The Ultimate Guide to Discovering the Best Kdramas for Beginners
Korean dramas, also known as Kdramas, have taken the world by storm with their captivating storylines, talented actors, and unique cultural perspectives. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned viewer, there’s a Kdrama out there for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 15 Kdramas that are perfect for beginners, along with some tips on how to enhance your viewing experience. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready to be immersed in the world of Kdramas!
Why Kdramas?
Kdramas offer a unique blend of romance, comedy, drama, and even fantasy or historical elements. They provide a window into Korean culture, traditions, and societal norms, making them an excellent tool for language learners. With authentic dialogue, colorful vocabulary, and useful idioms, Kdramas can help you improve your Korean language skills while being entertained.
How to Watch Kdramas?
Before we delve into the top Kdramas for beginners, let’s explore the various platforms where you can watch them. One of the most popular streaming services for Kdramas is Netflix. With a vast library of titles, you can easily find a Kdrama that suits your taste. Other platforms like Viki and Hulu also offer a wide selection of Kdramas with subtitles in multiple languages. Additionally, you can find some Kdramas on DVD or even on free streaming websites.
Top 15 Kdramas for Beginners
1. "Crash Landing on You" (사랑의 불시착)
"Crash Landing on You" is a heartwarming romantic Kdrama that follows the story of Yoon Se-ri, the president of a prominent South Korean fashion company, and Ri Jung-hyuk, a North Korean soldier. After a paragliding accident, Yoon Se-ri finds herself in North Korea, where she encounters Ri Jung-hyuk. Despite their differences, Captain Ri helps her navigate the challenges of being in a foreign country. This Kdrama offers a unique opportunity to learn vocabulary from different backgrounds and even hear North Korean speech.
2. "My ID Is Gangnam Beauty" (내 아이디는 강남미인)
In "My ID Is Gangnam Beauty," Kang Mi-rae undergoes plastic surgery before starting college to avoid standing out. This drama explores societal beauty standards and the concept of true beauty and love. Set in a college environment, it provides insight into how younger Koreans interact with their peers and older adults.
3. "Coffee Prince" (커피프린스 1호점)
"Coffee Prince" is a popular Kdrama that tells the unlikely love story between Go Eun-chan, a tomboy from a poor family, and Choi Han-gyul, a womanizer from a wealthy background. Unaware of Go Eun-chan’s gender, Choi Han-gyul hires her to work in his café. This drama introduces vocabulary related to food and beverages and showcases the incorporation of anglicisms in modern Korean language.
4. "Romance Is a Bonus Book" (로맨스는 별책부록)
"Romance Is a Bonus Book" revolves around Kang Dan-yi, who faces difficult life changes after a messy divorce and struggles to re-enter the workforce. She lies about her age and background to secure an internship at a publishing company where her friend Cha Eun-ho works as an editor. This drama offers an opportunity to learn language related to books and publishing.
5. "What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?" (김비서가 왜 그럴까)
"What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?" follows the story of a vice-president who tries to convince his long-time secretary not to resign. The drama provides insights into Korean work culture and can help you pick up slang and everyday words used in the workplace.
6. "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (갯마을 차차차)
Set in a charming seaside village, "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" tells the story of Yoon Hye-jin, a dentist who moves from Seoul. She becomes closer to Hong Du-sik, who helps everyone in the village. This slice-of-life series offers a relaxing experience while exploring the lives of the village residents and their interconnected stories.
7. "Descendants of the Sun" (태양의 후예)
"Descendants of the Sun" is a romantic drama featuring the love story between soldier Yoo Si-jin and doctor Kang Mo-yeon. Set in the fictional country of Urk, it provides a mix of romance, action, and suspense. This drama gained immense popularity both in Korea and internationally.
8. "It’s Okay to Not Be Okay" (사이코지만 괜찮아)
"It’s Okay to Not Be Okay" is a top romantic drama from 2020 that focuses on Moon Kang-tae, a compassionate psych ward nurse, and Go Mu-young, a children’s book author with antisocial personality disorder. The drama sheds light on mental health in South Korea and features whimsical language during narration sequences.
9. "Memories of the Alhambra" (알함브라 궁전의 추억)
"Memories of the Alhambra" combines augmented reality video games with a visually striking and offbeat storyline. As the plot unfolds, CEO Yoo Jin-woo becomes entangled in a complex web of virtual reality and real-life events. This drama offers an opportunity to hear the sounds of Korean while enjoying great visuals and an international atmosphere.
10. "Oh My Ghost" (오 나의 귀신님)
"Oh My Ghost" is a supernatural Kdrama set in the food world. Na Bong-sun, a shy restaurant employee, becomes possessed by a ghost determined to experience romance before moving on to the afterlife. This drama features scenes set in a restaurant kitchen, providing insight into Korean and international cuisine.
11. "My Love from the Star" (별에서 온 그대)
"My Love from the Star" follows the story of Do Min-joon, an alien who landed on Earth 400 years ago. He falls in love with actress Cheon Song-yi and must navigate the challenges of their relationship. This drama showcases a wide range of expressions and levels of speech, reflecting the evolution of Do Min-joon’s language as he warms up to Cheon Song-yi.
12. "The Uncanny Counter" (경이로운 소문)
"The Uncanny Counter" is an engaging superhero action drama adapted from a popular webtoon. It revolves around a group of demon hunters who protect the world by capturing evil spirits. This drama provides an opportunity to hear young people’s speech and casual terms.
13. "Goblin" (도깨비)
"Goblin" is a highly acclaimed Kdrama that combines modern-day romance with mythology and fantasy. The story follows a 900-year-old goblin who searches for his bride to end his curse. This drama features historical language and explores themes of life, death, and love.
14. "Hotel del Luna" (호텔 델루나)
"Hotel del Luna" is a captivating drama set in a hotel that caters to spirits before they move on to the afterlife. The CEO, Jang Man-wol, is cursed to run the hotel due to past crimes. This drama offers a glimpse into the supernatural world and the transformation of Jang Man-wol’s character.
15. "Signal" (시그널)
"Signal" is a detective series with a unique twist. Detectives from different time periods communicate through a walkie-talkie to solve complicated cases. This drama highlights the consequences of their actions and features police terminology and honorific speech.
Tips for Enhancing Your Kdrama Experience
Now that you know the top Kdramas for beginners, here are some tips to make the most out of your viewing experience:
1. Choose a drama you like
Select a Kdrama that aligns with your interests and preferences. When you genuinely enjoy what you watch, you’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated to continue.
2. Watch actively
Instead of passively watching, actively engage with the drama. Pay attention to the dialogue, facial expressions, and body language of the characters. Write down difficult words or expressions and try to understand them from context before referring to a dictionary.
3. Watch with Korean subtitles
Watching with Korean subtitles can help you improve your reading skills and reinforce your understanding of the dialogue. It also allows you to practice reading Hangul and familiarize yourself with sentence structures.
4. Read along
As you watch, try to read the subtitles out loud and immerse yourself in the language. This exercise can improve your pronunciation, reading speed, and overall comprehension.
5. Focus on the plot
Even as a beginner, you can follow the main plot of a Kdrama without relying heavily on subtitles. By paying attention to the characters' actions and reactions, you can understand the general storyline and context.
6. Immerse yourself in Korean culture
While watching Kdramas, take note of cultural aspects, traditions, and societal norms depicted in the series. This will deepen your understanding of Korean culture and enhance your overall language learning experience.
7. Take breaks and reflect
After watching a few episodes, take a break to reflect on what you’ve learned. Review any new vocabulary or expressions and try to use them in your own sentences or conversations.
8. Discuss with fellow viewers
Engage in discussions with fellow Kdrama enthusiasts. Join online forums or communities where you can share your thoughts, ask questions, and exchange recommendations. This interaction will further enrich your Kdrama experience.
9. Use supplemental learning resources
To complement your Kdrama viewing, consider using supplemental learning resources like language learning apps or websites. FluentU, for example, offers a wide range of Kdrama clips with interactive subtitles, vocabulary lists, and exercises.
10. Binge watch responsibly
While it can be tempting to binge-watch an entire series in one sitting, remember to pace yourself. Take breaks, get some fresh air, and allow time for reflection and assimilation of the language and content.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to embark on your Kdrama journey and enhance your Korean language skills while immersing yourself in captivating storylines and cultural experiences.
Conclusion
Kdramas offer a fantastic opportunity to learn Korean while being entertained. With a wide range of genres, captivating plots, and talented actors, there’s a Kdrama for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid viewer, these top 15 Kdramas provide an excellent starting point to explore the world of Kdramas. So grab your favorite snacks, find a cozy spot, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into Korean culture through the captivating world of Kdramas!
Remember to indulge responsibly and enjoy your Kdrama experience to the fullest! Happy watching!
Additional Information
Recommended Kdrama Viewing List
Here is a compiled list of the top 15 Kdramas for beginners, along with the streaming platforms where you can find them:
1. "Crash Landing on You" - Netflix
2. "My ID Is Gangnam Beauty" - Netflix, Viki, DVD
3. "Coffee Prince" – Viki, Netflix
4. "Romance Is a Bonus Book" - Netflix
5. "What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?" - Hulu, Viki, Netflix
6. "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" - Netflix
7. "Descendants of the Sun" - Amazon Prime, Hulu, Viki, Netflix
8. "It’s Okay to Not Be Okay" - Netflix
9. "Memories of the Alhambra" - Netflix
10. "Oh My Ghost" – Viki, Netflix
11. "My Love from the Star" – Viki, Netflix
12. "The Uncanny Counter" - Netflix
13. "Goblin" - Amazon Prime, Viki
14. "Hotel del Luna" - Netflix, Viki
15. "Signal" - Amazon Prime, Netflix, Viki
