Korean drama culture words open the door for us to get closer to our favorite drama.
Why Learn Korean drama culture words?
Stories, fables, and tales change from time to time, place to place. But the thing that does not change is human emotions. Korean dramas depict such storylines that create a strong impact not only on the locals but also on international viewers. We international audiences enjoy our favorite drama with the support of the subtitles. But we should be aware of a few key phrases that are common in almost every drama.
Korean drama culture words empower the non-Korean audience to learn a little more about the native vocabulary while creating a bond between the audience and Korea’s rich culture.
So we are here to help you with those key phrases. Although we cannot teach you Korean in one go, the below list will surely help you get hold of the Korean drama culture words. These words are popular terms used in K-drama and by its audiences.
Top 50 Romance Korean Dramas That Will Melt Your Heart (Updated 2019)
01. Ageyo
Behaving and acting overly cute and innocent. You will find the actor often doing ageyo and is indeed one of the most popular Korean drama culture words.
02. Andwae
This Korean drama culture word is a translation for ‘No way’.
03. Ajushi
Literally means Uncle, but also for a man who is older than you or middle-aged. It is like calling someone mister. One Korean drama culture word that is very common in Kdrama.
04. Ajumma
Literally means Aunty, but also for a lady who is older than you or middle-aged. It is like calling someone Ma’am in English.
05. Banana Milk
A banana beverage which has become very popular in Korea. Most of the time you will find people drinking and holding banana milk bottles with a straw.
06. Bogoshipo
It is an informal way of saying I miss you in Korean.
07. Bromance
Romance between the Bros. Often chemistry between two actors or idols becomes so good that it almost seems like romantic. Even if it is not. A widely popular One of the popular Korean drama culture word.
08. Chingu
In Korea, friends are called chingus. A Korean drama culture word that you can starting using right away.
09. Chaebol
A Chaebol is a person who is one of the heirs of the overly rich family conglomerate.
10. Daebak
This term is an expression to express something big or amazing in a positive way. This word is a must in Korean drama culture words.
11. Dongseng
One can call this to anyone who is younger to them irrespective of their gender.
12. Enlistment
To get enrolled for serving in the army. It is mandatory for every able-body Korean male to serve in the military. After attaining the age of 20 a Korean male has to serve in the military for less than 2 years.
13. Flower Boy
A beautiful boy who is attractive and has a model like personality. This Korean drama culture word is used to describe guys who dress well and have an effortless charm.
14. Gomawo/kamsahamnida
Korean translation for ‘Thank you’. The first one is used in informal speech. The latter is used in formal speech or in a polite manner. One of the often used Korean drama culture words.
15. Gwaenchanha
Korean translation for ‘Its okay’. With “?” it becomes ‘Are you okay ?’.
16. Hallyu
Hallyu means “The Korean Wave”. This word refers to the rise of the popularity of the Korean media and entertainment industry in the world.
17. Hanbok
Traditional Korean dress. Nowadays it is only worn on special occasions or anniversaries.
18. Hyung
Older brother called by males in Korea. This can be a Korean drama culture word that you can add to your vocabulary.
19. Hajima
Stop it, don’t do, don’t, or don’t go, depend on the context. You have probably heard this word in an emotional scene between the two leads. This Korean drama culture word does sound interesting.
20. Jagiya
A term used to call one’s spouse or partner. Koreans use this term when they want to call their lover in a lovely way. Like darling, honey, sweety etc.
21. Jinjja
Korean translation for really, truly etc. Mostly it is used as an exclamatory expression of being surprised like- REALLY!! And yes, this is a very sweet Korean drama culture word.
22. Joahae
To like something. The main lead says this when they confess ‘ I like you’. Indeed a romantic Korean drama culture word to come across in dramas.
23. Kimchi
It’s a popular Korean dish made commonly with pickled cabbage and red pepper powder. This dish is most likely mentioned in every K-drama.
24. Manhwa
Korean comics are called Manhwa.
25. Melodrama
A K-drama genre that is overly dramatic.
26. Mul/Mool
Water in Korean.
27. Mianhae/joesonghabnida
Korean translation for ‘Sorry’. The first one is used in informal speech. The latter is used in formal speech or in a polite manner.
28. Namja
Korean word for ‘Man’
29. Noona
Korean males called noona to their elder sister or other women who are older than them.
30. Noona Killer
A young guy who can flutters the heart of all the noonas out there.
31. OMO
It is an exclamation. It is like OMG in Korean.
32. Oppa
Korean females called Oppa to their elder brother or other guys who are older than them. Women also use this to flirt or show affection to a guy who is not related to that woman.
33. OST
It stands for Orignal Sound Track. These soundtracks are created specifically for K-dramas.
34. Ottoke
Korean word for What to do?
35. OTP
One True Pairing. We use this term to indicate our favourite parings in the drama/movies.
36. Palli
Korean translation for fast. You must have heard when most of the moms screaming to their children to do the work fast, they say ‘palli palli’. One of the popular Korean drama culture words.
37. Pabo
Korean word for calling someone stupid, dumb or fool.
38. Piggy Back
To give a back ride. Commonly a hot guy carries a girl in on his back. But girls also gives guys piggyback when her character is strong or hard working.
39. Ramyun
They call ramen noodles ramyun. Every drama looks empty without a bowel of ramyun in it.
40. Sarang
Korean translation: Love. One of the popular Korean drama culture words.
41. Second Lead Syndrome
SLS is where the audience cheer for the second lead to get the girl. The second lead never gets the girl in almost 80 out of 100 dramas.
42. Shipping
Taken from the word relation’ship’. It is used to support any pair. One of the popular Korean drama culture words.
43. Skinship
It is when two people share a physical touch. It is not necessary to be intentional.
44. Soju
Alcohol, popular among the Koreans. Traditional it is made from rice.
45. Unnie
‘Older sister’ in Korean, called by younger females. Both the female may or may not be related to each other.
46. Wae?
Korean translation for ‘Why’ in informal speech. When said as wae-yo, it sounds more formal. One of the popular Korean drama culture words.
47. Yeppo
Yeppo means pretty in Korean.
48. Yaksok
Yaksok means promise in Korean.
49. Yeobo
This term is used between married couples only. Koreans use this term when they want to call their spouse in a lovely way. It gives cringe when an unmarried couple uses this term.
50. Yeoja
Korean word for ‘Women’.
Among many such Korean drama culture words, these are the most popular ones that people catch up easily and use frequently well. Learning a new language and culture with all respect is always exciting and Korean drama culture words work exactly that way!