Top 30 Best Korean Anime To Watch

"Tower of God" was first released on June 30, 2010. Created and illustrated by S.I.U., this series tells the story of a boy known as 25th Bam, whose name represents both night and chestnut.

Bam has spent most of his life trapped in a mysterious tower. Within this tower, he is not entirely alone; he is accompanied by his close friend, Rachel.

The arrival of Rachel in Bam's life brings about dramatic changes and challenges, shaking his world. Despite the turmoil, destiny sets him on a path where, without hesitation, Bam decides to enter the tower and follow Rachel.

The tower itself is an enigmatic structure with a one-of-a-kind environment. Each floor consists of three layers, designed either for habitation or to test the abilities of those who climb it.

Also known as Daisy, A Hen Into The Wild, this anime was released in July 2011. It beautifully explores themes of freedom and maternal love, following a hen who courageously adopts and raises a duckling.

The story is set on a chicken farm where countless hens and eggs are confined to cages. Leafie, or Daisy, dreams of becoming a mother but struggles as she is unable to lay eggs herself.

During her attempt to escape from the farm, she faints, leading the farmer to mistakenly believe she's dead. She is placed with the dead hens, but soon awakens and is rescued by a duck.

After escaping, Leafie ventures into the woods and finds a duck egg. She chooses to protect the soon-to-hatch duckling, successfully embracing motherhood. She lovingly names the duckling Greenie—or Chorok Head—and accepts him as her son.

Leafie finds new joy as she raises Greenie, watching him grow as he learns to swim and develops friendships with a bat and an owl. Together, they face many challenges, overcoming obstacles as a devoted family.

Debuting on May 10, 2018, A Day Before Us brings romance and slice-of-life themes to the forefront. Widely acclaimed, it stands out as one of the finest Korean anime for its heartfelt portrayal of youthful love and everyday moments.

The story follows four main characters as they navigate their school years. Their pasts carry a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, while the series beautifully captures the innocence and warmth of school days spent among friends.

You'll meet Wook, Yeo Rum, Ha Eun, and Yeon Woo, around whom the narrative revolves. The plot focuses on two couples: one couple explores differing perspectives within their relationship, while the other pair transitions from friendship to romantic happiness, highlighting the emotional journey of growing up.

The God of High School is a thrilling anime series centered on a renowned martial arts tournament filled with intense competition. Jin Mori, a gifted high school student, joins the tournament with his friends, all determined to prove themselves as the strongest fighters around.

As the tournament heats up, supernatural forces and godlike powers begin to shape the battles, raising the stakes and excitement even higher. With dazzling animation, breathtaking fight choreography, and a vibrant cast of characters, The God of High School serves up high-energy action while exploring enduring themes like friendship, determination, and the quest for greatness.

Debuting in 2007, Yobi, the Five-Tailed Fox draws inspiration from Korean folktales and captivates viewers with its unique supernatural themes. The film is directed by Lee Sung Gang, known for his distinctive storytelling.

The story unfolds about a century ago, when aliens crash-land on a mountain inhabited by mystical white foxes. After a hundred years stranded on Earth, the aliens attempt to return home, but their efforts are met with failure.

When one alien escapes the mountain, it crosses paths with a group of students. To protect this alien friend, the five-tailed fox transforms herself into a human girl and enrolls in school under the name Yobi.

As Yobi adjusts to school life, she forms bonds with her human classmates and slowly becomes attached to their world. Her secret is threatened by a relentless hunter, and her soul is captured—until she manages to break free, ultimately embracing her new life as a human.

Oseam is a Korean anime that thoughtfully explores themes of spirituality and resilience. Directed for the first time by Sung Baek Yeop, it premiered on April 25, 2003. The narrative centers around two orphaned siblings, Gami and her younger brother Gilson.

Gami is gentle and reserved, facing the challenge of blindness, while Gilson contrasts her with his mischievous energy. Taking refuge in a Buddhist temple, the siblings support each other in daily chores and work together to navigate their harsh circumstances.

Their journey is marked by grief after losing their mother and home in a fire, which also cost Gami her sight. Despite his young age, Gilson clings to hope, believing their mother is still out there waiting for them.

As the story unfolds, Gilson befriends a monk who meditates in the mountains, seeking a way to cure Gami's blindness. Through profound moments and heartfelt connections, Oseam explores healing and the enduring bond between siblings.

Premiering on December 30, 2007, Noblesse delves into gripping dark fantasy themes. The series is written by Son Je Ho and illustrated by Lee Kwangsu, offering a unique take on the supernatural genre in Korean anime.

The story revolves around Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, a powerful noble who has slept for 820 years, completely unaware of the drastic changes and advancements in the world. Upon awakening in an abandoned building, Rai finds himself lost amid the progress of mankind.

Struggling to adapt to modern society, Rai enrolls in a high school with help from his devoted servant, Frankenstein. There, Rai befriends Shinwoo, an athletic teenager, along with Yuna and several other classmates, forming a close-knit group.

Together, they embark on thrilling and dangerous adventures, especially as a mysterious organization seeks to uncover Rai's hidden past. The anime masterfully blends elements of action, friendship, and secrets, making it a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy stories.

Also known as Wonderful Days, "Sky Blue" premiered in July 2003. Directed by Kim Moon Saeng, who co-wrote the script alongside Park Jun Yong, the anime stands out for its unique approach and storytelling.

The story is set in the year 2142, where environmental pollution has devastated human civilization. At its center lies Ecoban, a technologically advanced city powered by DELOS—a system that harnesses energy through crystallized pollution.

Outside Ecoban, in the polluted Wasteland, residents are forced to extract carbonite to keep the city running. Among them is Shua, a young man whose affection for his childhood friend Jay grows complicated with the arrival of a third character, creating a love triangle.

Beyond its environmental themes, "Sky Blue" explores issues of class struggle, offering a compelling mix of social commentary and dramatic storytelling.

Set in an ancient, fictional Korea, this gripping anime tells the story of Munsu, a determined hero battling against tyranny and corruption. He stands as one of the few remaining warriors fighting to restore justice in a harsh world.

After experiencing a devastating loss following a tragic event, Munsu embarks on a personal quest to track down those responsible for his suffering. This journey leads him down a perilous path filled with intrigue and danger.

As Munsu seeks justice, he becomes entangled in challenges far greater than he imagined. These twists and turns make "Blade of the Phantom Master" a captivating anime that will keep viewers hooked from start to finish.

Pucca is a beloved South Korean anime centered around the lively title character, Pucca, who is the energetic niece of three men. Together, they run the Goh Rong Chinese restaurant in the quaint mountain village of Sooga.

First airing in 2000, the series spotlights the restaurant's business and quickly gained popularity, not just in Korea but across Asia for its humor and charm.

The story focuses on Pucca, an expressive 11-year-old girl who delivers noodles for her uncles' restaurant. Despite rarely speaking, she communicates through her actions and determination in helping the family business.

Pucca is also known for her affectionate pursuit of Garu, a 13-year-old silent ninja who values restraint and honor. The narrative introduces other memorable characters, like Ching, an 11-year-old skilled swordswoman and Pucca's loyal friend.

Another key character, Ring Ring, is a 12-year-old fashion diva with her own love interest in Garu. She is eventually revealed to be the daughter of Dong King, adding layers to her story.

The series also features Abyo, a 14-year-old passionate about Kung Fu, who brings his own comedic love subplot. With its quirky cast and lighthearted style, Pucca delivers fun adventures for audiences of all ages.

Released in September 2013, The Fake is regarded as one of the finest Korean anime films. Directed and written by Yeong Sang Ho, the movie has earned significant recognition, winning multiple awards for its compelling storytelling and direction.

The narrative centers on Choi Gyeong Seok, who becomes pivotal when a newly constructed dam forces a village community to relocate. As villagers face resettlement, Choi assures them that a church and new housing will be built at their new site.

He manipulates their faith, promising them a place in heaven and claiming the church will guarantee their salvation. However, beneath his religious facade, Choi is actually exploiting and deceiving the villagers for personal gain.

The only person standing in his way is Kim Min Chul, a skeptical and determined character who fights to expose the Church's corruption and prevent further exploitation of the townspeople.

Produced in South Korea, "Shining Star" stands out for its distinctive animation style and cultural touch. The anime follows the journey of Chae Nara, an extraordinary girl who is determined to pursue her dream of becoming an idol.

To achieve her ambition, Nara sets her sights on gaining admission to the prestigious Shining Star School, the ultimate place for idol hopefuls. Here, all aspiring idols share a single, inspiring goal—to become the celebrated "Muse."

Nara's adventure at the academy is far from ordinary, offering excitement and twists at every step. For anyone seeking inspiration and entertainment, this show is a must-watch in the world of Korean anime.

"The Kings of Pigs" is an intense psychological drama anime for adults, directed and written by Yeon Sang-Ho. Released in October 2011, it explores profound themes such as bullying, violence, and the impact of systemic poverty within Korean society.

The film achieved critical acclaim, winning three awards at the 2011 Busan International Film Festival, reflecting its powerful storytelling and emotional depth. The narrative centers on Kyung Min, a 30-year-old businessman who, facing bankruptcy, tragically kills his wife before reconnecting with an old middle school classmate named Jong Suk.

Jong Suk, now working as a ghostwriter, harbors aspirations of becoming a renowned novelist. After fifteen years apart, the two men reunite to escape their troubled present by revisiting their memories of middle school.

As students, despite enjoying certain privileges, both Kyung Min and Jong Suk became targets of relentless bullying by a powerful group, nicknamed the Dogs. Labeled as "Pigs," they experienced frustration and helplessness, unable to fight back against their tormentors.

As they recall painful moments from their youth, the two friends attempt to bring to light a harrowing event involving a peer named Chul—a shocking truth buried for 15 years.

Debuting in 2016, The Haunted House: The Secret Of The Ghost Ball blends horror and mystery with a touch of comedy and adventure. This Korean anime stands out for its engaging story and atmospheric setting, perfect for fans looking for a unique and thrilling experience.

The narrative centers on a 102-year-old goblin and two siblings who reside in the same apartment building. Their lives intertwine only through the mysteries hidden within the building itself.

The ancient goblin lives beneath the haunted apartments, while the siblings are constantly dealing with ghosts and unravelling supernatural mysteries. Well-developed characters and a strong cast bring depth to the story.

Notable voice actors include Anna Cummer as Shinbi, Megan Baldrey as Mom, Natasha Strickey as Hari Koo, Brianna Johnston as Ballerina Girl, Anna Barker as The Black Pearl Ghost, Nikki Rae Hallow as Drowned Bluewater Ghost, and Nathan Hunt as Boy 14B.

Aachi & Ssipak is a 2006 Korean animated sci-fi film, directed and co-written by Jo Beom-jin. The movie is known for its eccentric humor and unique animation style, delivering a bold and satirical take on a dystopian future.

The story unfolds in a world where humanity has exhausted all traditional energy and fuel sources. In response, society has developed technology to convert human excrement into energy, turning bodily waste into a valuable resource.

To regulate excrement production, the government imposes drastic measures, resulting in widespread constipation among citizens. The protagonists, Aachi and Ssipak, navigate the bizarre challenges of this world as they struggle to survive.

The plot intensifies when Aachi and Ssipak encounter Beautiful, a porn actress and director. She becomes the center of attention after coming into possession of a coveted pink ring, which causes an unusual and severe form of constipation.

Beautiful's condition makes her a target for the police and other factions desperate for energy. As demand for excrement grows, a new city rises, its foundations literally built on human waste, further escalating the chaos.

To control excrement output, citizens are required to have chips implanted that monitor and limit their bodily functions, linking personal waste directly to the city's energy supply and intensifying themes of government surveillance and absurdity.

"Green Days: Dinosaur and I," also known as "Dream Of A Precious Day," is a beautifully hand-drawn animated film set in the 1970s rural Korea. This nostalgic coming-of-age story centers around a high school girl as she navigates the challenges and uncertainties of adolescence.

The protagonist, Yi Rang, struggles to find meaning in her life and bravely faces her deepest fears. Along her journey of self-discovery, she experiences her first love, marking a profound change in her world. After failing in a race, Yi Rang decides to give up athletics altogether.

The narrative also introduces Soo Min, a charming new student who quickly becomes popular among the boys. Yi Rang’s inner turmoil is vividly depicted when she leaves a movie theater in tears, reflecting her emotional struggles.

Despite encouragement from a former teammate to rejoin the team, Yi Rang is hesitant. However, her life takes a new direction upon meeting Cheol Soo, also known as Charles, leading to a meaningful new friendship.

The film’s exceptional cast also earned high praise from fans. Park Shin Hye voices the main character, Yi Rang, while Song Chang Eul lends his voice to Kim Cheol Soo. Oh Yeon Seo completes the key cast as the voice of Han Soo Min.

Element Hunters is a collaborative Korean and Japanese anime series blending science fiction with adventure, focusing on themes from chemistry and other scientific fields. Set in the year 2089, the story is adapted from a manga of the same name.

The crisis began in 2029 when essential elements such as oxygen, cobalt, carbon, gold, and molybdenum suddenly began vanishing from Earth. As these elements disappeared, the planet’s environment spiraled into chaos, causing widespread destruction, homelessness, and ruined cities throughout the country.

After extensive research, scientists discovered that these missing elements had migrated to a mysterious planet known as Nega Earth. By 2089, the disappearance of elements had accelerated dramatically.

To address the catastrophe, the government recruits three young heroes, forming a team called the Element Hunters. Their mission is to journey to Nega Earth, battle formidable monsters, and recover the lost elements to restore balance back on Earth.

The story concludes with the Element Hunters, aided by Professor Carr and Juno, overcoming great odds to reclaim the elements and ultimately save the planet from destruction.

"Hammerboy" first premiered on August 4, 2003, and made its global debut on August 6, 2004, under the direction of Ahn Tae Geun. The anime quickly gained attention for its unique storyline and captivating animation style.

The film was skillfully written by Ha Yeong Min, Chol Jeong Woon, Ahn Cheol Woo, Kim Min Jo, and Lee Seo Kyeong. The plot centers around Mangchi, a young boy who may be small in stature but wields an extraordinary magical hammer—an item of immense power and value.

With this magical hammer, Mangchi is able to solve problems and overcome any challenge in his path, earning him the nickname "Hammerboy." His resourcefulness and courage make him a distinctive and memorable hero.

The story unfolds on Candlestick Island, a small piece of land named for its resemblance to candlesticks amid a landscape that has turned into a wasteland due to a past catastrophe.

Another important character is Princess Poplar from the Kingdom of Jemius, who is being pursued by the villainous henchman, Moonk. As the narrative progresses, Hammerboy rises to the occasion, determined to use his powers and magical tool to save humanity and protect the world.

Premiering on August 18, 2016, under the direction of Yeon Sang Ho, Seoul Station is a gripping horror anime that earned the Best Anime Feature Film award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

Serving as a prequel to the acclaimed live-action film Train to Busan, the anime delves into the chaos of a zombie outbreak near Seoul Station. The story follows a young woman as she desperately tries to survive in a world overrun by the undead.

The narrative centers around three key characters: Hye Sun, her estranged father Suk Gyu, and her boyfriend Ki Woong. Suk Gyu is searching for his runaway daughter, Hye Sun, hoping to bring her back home.

With Ki Woong's assistance, Suk Gyu eventually reunites with Hye Sun, only to discover she has become a prostitute. Just as they attempt to reconnect, a deadly zombie epidemic engulfs the capital, forcing them into a desperate fight for survival.

Widely regarded as one of the standouts in the South Korean animation industry, 'Doggy Poo' is based on a beloved children’s book written by Kwon Jung Saeng and published in 1968. The story brings to life a charming and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Directed by Kwon Oh Sung, the anime features a talented cast including Anna Desmarlis, Tony Ruse, Flona Stuart, Josh Smith, and Kate Yoon. The story centers on Doggy Poo, a sentient pile of feces, who finds himself alone by the roadside and curious about the world around him.

Doggy Poo’s innocence is met with cruelty, as he is rejected by a sparrow and ridiculed by the soil, leading to a heartfelt exploration of self-worth and resilience. Despite facing harsh treatment, Doggy Poo bravely stands up for himself, challenging the judgment of others.

The soil is eventually picked up by a farmer’s cart and discarded along the road, where it waits in despair, wishing for an end to its suffering. Meanwhile, the story touches on the sorrow of peppers that perished from drought, deepening the tale’s emotional complexity.

As autumn arrives, Doggy Poo contemplates the fortune of the soil, feeling both grateful and uncertain about his own purpose in life. When spring comes, he meets a hen, further shaping his journey towards self-discovery.

'Doggy Poo' has been recognized for its poignant storytelling, earning the Best Pilot award at the 2003 Tokyo International Anime Fair. Its popularity continued at the 2003 Big Apple Anime Fest, where it won the Viewer's Choice Award, capping off its impressive achievements.

With themes like comedy and fantasy, the anime also carry horror. The story is of an unprecedented media show related to a question that asks people whether a spider that has driven an assemblyman insane should be punished or not.

The punishment is related to the execution of that spider. The name of this spider is Je Bul Chal, whose meaning is nothing but 'my mistake'. He is a young hardworking person but an ear cleaner by profession.

The story gains focus when a spider gets into some kind of memory of a person. It progresses with the disturbance in the ear of a legislator made by the spider.

This spider has discovered some shocking memory of the legislator with the sister whom he loved and also misses a lot.

Also known as The Little Penguin: Pororo's Racing Adventure, the series has everything one needs to watch. Along with South Korean anime films, the series also falls under the category of China.

It is based on a television series in Korea named Pororo the Little Penguin. The story is related to Pororo and his friends who dream of becoming a champion by getting inspired by a white tiger winning the Super Sleigh Championship.

To follow this dream, they built a sleigh so that Proro could drive but he and his friends decided to go with a handmade sleigh. He put a lollipop in the sleigh that made it fly up above the sky and crash into a plane.

However, the plane made an emergency landing with the pilot Toto and Mango. After seeing the medal of Toto, Pororo thought of him as a champion. To get the benefits from the situation, Toto also lies about him being a champion.

The story then follows the craziness of Pororo becoming a sleigh champion. Related to succeeding doing so, Mango and Toto celebrate their success. Coming to the cast, there are a lot of characters that get involved in the anime with the help of different voice artists like Pororo has the voice of Sun Lee, Crong has Mi Ja Lee, Poby has Hwan Chin Kim, Eddy has the voice of Su Jung Ham, and more.

Underdog is an anime that came out in July 2018. It has been directed by Oh Sung Yoon as well as Lee Chun Baek and stars big names like Do Kyung, Park So Dam, and Park Chul Min.

Coming to the popularity of the series then it can be seen through its opening at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival where tickets got sold in just 9 seconds.

The story is related to stray dogs who got abandoned by humans. They try to find a place where there would not be any humans. In search of such a place, they find meaning as well as freedom in their life.

They form their own identity and existence with self-independence from humans and things. The protagonist of this anime is Moongchi who got its voice from Doh Kyung Soo. Other characters are: Bami, a wild dog who got its voice from Park So Dam, Jjangah has got a voice from Park Chul Min, and Hunter from Lee Jun Hyuk.

Life is Cool is an anime that came in 2008 under the theme of romance. The film is influenced by other films called Waking Life as well as A Scanner Darkly.

It is directed by Choi Equan and Choe Seung Win, Choi Equan was also the one who has written the series. The series revolves around the story of three best friends.

One is a heartbroken Romeo and the other one is a hopeless romantic person. Coming to the third one then he is a goofy playboy. All three characters met in 10 years and things got complicated when they shared the same love interest.

The cast and characterization of the series are well defined by the characters and actors like Kim Su Ro as Baek II Kwon, Kang Sung Jin in the role of Kim Tae Yeong, Kim Jin Soo as Seong Hoon, and Park Ye Jin as Kang Yeo Woo.

With drama and psychological flavour, considered one of the best on the list, the series has got its popularity with different characters. The story is set in a colourless world where everything is pale and desolate, resulting in people being born with some kind of pale white skin.

The world doesn't have any colour except white and that's how the title of the series comes forward, On The White Planet. The story is related to a boy who was born with yellow skin and everyone treats him like a monster.

Due to this reason, the boy lives in isolation with his mother in the forest. The time when he turned 16, he was depressed by his surroundings, and also his mother was depressed too.

Due to this depression, his mother committed suicide and left him alone in this world. Now, the boy blamed himself for his mother's death; however, the hope of becoming a normal person with normal skin colour was always there.