If you loved
A Korean Odyssey
Hong Mi-ran · Series · 2017
What hooked you in A Korean Odyssey was the way mythological stakes collide with the messy, unpredictable nature of human connection.
Start with the source
The source
Journey to the West
Jie Yang · Series · 1986
Adaptation
Monkey
Series · 1978
Adaptation
The Forbidden Kingdom
Rob Minkoff · Film · 2008
Books on the same thread
Mrs. Perivale and the Blue Fire Crystal
Dash Hoffman · Book · 2017
Like A Korean Odyssey, this story features an unlikely protagonist thrust into a high-stakes adventure where magical creatures and prophecy dictate the fate of their world.
The Lunar Chronicles: Cinder
Marissa Meyer · Book · 2012
You will recognize the blend of dangerous destiny and forbidden intimacy found in A Korean Odyssey as Cinder navigates her own supernatural burdens against a backdrop of looming peril.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J. Maas · Book · 2020
This retelling captures the same volatile tension between human and supernatural beings that defined A Korean Odyssey, grounding its magical romance in a world of dangerous, ancient legends.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt · Book · 2022
While less action-oriented than A Korean Odyssey, the deep emotional bond between the characters and the presence of a mysterious, intelligent creature echo the series' thematic heart.
Films on the same thread
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Wes Anderson · Film · 2023
The obsession with gaining supernatural sight and manipulating reality mirrors the self-serving, fantastical schemes of the lead character in A Korean Odyssey, albeit with a dark, witty tone.
Luck
Peggy Holmes · Film · 2022
The whimsical yet high-stakes journey into a hidden world of luck and magical beings mirrors the supernatural escapades and identity struggles that defined A Korean Odyssey.
A Whisker Away
Tomotaka Shibayama · Film · 2020
The blurred boundaries between humanity and the animal kingdom in this anime directly reflect the supernatural transformations and identity questions explored throughout A Korean Odyssey.
Castaway on the Moon
Lee Hae-jun · Film · 2009
This film captures the same sense of isolation and urban survival found in A Korean Odyssey, showing how a person can find profound meaning in the most unexpected circumstances.
Podcasts on the same thread
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
If the witty, self-deprecating banter of the lead in A Korean Odyssey was your favorite element, this conversational exploration of modern loneliness will feel like a natural transition.
Unexplained
iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
For those captivated by the supernatural mysteries of A Korean Odyssey, this podcast provides an unsettling, narrative-driven look at the strange events that exist just beyond our logical understanding.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is A Korean Odyssey based on the same source material as Journey to the West?
Yes, A Korean Odyssey is a modern adaptation inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. It reimagines the mythical elements found in the 1986 television series and other adaptations like the 1978 show Monkey and the 2008 film The Forbidden Kingdom.
Does A Korean Odyssey follow the same plot as The Forbidden Kingdom?
No, A Korean Odyssey and The Forbidden Kingdom are different adaptations of the same source material. While both draw from the legends of Journey to the West, the 2017 series focuses on a mythical creature seeking invincibility through a woman who can see otherworldly beings.
Should I watch the 1986 Journey to the West before starting A Korean Odyssey?
You do not need to watch the 1986 Journey to the West to understand A Korean Odyssey. The 2017 series is a distinct, standalone reimagining of the source material that functions as its own narrative regarding a mythical creature and his encounter with a woman who sees spirits.
Is A Korean Odyssey similar to the 1978 show Monkey?
Both A Korean Odyssey and the 1978 series Monkey are adaptations of the same classic literature. A Korean Odyssey presents a unique interpretation of these characters within a contemporary setting, distinct from the specific tone and storytelling style found in the earlier 1978 production.