Q: What is Korean television like compared to American TV? A: Wildly different and honestly better in a lot of ways. One of our favorite things is that Korean TV runs all its commercials before the show starts and then plays the entire program uninterrupted. No mid show breaks. No cliffhangers cut off by car insurance ads. Just pure uninterrupted viewing which feels like an absolute luxury.

Q: Are Korean commercials actually funny? A: Genuinely yes — and in a completely different way than Western advertising. Korean commercials lean into physical comedy, absurdist humor and surprisingly emotional storytelling. We found ourselves rewatching them repeatedly just for the laughs which is something we have never done with American commercials.

Q: What Korean TV shows should expats watch while living in Korea? A: Korean variety shows are a great starting point — they are physical, visual and funny even without understanding the language. Korean dramas are also wildly addictive and a fantastic way to pick up the language naturally while being thoroughly entertained.

Q: Does Korean TV have English subtitles? A: Most Korean broadcast television does not have English subtitles. However many Korean shows and dramas are available on Netflix and other streaming platforms with full English subtitles making them very accessible for international viewers.

Q: What is the best thing about living in Korea as an expat? A: Honestly the little unexpected joys — like discovering that Korean commercials are funnier than most comedy shows back home. Life in Korea is full of these small delightful surprises that make every ordinary day feel like an adventure.