Streaming Services
- Viki: The largest streaming service for Korean content, with over 300,000 episodes of variety shows.
- Kocowa: A premium streaming service that offers over 200,000 episodes of Korean variety shows, dramas, and movies.
- OnDemandKorea: A subscription-based streaming service that features a vast library of Korean variety shows and other content.
- Netflix: A popular streaming service that offers a growing selection of Korean variety shows, including original productions.
- Amazon Prime Video: A streaming service that offers a limited selection of Korean variety shows, but includes some exclusive content.
- YouTube: The video-sharing platform hosts a wide range of Korean variety shows, many of which are available for free.
Free Streaming Sites
- DramaFever: A free streaming site that offers a limited selection of Korean variety shows, but features a dedicated section for them.
- Kdrama Hallyu: A free streaming site that offers a good variety of Korean variety shows, dramas, and movies.
- KissAsian: A free streaming site that hosts a large collection of Korean variety shows, but may contain pop-up ads.
- MyAsianTV: A free streaming site that offers a good selection of Korean variety shows, but requires account creation.
- HanCinema: A free streaming site that offers a limited selection of Korean variety shows, but provides detailed information on each show.
TV Channels
- KBS World: A Korean public broadcaster that airs a variety of Korean variety shows with English subtitles.
- MBC Every1: A Korean cable channel that specializes in Korean variety shows.
- tvN: A Korean cable channel that airs a wide range of Korean variety shows, including popular shows like “Running Man” and “Knowing Bros.”
- JTBC: A South Korean cable and satellite television channel that airs Korean variety shows.
- Mnet: A Korean cable channel that airs a variety of Korean variety shows, including music-related shows.
- Choose shows that match your interests: There are a wide variety of Korean variety shows available, from game shows to talk shows to reality shows. Explore different shows to find ones that you enjoy.
- Learn some basic Korean: While many Korean variety shows are subtitled in English, understanding some basic Korean can help you get the most out of them.
- Watch with friends or family: Korean variety shows are often more enjoyable when watched with others. Share laughs and insights with your friends or family.
- Don’t be afraid to explore: There are a lot of great Korean variety shows out there. Branch out from your usual preferences and try something new. You might be surprised by what you find.
- Don’t expect every show to be subtitled: Not all Korean variety shows are subtitled in English. Check before watching to avoid disappointment.
- Beware of pop-up ads: Free streaming sites often contain pop-up ads. Be careful not to click on them, as they may be malicious.
- Don’t get discouraged if you don’t understand everything: Even if you don’t understand every word, you can still enjoy Korean variety shows. Pay attention to the body language and facial expressions of the hosts and guests.
- Don’t take it too seriously: Korean variety shows are often over-the-top and silly. Don’t take them too seriously and just enjoy the ride.
- Download a streaming app: Viki, Kocowa, and OnDemandKorea all have mobile apps that you can use to watch Korean variety shows on your phone.
- Find a good streaming site: There are a number of websites that offer free streaming of Korean variety shows. Just be sure to use an ad blocker to avoid pop-up ads.
- Use a VPN: If you’re having trouble finding a reliable streaming site, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in South Korea. This will give you access to a wider range of streaming options.
Table 1: Streaming Services for Korean Variety Shows
| Service | Number of Episodes | Subscription Price |
|---|---|---|
| Viki | Over 300,000 | $5.99/month |
| Kocowa | Over 200,000 | $6.99/month |
| OnDemandKorea | Over 100,000 | $7.99/month |
| Netflix | Over 10,000 | Varies depending on subscription plan |
| Amazon Prime Video | Over 5,000 | $8.99/month |
Table 2: Free Streaming Sites for Korean Variety Shows
| Site | Number of Episodes | Pop-up Ads | Account Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| DramaFever | Over 10,000 | Yes | No |
| Kdrama Hallyu | Over 5,000 | Yes | No |
| KissAsian | Over 2,000 | Yes | No |
| MyAsianTV | Over 1,000 | Yes | Yes |
| HanCinema | Over 500 | No | No |
Table 3: Korean TV Channels that Air Variety Shows
| Channel | Type | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| KBS World | Public broadcaster | Worldwide |
| MBC Every1 | Cable channel | South Korea only |
| tvN | Cable channel | South Korea only |
| JTBC | Cable and satellite channel | South Korea only |
| Mnet | Cable channel | South Korea only |
Table 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Watching Korean Variety Shows
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Expecting every show to be subtitled | Check before watching |
| Getting discouraged if you don’t understand everything | Pay attention to body language and facial expressions |
| Taking it too seriously | Remember that it’s entertainment |
| Not watching with friends or family | It’s more fun when you share laughs and insights |
