If you are looking to improve your language skills, watching films is a fun and effective way to immerse yourself in the language. Korean cinema offers a wide range of genres, from heartwarming dramas to thrilling action films, all while providing authentic dialogue and cultural insights. Here are some of our favourite Korean films that will not only entertain you but also help you practice your listening and comprehension skills.
1. Parasite (기생충)
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Without a doubt one of the most iconic films in cinema history, “Parasite” truly opened the global audience’s eyes to Korea’s film scene. Parasite revolves around a poor family who tries to weasel their way into working for a rich family. A breathtaking, jaw-dropping, heart-pounding thrill ride, Director Bong Joon-ho does not hold back on his disapproval of the societal class divide. The gorgeous cinematography, award-worthy acting performances and a wonderful soundtrack all contribute to the perfection that is this film. It is the first Korean film to win the Best Picture Oscar, the Best International Feature Film and Best Picture Oscar, and the Best Director Oscar.
The film features a range of speech styles and registers, from casual family conversations to more formal interactions between individuals of differing social classes. The film also provides deep insights into Korean culture, societal issues, and class dynamics, further enriching the learning experience!
2. The Call (콜)
Directed by: Lee-Chung-hyun
Genres: Mystery, Science-Fiction, Thriller
This film has a rather interesting concept of two women from different time periods connecting through a mysterious phone call. Seo-yeon is a woman living in 2019 who receives a call from Young-sook, a woman living in 1999. This thrilling story combines elements of time travel and supernatural phenomena to build suspense as the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions across different timelines. This film is sure to hold your attention for its entire runtime, and the solid writing, acting and characters make this film a must-watch.
3. The Thieves (도둑들)
Directed by: Choi Dong-hoon
Genres: Action, Crime
“The Thieves” revolves around a group of skilled thieves who come together to steal a valuable diamond. As the heist unfolds, the plot thickens with various twists and turns, including betrayals and shifting alliances. The film is a significant hit in South Korea and internationally, noted for its high production values and blend of genres. The star-studded cast, ever-compelling storyline and a nice balance of action, comedy and drama will be sure to keep you greatly entertained.
This film features a plethora wide range of natural, conversational dialogue, which can help you get a sense of everyday Korean language and slang. However, because it’s a heist film with lots of jargon, fast-paced dialogue, and some complex language, it might be challenging if you’re a beginner. So get ready and focus up, this film will be challenging, but fun, to follow!
4. The Wailing (곡성)
Directed by: Na Hong-jin
Genres: Horror, Mystery
What starts out as a genuinely light-hearted film will end up leaving you wide-eyed and pulling at your hair in shock. Na Hong-jin’s critically acclaimed film tells the story of how an illness starts spreading in a village after a mysterious stranger arrives. This film constantly keeps you on your toes while forcing you to keep your eyes and ears glued to the screen. This isn’t your conventional horror film; Na Hong-jin opts to leave the classic scary stuff at the doorstep, setting the atmosphere instead with a plethora of unsettling imagery, incredible performances, a dark, wicked setting and one of the best scores the genre has ever witnessed. Challenge yourself with picking up on the various dialects and fast-paced emotional dialogues in this thrilling ride of a cinematic masterpiece.
5. Sunny (써니)
Directed by: Kang Hyung-chul
Genres: Comedy, Drama
“Sunny” is a nostalgic film that will send you back in time to your good old schooling days.
The film tells the story of a group of high school friends who reunite years later after one of them, becomes terminally ill and wishes to reconnect with her old friends. The narrative alternates between the present and flashbacks to the 1980s, showcasing the highs and lows of their high school years. Praised for its engaging story, humour, and emotional depth, this is a film that has become dear to the hearts of many. If you enjoy watching realistic, raw relationships unfold and the beauty of friendship, this film is a must-watch!
The dialogue in “Sunny” offers a good mix of formal and informal speech, which will help you improve your listening skills and comprehension of different Korean accents and speech patterns, as well as common phrases and expressions used in daily life. As an added bonus, this film is also a great watch for those interested in Korean culture and history, as it provides a window into the social dynamics of the past.
6. A Taxi Driver (택시운전사)
Directed by: Jang Hoon
Genres: Action, Drama, History
The 2017 film “A Taxi Driver” features one of Song Kang-Ho’s best performances as a taxi driver named Kim Man-seob, who unintentionally becomes involved in the Gwangju Uprising. Highlighting the courage and determination of ordinary people who stand up against oppression, the film reflects on themes of justice, freedom, and the role of individuals in shaping history. This is a very eye-opening and poignant tale, so grab a box of tissues and get comfy.
Besides being a nice way to learn the Korean language, the film’s range of conversational Korean dialogues can be valuable for language learners who are interested in the history and culture of modern South Korean society and politics.
7. Silenced (도가니)
Directed by: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Genres: Drama
Did you know? This film was so influential that it pushed the government to pass a law, further protecting Korea’s hearing-impaired children. This law was even named after the film (The Dogani Bill).
Perhaps one of the most important films in Korea’s history, “Silenced” is based on a true story, telling the story of a teacher, played by the excellent Gong Yoo, who uncovers the horrific abuse of hearing-impaired children by teachers and staff at a Korean school. The children are subjected to sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation, and the film follows the teacher’s struggle to bring the perpetrators to justice and expose the scandal. This film touches on sensitive subject matter, so it might be a tough watch for some. Nonetheless, this film painfully sheds some light on this unfortunate truth, and masterfully throws out emotional punch after punch. Reflecting on the themes of justice and humanity, “Silence” does not hold back on exposing the horrible reality that these children suffered from.
8. Minari
Directed by: Lee Isaac-Chung
Genres: Drama
“Minari” follows the Yi family, who move from California to rural Arkansas in the 1980s to start a new life on a small farm. This film takes a close look at the clash of American and South Korean cultures, exploring the struggles and aspirations of immigrants trying to carve out a new life in America. Specifically, cultural differences, economic hardships, family dynamics, and the search for identity, both personal and cultural.
This film is a masterclass in acting, receiving widespread critical acclaim and several awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for standout star Youn Yuh-jung. Topped off with sublime direction and seemingly effortlessly beautiful cinematography, Minari is an experience that will soar over your expectations with its excellence.
Something worthy of note is that this film is bilingual, featuring a mix of English and Korean. This makes the learning experience extremely beginner-friendly!
Whether you are a beginner or more advanced Korean learner, watching films in their native language always offers valuable exposure to authentic dialogue, diverse accents and everyday expressions. So grab some popconr, turn on the subtitles, and start learning through the magic of Korean cinema!