Right after Motel California was released, it quickly became an intriguing K-drama for the viewers. It is filled with heartache and romance in the perfect combination.
The aspect of first loves meeting once again in Motel California resonates with the viewers. In the world of K-dramas, we often see stories that are focused on giving the viewers a hearty experience with the storylines.
Motel California is the perfect example of it. So, if you recently watched Motel California and are looking for something just like it, then this list is perfect for you.
Motel California: 10 K-dramas that bring the same heartache, healing, and romance
1) The Law Cafe

In Motel California, we get to see a story of finding love back in the hometown. Similarly, in The Law Cafe, Yu-ri leaves her job at the law firm. She decides to start afresh and opens a law cafe in a building.
The building where she opens her law firm is owned by Kim Jeong-ho. Jeong-ho’s comforting nature draws her in. Their past also acts as a propelling factor for their relationship.
The aspect of legal cases in this K-drama also adds to the storyline. If you are looking for some heartache, healing, and romance just like Motel California, then this K-drama is just for you.
2) What Comes After Love

The aspect of love and romance in this K-drama resonates deeply with the viewers. Just like Motel California, this K-drama unfolds in a realistic manner. Choi Hong and Aoki are two people from different countries.
While Hong was studying in Japan, she came across Jungo. This K-drama explores their reunion and also goes back and forth between the timelines through flashbacks. They meet one another years later.
They then delve into the reasons for their breakup. We get a glimpse of two people who once loved one another deeply. Then they explore the reasons for the complications in their relationship.
3) Doctor Slump

Motel California brings forth a very unique romance story, depicting the manner in which past lovers reconnect. Though in this K-drama, Ha-neul and Yeo Jeong-woo were not exactly past lovers, their dynamic was very similar to that.
Ha-neul and Jeong-woo competed with one another in the field of academics. Ha-neul was incredibly studious. She tries her best to achieve her dreams. Both of them succeed in their careers.
Ha-neul becomes an anesthesiologist, and Jeong-woo becomes a well-renowned plastic surgeon. The aspect of mental health in this K-drama adds a layer of intrigue to this K-drama. This K-drama depicts similar aspects of Motel California.
4) Come and Hug Me

Motel California features a love story of past lovers reconnecting once again. This K-drama also depicts the aspects of past lovers reconnecting. Han Jae-yi and Chae Do-jin reconnect once again after years.
Due to an incident in the past, they were separated. Chae Do-jin’s father’s actions caused immense struggles for him. He tries his best to atone for the actions of his father.
We see them facing their trauma and societal judgment in a nuanced manner. In Motel California, we see an enduring love story; similarly, this K-drama gives a love story filled with forgiveness and healing.
5) My First First Love

If Motel California grabbed your attention with its heartwarming storyline, then this K-drama is perfect for your next binge-watch session. After getting evicted from her house, Song-i has nowhere to go.
She decides to take refuge at her trusty best friend, Tae-o’s, house. Tae-o and Song-i's friendship goes a long way back. Initially, it seems like they have a platonic relationship. Yet as the story progresses, Tae-o’s feelings towards her develop into something more. He understands that his care and concern for her mean much more. You will feel the love and warmth throughout this K-drama.
There are numerous hilarious moments between the group of friends. Especially as they navigate through adulthood. This K-drama, like Motel California, will quench your thirst for a story with healing and romance.
6) She Was Pretty

If you are looking for a similar heartwarming feeling to Motel California, then this K-drama is just right for you. Hye-jin and Sung-joon's story is filled with romance and drama. It also has a unique flavor of intrigue that will get you hooked.
This K-drama starts off by showing Hye-jin's past bond with her childhood friend Sung-joon. Years later, when they get the chance to meet again, due to her insecurity about her looks, she decides to hide her identity from him.
Sung-joon and Hye-jin start to work together at the same office. Despite the hidden identity, Sung-joon starts to fall in love with Hye-jin. There are certain complications and a hint of a love triangle as well. Their story is truly a memorable one. You can definitely watch this K-drama after Motel California.
7) Dear M

Motel California brings forth a world where past lovers collide and gives us a story worth remembering. This K-drama might not exactly stumble across the aspect of past lovers, but the aspect of budding romances and the lighthearted, fun-filled experiences of these college students truly fills the hearts of the viewers.
In the confession forum of Seoyeon University, a new confession written by “M” raises immense intrigue amongst the students. They set out to find out the person involved in this confession and also to find the person to whom it is dedicated.
The aspect of college romance that is depicted in a realistic manner resonates with the viewers.
8) Reply 1988

This list would be incomplete without adding this heartwarming K-drama. Motel California undoubtedly raised the standard of the viewers in the aspect of K-dramas filled with romance that leaves a mark.
The love story between Choi Taek and Deok-sun is definitely a must-watch to get a similar vibe to Motel California. Taek’s dedication towards Deok-sun resonates with the viewers. He is the quiet one in the friend group. Yet he never hesitated to openly depict his love for Deok-sun. Deok-sun faced numerous issues since her childhood. As the middle child, she is often ignored by her parents.
Her favorite meals are rarely prepared, and her birthdays are celebrated with her elder sister. She is also not very good at her academics. Unlike her elder sister, who is a good student, she struggles with her academics. The moment when Deok-sun's mother loses all hope for her college education leaves the viewers in tears every time. You will have to be prepared to cry, laugh, and cry some more while watching this K-drama.
9) Marry My Husband

The healing aspect of Motel California can be a rare find in other stories. However, this K-drama is the perfect blend of healing, romance, and heartache. This K-drama starts off with Ji-won’s story, depicting immense heartache. Ji-won’s choices throughout her life only caused her troubles. Her choice in friends, husband, and even the way she lives led to people taking advantage of her constantly.
However, after she gets a chance to do it from the beginning, she decides to take a different route. This time, Ji-won does not put others before her. She starts to prioritize herself.
Her changed behavior instantly irritates the people who were constantly getting an advantage because of her meek and docile nature. This K-drama, just like Motel California, shows the viewers the aspect of prioritizing happiness.
10) Love Next Door

This K-drama has the undertone of first loves and a heartwarming feeling that keeps the viewers hooked. Even the aspect of the lead character moving back to her hometown is similar to Motel California.
Seok-ryu’s life has not been easy after she moved outside her country for her job. She struggled with burnout and eventually faced a major health issue. Her relationship also faced a major setback. So, she decides to move back to her hometown and live with her parents. She decides to start her career afresh. Seung-hyo and Seok-ryu are childhood friends. He was also in love with her.
Yet he never had the courage to openly express himself. As the story progresses, Seok-ryu and Seung-hyo start to bond. Their feelings for one another grow deeper. This K-drama is filled with numerous heartwarming moments.
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