With the rise of OTT services like Netflix, Korean dramas are gaining global popularity. Among them, Squid Game made a huge impact, landing in the Top 10 in 94 countries. The release of Season 2 in late 2024 further stirred excitement.
This surge in popularity is also driving an increase in people deciding to learn Korean with K-dramas. In fact, many of my students decided to learn Korean after becoming fans of K-dramas. So, is K-drama good for learning Korean? And what is the most effective how to learn Korean with dramas?
Benefits of Learning Korean with K-Dramas
Using K-dramas to learn Korean is an excellent method, primarily for two reasons.
1. You Hear Everyday, Natural Language
Unlike textbooks or classroom lessons, dramas expose you to everyday conversational Korean, filled with natural expressions, intonation, and speed. This helps learners understand how the grammar and vocabulary they study are used in real-life contexts. For instance, dramas feature trendy slang, colloquial speech, and a variety of accents, offering a more lively and dynamic way to learn Korean with K-dramas.
2. You Understand Korean Culture
Language is a vessel for our thoughts.
Language is deeply connected to culture, and understanding the cultural background can significantly enhance your grasp of the language. Dramas reflect various aspects of Korean society, giving you insights into the mindset, customs, and daily lives of Koreans. Why do people use certain honorifics? Why is that food important? Dramas answer these questions contextually, adding depth to your learning.
Problems with Learning Korean from Dramas
Despite the benefits, relying only on dramas can cause problems. Here are the main problems with learning Korean from dramas.
1. Informal Speech (반말, Banmal)
I once had a student who self-studied Korean by watching dramas and became quite fluent. She even won a Korean speech contest.
However, there was a big issue—she couldn’t properly use formal language (존댓말, jondaetmal). She had developed a habit of using informal speech (반말, banmal) in situations where formal language was required. In Korean, it’s crucial to know when to use formal and informal speech, and failing to do so can lead to awkward or inappropriate interactions.
2. Unrealistic Phrases
While most dialogue in dramas can be applied in everyday situations, some expressions are exaggerated for dramatic effect. For example, a phrase like “너, 거기 안 서?” (You! Stop right there!) is often used in chase scenes, but saying this in a normal conversation would sound strange. I remember a friend in middle school once said this, and the rest of us were left speechless! You might learn phrases that are “correct” but socially weird.
How to Learn Korean with Dramas (A 3-Step Study Method)
So, what is the best K-drama study method? You could use subtitles or rewatch scenes, but the most important thing is to not lose the joy of watching.
If you become too focused on studying, you might lose interest in the dramas altogether. Here is a balanced, 3-step K-drama study method that combines enjoyment with active learning.
Step 1: The First Watch (For Fun)
Watch the episode with your native language subtitles (e.g., English). The goal of this step is 100% enjoyment. Don’t pause. Don’t take notes. Just follow the plot, enjoy the characters, and absorb the sounds of the language passively. This builds your listening comprehension and connects you to the story.
Step 2: The Second Watch (Active Study)
Re-watch one 5-10 minute scene with Korean subtitles (Hangul). This is the most important step for active learning. Now that you know the plot, you can focus on the language.
- Find a scene you enjoyed or found interesting.
- Turn on the Korean subtitles.
- Read along as you listen. Pause when you hear an interesting phrase.
- This is when you connect the sound you heard in Step 1 with the text you see now.
- Write down 1-3 new expressions you want to remember. (My original advice: “Even just one phrase is enough!”)
Step 3: The Third Watch (Practice & Shadowing)
Re-watch that same 5-10 minute scene with no subtitles. Now, your goal is to practice. Try “shadowing”—speaking along with the actors, trying to match their speed, intonation, and pronunciation. It will feel silly at first, but it is one of the most powerful ways to improve your fluency and accent.
A Final Piece of Advice
That’s all you need. By simply watching dramas (Step 1), your listening skills will improve. By adding the active study steps (2 and 3), you’ll see your vocabulary and speaking skills grow dramatically.
As I advised my Dutch student, take the few expressions you learned and show them to a native teacher or friend. Ask them, “Is this natural? When can I use this?” This closes the loop and ensures you’re not learning any of the “unrealistic phrases” mentioned earlier.
➤ Korean dramas are undoubtedly a great tool for learning the language. By using this K-drama study method, you can avoid the common problems with learning Korean from dramas and make your learning both effective and fun.
For those looking for more serious practice, try using the Korean language app ‘Podo Korean’, which offers drama-based lessons where you can watch scenes and learn useful expressions.
