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 and setting a record for the most viewing hours. The much-anticipated release of Season 2 on December 26, 2024, is already stirring excitement. This surge in popularity is also driving an increase in people learning Korean. In fact, many of my students have decided to learn Korean after becoming fans of K-dramas. So, how effective is it to learn Korean through dramas?
Benefits of Learning Korean Through Dramas
Everyday language
Unlike textbooks or classroom lessons, dramas expose you to everyday conversational Korean, filled with natural expressions. 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.
Understanding 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. This cultural understanding adds depth to language learning.
Drawbacks of Learning Korean Through Dramas
Informal Speech (반말)
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). She had developed a habit of using informal speech (반말) 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.
Unrealistic Phrases
While most dialogue in dramas can be applied in everyday situations, there are times when the expressions are exaggerated or unrealistic due to the nature of the medium. 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!
How to Learn Korean Through Dramas
You could use subtitles, rewatch scenes, or employ other study techniques, but I don’t want to focus on that. After all, we watch K-dramas to enjoy them, not solely to learn Korean, right? If you become too focused on studying, you might lose interest in the dramas altogether.
One of my students, a Dutch K-drama enthusiast, loves watching them. I gave her this advice: “If you come across an interesting or curious expression while watching, write it down and show it to me.” Even just one phrase is enough. Then, try to adapt it to your own story. If you can practice this with a native teacher or a friend, even better!
That’s all you need. By simply watching dramas, your listening skills will improve, and you’ll pick up a lot of vocabulary effortlessly. If you want a more structured approach, give my suggestion a try.
➤ Korean dramas are undoubtedly a great tool for learning the language, though there are some downsides that need addressing. Make use of native-speaking teachers or friends to help guide your learning.
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.
