Learn Korean with 5 Wildly Entertaining Dramas on Netflix

Learning a new language is not a one-way street. You can learn it by reading stories. You can learn it by listening to audiobooks. You can even learn it by watching a movie or a series. Whatever method you choose, just remember to have fun while you’re at it. Doing something like learning a language is always better when you’re having a good time.

Korean drama, also known as K-drama, is a television series produced in Korea. This type of soap opera is very popular worldwide and a major part of the Korean Wave. The dramas 

encompass a variety of genres from science fiction to romantic comedy. And they are also known for their compelling storylines.  

Whatever you’re in the mood for, there is a K-drama for that! So get ready to immerse yourself in the Korean culture one K-drama at a time. Watching a movie or a show to learn Korean improves your listening and comprehension skills, so why not try it! Feel free to add subtitles as you start bingeing.

Boys Over Flowers

Season: 1 | Episodes: 25

Boys Over Flowers is a Korean drama based on the Japanese manga called Hana Yori Dango (花より男子). This fan-favorite classic follows a girl from a humble home as she clashes with four of her high school’s wealthiest boys. If you are in a mood for a heartwarming and entertaining drama, check out BOF and learn what F4 means. 

The series gained the highest ratings in South Korea and all over Asia. Elle Magazine ranked the show as one of the Best K-Dramas To Binge-Watch on Netflix.  Other Asian countries where the drama was also popular included Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India.

Squid Game

Season: 1 | Episodes: 9

The South Korean survival drama called Squid Game has made waves as soon as it premiered on Netflix in September 2021. The plot involves a group of people, who are in financial trouble risking their lives while participating in a series of deadly children’s games in order to win the prize money of 45.6 billion Won. Squid Game will definitely keep you on your toes, so get ready for a marathon!

Up to date, Squid Game is Netflix’s most-watched series and is one of the most-viewed series in 94 countries. It was also reported that the show will be worth almost $900M in value for the company. A sequel of the dystopian thriller has been confirmed by both Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game creator, and Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO and CCO. So prepare yourself for more restless nights.

Hello, My Twenties!

Season: 2 | Episodes: 26

Hello, My Twenties! also known as Age of Youth is a coming of age K-drama series. The show revolves around the lives of five college students who end up living together in a house called “Belle Epoque.” The show is based on the issues that many twenty-something-year-olds experience. It showcases a group of young women navigating their lives together, dealing with heartbreak, growing pains, and small victories.

If you’re looking for something different, maybe your not so typical K-drama, "Hello, My Twenties!" could be the perfect feel-good drama for you! The show is cheerful, hilarious, and has a bit of drama in it – think about The Sisterhood of the The Traveling Pants with a twist.

Crash Landing on You

Season: 1 | Episodes: 16

The Netflix drama Crash Landing On You aired from December 2019 to January 2020. The plot revolves around a successful South Korean businesswoman who crash-lands in North Korea when paragliding. When she arrives in North Korea, she encounters a Korean People's Army Captain who agrees to help her hide. 

Warning: the drama is full of twists and turns so make sure to grab your tissues before you hit “start.” 

Crash Landing on You became the highest-rated cable TV Korean drama. The show was a huge hit worldwide, and  it received numerous awards. On Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, the hashtag for the final episode received over 400 million views. Variety, an American media organization, named the drama one of the Best International TV Series of 2020.

Navillera

Season: 1 | Episodes: 12

Navillera or Like a Butterfly is a drama based on the Daum webtoon written by Hun and illustrated by Ji-min. The plot revolves around a 23-year old ballet dancer who helps a 70-year old retired mailman with Alzheimer's disease pursue his dream of learning ballet and dancing the Swan Lake. The heartwarming tale illustrates the beauty of friendship and the dedication to make a dream come true, making it a story for everyone.

This inspiring drama showcases two of South Korea's most talented actors. It features both Park In-hwan and Na Moon-hee who are known as the national treasures of South Korea. An interesting fact: Park In-hwan and Na Moon-hee both played a married couple in many Korean dramas.