If you are new to Korean, we recommend starting with dramas of simple genres – do not immediately rush to “Hwarang” or “Empress Ki.” They often use traditional vocabulary that is not used in everyday life. Try romance, friendship, or fantasy classics: Flowers Over Berries, What Happened to Secretary Kim, Hillier, and more. If you are in the process of learning Korean online, you probably know that there are seemingly endless learning methods. You can work through the textbooks, listen to audio clips of conversations, or work through tasks like this to study Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
You can mix and match these various ways to come up with the learning method that works best for you, but the most important thing is that you are consistent and motivated to stay involved in the learning process. What better way to engage you to learn Korean than to have fun while learning? Grab your popcorn because Korean dramas are about to make learning even more fun!
Table of Contents
The World of the Married
A fascinating series about a married couple’s life – a story of love and betrayal: husband Ji Sung Woo starts an affair with a younger girl on the side. The heroine suffers, wanting to save her marriage and eliminate her rival or to get a divorce and avenge her betrayal. Kim Hee Ae’s acting is mesmerizing. The World of the Married is an adaptation of Dr. Foster’s BBC series, but it looks like a separate standalone series.
The Sound of Your Heart
Since we mentioned Lee Kwang Soo, let’s remember the excellent comedy series starring him. Over the drama, you can laugh heartily and then cry a little. Everyday stories are complemented by irony, sarcasm, and absurdity. Without “toilet” humor nowhere (still, Koreans love it), but there are also many regular jokes.
Running Man
“Running Man” is a classic Korean variety show. Leaders and participants compete with each other. The guests are popular idols, actors, athletes, and different media personalities. But even without them, the releases do not cease to be interesting. The original hosts are always fun to watch. Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Jong-kook, Song Ji-hye – the golden cast.
Knowing Brothers
Must watch. If not for interest, then at least get acquainted with modern Korean shows. Guests come to the All-Knowing Brothers: singers, actors, models, and sometimes K-pop groups in full force. The theme of the show is school. Invited stars communicate with the presenters sitting in the class: they answer tricky questions and perform various tasks. Eternal cast of the program: Kim Hee Chul, Lee Sang Min, Min Kyung Hoon, Kang Ho Dong, Seo Chang Hoon, Kim Yong Chul and Lee Soo Geun.
Squid Game
A new thriller-action drama from Netflix has already received positive reviews worldwide. People compete in a survival game for a cash prize. You stumble – you die. “Sixth Round” differs from classic Korean dramas in its cruelty. We do not recommend watching impressionable people.
Birthday Chronicles
Another not quite typical Korean drama, but in a different vein. “Chronicles of Arthdal” is a fantasy story in a mythical country where tribes fight for power and land. Someone calls the Korean series the Korean “Game of Thrones.” It doesn’t have the same believable sets, and the costumes aren’t always impressive, but the plot is fascinating. Give this drama a chance.
Loneliness in Love
Loneliness in Love is a great Korean drama to dive into if you are starting to learn Korean. It’s very approachable for Korean dramas – the story follows a married couple who break up after the death of their child and what their life looks like after they start dating other people. It’s heartbreaking, it’s (relatively) realistic, and you’ll get an emotional blast very quickly!
Coffee Prince
Coffee Prince was one of the Korean dramas that were so popular that it raised awareness of how excellent Korean dramas are for viewers outside of Korea. Once you start watching, you’ll understand why it helped spread the word about Korean dramas – it’s addicting and tough to stop once you start! This drama follows an unusual romance between the bumbling tomboy Go Eun-Chan (who is mistaken for a boy!) and a wealthy gentleman with no interest in the women his family has set him up with.