4 Korean Dating Shows Worth Binge Watching (From Someone Who’s Totally Hooked)

If you're anything like me, you might’ve started watching Korean dramas and suddenly found yourself falling down the rabbit hole of K-variety—and before you know it, you’re obsessively bingeing Korean dating shows.

That’s exactly how it started for me. After watching a few K-dramas, clips from shows like Running Man and Heart Signal started showing up on my feed. I used to roll my eyes at most Western dating shows—they always felt a little too cringey and vulgar for my taste. But Korean dating shows? Completely different vibe. They felt more natural, more respectful, and honestly… way more binge-worthy.

So if you’ve been curious or want to know which ones are actually worth your time, here are my top 4 Korean dating shows that you have to watch:

1. Heart Signal (하트시그널)

This was my gateway dating show—and it still holds a special place in my heart. My favorite seasons are Season 2 and 3, mostly because of the participants and how their stories unfolded. What makes Heart Signal stand out is the fun of guessing who likes who (I’m usually pretty good at it 😌) and the genuine connections that slowly develop.

There’s also a Chinese version of Heart Signal that I’ve really enjoyed watching too. If you're new to Korean dating shows, this is where I’d recommend starting—it’s wholesome, stylishly filmed, and has just enough drama to keep you hooked without feeling fake.

2. Transit Love / EXchange (환승연애)

I’ll be honest—I was confused by the concept at first. Exes living together? Sounds like a mess… but it’s actually SO good. Transit Love gives a completely different emotional experience. You really get to understand why couples broke up, and sometimes it’s heartbreaking. But it’s also fascinating to see whether they’ll reconnect or fall for someone new.

Seasons 2 and 3 were my favorites. Some moments seriously made me tear up. It’s emotional, real, and you find yourself rooting for everyone—even if you’re not sure what outcome you want for them.

3. Love Catcher (러브캐처)

This show has a fun, twisty concept: some people are there for love, others are there for money. And no one knows who’s who.

It adds a bit of suspense, and I loved trying to figure out who’s a Love Catcher and who’s a Money Catcher. It’s intense, but also fun to see how true intentions reveal themselves. It’s one of those shows where you think you’ve got someone figured out… and then you're completely wrong.

4. Nineteen to Twenty (19/20)

This was the first Korean dating show I watched that focused on young adults, and it was honestly so pure and refreshing. The concept of following the cast as they go from their teen years into their twenties was really sweet—and surprisingly emotional.

What I especially loved was that one of the couples from this show is still together today. That’s the kind of real-life love I’m here for. The show feels nostalgic and cozy, and I love that it gave the participants space to grow, not just romantically, but personally too.

Final Thoughts

I tend to binge these shows once they’ve finished airing (the weekly wait is torture for me!). Right now, I’m counting down the days until Heart Pairing airs so I can devour it in one go.

While shows like Single’s Inferno have gotten a lot of hype—and I did enjoy seasons 2, 3, and 4—I still prefer shows that feel more genuine and less manufactured for drama. I watch Korean dating shows to feel something, not just to witness unnecessary arguments. I want to see how love naturally unfolds, even in a controlled TV setting.

And let’s not ignore how aesthetic these shows are. The way they’re filmed, the fashion, the settings—it’s all so visually satisfying. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself dreaming of going on one.

If you’ve never watched a Korean dating show before, start with Heart Signal. Trust me—you’ll be hooked in no time.