Do you need a fun way to improve your Korean skills without traveling to Korea?Watching Korean TV shows is a great way to immerse yourself in the Korean language.

You will have an opportunity to learn useful phrases and slang, experience new words that will help build your vocabulary, and be exposed to different speaking styles in real world settings. You will also be exposed to Korean culture such as: fashion trends, people’s relationships, cultural phenomena, values and perceptions, and so on…

Even if you do not understand everything that comes out of the speakers’ mouths, you can still understand what is happening through their facial expressions, body language, and settings. If you would like to check your understanding of the show later on, there are many Korean TV shows with English subtitles that you can watch.

If you are like many of my non-Korean friends who love to watch Korean TV shows, I would like to introduce you to the following TV shows that are currently popular in Korea. I hope these shows will help you to improve your Korean language skills and your understanding of Korean culture while you enjoy watching them.

1. 월계수 양복점 신사들 (The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop): This drama has recorded over 30% viewership rating according to Nielsen Korea, a TV show rating agency in Korea. The drama is about 4 tailors who make men’s suits: their work, competition, friendship, family, and romance with a bit of comedy added. The lead actors are In-Pyo Cha and Mi-Ran La, with supporting actors Dong-Gun Lee and Yoon-Hee Jo.

1. 해피 선데이 (Happy Sunday) is a reality-variety show that consist of “슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다 (The Return of Superman)” and “1박 2일 (2 Days/1 night)”

• 1박 2일 (2 Days/1 night): Well-known Korean celebrities travel to different places in Korea and also overseas each week. During their adventures, cast members have to battle for their food and lodging through various games and challenges; survival of the fittest. This show has been aired since 2007.

• 슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다 (The Return of Superman): This is a reality show that casts celebrity dads and their children. Dads who work outside of the house, not familiar with child rearing, are left alone with their children for 48 hours. They have to take care of their children without their wives’ help. They will either complete tasks (that their wives left for them) with their children or spend time with their children by exploring new activities. This show is popular because each episode brings warmth and humor to viewers between inexperienced dads and adorable and innocent children’s struggle and love.

If you are interested in watching more Korean TV shows and movies, Netflix and Amazon Prime also have many different genres of Korean drams and movies for you to enjoy.

What is your favorite Korean TV shows or movies?

감사합니다! (Thank you!)