Native Title	미혼남녀의 효율적 만남
Also Know as	Efficient Meeting of Singles, Effective Meeting Place for Single People, Efficient Meeting Between Unmarried Men and Women, Efficient Meeting of Unmarried People, Efficient Dating for Singles, Efficient Dating of Single Men and Women, Efficient Encounter of Single Men and Women, Mihonhan Saramdeului Hyoyuljeokin Mannam, Mihonnamnyeoui Hyoyuljeok Mannam, 미혼한 사람들의 효율적인 만남
Director	Lee Jae-Hoon
Writer	Tari (webcomic), Lee Yi-Jin (script)
Distributor	JTBC
Air Time	Saturday 22:40, Sunday 22:30
Content Rating	15+ - Teens 15 or older
Runtime	12 episodes
Genre	Comedy, Romance, Life, Drama, Office
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2026-02-28
End Date	2026-04-05

In the bustling world of Korean dramas, where love stories often blend humor, heartache, and high-stakes romance, "The Practical Guide to Love" emerges as a fresh take on the timeless quest for connection. Premiering in 2026, this series promises to capture the nuances of contemporary relationships, offering viewers a relatable guide to navigating the chaos of blind dates and unexpected sparks. Adapted from a popular webtoon, it arrives just in time for audiences craving lighthearted escapism amid the pressures of work and singledom.

Overview

"The Practical Guide to Love" (Korean: 미혼남녀의 효율적 만남, also known internationally as "Efficient Dating for Singles" or "Efficient Encounter of Single Men and Women") is a romantic comedy drama that aired on JTBC from February 28 to April 5, 2026. Spanning 10 episodes, each roughly 70 minutes long, the series airs on Saturdays and Sundays at 22:40. Directed by Lee Jae-hoon and written by Lee Yi-jin, with original webtoon inspiration from Tari, it falls squarely in the genres of romance, comedy, and slice-of-life drama. Set against the backdrop of a high-end hotel and everyday urban life, the show delves into the "efficient" pursuit of love in one's 30s, blending workplace dynamics with the thrill (and awkwardness) of modern matchmaking.

Plot Synopsis

At its core, "The Practical Guide to Love" follows Lee Ui-young, a poised and accomplished assistant manager on the purchasing team at The Hills Hotel. Raised under the weight of familial expectations to marry, Lee Ui-young excels professionally – earning the trust of her colleagues – but her personal life remains a blank slate. Restless and yearning for genuine connection, she turns to blind dates as a structured path to romance, only to find herself entangled in a delightful yet dizzying love triangle.

Her first match is Song Tae-seop, a soft-spoken woodworking studio owner whose gentle demeanor hides a steadfast resolve. From their initial meeting, Song Tae-seop envisions a future filled with family and quiet devotion, challenging Lee Ui-young to confront her hesitations about commitment. Enter Shin Ji-soo, her second blind date, who arrives under a borrowed identity but quickly captivates with his impulsive, free-spirited energy. Younger and unbound by convention, Shin Ji-soo shakes up Lee Ui-young's carefully curated world, igniting passions she didn't know she craved.

As memories of playground stargazing with Shin Ji-soo clash with cozy home-cooked dinners alongside Song Tae-seop, Lee Ui-young grapples with an elevator standoff that crystallizes her dilemma: stability or spontaneity? The series unfolds as a witty exploration of what "efficient" love really means, weaving in themes of self-discovery, workplace camaraderie, and the courage to choose amid confusion. It's a story that resonates with anyone who's ever swiped right – or left – while wondering if true love follows a schedule.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

Han Ji-min as Lee Ui-young: The elegant lead, a high-achieving hotelier whose poised exterior masks a vulnerable heart seeking authentic romance. Han Ji-min's portrayal radiates determination and subtle charm, making Lee Ui-young's emotional journey utterly compelling.
Park Sung-hoon as Song Tae-seop: The dependable blind date who owns a woodworking shop, blending quiet strength with warm reliability. Park Sung-hoon infuses the character with a magnetic gentleness, highlighting Song Tae-seop's dream of building a lasting family.
Lee Ki-taek as Shin Ji-soo: The carefree, younger suitor who embodies freedom and unpredictability, gradually softening under Lee Ui-young's influence. Lee Ki-taek captures Shin Ji-soo's bold energy with playful expressions that add layers of intrigue to the love triangle.

Supporting Cast

Jung Hye-sung as Jung Hyun-min: Lee Ui-young's cheerful, open-minded colleague on the purchasing team, injecting levity and support into the group's dynamics.
Kim So-hye as Shim Sae-byeok: The earnest rookie team member, whose awkward sincerity provides heartfelt comic relief and underscores themes of growth.
Shin Jae-ha and Moon Jeong-hee round out the hotel staff, enhancing the vibrant workplace setting.

Reception

Initial Buzz and Critical Reception

"The Practical Guide to Love" has generated significant buzz for its timely take on dating woes, drawing early praise for its sharp wit and emotional authenticity.

Blending Tropes with Relatability

Viewers and fans alike have lauded the seamless blend of rom-com tropes with real-world relatability, particularly the love triangle's tension and the female lead's empowering arc.

Rising Popularity Among Millennials and Gen Z

The series has quickly climbed popularity charts, appealing to those in their 20s and 30s who see echoes of their own "efficient" struggles in its narrative.

From Teasers to Viewer Triumph

The anticipation built through teasers and posters has translated into strong initial viewership, positioning it as a standout in JTBC's lineup.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Webtoon Roots

Adapted from Tari's Naver webtoon "Efficient Dating for Singles" (2021–2022), the drama stays true to the source's humorous efficiency in romance while expanding on character backstories for deeper emotional resonance.

Poster Magic

The promotional calendar poster cleverly mimics a dating planner, with Lee Ui-young sipping a cool drink amid scheduled meetups – highlighting Song Tae-seop's grounded style versus Shin Ji-soo's adventurous vibe – under the tagline teasing a "thrilling schedule" disrupting her routine.

Teaser Tension

The debut teaser masterfully captures the awkward elevator encounter, flashing back to intimate moments like a playground heart-to-heart and a cozy home date, leaving audiences guessing with the on-screen prompt: "Who will you choose?"

Script Reading Sparks

Held on May 14, 2025, the table read buzzed with instant chemistry; Han Ji-min's sincere take on Lee Ui-young set a charming tone, while the contrasting male leads' portrayals amped up the romantic stakes.

Generous Gesture

Han Ji-min surprised the crew with custom sneakers valued at a hefty sum, gifting over 100 pairs to celebrate wrapping principal photography on November 13, 2025.

Filming Frenzy

Shooting kicked off in early 2025, capturing Seoul's urban pulse alongside intimate blind-date locales to ground the fantasy in everyday magic.

Final Thoughts

"The Practical Guide to Love" is more than a rom-com – it's a mirror for modern hearts, reminding us that the most "efficient" path to love often veers off-script into beautiful detours. With stellar performances, laugh-out-loud awkwardness, and a poignant nod to vulnerability, it reaffirms why K-dramas remain a global obsession. Whether you're team Song Tae-seop's steadiness or Shin Ji-soo's spark, this series invites you to root for Lee Ui-young's leap into the unknown. In a year packed with blockbusters, it's a feel-good essential that lingers like a perfectly timed blind date.