K-Dramas as Meaningful Educational Tools: Learner Experiences in a Special Topics Korean Drama Course at a U.S. University

With the growing global interest in Korean language and culture, it is important to consider K-dramas as a significant and rich text for teaching and learning about Korean culture. While there has been research on the role of K-dramas in foreign language education, much of it has not explicitly focused on how K-dramas are used to teach and learn about Korean culture—specifically in Korean culture courses (not Korean language courses) at universities. This study addresses that gap by shedding light on the role of Korean media, specifically K-dramas, in Korean culture courses in higher education. A qualitative research methodology was used to analyze pre- and post-course surveys, as well as in-depth individual interviews with university students enrolled in a Special Topics course on K-dramas, where they shared their experiences as learners of Korean culture. The study demonstrates how K-dramas are used as a meaningful educational tool, explores participants' experiences and what they have learned, and highlights insightful and thoughtful discussions about Korean culture courses.