his father, and put an end to his schemes before it is too late.
3. Hotel del Luna
Available on: Netflix, Viki
Cast: Lee Ji-Eun, Yeo Jin-Goo
Hotel del Luna is not an ordinary hotel; it is a hotel for ghosts, managed by ghosts. Gu Chan-sung, a human, is forced to work as the general manager of the hotel.
The more he works there, the more he gets to know Jang Man-wol, the moody owner of the hotel. With time, he discovers the mysteries of her world and her past.
4. The Legend of the Blue Sea
Available on: Netflix, Viki
Cast: Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Min-ho
When Se-hwa, a mermaid from the Joseon period, is brought to the modern day, she meets a swindler, Heo Joon-jae. As Se-hwa starts learning more about the human world, she falls in love with him.
Soon, Joon-jae realizes that they share a complicated past and that their story goes back years ago. The show incorporates themes such as rebirth, fate, and unrequited love.
5. The Bride of Habaek
Available on: Netflix, Viki
Cast: Nam Joo-hyuk, Shin Se-kyung
‘The Bride of Habaek’ is another show with the theme of predestination. The show is a spin-off of a manhwa by Yoon Mi-kyung and features deities and mythical realms.
Lord Ha-baek, the god of the Land of Water, is on a quest to collect the sacred stones to claim the throne of the Divine Realm. He comes to Earth and seeks out the help of a psychiatrist, So-ah, whose family is fated to serve him.
Although she initially does not believe him, she eventually helps him not only get the stones but also adjust to the human world.
6. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
Available on: Netflix, Voot, Viki
Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Yoo In-na, Lee Dong-Wook
‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’ is one of the highest-rated dramas in the history of Korean cable television. The critically acclaimed drama revolves around the life of an immortal goblin, Kim Shin. The goblin must find his bride to become mortal again.
When he crosses paths with Ji Eun-tak, a happy-go-lucky high school student, a grim reaper, and a woman named Sunny, he realizes that their meeting might not entirely be a coincidence.
7. Mr. Queen
Available on: Prime Video, Viki
Cast: Shin Hye-sun, Kim Jung-hyun
Jang Bong-hwan is a chef, who one day finds himself in the body of Queen Cheorin in the Joseon period. The reigning monarch, King Cheoljong, seems to be a kind person, but Queen Cheorin soon finds that there is more to him than meets the eye.
The show is based on a Chinese web series, ‘Go Princess Go’. With an interesting premise, this historical drama successfully manages to bring together fantasy, romance, and humor.
8. A Korean Odyssey
Available on: Netflix
Cast: Lee Seung-gi, Oh Yeon-seo, Cha Seung-won
Son Oh Gong and Ma Wang are looking for light in an evil world full of darkness. Son Oh-gong, bound to a protective role towards Seon-mi, a girl who can see ghosts and spirits, finds himself at her mercy.
The show follows the journey of a powerful yet proud protagonist as he finds himself falling in love with the woman he has promised to protect every time she calls out his name. It is a modern spin-off of ‘Journey to the West’, a Chinese classic novel.
9. Angel’s Last Mission: Love
Available on: Netflix, Viki
Cast: Shin Hye-sun, Kim Myung-soo
Dan is an optimistic angel who somehow always finds himself in trouble. As a punishment, he is given the task of finding true love for Yeon-Seo, a talented ballerina.
However, Yeon-Seo suffered an accident in the past that left her without sight. She is now a cold-hearted woman, and finding love for her seems like an impossible task. Things get complicated when Dan himself falls in love with her.
10. Lovers of the Red Sky
Available on: Viki
Cast: Kim Yoo Jung, Ahn Hyo Seop, Gong Myung, Kwak Si Yang
In a world where supernatural creatures live alongside human beings, the only-female painter of the time falls in love with a blind astrologer who predicts the future through the movement of the stars.
Based on the novel of the same name by Jung Eun-gwol, this fantasy romance drama comes packed with political schemes and demons that test the strength of their love.
Also Read: 10 shows like ‘The Glory’ on Netflix, Disney+ & more