If you’re a K-Drama lover with a Roku device, you might be wondering: “Can I watch my favorite doramas on it?” The short answer is yes — and the even better news is that there are plenty of free and paid options to enjoy your favorite Korean shows right on your TV.
Whether you’re into steamy romance, thrilling mystery, or slice-of-life tearjerkers, Roku gives you access to apps that stream hundreds of K-Dramas with English subtitles. In this guide, we’ll show you how to watch doramas on Roku, which apps are best, and tips to get the most out of your setup.
What Is Roku?
Roku is a streaming platform that lets you watch TV shows, movies, and live channels on your television. It works through a stick, box, or smart TV with Roku built-in. Think of it as a hub where you install apps like Netflix, Viki, YouTube, and more.
Yes, You Can Watch Doramas on Roku — Here’s How
To watch K-Dramas (doramas) on Roku, all you need is:
- A Roku streaming device or Roku-enabled smart TV
- A Wi-Fi connection
- Access to one or more K-Drama streaming apps (some are free!)
Let’s break down the best options.
1. Viki (Rakuten Viki)
Best for: Subtitled doramas from Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan
Free + Paid
Viki is arguably the #1 destination for dorama fans. It offers a huge selection of K-Dramas (both new and classic), all with English subtitles and community-translated subs in other languages.
✅ Available as a free app on Roku
✅ Optional Viki Pass for HD, early access, and exclusive content
✅ Strong user reviews and fan communities
How to watch on Roku:
Search for “Viki” in the Roku Channel Store, install, sign in (or watch as a guest), and start streaming!
2. Netflix
Best for: High-budget, globally licensed K-Dramas
Paid Only
Netflix has invested heavily in Korean content, offering everything from hits like Crash Landing on You to All of Us Are Dead. Most content is dubbed or subtitled, with excellent video quality.
✅ Many K-Dramas come with English audio and subs
✅ Roku supports full HD and 4K playback
✅ Netflix Originals are often exclusive
How to watch on Roku:
Install the Netflix app, log into your account, and go to the “Korean TV Shows” section.
3. KOCOWA
Best for: Korean dramas from SBS, KBS, and MBC
Free + Paid
KOCOWA specializes in content directly from Korea’s major broadcasters. You’ll find tons of recently aired shows, variety programs, and classics.
✅ App available on Roku
✅ Simulcasts within hours of airing in Korea
✅ Subtitles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese
Tip: KOCOWA also partners with Viki, so some content overlaps.
4. YouTube
Best for: Older dramas, K-Drama clips, OSTs, and fan edits
Free
You’d be surprised how much dorama content exists on YouTube. Some channels post entire episodes with official subs, especially from networks or production companies.
✅ Great for sampling series
✅ Discover indie or web doramas
✅ Roku supports YouTube in HD
Tip: Use search terms like “full K-Drama episode eng sub” for results.
5. AsianCrush
Best for: Curated Asian films and series
Free + Paid
AsianCrush offers a solid, niche library of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese content. While smaller than the others, it includes classic K-Dramas and indie hits.
✅ App available on Roku
✅ Subtitled content
✅ Option to upgrade for ad-free viewing
Bonus: Add Channels Through Roku Mobile App
Want to browse and install faster? Use the Roku mobile app to search for apps like “K-Drama,” “Asian TV,” or “Korean Shows” and add them to your device with a tap.
Tips to Enhance Your K-Drama Roku Experience
- Create a watchlist inside each app to keep track of ongoing dramas.
- Use voice search with your Roku remote (if supported) — just say “Korean dramas” or “Watch Viki.”
- Enable subtitles and adjust font size or background for easy reading.
- Use screen mirroring from your phone if the app isn’t on Roku — like OnDemand Korea or mobile-only services.
Apps That Don’t Work Natively on Roku (Yet)
Some K-Drama apps don’t have official Roku support but can be mirrored from your smartphone or tablet:
- OnDemand Korea
- iQIYI (for Chinese/Korean hybrid content)
- WeTV (mostly Chinese dramas)
You can use Apple AirPlay (on compatible Roku devices) or screen mirroring via Android to watch these.
Final Thoughts
Roku is a fantastic tool for K-Drama fans — you can access hundreds of doramas across multiple platforms, many of them for free and with excellent subtitles.
Whether you’re deep into palace intrigue or just starting your first slow-burn romance, Roku puts your favorite stories right on the big screen — no laptop required.