Best Korean Variety Shows to Binge-Watch This Winter

Winter in Korea means shorter days, colder temperatures, and the perfect excuse to wrap yourself in a cozy blanket with a hot cup of tea. While snow gently falls outside, there's no better time to immerse yourself in Korean culture through one of its most beloved exports: variety shows. These entertaining programs aren't just a great way to pass those long winter evenings—they're also an incredible resource for language learners who want to hear natural Korean conversations, pick up on cultural nuances, and learn expressions that textbooks simply don't teach.

Whether you're already comfortable with Korean or just starting your language journey, variety shows offer entertainment and education in equal measure. Let's explore some of the best Korean variety shows to binge-watch this winter season!

Why Korean Variety Shows Are Perfect for Language Learning

Korean variety shows, known as **예능** (yeneung), represent a unique genre that combines reality TV, game shows, talk shows, and comedy into wildly entertaining formats. Unlike scripted dramas, variety shows feature spontaneous conversations, regional dialects, and the kind of casual speech patterns you'll actually hear in everyday Korean life.

The beauty of learning Korean through variety shows is that you're exposed to **반말** (banmal) – informal speech, **존댓말** (jondaenmal) – formal/polite speech, and everything in between. You'll hear hosts and guests naturally switch between formality levels depending on age, relationship, and context—something that's crucial to understanding Korean social dynamics but difficult to grasp from grammar books alone.

Variety shows also repeat certain phrases and expressions constantly, which helps reinforce vocabulary. You'll quickly pick up expressions like **대박!** (daebak!) – “Awesome!” or “Amazing!”, **진짜?** (jinjja?) – “Really?”, and **헐** (heol) – an expression of shock or disbelief. These shows also feature on-screen captions for nearly everything said, making them perfect study material even for intermediate learners.

If you're looking to enhance your Korean learning journey with structured lessons alongside your variety show marathons, platforms like uBitto for learners can help you understand the grammar structures and cultural contexts behind the expressions you're hearing on screen.

Running Man: The Ultimate Gateway Show

If you're new to Korean variety shows, **런닝맨** (Reonningmaen) – Running Man is the perfect starting point. This long-running show, which began in 2010, features a cast of comedians and entertainers competing in various missions and games across different locations in Seoul and beyond.

The show's format is brilliantly simple: cast members and celebrity guests form teams and compete in physical and mental challenges. What makes Running Man special is the genuine chemistry between cast members and their playful **허세** (heosae) – showing off or bluffing, which leads to hilarious situations.

For language learners, Running Man is fantastic because the games often involve word play, **끝말잇기** (kkeunmalitgi) – word chain games where the last syllable of one word becomes the first syllable of the next, and plenty of shouted exclamations that help you understand how Koreans express excitement, frustration, and surprise.

Common phrases you'll learn:

• **아웃이에요!** (aut-ieyo!) – “You're out!”
• **이겼다!** (igyeotda!) – “I won!”
• **배신자** (baesinja) – “Betrayer” (a Running Man classic)
• **미션 시작!** (misyeon sijak!) – “Mission start!”

The show also takes viewers to various neighborhoods and landmarks throughout Korea, offering cultural context about different regions, famous restaurants serving **먹방** (meokbang) – eating broadcast worthy food, and historical sites—all while keeping you thoroughly entertained.

I Live Alone: A Window into Korean Daily Life

**나 혼자 산다** (Na Honja Sanda) – literally “I Live Alone,” offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily routines of Korean celebrities living solo. This observational variety show follows cast members through their everyday activities—from their morning routines to late-night snacks, cleaning sessions to hobby pursuits.

What makes this show invaluable for language learners is its focus on mundane, everyday vocabulary. You'll learn words related to **집안일** (jiban-il) – housework, cooking terms while watching them prepare **자취 요리** (chwi yori) – meals cooked while living alone, and expressions about relaxation and self-care.

The show's commentary panel, which watches and reacts to the footage together, demonstrates natural conversation flow and group dynamics. You'll observe how Koreans use **맞장구** (matjanggu) – agreeing responses or filler words like “그렇지!” (geureochi!) – “That's right!” and “진짜요?” (jinjjayo?) – “Really?” to maintain conversation flow.

Useful vocabulary from the show:

• **집순이/집돌이** (jipsuni/jipdori) – homebody (female/male)
• **혼술** (honsul) – drinking alone
• **힐링** (hilling) – healing/relaxing
• **자취방** (jchwibang) – room/apartment for living alone
• **배달 음식** (baedal eumsik) – delivery food

Winter is the perfect season to enjoy this show, as many episodes feature cast members staying cozy at home—something you can relate to while bundled up yourself!

New Journey to the West: Adventure and Friendship

**신서유기** (Sinseoyugi) – New Journey to the West takes the concept of the classic Chinese novel and transforms it into a modern Korean variety show adventure. The cast travels to different locations (often internationally), completes missions, plays games, and searches for **용구슬** (yongguseul) – dragon balls, all while maintaining incredible comedic timing.

This show is particularly helpful for learning Korean because it features extensive **수다** (suda) – chatting and conversation among friends. The cast members have known each other for years, so their interactions feel authentic and unforced. You'll hear how Korean friends really talk to each other, including playful teasing called **디스** (diseu), inside jokes, and comfortable silence.

The travel aspect also introduces vocabulary related to directions, food ordering, accommodations, and dealing with unexpected situations—all practical scenarios for anyone planning to visit or live in Korea.

Key expressions you'll encounter:

• **대박 맛있다** (daebak masitda) – “This is incredibly delicious”
• **배고파 죽겠어** (baeopa jukkesseo) – “I'm starving” (literally: I'm hungry to death)
• **여기 어디야?** (yeogi eodiya?) – “Where are we?”
• **길 잃었어** (gil ireosseo) – “We're lost”
• **진심?** (jinsim?) – “Seriously?” or “For real?”

For educators looking to incorporate authentic Korean media into their teaching methods, shows like New Journey to the West offer excellent material for discussion and analysis. uBitto for educators provides tools to create engaging lessons around real-world Korean content, helping students connect classroom learning with cultural immersion.

How to Maximize Your Learning While Watching

Simply watching variety shows is entertaining, but with a few strategic approaches, you can transform your binge-watching sessions into effective study time without losing the fun factor.

Use Korean subtitles when possible: Start with English subtitles if you're a beginner, but gradually transition to Korean subtitles, known as **자막** (jamak). This helps you connect spoken Korean with written Hangeul and improves your reading speed.

Keep a vocabulary notebook: When you hear an interesting expression or word repeated multiple times, jot it down. Variety shows naturally emphasize certain catchphrases and slang, making them easier to remember. Write down the Korean, romanization, and context in which it was used.

Mimic the intonation: Korean is a language where **억양** (eogyang) – intonation carries significant meaning. Variety shows are perfect for practicing this because the exaggerated reactions and emotions help you understand how tone changes meaning. Try repeating phrases out loud, copying the speakers' energy and emphasis.

Watch with friends: If you know other Korean learners, organize a **시청 모임** (sicheong moim) – viewing party. Discussing what you watched in Korean (even at a basic level) reinforces learning and makes it more social and enjoyable.

Research the cultural references: Variety shows often mention Korean celebrities, historical events, popular songs, or cultural phenomena. When something goes over your head, take a moment to look it up. This contextual learning helps you understand Korea beyond just the language.

For those serious about structured progress alongside entertainment-based learning, uBitto offers AI-powered Korean learning tools that adapt to your level and interests, creating a comprehensive learning experience that complements your variety show studies.

Make This Winter Your Korean Learning Season

Winter's cozy atmosphere creates the perfect environment for a Korean variety show marathon, and there's no better time to combine comfort with cultural learning. Whether you're laughing along with the Running Man cast, relating to the solitary routines on I Live Alone, or adventuring vicariously through New Journey to the West, you're not just being entertained—you're training your ear for Korean speech patterns, absorbing cultural knowledge, and building vocabulary in the most enjoyable way possible.

The key is consistency and engagement. Don't just passively watch; actively listen, repeat phrases, notice patterns, and embrace the cultural context surrounding every joke and situation. Korean variety shows offer a window into the heart of Korean culture: the importance of **정** (jeong) – deep affection and bonds, the value placed on **웃음** (useum) – laughter, and the beautiful messiness of authentic human interaction.

So grab your warmest blanket, prepare some **팝콘** (papkon) – popcorn or perhaps some **치킨** (chikin) – Korean fried chicken, and settle in for a winter of learning disguised as entertainment. Your Korean skills will thank you, and you'll have a lot of fun in the process. Which variety show will you start with? 화이팅! (Hwaiting!) – You can do it!