Cream of the crop

Smart protagonists and antagonists? Tang Dynasty Sherlock and Watson are joined by a solid ensemble cast as they solve cases and unmask a conspiracy. I hope this isn't the last we see of them.

This list wouldn't be complete with at least one romcom from romcom queen Park Min Young. Her Private Life made the cut for its overall quality and all-around great male lead.

Game of Thrones? Pft! Watch this show instead! An (over)indulgence of clever characters and cunning agendas that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Stay tuned for Season 2!

A science fiction detective story that proves at least some kdrama writers get what science fiction is all about.

Probably Ji Chang Wook's best work, where he plays a reporter-by-day/hero-by-night type character alongside the gorgeous Park Min Young's Lois Lane.

Without a doubt writer Kim Eun Sook's best work and my favourite fantasy drama after Hotel del Luna. Perfect balance of romance, comedy and drama, complemented by a solid script and a great soundtrack.

A short web drama that puts many standard-length kdramas to shame. Lee Soo Hyuk is great as the god Woven and has very good chemistry with Lee Su Ji's Sa Rang (hehe) and Park Seung Ji's Joey. I truly hope they come back for a second season.

The best slice-of-life medical-themed kdrama you'll find.

A slow burner romance with Park Min Young and Seo Kang Joon that takes place in a small town in the countryside. Perfect drama to watch during winter season. Just grab yourself a hot cup of coffee and join the town's cozy book club.

Not as faithful an adaptation of the original webnovel as the (superior) animated series but an entertaining show on its own that echoes Harry Potter at times. Leo Wu's and Baron Chen's master-student relationship is definitely a highlight.

Korea does Groundhog Day and even provides a good explanation for it, delving into the backgrounds of both main leads. Solid acting from Kim Myung Soo and Yoon So Hee in a well-executed storyline that wastes no time and has a really great soundtrack.

Mr Queen is a highly entertaining kdrama, in no small part thanks to Shin Hye Sun's amazing performance, and I thoroughly recommend it, but The Bamboo Forest gave us the better ending.