Netflix’s Korean content can be an excellent tool for foreigners learning Korean. Through dramas, variety shows, and documentaries, learners can naturally pick up Korean expressions and cultural nuances. This article introduces the best Netflix Korean content for learning Korean and provides tips to maximize learning effectiveness.
1. Best Netflix Korean Dramas for Beginners
1) Crash Landing on You(사랑의 불시착)
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin
- Difficulty Level: ★★☆☆☆ (Basic Korean conversations included)
- Learning Points:
- Learn natural dating expressions and everyday conversations.
- Understand the differences in speech between North and South Korea.
- Why is it recommended?
- Easy-to-follow romance dialogues help beginners understand Korean.
- Emotional expressions and situational phrases provide useful context.
2) Extraordinary Attorney Woo (이상한 변호사 우영우)
- Genre: Legal Drama, Healing
- Cast: Park Eun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, Kang Ki-young
- Difficulty Level: ★★☆☆☆ (Some technical terms included)
- Learning Points:
- Learn formal and polite Korean expressions.
- Understand Korean legal terms and workplace conversations.
- Why is it recommended?
- The protagonist speaks clearly, making it easier to listen and understand.
- Offering a mix of professional and daily conversations, helpful for learners.
2. Best Netflix Korean Variety Shows for Intermediate Learners
1) Youn’s Kitchen (윤식당) / Jinny’s Kitchen (서진이네)
- Genre: Reality, Travel, Cooking
- Cast: Lee Seo-jin, Park Seo-joon, Jung Yu-mi, Choi Woo-shik, BTS V
- Difficulty Level: ★★★☆☆ (Casual everyday expressions included)
- Learning Points:
- Learn basic Korean phrases used in restaurants.
- Pick up natural conversations between coworkers and customers.
- Why is it recommended?
- Features friendly conversations that are easy to use in daily life.
- Mixes Korean and English, making it more accessible for learners.
2) Physical: 100
- Genre: Sports Survival
- Cast: Athletes, firefighters, military personnel
- Difficulty Level: ★★★☆☆ (Sports-related vocabulary included)
- Learning Points:
- Listen to natural expressions used in competitive settings.
- Understand motivational phrases and casual speech.
- Why is it recommended?
- Short, straightforward sentences make it good for listening practice.
- Helping learners understand Korean expressions related to competition and teamwork.
3. Best Netflix Korean Documentaries for Advanced Learners
1) In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal (나는 신이다)
- Genre: Documentary, Crime
- Difficulty Level: ★★★★☆ (Complex and formal expressions included)
- Learning Points:
- Understand how news-style reporting is structured in Korean.
- Learn advanced vocabulary related to social issues.
- Why is it recommended?
- Provides exposure to formal Korean used in journalism and interviews.
- Great for expanding vocabulary related to law, crime, and society.
2) Paik’s Spirit (백스피릿)
- Genre: Food Documentary, Talk Show
- Cast: Baek Jong-won & celebrity guests
- Difficulty Level: ★★★★☆ (Regional dialects and casual speech included)
- Learning Points:
- Explore Korean food culture and related expressions.
- Listen to different dialects and conversational Korean.
- Why is it recommended?
- Offering real conversations with various guests, showcasing different speaking styles.
- Teaching food-related vocabulary while discussing Korean cuisine.
4. Effective Korean Learning Strategies with Netflix
1) Watch with Korean Subtitles
- Start with your native language subtitles, then switch to Korean-only subtitles.
- Eventually, try watching without subtitles to improve your listening skills.
2) Practice Key Phrases (Shadowing Method)
- Repeat and mimic key dialogues to improve pronunciation and fluency.
- Focus on emotion and tone when speaking.
3) Rewatch Key Scenes
- Replay important scenes multiple times to understand context-based expressions.
- Focus on body language and gestures that accompany speech.
4) Use Korean Learning Apps Alongside Netflix
- Review new vocabulary from Netflix content using language learning apps.
Netflix Korean content is an excellent resource for language learners. Beginners can start with dramas featuring everyday conversations, intermediate learners can practice through reality shows, and advanced learners can improve their skills with documentaries. By actively using Netflix as a study tool, you can enjoy learning Korean while picking up natural expressions.