The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)
A beloved Korean romantic fantasy series blending Joseon-era mythology with modern-day Seoul in a sweeping tale of mermaids, con artists, and destined love.
The Legend of the Blue Sea - Series Information
- Original Title: 푸른 바다의 전설
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Park Ji-eun
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: November 16, 2016 (India - U/A 16+), November 16, 2016 (Australia - M), November 16, 2016 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: SBS
- Alternative Titles: 藍海傳說 (CN), The Legend of Blue Sea (US), নীল সাগরের কিংবদন্তি (BD), The.Legend.of.the.Blue.sea (UK), 藍海傳說 (HK), Легенда про синє море (UA), Pooreun Badaui Junsul (KR), افسانه دریای آبی (IR)
- Production Companies: Studio Dragon, Culture Depot
- Production Countries: Palau, South Korea, Spain
The Legend of the Blue Sea - Plot
A mermaid from the Joseon period ends up in present-day Seoul, where she crosses paths with a swindler who may have ties to someone from her past.
The Legend of the Blue Sea - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this enchanting romantic fantasy:
How can a mermaid from the Joseon era survive in modern-day Seoul?
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The Legend of the Blue Sea - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Park Ji-eun
Main Cast
- Krystal Jung
- Gianna Jun
- Lee Min-ho
- Shin Hye-sun
- Lee Hee-jun
- Shin Won-ho
- Hwang Shin-hye
- Sung Dong-il
- Moon So-ri
- Choi Jung-woo
Writers
- Park Ji-eun
Executive Producers
- Jinnie Choi
- Jong Byeong Bae
The Legend of the Blue Sea - FAQs
Where can you stream The Legend of the Blue Sea?
The Legend of the Blue Sea is available to stream on Hulu and Rakuten Viki. Rakuten Viki also offers the series with ads on its free tier, making it accessible without a subscription. Both platforms provide the full 20-episode run with subtitles.
Is The Legend of the Blue Sea based on a true story?
The series draws from Korean folklore and mythology rather than real events. Writer Park Ji-eun was inspired by a brief entry in the Joseon-era historical record Eou Yadam, which described a fisherman who caught and released a mermaid — a small legend she expanded into a sweeping romantic fantasy.
Who plays the mermaid in The Legend of the Blue Sea?
Gianna Jun (also known as Jun Ji-hyun) plays Sim Chung, the mermaid who travels from the Joseon era to modern-day Seoul. Her performance was widely praised for blending physical comedy with genuine emotional depth, and it marked her triumphant return to television after a long hiatus.
What is The Legend of the Blue Sea about?
A mermaid from the Joseon dynasty finds herself stranded in contemporary Seoul, where she meets a charming con artist played by Lee Min-ho. Their unlikely romance unfolds across two timelines, weaving together themes of fate, reincarnation, first love, and the question of whether a love story can transcend centuries.
Did The Legend of the Blue Sea win any awards?
The series earned multiple accolades at major Korean broadcasting awards. Gianna Jun won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2016 SBS Drama Awards, while Lee Min-ho took home the Top Excellence Award. The show also received recognition for its writing, directing, and supporting performances.
How many episodes does The Legend of the Blue Sea have?
The main series consists of 20 episodes, each running approximately 60 minutes. There is also a specials season (Season 0) with one bonus episode. The show aired on SBS in South Korea from November 2016 to January 2017, completing its run without interruption.
What makes The Legend of the Blue Sea worth watching?
The chemistry between Gianna Jun and Lee Min-ho is electric, and Park Ji-eun's script balances laugh-out-loud comedy with genuinely moving romance. The dual-timeline storytelling adds emotional weight, and the production values — shot across South Korea, Spain, and Palau — give the series a cinematic quality rare in television.
What are similar shows to The Legend of the Blue Sea?
Fans of this series often enjoy My Demon (2023), Lovely Runner (2024), and Marry My Husband (2024) for their blend of fantasy, romance, and fate-driven storytelling. The Matchmakers (2023) and Knight Flower (2024) also offer charming period-inflected romance with strong leads and witty writing.
More About The Legend of the Blue Sea
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