A Korean Odyssey (2017)
A South Korean fantasy romance that reimagines the legend of the Monkey King in modern-day Seoul, blending mythology, dark humor, and supernatural intrigue.
A Korean Odyssey - Series Information
- Original Title: 화유기
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Created by: Hong Mi-ran, Kim Byeong-su et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 75 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: December 23, 2017 (United States - TV-MA), December 23, 2017 (United Kingdom - 15), December 23, 2017 (Germany - 12), December 23, 2017 (France - 12), December 23, 2017 (India - U/A 13+), December 23, 2017 (Australia - M), December 23, 2017 (Brazil - 14), December 23, 2017 (Spain - 12), December 23, 2017 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: tvN
- Production Companies: JS Pictures, Studio Dragon
- Production Countries: South Korea
- Alternative Titles: 华游记 (CN), Хваюги (RU), Hwayuki (FR), Hwayuki (US), ตำนานไซอิ๋วฉบับเกาหลี (TH), האור והאופל (IL), Хваюгі: Корейська одіссея (UA), Hoa Du Ký (VN)
A Korean Odyssey - Plot
A self-serving mythical creature's bid for invincibility backfires when he finds himself at the mercy of a woman who can see otherworldly beings.
A Korean Odyssey - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the mythical world of A Korean Odyssey come to life:
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A Korean Odyssey - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Hong Mi-ran
- Kim Byeong-su
- Park Hong-kyun
- Hong Jeong-eun
Main Cast
- Lee Seung-gi
- Cha Seung-won
- Oh Yeon-seo
- Lee Hong-gi
- Jang Kwang
- Lee El
- Lee Se-young
- Kim Seung-o
- Sung Hyuk
- Yoon Bo-ra
Writers
- Hong Mi-ran
- Hong Jeong-eun
Executive Producers
- Jang Jung-do
A Korean Odyssey - FAQs
What classic story is A Korean Odyssey based on?
A Korean Odyssey is a modern fantasy retelling of Journey to the West, the beloved 16th-century Chinese novel. The show reimagines iconic characters like the Monkey King (Son O-gong) and Zhu Bajie (Jeo Pal-kye) in a contemporary Seoul setting, blending mythology with romance and dark supernatural comedy.
Is A Korean Odyssey worth watching?
For fans of Korean fantasy romance, it's a compelling watch. The chemistry between Lee Seung-gi and Oh Yeon-seo drives the story, and the show balances humor, mythology, and emotional depth effectively. Its lush visuals and inventive creature designs make it stand out among K-drama fantasy offerings.
Where can you stream A Korean Odyssey?
A Korean Odyssey is available to stream on Netflix and Rakuten Viki, including Netflix Standard with Ads. Free ad-supported viewing is also available on The Roku Channel and Tubi TV, giving viewers several convenient options depending on their preferred platform.
What is the relationship between Son O-gong and Jin Seon-mi?
Son O-gong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, is bound to Jin Seon-mi through a magical contract that compels him to love her. The central tension of the series explores whether his feelings are genuine or merely the result of enchantment — a question that fuels the show's emotional core throughout.
Who are the main actors in A Korean Odyssey?
The series stars Lee Seung-gi as the mischievous Monkey King Son O-gong and Oh Yeon-seo as Jin Seon-mi, the human woman with supernatural sight. Cha Seung-won plays the charismatic Devil King, while Lee Hong-gi and Jang Kwang round out the mythological ensemble with memorable supporting roles.
Who created and wrote A Korean Odyssey?
A Korean Odyssey was created by Hong Mi-ran, Kim Byeong-su, Park Hong-kyun, and Hong Jeong-eun. The screenplay was penned by the Hong sisters duo — Hong Mi-ran and Hong Jeong-eun — celebrated K-drama writers known for their signature blend of fantasy, comedy, and heartfelt romance.
How was A Korean Odyssey received by critics and audiences?
The series earned a devoted following for its imaginative world-building and the magnetic lead performances. While some viewers found the pacing uneven in its second half, the show's inventive mythology, witty dialogue, and emotional romance kept audiences engaged through its 20-episode run on tvN.
What are similar shows to A Korean Odyssey?
If you enjoyed A Korean Odyssey, try Sell Your Haunted House (2021) for supernatural mystery, Rooftop Prince (2012) for fantasy romance, or Please Come Back, Mister (2016) for a blend of comedy and the otherworldly. Good Witch (2015) and Charmed (1998) offer a Western take on similar themes.
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