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For the Middle Class, by the Middle Class. Best of both Singapore & Korea.
- Travel Around The World & In Korea With These Korean Travel Variety Shows
Korean variety shows have rapidly become popular all around the world, featuring juicy storylines that will have your eyes glued to the screen. But sometimes, we all crave something more wholesome and authentic – that’s where Korean travel variety shows come in!
These Korean travel variety shows not only showcase some of the most beautiful destinations from around the world but also bring you hours of laughter and fun.
The Hungry And The Hairy (2021)
Starting their journey on Jeju Island , hosts Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) and Ro Hong-chul embark on a road trip through Korea on their motorcycles.
They explore regions like Gochang, Busan and Gangwon, taking in the sights and sounds of each location they visit.
The chemistry between the two hosts makes this show more entertaining, especially when they take jabs at each other.
It promises to be an enthralling watch that also showcases the most attractive destinations in Korea!
You can watch The Hungry And The Hairy on Netflix here .
Korea No.1 (2022)
In this variety show, hosts Yu Jae-suk, Lee Kwang-soo and Kim Yeon-koung travel to different parts of Korea to take up apprenticeships under a traditional master.
Each episode features a different element of Korean culture, and the hosts have to learn the crafts as best as they can as they will be evaluated at the end of the episode.
This has some seriously amusing moments, especially the hosts’ frantic attempts at completing the tasks.
It provides viewers with a great chance to learn about the significance of Korean heritage in a light-hearted setting.
You can watch Korea No. 1 on Netflix here .
Adventure by Accident (2022)
Korean artist Kim Hee-min (Kian84) goes on a journey to South America, accompanied by actor Lee Si-eon and YouTuber Pani Bottle.
Over a span of 10 days, the trio traverse locations like Peru and Bolivia to experience the breathtaking scenery, delicious food and rich culture.
This show does a great job of highlighting the amazing hospitality of Latin American people and also captures the magnificent landscapes of South America through its superb videography.
You can watch Adventure By Accident on Apple TV .
Besties In Wonderland (2022)
This travel variety show follows six celebrity best friends who studied together in the Korea National University of Arts – Suho, Lee Sang-yi, Lee Khoo-hyung, Cha Seo-won, Lee You-young and Lim Ji-yeon.
Together, they head on an adventure-filled trip to Queensland, Australia.
Their journey is packed with activities like skydiving and scuba diving – but the show strikes a balance of adrenaline-pumping activities and wholesome moments.
Despite the star-studded cast, they have extremely down-to-earth personalities. Their long-lasting friendship dating back to their college days is apparent even on screen, making for a great watch.
You can watch Besties In Wonderland on Apple TV.
Bros On Foot/Ticketing With Two Feet (2023)
Ticketing With Two Feet is already set to be one of the hottest Korean travel variety shows of 2023 due to its star-studded cast.
Ha Jung-woo, Joo Ji-hoon, Yeo Jin-gu, and Min-ho head on an eight-day trip to New Zealand.
As they make their way through the scenic terrain, they are tasked with completing a series of missions in order to win ‘Dream Tickets’ – which are actually plane tickets to be given to youth in need!
The antics that they get up to while trying to complete the challenges are the highlight of this show, and they eventually form strong bonds with one another.
You can watch Bros On Foot on Viu here .
Europe Outside Your Tent (2022)
Four actors – Yoo Hae-Jin, Jin Seon-kyu, Yoon Kyun-sang and Park Ji-hwan – go on a 9 Day, 8 Night trip across Switzerland and Italy.
They embrace the wilderness by setting up campsites outdoors and immersing themselves into the different local cultures.
One of the best aspects of this show is the chemistry between the cast members, which makes them effortlessly hilarious.
This variety show is full of relatable moments that will leave you in stitches, making it an extremely entertaining watch!
You can watch Europe Outside Your Tent on Viu here .
Battle Trip (2016-2022)
In this travel variety show, two groups of celebrities are pitted against each other.
They travel to different destinations in order to experience things that each country has to offer.
The winner is then chosen based on votes from the audience or the judging panel.
Since its inception in 2016, Battle Trip has been to over 40 countries across the globe such as Vietnam, Czech Republic, Croatia and much more!
They have even been to Singapore, exploring places like Haji Lane, Little India and indulging in local delicacies like char kuey teow, satay and curry fish head!
Catch a few episodes of Battle Trip on Viu here .
Gamsung Camping (2020)
Gamsung Camping is a travel variety show with an interesting concept.
It features an the all-female cast, consisting of Park Na-rae, Ahn Young-mi, Park So-dam, Kim Yong-sun (Solar) and Son Na-eun.
In each episode, the cast heads to different spots in Korea that resemble another country, such as Switzerland, Vietnam and Canada.
They set up camping sites, usually accompanied by celebrity guests who join the cast on their camping journey!
When this show initially aired during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it brought a smile to many viewers’ faces as it showed everyone that they could have fun despite travel restrictions.
House On Wheels (2020-2022)
House On Wheels features Sung Dong-il and Kim Hee-won as well as a guest host who rotates every season.
Together, they journey on a caravan to different locations in Korea’s picturesque countryside regions and invite celebrity guests to chat with them, usually over a delicious meal prepared in the ‘House on Wheels’ kitchen.
This show takes a more laid-back approach that focuses on the conversation between the cast.
The hosts dive deep into topics such as marriage, relationships with parents, stepping out of your comfort zone and often impart life lessons that leave you reflecting on life well after the episode ends.
You can watch the latest season of House On Wheels on Viu here .
Welcome, First Time Living In Korea? (2017-2022)
A travel variety show with a unique concept, this show invites foreigners who are living in South Korea to invite three friends from their home country to travel to South Korea for the first time.
For the first two days, the three friends travel and explore South Korea on their own. For the remaining two days, the host plans an itinerary for his friends and takes them on a mini-tour.
It is heart-warming to hear the guests talk about what they miss in their home country, how life is different in Korea and reminisce about moments spent together last time.
The concluding segment of each episode where they bid farewell to one another is always a tear-jerking moment, even for viewers.
You can watch Welcome, First Time Living In Korea? on Apple TV.
One Night Sleepover Trip (2018)
This show features a concept that has raised quite a few eyebrows. The hosts, Kim Jong-min and Lee Sang-min, head to a foreign land without having a place to stay.
The challenge? They need to ask strangers if they can spend the night in their home – completely unscripted.
Though controversial, it makes for an entertaining watch. The hosts have travelled to many countries like Italy, Spain, England and Vietnam.
It is heartwarming to witness the kindness of people who are willing to open their homes and hearts to strangers
You can watch One Night Sleepover Trip on the official KBS Youtube Channel, starting with Episode 1 .
Twogether (2020)
Korean actor Lee Seung-gi and Taiwanese actor Liu Yi-hao (Jasper) come together to travel across Asia and experience local culture.
The language barrier adds an element of humour to this show – especially because they speak little English and barely know each other’s language.
The awkwardness soon vanishes and they bond over the series of challenges that they have to overcome to meet their fans in each region.
This travel variety show showcases some of the most spectacular destinations to visit across Asia, so be sure to check it out for ideas on where to head for your next vacation!
You can watch Twogether on Netflix here .
Dopojarak: Story of Homme the K-Wanderer (2022)
Consisting of five members: Kim Jong-kook, Ji Hyun-woo, Noh Sang-hyun, Joo Woo-jae and Hwang Dae-heon, the cast embarks on a journey to Denmark.
Their objective is to explore Denmark while promoting Korean culture by selling traditional Korean products to locals.
The innovative methods that they employ to achieve their goal are the highlight of this show! The cast comes from diverse backgrounds, but their personalities mesh well together on screen.
D enmark’s serene landscapes and peaceful atmosphere adds to the calming vibes that you get when watching this show!
You can watch Dopojarak: Story of Homme the K-Wanderer on Apple TV .
Korean Travel Variety Shows
Travel vicariously with these heartwarming and funny shows! P.S. If you’re considering your own trip to Korea, check out our articles here .
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Korean Travel Variety Shows That Will Cure Your Wanderlust for South Korea
April 16, 2021 by Rei L.
South Korea is not only known for exceptional K-dramas ; it’s also a hub of entertainment where fun variety and reality shows come to life. They’re a lifesaver for the bored, the stressed, and the lonely. If you’re looking for a hearty laugh, you’ll get exactly that—and a lot more. Many Korean variety shows are so brilliantly produced that you can also gain inspiration, heartwarming lessons, and even ideas for your travel bucket list!
Below are our favorite Korean variety and reality shows that cure our wanderlust for South Korea and also help us practice our Korean! Ahem~ annyeong!
2 Days & 1 Night
Launched in 2007, 2 Days & 1 Night or 2D1N is one of the longest-running variety shows in South Korea. The show follows a mission format where the members take on various tasks to either gain delicious rewards or troublesome punishments. It’s the perfect show to watch if you’re keen to know all about the places in South Korea because the show is focused on local destinations. 2D1N has seen different cast members throughout its 14-year run; the current line-up is composed of actor Kim Seon-ho and rappers DinDin and Ravi, among others.
Get these Miss B Special Pandesal as binge-watching treats you can enjoy night and day!
Law of the Jungle
Another household variety show in South Korea is Law of the Jungle . Reminiscent of Survivor but milder, the show sends guests along with “Chief” Kim Byung-man to remote deserted locations where they practice their wilderness survival skills. It is not limited to South Korean locations; in fact, they’ve already conquered Palawan in the Philippines . However, its recent episodes (416 onwards) focus on different places in the country, proving that South Korea has so much more to offer beyond Hallyu, shopping, and theme parks.
Fill up with Miss B’s Ensaymada Pudding to survive a long Law of the Jungle marathon!
Hometown Flex
As the title suggests, Hometown Flex lets celebrity guests flex their hometowns outside of Seoul with Lee Seung-gi and Cha Tae-hyun as hosts. For the Seoulite duo, it’s an opportunity to explore places outside of their bustling home city and take viewers along their road trips to other beautiful cities like Jeonju and Busan . This new travel variety show ran for 11 episodes in 2020, and there’s a high chance we may get a second season!
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Unexpected Business
It seems that, like us, Cha Tae-hyun himself could not get enough of the Korean countryside as he ventures into another variety show that highlights the beauty of a northern rural town in Gangwon-do. In Unexpected Business, he and actor Jo In-sung take over a small supermarket where they work with celebrity part-timers like Park Bo-young and Nam Joo-hyuk as they cater to a motley of all-adorable villagers. The show not only demonstrates the charm of countryside living but also unveils the enigmatic allure of South Korea’s rural landscape.
Indulge in Miss B’s Lava Cakes as you immerse yourself in the show!
Hyori’s Bed & Breakfast
Another show that’s centered on one location in South Korea is Hyori’s Bed & Breakfast, which is set on Jeju Island. Veteran K-pop idol Lee Hyo-ri and her musician husband Lee Sang-soon have turned their own Jeju home into a guesthouse where they personally accommodate guests from around the country. The couple is aided by Hallyu stars—IU in season 1 and Park Bo-gum and Yoona in season 2—and a floofy crew of dogs and cats. The show also follows the B&B guests’ tours around Jeju, showing off the island’s attractions that can cater to all kinds of travelers, from soul-searchers to thrill-seekers.
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House on Wheels
Have you ever dreamed of traveling on an RV or camper van like a nomad? In House of Wheels, Sung Dong-il, Kim Hee-won, and Yeo Jin-go do just that—a unique expedition around South Korea! They invite celebrities in every episode, with whom they build a warm and friendly atmosphere in and around their tiny mobile home for viewers to soak in. The show premiered in 2020, and now has a second season underway!
Feel right at home while watching with these creamy Cuatros Leche cakes!
Want to ditch the subtitles? Practice Korean in the comfort of your own home with this Online Korean for Beginners Program by the Study at Enderun Colleges!
Find more treats and goodies you can have delivered to you on KKday.
*Featured image via tvN and KBS
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Rei is a freelance writer and editor with an affinity for all things creative and visual such as photography, doodles, and movies. Solo travel is her drug of choice, where she feels most empowered and liberated. Her favorite cities are Baguio, Takayama, and Jeju. Check out her adventures and say hi at daybookbyrei.com
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22 Best Korean Variety Shows and Where to Watch Them in 2024
Korean variety shows are beloved for their zaniness, drama and twists and turns.
But besides their entertainment value, they can also offer insights into Korean culture that you won’t get anywhere else.
In this post, let’s take a look at 22 awesome examples of shows that can be enjoyed by all!
22 Most Popular Korean Variety Shows
1. knowing bros / men on a mission / ask us anything, 2. infinite challenge, 3. running man, 4. all the butlers / master in the house, 5. the return of superman, 6. 2 days & 1 night, 7. we got married, 8. i live alone / home alone, 9. my little old boy, 10. hangout with yoo / how do you play, 11. the great escape, 12. law of the jungle, 13. abnormal summit / non-summit, 14. the king of mask singer, 15. new journey to the west, 16. crime scene, 18. house on wheels, 19. the zone: survival missions, 20. new world, 21. weekly idol, 22. star’s top recipe at fun-staurant, what are variety shows in korea, why should you learn korean with variety shows, and one more thing....
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Where to watch: Netflix , YouTube
What it’s about: Acting as high school students, celebrities play a series of games within a classroom setting.
In this show, a certain celebrity plays a transfer student and enters the lion’s den, uhm, I mean the classroom. Everything is fair game from that point on.
You might see interviews, debates, karaoke, random games, improv and more. There are even eating contests, poetry slams and every once in a while, a wrestling match.
The guests are usually from girl and boy groups who are put in uncomfortable situations to the delight of their fans.
Where to watch: Kokowa
What it’s about: In this zany show, celebrities are forced to endure a relentless series of nigh-impossible challenges.
What do you get from a show whose tagline is, “Dirty, Dangerous, Difficult?” Well, everything. The challenges are so creative and sometimes so impossible that you just can’t help but stay glued to your seat.
You get tugs-of-war with cows, black noodle soup while on a roller coaster ride, hidden camera pranks, satirical TV ads and fake news segments. That’s what you get when you have a show anchored by cast members who are ready to do just about anything at the drop of a hat.
This show has been so influential that it’s been reported the South Korean government wanted it to feature content based on its policies. It ran from 2005 to 2018.
Where to watch: Viki , Kocowa , Apple TV , YouTube
What it’s about: A beloved show where celebrities participate in missions, races, and unpredictable challenges, creating a perfect blend of humor and competition.
“Running Man” is a high-energy South Korean variety show that combines athleticism, wit, and humor. The format features a regular cast of entertainers and celebrity guests who participate in a series of missions and challenges, often involving elaborate races and games.
The show’s trademark name-tag-ripping game adds an element of excitement as cast members attempt to eliminate each other.
With a winning blend of physical comedy and camaraderie, “Running Man” has become a long-standing favorite, offering viewers a thrilling mix of laughter and competitive spirit.
Where to watch: Viki , Kocowa , YouTube
What it’s about: A cast of several celebrities live with masters in different fields, exploring diverse aspects of life through mentorship and shared experiences.
This show follows a unique premise where a group of celebrities becomes apprentices to masters in various fields. The diverse mentors, ranging from traditional artisans to martial arts masters, impart their wisdom and skills to the apprentices.
The show combines elements of reality, variety, and educational programming, creating a delightful mix of entertainment and learning. As the apprentices immerse themselves in different professions, viewers are treated to an insightful and often humorous exploration of traditional and modern skills.
Where to watch: Viki , YouTube
What it’s about: Celebrity fathers are left alone with their kids, in their own homes, for 48 hours, while mom enjoys a well-deserved break.
If “The Bachelor” ended up marrying the girl, and they had kids, then it would be this show. Celebrity fathers must undergo a mission to keep their kids happy (and alive!) for those 48 hours—without any help.
From their kitchen foibles to their awful lullabies, this provides an intimate look into the lives of celebrities as regular and real-life fathers, doing everything from entertaining their kids to cleaning up after them.
Where to watch: Viki , Apple TV , YouTube
What it’s about: Cast members visit little-known but interesting spots around South Korea, making merry and creating crazy.
This show is a dream for South Korea’s tourism office. But instead of targeting an international audience, it’s for South Koreans.
You’ll watch a motley crew travel to some mountain town, seaside village or a nearby island where they spend two days and one night. They explore the place, meet with locals and have interesting conversations along the way.
They’re also given a variety of challenges, followed by a reward or punishment. A reward might allow them a taste of a local delicacy; a punishment might mean going for a dip in the town’s frigid waters.
Where to watch: Viki
What it’s about: Two celebrities, who aren’t a couple, are asked to live the life of a married couple.
Each week, a matched couple are given different tasks and missions, from getting groceries on a limited budget to spiffing up the house.
The couples might be fake but the tasks and the interactions are real, and fans are on the edge of their seats wondering if the two people in the situation are really starting to fall for each other.
This premise caught on and resulted in a Chinese spin-off featuring celebrities from Korea, Japan and Taiwan.
Where to watch: Viki , Kocowa, YouTube
What it’s about: Viewers follow the footsteps of a celebrity who lives a solo life.
Roughly a third of Korean celebrities live alone for varying reasons: the lack of a romantic partner, business matters that often keep a couple apart or a simple personal preference to live independently.
While there are a few variety show elements like group panels and such, the show’s special sauce is its honest portrayal of these individuals as they go about their everyday life.
The show is well-liked for its unscripted and genial nature, supported by the documentary-style footage that gives little peeks into the celebrity’s life.
What it’s about: A heartwarming show exploring the lives of celebrity bachelors and their relationships with their mothers.
This show captures candid moments of the celebrities’ daily lives and interactions with their moms. The panel itself features celebrities’ mothers who are observing and judging a different celebrity each week.
With a perfect blend of laughter and touching moments, “My Little Old Boy” showcases the endearing relationships and gives viewers a peek into the personal and often hilarious aspects of family dynamics.
The show’s charm lies in its relatability, making it a favorite for audiences who appreciate a mix of family, comedy and reality TV.
Where to watch: Viki , Kocowa , Apple TV
What it’s about: Led by Yoo Jae-suk, the “National MC,” the show experiments with segments, challenges and collaborations, showcasing Yoo’s versatility and entertaining dynamics.
“Hangout with Yoo” is a variety show hosted by Yoo Jae-suk, one of South Korea’s most beloved entertainers.
Known for his wit and charm, Yoo collaborates with various celebrities to create unique and entertaining projects. From forming idol groups to producing hit songs, the show explores the creative process with a comedic twist.
Yoo’s infectious energy and the camaraderie among the cast make “Hangout with Yoo” a delightful journey into the world of entertainment and creativity, showcasing the fun side of collaborative projects in the Korean entertainment industry.
Where to watch: Apple TV
What it’s about: A suspenseful escape room-style show where celebrities work together to solve intricate puzzles, adding intensity and strategy to the variety show genre.
“The Great Escape” is a thrilling escape room-inspired variety show that combines strategy, intellect and teamwork. Hosted by Kang Ho-dong, the show features a group of celebrities who must solve complex puzzles and challenges to escape various themed locations.
With a mix of mystery and adventure, “The Great Escape” appeals to viewers who enjoy suspenseful and brain-teasing variety shows, offering a unique twist on the classic escape room concept.
What it’s about: Celebrities, actors and K-pop stars are plopped into remote locations where they’ll have to fend for themselves.
In this show, Korean celebrities get a “Survivor” experience. The guest stars gather food and create shelter and must cooperate in order to make it.
They’ll have to survive extreme weather conditions and scarcity. But most of all, they’ll need to survive each other. Past locations have included places such as the Cook Islands, Madagascar, the Amazon and Antarctica.
“Law of the Jungle” is hosted by Kim Byung-man, a comedian—because, you know, there’s nothing like humor to tide you over through a cold night in the middle of nowhere when your stomach is empty.
Where to watch: YouTube
What it’s about: A panel of individuals, which includes both native Koreans and those from different nations, discuss topics concerning Korean culture and society.
The show features discussions from individuals who are fluent in the language. But being foreigners, they’re able to bring their own unique perspectives to the table as they talk and debate on a variety of matters.
This is a great show to indulge in some fun and genuinely thoughtful conversations about current affairs. It had a large appeal to viewers to native Koreans and foreigners interested in Korea.
Although the show stopped airing in 2017, the formatting of the show offered an open space to air opinions from various viewpoints, especially when the panel consisted of members from nations beyond Europe or America.
What it’s about: Different contestants compete in a paired singing competition while wearing some fabulous masks to hide their identities.
If you’re a fan of the American TV series “The Masked Singer” then “The King of Mask Singer” will be right up your alley in both entertainment and learning value. Fun fact: it was originally a South Korean show!
Since each contestant must hide their identity, the judging panel’s ratings aren’t biased toward their actual backgrounds. Besides belting out some favorite Korean tunes, the contestants are also open to panel interrogation, which can help the judges get an idea of who they really are.
The losing contestant of each pair-off must unmask and reveal themselves, while the winner goes on to challenge the previous competition winner (known as the “King”) in hopes of stealing the crown.
Where to watch: Apple TV , YouTube
What it’s about: Well-known Korean celebrities travel through different Asian hotspots while undergoing an assortment of challenges.
The title of the series refers to the classic, 16th-century Chinese novel known as “Journey to the West.” The show’s very first season has the cast traversing through Xian, China role-playing as characters from the story.
Later seasons have the troop venturing to places in Vietnam, Japan, Hong Kong and even their home country of South Korea. The fun of the show revolves around the chemistry of the cast and the unexpected games and missions they must endure.
If you know anything about Korean group games, it’s that they can be quite demanding, and there are a lot of hilarious moments as members struggle and stumble through them. The show aired from 2015 until 2018.
What it’s about: A mock-up of a murder scene (inspired by actual real-life cases) is presented to the cast who must then use their personal detective skills, available resources and limited time to conduct thorough investigations.
With “Crime Scene,” Sherlock wannabes, crime-solving enthusiasts or general lovers of the game “Clue” can get their mystery fix. The end goal of this show’s cast is to figure out the criminal hiding among them.
If the members can correctly deduct the true murderer, then the cash prize is given to them; however, if the heinous perpetrator runs scot-free, he or she alone takes the whole cake.
A lot of fun and intrigue can be found in the dramatized portrayal of the crime scene investigation process. Any fans of the “whodunnit” brand will surely appreciate the effort put forward by the crime recreation and role-playing elements from the cast.
Where to watch: Netflix
What it’s about: Celebrities become detectives to solve fictional cases in a unique variety-meets-crime-solving format.
Another crime-themed show, “Busted” is a South Korean mystery-solving variety show that combines elements of comedy and suspense.
The show features a cast of celebrity detectives, including Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Kwang-soo, who attempt to solve fictional cases through a series of challenges and investigations. Each episode presents a unique storyline with unexpected twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The interactive nature of the show, coupled with the cast’s comedic chemistry, adds a refreshing twist to the mystery genre, making “Busted” a thrilling and humorous watch for fans of both crime-solving and variety shows.
Where to watch: Apple TV , Prime Video
What it’s about: Celebrities embark on a mobile home journey, sharing stories and creating heartwarming moments as they explore the essence of friendship and travel.
“House on Wheels” offers a unique take on the travel variety show genre by combining elements of camping, storytelling and celebrity camaraderie.
The show follows the main cast as they travel in a portable house on wheels, inviting celebrity guests to join them on their road trips. The rustic setting and casual atmosphere create an environment for heartfelt conversations, revealing personal stories and creating memorable moments.
“House on Wheels” stands out for its blend of travel adventures, friendship dynamics and genuine connections, which makes watching it a heartwarming experience.
Where to watch: Apple TV , Hulu
What it’s about: Participants face survival challenges in extreme environments, testing physical and mental strength while exploring teamwork and perseverance.
“The Zone: Survival Missions” is a reality variety show that challenges celebrities to survive in unfamiliar and challenging environments.
Hosted by experienced survivalist Kim Byung-man, the show combines elements of adventure, teamwork and endurance. Celebrities must navigate through the designated zone, overcoming obstacles and completing missions that test their physical and mental resilience.
The show’s dynamic challenges and unpredictable scenarios make it a thrilling watch for fans of survival-themed variety shows.
What it’s about: A show where celebrities try to earn virtual currency while surviving on a magical utopian island.
“New World” is a reality-variety show that challenges celebrities to adapt to a simulated world.
The cast has to work through challenges given by AI over a period of six days while staying in a seemingly fantastical and mythical place. They can earn virtual money through winning challenges, which is then converted into hard cash at the end of the show.
“New World” provides a unique and intense viewing experience making it a captivating watch for fans of reality shows with a utopian/dystopian twist.
What it’s about: K-pop stars are asked to carry out different tasks and play different games, all for an awesome reward.
Each week on this show, different K-pop stars and groups come in for a jolly good time to win an appealing prize (like their favorite grilled beef?).
For example, they might be asked to dance to a specific song—then suddenly, some other song is switched in and they must go with the flow and adjust their dance moves.
If you want to see your idols both tense and relaxed, then watch this show. It’s all so zany and it gives you the chance to see your idols in a whole new light.
What it’s about: Celebrities showcase their cooking skills, competing to create the best dish, combining culinary creativity with entertaining personalities for food enthusiasts to enjoy.
“Star’s Top Recipe At Fun-Staurant” is a cooking variety show that brings together celebrities who show off their culinary skills and compete in creating the most delightful dishes.
Hosted by Baek Jong-won, Yang Se-hyung and Kim Hee-chul, the show features entertaining cooking battles, where celebrities share their personal recipes and cooking tips.
The show’s diverse range of celebrity guests adds an extra layer of entertainment, making it a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
“Variety show” is a catch-all term for entertainment acts that include song numbers, dance performances, interviews, comedy sketches, magic, ventriloquism and juggling. The key word here is “variety.”
In Korea, it usually means a group of people doing challenges and other entertaining activities. They usually feature some of the most famous celebrities, such as comedians, actors and K-pop idols. Plus, along with the regular hosts, there are often guests that you’re bound to recognize.
Korean variety shows, just like Korean dramas and movies , are their own unique brand of entertainment helping spread the Korean language and culture around the world.
These shows are a tour de force when it comes to language learning for a number of reasons.
- They’re authentic. Today’s technology means that language learners don’t need to purchase a plane ticket just to get immersed in authentic Korean material . You can watch what Koreans watch and you don’t even have to change into a fresh pair of pajamas to do it.
- They use real Korean. While fictional dramas, series and films are also generally considered to be authentic content, variety shows add a whole new level because the situations on-screen tend to be less scripted and the language more realistic .
- They’re fun. When these shows were conceived by their producers, they had ratings in mind. Every minute has something going on. Learning the language becomes doubly easy when you’re having fun.
- They offer context. Korean variety shows provide a vivid context for the language being used. Meanings of new words and terms can be gleaned from the objects and props on set, the places the shows go to and the different activities the cast engages in.
If you want extra tips on how to learn Korean with these variety shows, check out this video.
If you want other ways to brush up on your Korean with tools made specifically for language learners, check out the program FluentU .
Not only will you laugh and cry your heart out with these Korean variety shows, but you’ll also learn a language, parts of the culture and perhaps a thing or two about life.
That’s hitting three birds with one stone, which is a pretty darn good use of your time. So now, there’s only one thing left to do is press “play.”
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Cure Your Cabin Fever with These Travel-Themed Korean Variety Shows
- Posted on Jul 27, 2021 Sep 12, 2022
- 4 minute read
- Meryl Medel
Jul 27, 2021   •   Meryl Medel
Staying at home is probably giving you some cabin fever, and you might be itching to go outside and see new sights other than the four walls of your home. But with the new variant and another stricter lockdown looming over us, we’re unable to travel to a different province, much less a different country, no matter how much we want to. For now, what you can do is live vicariously through travel-themed shows that can provide you with a sweet escape after a long day inside your home. If you miss going on a trip, these travel-themed Korean variety shows are a must-watch!
2 Days & 1 Night
You can’t put the words travel and variety show in one sentence and not immediately think of the iconic 2 Days & 1 Night , one of the longest-running travel variety shows from South Korea. With its motto being “real wild road variety,” the show gives viewers a look into different parts of South Korea while the cast accomplishes different missions to earn perks during their trip. The latest season features Yeon Junghoon, Kim Jongmin, Moon Seyoon, Kim Seonho (yes, from Start-Up !), DinDin , and Ravi . You can watch it on Viu or on KBS’ Youtube channel .
The Law of Jungle
Another long-running travel show, The Law of Jungle invites different guests per season ranging from actors to idols to join comedian and show host Kim Byungman on a survival trip in different locations. He has brought stars to New Zealand, Russia, Indonesia, and even the Philippines ! You can watch it on Viu .
New Journey to the West
This show takes its cue from the Chinese novel Journey to the West , bringing its cast across countries in a journey westward. Before the pandemic, the show brought cast members such as Kang Hodong, Eun Jiwon, Ahn Jaehyun, Lee Sugeun, Kyuhyun, and Mino to countries like China, Vietnam, and Japan. In the latest seasons, the cast went around South Korea. Fun fact: This is the latest brainchild of Na Youngseok (or Na PD as he’s usually called), a.k.a. one of South Korea’s variety geniuses. You can watch it on Viu .
Thrifter’s Guide to Luxurious Travels
Curious about what goes on behind the scenes of a travel tour? Or do you want tips on how to save your budget when visiting a destination? This is where the Thrifter’s Guide to Luxurious Travels comes in with its cast working with a limited budget to be able to visit a luxury destination. The show has been to Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Russia, China, and a lot of countries since it aired in 2017 until it ended last year. You can watch it on Viu .
Over Flowers series
With a title inspired from the infamous K-drama Boys Over Flowers , this travel variety show has spawned over ten seasons and three titles: Grandpas Over Flowers, Sisters Over Flowers , and Youth Over Flowers . The chill and relaxed grandpas and the elegant noonas had younger castmates as tour guides, but the chaotic and adventurous youths only knew of their trip hours before and were basically “kidnapped” so they were forced to work within a limited budget and supplies. The series has brought K-celebs like Yoo Yeonseok, Jo Jungsuk (both of Hospital Playlist ), the cast of Reply 1988 , and more to countries all over the world including Africa, Taiwan, France, Iceland, and Austria.
The concept of this show is pretty simple. Two Asian stars — Lee Seung Gi of South Korea and Jasper Liu of Taiwan — travel across Asia to meet their fans. Except they need to finish missions to do so, and they can’t communicate properly with each other due to language barriers. You can watch it on Netflix .
Whether you’re a fan of Billboard Hot 100 #1 group BTS or not, we’re pretty sure you’d find their travel-themed show fun and endearing. Bon Voyage sees the members of the global superstar band travel to different countries while dealing with their own luggage and accommodations and working within a limited budget. So far, there have been four seasons, where they visited Northern Europe, Hawaii, Malta, and New Zealand. You can watch it on streaming platform Vlive and fan community platform Weverse.
One Fine Day
If you want to see more idol groups in travel shows, One Fine Day is a definite must-watch. The show basically takes different idol groups like SHINee, Super Junior, Girl’s Day, and GFRIEND on relaxing trips. Except for one season where the show invited SEVENTEEN and put a subheader for the show as 13 Castaways . The members were left stranded on an island village where they had to fend for themselves, which was the complete opposite of the show’s original theme. At least they did get to enjoy another trip in Japan a year later (they’re the only group to guest twice in the show!).
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5 Korean Travel Shows You Definitely Need To Watch
By Ishani Sarkar
Korean variety shows are a staple part of the entertainment industry in Korea! Out of the many topics of variety shows, travel has become an incredibly popular genre.
At a time when going out and travelling has become a distant dream, why not stay in the safety and comfort of your own home while also travelling the world with your favorite Korean stars?
Here’s a list of Korean travel shows for those who need a quick escape!
1. “TRAVELER “
Several Korean celebrities go on a backpacking adventure in this beautiful and soothing adventure travel show.
The first season stars Lee Je Hoon and Ryu Jun Yeol and follows them to Cuba where, without any assistance from the production staff, they discover the country’s charm, culture, and gorgeous landscape. In the second season, Ahn Jae Hong , Kang Haneul , and Ong Seong Woo take off to Argentina and explore the beautiful landmarks.
The charm of the series lies in the cast overcoming challenges together and bonding over the same.
2. “2 DAYS & 1 NIGHT “
“2 Days 1 Night” is a South Korean reality-variety show where the cast members take various trips throughout South Korea, including trips to many off shore islands. While doing so, the members also go through various missions at mealtimes or at a certain time of the day to earn rewards and to avoid punishments.
The show’s motto is “Real Wild Road Variety” and its main concept is to recommend various places that viewers can visit in South Korea. For viewers dreaming of visiting Korea, this show is the perfect one for you!
3. “YOUTH OVER FLOWERS “
The cast for this show have their wallets taken away before a set amount of money is provided for all their wants and needs. They’re given various challenges to complete as they travel across bucket list-worthy sites like Peru’s Machu Picchu, Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, and Iceland’s Northern Lights. Overall, the show is a perfect escape from mundane everyday life. We highly recommend it!
4. “BTS BON VOYAGE “
Whether you are an ARMY, a casual fan of K-Pop, or just here for the travel, this show will be perfect for you!
Watch as these seven idols explore various parts of Northern Europe, Hawaii, Malta, and New Zealand over four seasons of adorable travel content, all while coupled with their antics and personal experiences. From hula dancing to visiting snowy mountains and entertaining camping adventures, “Bon Voyage” has it all.
5. “TRAVEL THE WORLD ON EXO’S LADDER “
“Travel the World on EXO’s Ladder” is a travel variety show wherein the members of EXO take a vacation in different countries around the world. However, it comes with a twist: they have to use the ladder game when faced with decisive situations such as eating, choosing beds, and more.
The first season featured EXO-CBX going on a trip to Tottori, Japan, while the second season featured the eight Korean members in Kaohsiung and Kenting, Taiwan. Whether you’re an EXO-L or not, just like “Bon Voyage,” you’ll be sure to enjoy the members’ dynamics and their brotherly love, as well as their mischievous tendencies while travelling the world.
Korea also has plenty of other travel related shows that are fun to watch and also allow people the opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures. One extra benefit of watching travel variety shows is the beautiful scenery afforded through Korea’s top notch cinematography. Other popular travel shows in Korea include “Grandpas Over Flowers,” “Salty Tour,” “Battle Trip,” and more.
Do you love watching travel shows? Which one is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us @whatthekpop1 !
Ishani Sarkar is a self-professed learner for life, trying to find meaning and happiness in the smallest of things. She found her safe haven within the world of Korean entertainment and she’s never letting go.
Media: As Credited
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The Best Korean Variety Shows On Netflix
Vote for your favorite Korean reality and variety shows currently streaming on Netflix.
Here are the best Korean variety shows streaming now on Netflix. If you've just finished watching Korean dramas on Netflix , then check out this list of new and popular Korean variety shows, which features talk shows, cooking shows, and reality programs. What are the best Korean variety series to watch on Netflix?
One of the first Netflix original series featuring Korean celebs, Busted! blends comedy and mystery with celebrity guests. Other good Korean reality shows on Netflix include Men on a Mission - AKA Knowing Bros - and Hyori's Bed and Breakfast.
Vote up the best Korean variety shows on Netflix, and add your favorites if they're missing from the list.
Watch This Show If You Love : Crime Scene, The Genius, Running Man, Master Key, D.O.T.S Why Should I Stream? For a humorous spin on the classic whodunit genre, look no further than this beloved Korean variety show featuring an all-star cast of detectives solving mysteries in every episode. The engaging mix of suspense, immersive storylines, and laugh-out-loud moments will keep viewers glued to their screens throughout multiple seasons available for streaming.
Is Busted! Worth Your Time?
Men On A Mission
Watch This Show If You Love : Weekly Idol, Radio Star, Infinite Challenge, My Little Television, Problematic Men Why Should I Stream? Celebrities let loose in this wildly entertaining talk show from South Korea's entertainment scene, where famous guests and hosts interact candidly with one another. Known for its refreshing spontaneity and light-hearted atmosphere, it's a must-see program that delivers laughs and charm in equal measure.
Is Knowing Bros Worth Your Time?
Watch This Show If You Love : Circle: Two Worlds Connected, Black Mirror (Korean version), Voice 4: Judgment Hour, The King: Eternal Monarch, The Good Detective Why Should I Stream? This intricate drama series showcases societal struggles and complex relationships at their finest, centering around three ambitious individuals vying for power in modern-day South Korea. With political intrigue and intense character dynamics forming the backbone of this captivating series, there's never a dull moment as the plot unfolds.
Is New World Worth Your Time?
Watch This Show If You Love : Grandpas Over Flowers, Youth Over Flowers, Journey to the West (Korean version) Why Should I Stream? Two stars from different cultures – Korean actor Lee Seung-gi and Taiwanese actor Jasper Liu – embark on an uplifting journey across Asia together in this feel-good adventure series packed with laughter, self-reflection, and unforgettable moments shared between friends.
Is Twogether Worth Your Time?
Korea No. 1
Watch This Show If You Love : The Return of Superman, My Little Old Boy, I Live Alone, Fun-Staurant, Same Bed, Different Dreams 2: You Are My Destiny Why Should I Stream? Gain inspiration from exceptional individuals who have risen to prominence in their respective fields within South Korea through this captivating documentary series that highlights stories of dedication, hard work, and extraordinary talent shaping these remarkable achievements. An intimate glimpse into determination behind greatness awaits those who stream this insightful program.
Is Korea No. 1 Worth Your Time?
Single's Inferno
Watch This Show If You Love : Terrace House, Roommate, JTBC Dating Alone, Newlywed Diary, Somehow 18 Why Should I Stream? Steamy flirtations and heated confrontations erupt as attractive singles navigate complex romantic connections under pressure-packed conditions on an idyllic island setting in this tantalizing reality dating show . Passionate pursuits fueled by desire blend seamlessly with strategy-driven decisions – making it impossible to resist binge-watching this riveting series.
Is Single's Inferno Worth Your Time?
The Hungry and the Hairy
Watch This Show If You Love : Tasty Guys, Gourmet Idols, Kang's Kitchen, Please Take Care of My Refrigerator, Let's Eat Dinner Together Why Should I Stream? Join two Korean comedians on their gastronomic expeditions as they explore various eateries in this amusing cooking show filled with delectable dishes to delight your taste buds. Their hilarious rapport and vivid personalities make each episode a feast for both the eyes and ears.
Is The Hungry and the Hai... Worth Your Time?
Hyori's Bed and Breakfast
Watch This Show If You Love : Youth Over Flowers, My Ear's Candy, Youn's Kitchen, Three Meals a Day, Little House in the Forest Why Should I Stream? Experience serenity at its finest with this intimate reality show that takes viewers inside the daily lives of Korean superstar Lee Hyo-ri running a quaint guesthouse on Jeju Island alongside her husband. Praised for its wholesome content, authentic interactions, and stunning visuals showcasing island life, it offers a heartening glimpse into hospitality while providing ample relaxation.
Is Hyori's Bed and Breakf... Worth Your Time?
Wassup Man GO!
Watch This Show If You Love : The Journey, Show Me The Money, Workman, Fake Men, Showterview with Jessi Why Should I Stream? With popular South Korean musician Joon Park at the helm, this series takes viewers on a thrilling ride as he explores intriguing destinations around the world with his infectious energy and candid demeanor. Filled with laughter, surprises, and valuable insights about different cultures, each episode is an exciting journey worth streaming.
Love Naggers
Watch This Show If You Love : JTBC Dating Alone, We Got Married , Love Playlist, Somehow 18, Melo Is My Nature Why Should I Stream? Watch real-life couples navigate relationship issues in this riveting talk show featuring panelists offering their honest advice. With thought-provoking discussions centered around love dynamics in modern society – all infused with witty banter – it's a compelling series that provides fresh perspectives on matters of the heart.
The Devils Plan
Watch This Show If You Love: Squid Game , Alice in Borderland , Busted! Why Should I Stream? If you love solving puzzles and debating strategies, then The Devils Plan is great for you. 12 contestants spend a week working together and against one another throughout intense strategic games to test their wits and intelligence. If Busted! 's cast of Korean stars is what draws you in, then The Devils Plan might be next on your watchlist, with the contestants being public figures from various walks of life.
Is The Devils Plan Worth Your Time?
Zombieverse
Watch This Show If You Love : Kingdom, Train to Busan (TV adaptation), Save Me, The Guest, Black (Korean Series) Why Should I Stream? Feast your eyes on K-horror at its finest with this chilling anthology series that showcases fresh ideas from South Korea's top storytellers while reinventing undead narratives through thought-provoking themes like survival, morality, and humanity. It's a must-see collection for fans of eerie storytelling with a distinct Korean twist.
Is Zombieverse Worth Your Time?
Comedy Royale
Watch This Show If You Love : Gag Concert, Comedy Big League, Snail Hotel, People Looking for Laughter, Crackers Why Should I Stream? Laughter abounds in this uproarious South Korean competition series where stand-up comedians battle for the title of ultimate humorist. Known for its high-energy content and innovative format, every episode showcases boundless creativity and quick-witted repartee from exceptionally talented contestants.
Is Comedy Royale Worth Your Time?
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Miss Traveling? Here are 10 Korean Variety Shows You Should Add To Your Watch Lists
- October 28, 2021
After almost two years of being in lockdown, we’re starting to see things slowly go back to normal, with cinemas finally re-opening and restaurants allowing a small percentage of people to dine in again. With this, we can now start hoping that borders will soon open again to allow us to travel to places that are on our bucket list. While waiting for that day to come, we can always rely on variety shows to satisfy our wanderlusts and take us to places all over the world without having to leave home.
From 2 Days & 1 Night to BTS’ Bon Voyage , here are 10 Korean variety shows worth checking out:
2 Days & 1 Night
Also known as 2D1N , 2 Days & 1 Night is a reality-variety show which features the cast as they travel to various places in South Korea, playing games to win a delicious meal and avoid doing punishments. Its main concept is to highlight theattractions and cuisines of a certain place or province, which people can check out when they go there.
The show has seen various cast changes throughout its 13-year run. Its current cast members include Yeon Jung Hoon, Kim Jong Min, Moon Se Yoon, Dindin, and VIXX’s Ravi.
Where to Watch: Viu
Over Flowers
From the popular K-variety show producer Na Young Seok comes the three Over Flowers series — Grandpas Over Flowers, Sisters Over Flowers, and Youth Over Flowers . These shows features grandpas, noonas , and youthful cast members who travel to various places to enjoy their various cuisines and culture. Some of the countries that these series have visited include Iceland, Austria, Spain, Peru, Australia, and more.
Law of the Jungle
Law of the Jungle is a reality-documentary show where actors and K-pop stars join comedian Kim Byung Man in remote locations around the world. Here, they learn what it’s like to live in the wild as they hunt, prepare meals, and create shelter for the rest of their team. Some of the places that the show visited include Kota Manado, New Zealand, Palawan, Antarctica, and more.
Twogether is a travel-variety show that brings two stars — Lee Seung Gi and Jasper Liu — together and on a trip to 6 cities where they fulfill missions at famous spots which have been recommended by fans. Unlike other travel variety shows, the producers also leave them on their own, with a limited budget, a car, and a map giving them hints on where they should go next. In a span of a month, the two actors have been to Yogyakarta and Bali in Indonesia, Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand, and Dhampus and Pokhara in Nepal.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Hometown Flex
Hometown Flex features two “Seoul Bumpkins” — Cha Tae Hyun and Lee Seung Gi — who have lived in Seoul all their lives. They then try to experience life outside Seoul by going on local tours guided by celebrities who were born and raised in their hometowns. The series’ first season took the stars to Busan, Gwangju, Cheongju, Daejeon, and Jeonju.
Begin Again
If you love music and traveling, you’d definitely enjoy JTBC’s show Begin Again. The show features some of South Korea’s most talented musicians as they travel overseas, where no one knows about them. They then do busking performances in particular tourist spots to introduce themselves to the people in other countries.
Some of the show’s famous cast members include AKMU’s Lee Su Hyun, Jukjae, Henry, Lee So Ra, Taeyeon, Paul Kim, Crush, Lee Hi, Sohyang, and more.
House on Wheels
House on Wheels features three cast members who explore various parts of South Korea with their camper van. As they do so, they try to find the best local and seasonal food that each place has to offer with their guest stars. Some of the show’s most notable guests include IU, Gong Hyo Jin, Jung Eun Ji, Lee Su Kyung, and more.
The show stars Sung Dong Il and Kim Hee Won, with Gong Myung starring starting Season 3. Im Siwan and Yeo Jin Goo also starred in the previous seasons of the show.
Youn’s Stay
Youn’s Stay is a spin-off of another reality program called Youn’s Kitchen . It’s set in a hanok in South Jeolla and features the cast who welcome foreign guests who are not able to experience South Korean cuisine and culture because of the pandemic. Its current cast members are Youn Yeo Jung, Choi Woo Sik, Jung Yoo Mi, Lee Seo Jin, and Park Seo Joon.
Traveler is another JTBC program featuring actors going on a backpacking trip. Season 1 features Lee Je Hoon and Ryu Jun Yeol as they travel to Cuba, while Season 2 stars Ahn Jae Hong, Kang Ha Neul, and Ong Seung Woo as they go backpacking in Argentina. Traveler shows the cast as they discover the country’s culture and history, and trying out their unique and delicious cuisine.
For the ARMY who miss traveling, there’s BTS’ travel variety show Bon Voyage . It features the seven members of the group as they try to become normal tourists and tour a place they know nothing about with only a limited budget. The variety show now currently has 4 seasons and has brought the group to Norway, Sweden, Finland, Hawaii, Malta, and New Zealand.
Where to Watch: WeVerse
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17 Most Entertaining Variety Shows Of 2021
There’s nothing quite like a good variety show to kickback and relax to. Often times, when you’ve ventured pretty deep into the K-drama world, you discover the world of variety shows, each of which takes on a very unique premise. 2021 had its fair share of returning series as well as new ones. Here are 17 of the most entertaining variety shows that the year had to offer!
List is in no particular order.
1. “Honeymoon Tavern”
“Honeymoon Tavern” is a tvN variety show produced by Lee Woo Hyung. The cast of celebrities, which includes Kim Hee Sun , Tak Jae Hoon , Yoo Teo , Moon Se Yoon , and Kai , all ran an inn on Jeju Island. They were to cook for and host guests who came to the inn, most of which were newlyweds who got married during the pandemic. The series touched on the relationship between the cast and guests, while also learning more about the all-star celebrities that were hosting. It was especially fun to see the friendships that were formed amongst them!
2. “Street Woman Fighter”
“Street Woman Fighter” was a hot topic while it was airing. It was Mnet’s first female dance crew survival program. Various crews would compete in order to become the number one team to represent South Korea. They would showcase all different genres of dance. The choreography and remixes of various songs had people pumped up and excited every week. The different crews and individual dancers showed off their various charms, which made viewers fall in love with many of them throughout the process! The series was such a huge success that there is a male version of the show confirmed to air.
3. “The Sixth Sense 2”
“The Sixth Sense” returned with a second season after the success of the first in 2020. This tvN variety show brought cast members Yoo Jae Suk , Oh Na Ra , Jun So Min , Jessi , Loveleyz ‘s Mijoo , and Lee Sang Yeob . The cast would do various missions in different settings to figure out what is “fake” and what is “real.” One of the obvious reasons for the success of the show was the hilarious chemistry between the cast members. People couldn’t get enough of the hilarious banter between them. The guests on the show also proved to bring in a lot of viewers as they had EXO’s Kai, On Ju Wan , and even 2PM’s Lee Junho !
4. “The Game Caterers”
With millions of views on every uploaded video, it’s no secret that “The Game Caterers” was one of the most successful variety shows of the past year. With the power of PD (producing director) Na Young Suk , who is a genius at coming up with unique games and quizzes, all the guests that are on the show are guaranteed to have a good time. Some of the very impressive guests in 2021 included BTS , the “Hospital Playlist” cast, the “Vincenzo” cast,” and the actors under BH Entertainment. With this kind of lineup, it’s no wonder that it was such a big success!
Watch the recent episode with the cast of “The Silent Sea”:
5. “Youn’s Stay”
“Youn’s Stay” is a spin-off of the show “ Youn’s Kitchen ,” produced by Na Young Suk and Kim Se Hee. The show focuses on welcoming guests visiting Korea on business or for studies who have not been able to experience Korea to the fullest as a result of the pandemic. The show is set in a hanok in the beautiful backdrop of South Jeolla Province. The cast of celebrities include Youn Yuh Jung , Choi Woo Shik , Jung Yu Mi , Lee Seo Jin , and Park Seo Joon . The show brought a very warm and relaxing vibe, which was especially welcoming during the winter season. Seeing the cast and their very different personalities work together to make this experience seamless for their guests was hilarious and enjoyable to watch.
6. “ Home Alone ”
In the MBC variety show “Home Alone,” viewers are provided with an in-depth look into the lives of various celebrities who live alone. There is a set cast of celebrities that are followed each week, and sometimes they have special guests where viewers are able to get a peek into how they live their daily lives. In 2021, the show had some pretty impressive special guests and returning ones, some of which included Junho, Anupam Tripathi, and Kim Kyung Nam . This look into the personal homes of various celebrities is fascinating but also entertaining as we are able to see the various quirks and hobbies that they have.
Start watching “Home Alone”:
7. “ Ask Us Anything ”
“Ask Us Anything” is a program that features a cast of members who act as high school students in a classroom. Guests arrive and pretend that they are transferring to the school, but they must pass a test in order to be accepted by the cast. The show never fails in having some very impressive guests. 2021 brought some mega stars including Lee Seung Gi , Kai , aespa, 2PM, ITZY , ASTRO , Brave Girls, SHINee , Joo Won , Yoon Eun Hye , and more! If you like to see a side of these idols and actors that you’ve never seen before, the cast of “Ask Us Anything” does a great job of bringing it out.
Start watching the variety show here:
8. “ 2 Days & 1 Night Season 4 ”
There aren’t that many people who are not familiar with the variety show “2 Days & 1 Night.” The show involves a fixed cast who venture off into various parts of South Korea where they are to complete games and missions. With the show having had a complete change in the cast not too long ago, it did an amazing job of maintaining its popularity and ratings. “2 Days & 1 Night Season 4” won the Viewers’ Choice for Best Program at the 2021 KBS Entertainment Awards, and Moon Se Yoon was even able to win the Daesang (Grand Prize) !
Start watching the variety show below:
9. “ Running Man ”
It’s impressive how long “Running Man” has been airing. With the veteran cast members returning every week to make their viewers laugh, the series deserves a spot on this list every year. There were some major changes in 2021 for the program as Lee Kwang Soo decided to step away, but the show has managed to remain as one of the most watched variety shows in South Korea. The variety show lineup is definitely not the same without it!
Watch “Running Man” here:
10. “ Kingdom: Legendary War ”
Mnet’s idol competition show featured six idol groups including THE BOYZ , Stray Kids , ATEEZ , BTOB , SF9 , and iKON . They went head-to-head in various challenges throughout four weeks while receiving votes from global fans, being evaluated by a panel, and a video view count. At the end of the show, the group with the most points would win it all. The hot and sizzling performances from some of the most popular K-pop groups out there had us on the edge of our seats every week. Seeing the creativity and hard work that went into each performance really made us appreciate our favorite idols even more.
Start watching “Kingdom: Legendary War”:
11. “ How Do You Play? ”
“How Do You Play?” is a variety show hosted by the nation’s MC, Yoo Jae Suk. 2021 was a huge year for the host and this variety show, as he was able to top the charts for Variety Star Brand Reputation Rankings continuously. Most of this was due to the success of his program “How Do You Play?” on MBC. One segment in particular was the formation of the group MSG Wannabe as Yoo Jae Suk gathered various actors and singers to become a singing group. The group was able to score a perfect all-kill when their song was released – the power of Yoo Jae Suk!
Watch “How Do You Play?” here:
12. “ The Return Of Superman ”
“The Return Of Superman” is a series that follows celebrity parents who are raising children. It’s adorable seeing these celebrity parents living normal lives, taking care of household chores and running errands while looking after their kids. Many familiar families announced their departure in the series during 2021 like Do Kyung Wan and Sam Hammington . But with these departures, there were also many guests who visited the families and played with their children. Some of these guests included ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo and Lee Junho.
Check out the show here:
13. “ Master in the House ”
“Master in the House” has set cast members Yoo Su Bin , Lee Seung Gi, Yang Se Hyung , and Kim Dong Hyun . Cha Eun Woo and Shin Sung Rok were part of the cast, but they stepped down halfway through the year. The show involves having a “master” host the cast, taking them through a day or two of how they live. Some of the masters from 2021 included Rain , Kim Jong Kook , and the female leads of the K-drama “ The Penthouse .” Viewers are able to see the hard work that these “masters” live through day-to-day in order to maintain their special skills.
Start watching the show here:
14. “You Quiz On The Block”
“You Quiz On The Block” is a tvN program starring Yoo Jae Suk and Jo Se Ho . The show is in an interview type format where the hosts sit down and chat with stars who are currently hot and trending. In 2021 alone, they had international sensation group BTS, “Squid Game” star Jung Ho Yeon, IU , Girls’ Generation , and Gong Yoo ! The best part about this show is that Yoo Jae Suk has a way with his guests that make them feel very comfortable. Because he is the nation’s MC, many celebrities respect and look up to him, which makes them very open to his questions. You can sense the guests’ comfort, which also makes viewers comfortable.
15. “Mountain Village Playlist”
As a result of the success of “Hospital Playlist,” Na Young Suk created a spin-off program similar to the format of “Three Meals a Day.” The cast of “Hospital Playlist,” which includes Jo Jung Suk , Jeon Mi Do , Jung Kyung Ho , Yoo Yeon Seok , and Kim Dae Myung , all participated in the show. They were to spend time together in the countryside and cook three meals a day without any assistance. Viewers got a deeper look into the chemistry between the actors, and it was especially enjoyable seeing them together one last time before fans said goodbye to the series for good.
16. “Unexpected Business”
“Unexpected Business” is a tvN show starring Cha Tae Hyun and Jo In Sung . The two are shipped off to a small town where they run a supermarket for a week. The series was especially delightful to watch as Jo In Sung hardly ever appears in variety shows. Cha Tae Hyun invited him to be on the show together as the two are good friends in real life. Seeing the natural relationship between these two in a very stressful situation was hilarious but also healing for the most part.
17. “My Little Old Boy”
“ My Little Old Boy ” looks into the lives of older single Korean celebrities. What makes this show so unique is that the mothers of these single celebrities are on the panel, providing commentary to their own children. 2021 was a big year for the program as it garnered a lot more viewers and fans. Guests such as BLACKPINK ‘s Rosé, SHINee’s Minho , Lee Da Hee , CL , Ahn Hyo Seop , Lee Kwang Soo, and Seo In Guk were just some of the many all-star guests who graced the studio!
Check out “My Little Old Boy”:
Hey Soompiers, which of these variety shows was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
binahearts is a Soompi writer whose ultimate biases are Song Joong Ki and BIGBANG but has lately been seen obsessing over Hwang In Yeop . Make sure you follow binahearts on Instagram as she journeys through her latest Korean crazes!
Currently watching: “Bulgasal” and “ Ghost Doctor ” All-time favorite drama: “ Secret Garden ” and “Star In My Heart” Looking forward to: Won Bin ‘s return to the small screen
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Top 40 Korean Variety Shows Of All Time To Accompany Your Lonely Year!
In this article we will share to you the top 40 korean variety shows to accompany your this year of 2022. Let’s dive right to it.
Running Man
Running man is the best and most favourite korean variety shows, shown from the fact that it’s still going strong after 10 seasons and over 500 episodes. This show starring Yoo Jae Seok, Song Ji Hyo, Kim Jong Kook and more Korean entertainers as they race to complete different missions on each episode.
Workman is perfect for those who love a short show, it is a 10 minute one man show that follow ex newscaster Jang Sung Kyu as he takes on the roles of various ordinary jobs. His fun personality and willingness to take on every tough challenge makes this show extraordinary.
Master in the House
This show is about the MC spend two days with various people with different career, such as actors, olympic champions, firefighters and even buddhist monk. At the end of the second day, there is a challenge that the MC must complete
My Little Old Boy
This is a reality show that documents the lives of single and celebrities who are living alone. Despite being above the ‘standard’ age to marry, this series just showed us how celebrities must go through same struggles as we do, from finding a clean shirt, decided what to watch on netflix, arguing with siblings, even finding a food in the fridge.
Great Escape
Great escape is shows combining escape rooms and complicated puzzles together with a plot twist and even lots of zombies. This show has everything it needed to keep you engage and watch until the end as they find their way out of a haunted mansion in a complete darkness.
Knowing Brothers
This is an award winning variety shows hosted by most prominent comedians. This shows set in a school classroom with various different guests would appear each week as new transfer ‘students’, where the MCs would welcome with quizzes and games.
New World show is about six celebrities stay on a utopian island in their dream house. They strategize their way to earning virtual dollars by competing in a series of challenges that will put their friendships to the test. However, not all of this shows is real, there are scripted parts which takes out the fun of seeing our lovely celebrities got into real world.
House on Wheels
House on Wheels is the variety show follows the three men as they attempt to live in a house on wheels and travel all across South Korea, inviting the top Korean entertainers to join them.
The Return of Superman
The Return of Superman is a variety show where celebrity dads are left alone with their toddlers for 48 hours while their wives go on a vacation. This one is good to keep you laugh and smiling too see what happen when mommy’s aren’t at home.
Hometown Flex
This is a variety show showing hosts Lee Seung Gi and Cha Tae Hyun travel across South Korea to explore the hometowns of their celebrity guests. This show is perfect for you who wants to visit and travel South Korea.
The Traveler 2 is a variety shows about several celebrities backpack to a different country, while in the first season we saw celebrities goes to Cuba, in the season two we see idols make their way to Argentina.
Our Little Summer Vacation
Our Little Summer Vacation is a variety shows following actors and good friends Choi Woo Shik and Jung Yu Mi as they move into a summer home located outside of Seoul. They invite friends to join them on their summer vacation house.
The Law of the Jungle
The Law of the jungle is a variety shows where comedian Kim Byung Man invites kpop idols and actors join him in a remote island to live off their resources and living in the wild together with him creating shelter and preparing meals by themselves.
Sixth Sense
Sixth Sense is a two-season variety show involving mind games, where they invited a guest known as the Sixth Man. The guest work together with the cast member to find out the fabricated set up among the three place or people they visit using their Sixth Sense.
2 Days and 1 Night
2 Days and 1 Night is a four seasons Korean variety shows centered on games and travelling within South Korea, where numerous hidden gems ranging from offshore islands to rural villages are introduced to the audience.
During this variety shows, members are given series of games and mission to completed, where the winner will obtain meals and better accommodation. In opposite, the loser will be given punishments.
Problem Child In House
Problem Child In House is a quiz type variety show led by five hosts and various guest in each episodes where they got 10 trivia question covering various topics such as history, basic knowledge, trending issues and social media trends.
New Journey To The West
New Journey To The West is a variety shows about completing a set of missions and super ludicrous task to earn dragon balls. It’s inspired from the seven mystical dragon balls that was landed in different place on the earth. So they need to travel all around the world and compete to finish the mission. Those winner who collected the dragon balls will get their wishes granted.
Begin Again
Begin Again is a musical variety show where well-known Korean artists take on a journey perform the busking off the street where no one recognize them.
King Of Masked Singer
King Of Masked Singer is a variety show where singers, rappers, actors and music producers compete one another wear gloves and mask to completely cover their faces and bodies to hide their identity. The singers will only revealed themselves after being eliminated or win the round.
Amazing Saturday
Amazing Saturday is a variety shows where cast need to guess the lyrics of a song to get a food. Every week, guests are invited to participate in the show where they will play together with the cast.
I Can See Your Voice
I Can See Your Voice is a variety shows where the guest has to see whether the contestant is good at singing without hearing their voice. The six contestants lip sync a song pre-recorded by them and guest were given some clues. Afterwards the guest have 30 seconds to interview the contestants and pick one singer to perform.
Sea Of Hope
Sea Of Hope is a variety show that provides hope and healing to audiences. This shows starring prominent celebrities such as Lee Dong wook, SHINee’s Onew, Kim Go eun, and AKMU’s Suhyun.
Hangout With Yoo
Hangout With Yoo initially was started as a show observing the daily life of Yoo Jae suk, Korea’s Best Host. It developed into a variety shows where he get into a various occupation and industries such as singing, playing instruments and dancing.
I Live Alone
I Live alone is a program showing the daily of of celebrities who live alone. This show let us know our beloved celebrities hobbies, what they like to do and unfiltered daily life.
The Manager
The Manager variety shows filmed the manager alongside the celebrities that they take care of. We will learn what celebrity managers do, their responsibility and relationship with their celebrities.
On and Off is a reality show where celebrities shares both their public and private moments. We will see the different side of celebrities during their working and free time. On and Off itself means On Working Time and Off working time.
Hyori’s Homestay
Hyori’s Homestay is a variety shows taken place in the guest house owned by Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon, her husband. They invited people to stay at their guest house in Jeju island and have a free refreshing time.
Three Meals A Day
Three Meals A Day is variety shows about cooking meals from scratch with the ingredients that are found at the filming location, usually around fishing or rural villages.
Yoo Quiz On The Block
Yoo Quiz On The Block is a reality shows sharing an insightful and meaningful talks led by Yoo Jae suk and Jo Se ho. Most of guest are non celebrities, they sit down and having a deep conversations about all walks of life.
Love Naggers
Love Naggers is a talk show that was based on real-life dating experiences, featuring five panel members who discuss diverse relationship issues faced by couples in Korea. Each members share their thoughts about each issues and the solutions of each issues.
Youn’s Kitchen
Youn’s Kitchen is a food reality shows that taken place in many various locations abroad such as Spain and Lombok. Prior to running a pop up restaurant in another country, youn yuh Jung developed a menu based on her meeting with a Korean Chef Lee Won Il and Hong Seok Cheon, restaurant owner.
Stars’ Top Recipe At Fun-Staurant
Stars’ Top Recipe At Fun-Staurant is a cooking battle reality shows between korean celebrities. Each round participants must follow a theme where they must come up with a new recipe with a specific ingredients such as kimchi.
The winners will get the experience of having their dishes being sold in CU, the most popular convenience store chains in Korea and donate the profits to charities.
Baek Jong-won’s Alley Restaurant
Baek Jong-won’s Alley Restaurant is a reality shows where Baek jong Won, the most famous celebrity chef in Korea visit restaurants located along alleys to evaluate and give insight of what the owners can do better to save them from bankruptcy. Most of them having a trouble due to their locations and rising competitors.
Paik's Spirit
Paik’s Spirit is a reality show features south korean chef Baek Jong Won, a special chef who has 26 restaurant franchises and publisher many books.
In this reality show, Baek Jong won further explain history and culture of Korean food while having conversations about life with famous guest (celebrity) from many different background and fields.
Single's Inferno
Single’s Inferno is a korean variety shows about 12 attractive singles travel to a remote island called Inferno in search of romance. Successful pairings are able to enjoy a night’s stay in “Paradise,” a lavish hotel where they can enjoy a luxurious date and reveal more personal details such as their ages and occupations.
It Takes A Village
It takes a village is a reality show of celebrities living together in a village. Together they build their houses, plant seed and eat organic food. During this activities, they are having some deep talk with one another.
Honeymoon Tavern
Honeymoon tavern is a variety show about honeymoon experience of those new marriage couple who was married during the pandemic season.
Loud is a variety shows featuring Park Jin-young’s JYP, and Psy’s P NATION. Together they begin a boy group project that targets the world. Various participants with different nationalities and strengths will present the stage for a boy group debut.
Transit Love
Transit Love or as known as Exchange, is a dating reality show of 4 ex couple being together try to reunited and live together.
Sing again variety show is about those who used to be a singer or someone who tried to be a singer once in their life but then give up due to setbacks. This show give them opportunity to show their talent as a professional.
Korean Variety Show
Here’s the list of korean variety show you can watch to fill your 2022 with love and happiness. How do you think about these show? Which one you love the most? Let us know in the comment sections below!
Check out our another kdramas article:
- 9 New Korean Dramas In February 2022 To Fill Your Lonely Night!
- 37 Best Historical K Drama Of All Time You Need To Watch In 2022!
- 20 Best Motivational Netflix Korean Dramas that will Fire You Up In 2022!
- 37 Korean Dramas In 2022 To Fill Your Year With Love and Romance!
- 10 Must Watch Korean Dramas About Law That Will Makes You Think!
Every share and every ounce of your support brings my passion for Korea to life – Thank you for visit.
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20 Korean Variety Shows Categorised By Themes So You Don’t Just Watch Running Man
Korean variety shows
If Running Man is still the only Korean variety show you know of, you’re in dire need of our hand-picked list of variety shows. Better still, they’re sorted into six categories – games, music, reality, healing, food, and talk shows.
1. Sixth Sense
Sixth Sense is a two-season variety show that mostly involves mind games. The first season aired in 2020, while the sequel was released in 2021.
In every episode of Sixth Sense , there is a guest who is known as the Sixth Man. The guest has to work closely with the cast members to find out which is the fabricated set-up among the three places or people they visit by using their sixth senses.
As a reward, one gold persimmon will be given to the cast members who manage to make the correct guess. Those who make the most accurate guesses will be given a huge prize at the end of each season.
You can watch a snippet of Sixth Sense here:
Video credit: tvN D ENT
2. 2 Days & 1 Night
With a total of four seasons, 2 Days & 1 Night is one of the most popular and longest-running Korean variety shows today. Although there were many changes in the cast member line-up throughout the seasons, the theme of the show remains the same.
The first season aired in 2007, while the first broadcast of the current season aired in 2019.
2 Days & 1 Night is centred on games and travelling within South Korea, where numerous hidden gems ranging from offshore islands to rural villages are introduced to the audience.
During the two days and one night of filming, members are given a series of games and missions to complete. They must win in order to obtain meals and better accommodation compared to those who lose the games.
Those who fail to complete a mission or lose a game could be given punishments such as jumping into an icy lake in the middle of winter.
Get a glimpse of 2 Days & 1 Night here:
Video credit: KBS Entertain
3. Problem Child In House
If you’re a fan of quiz shows, Problem Child In House might just be the perfect show for you.
This show is led by five hosts and different guests in every episode. They’re given 10 trivia questions that cover a variety of topics, such as history, general knowledge, current issues, and even social media trends.
Problem Child In House is filmed on a rooftop, and the hosts and guests are not allowed to leave the premises until they get the correct answers for all 10 questions without the help of the Internet.
Here’s a short clip of Problem Child In House:
4. New Journey To The West
New Journey To The West is about completing a set of missions to receive dragon balls.
The missions can be as ludicrous as being tasked to hide a durian, or making kimchi in the middle of the night. However, no matter how ridiculous the task, the members must complete their missions in order to collect seven dragon balls. Those who have successfully collected the dragon balls will have their wishes granted.
Here’s a hilarious clip of the members trying their best to succeed in a game:
5. Begin Again
Featuring musicians and singers who pursue different genres of music, Begin Again is a music variety show that heals weary souls with top-notch busking performances.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the cast of Begin Again would go on road trips to countries such as Italy, France, Ireland, and Germany. Now, they perform in South Korea in front of a small audience.
Begin Again currently spans four seasons and is loved by a wide audience thanks to the comforting and soothing vibes of this music variety show.
You can watch one of the most iconic and moving performances here:
Video credit: Beginagain 비긴어게인
6. The Masked Singer
As the title suggests, The Masked Singer is a singing competition among celebrities whose identities are masked. These celebrities include singers, rappers, actors, and even music producers.
Singers have to wear gloves and a mask to completely cover their faces and bodies. That way, the panel of judges can’t tell their identities. The singers are only revealed when they’re eliminated or win the round.
Check out BTS’ Jungkook in The Masked Singer here:
Video credit: 엠뚜루마뚜루 : MBC 공식 종합 채널
7. Amazing Saturday
In Amazing Saturday, the cast can either guess the lyrics of a song correctly and be rewarded with mouth-watering food, or fail to guess the lyrics and have their food eaten by a mukbang YouTuber called Haetnim .
The excitement of this guessing game is amplified by a weekly concept, which allows the cast to dress up in flamboyant outfits according to that week’s theme.
Every week, guests are invited to participate in the show alongside the cast. Notable guests who were featured in Amazing Saturday include BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Jisoo, and actors Lee Dong-wook and Choi Woo-shik.
You can watch BLACKPINK’s Rosé’s cute chemistry with Hyeri here:
Video credit: tvN
8. I Can See Your Voice
I Can See Your Voice is exactly what the title suggests. Instead of hearing the six contestants’ voices, the guest has to see and make a judgement call as to whether the contestant is good at singing.
The first round is called the “Lip Sync Challenge”. During this round, the six contestants must lip sync to a song pre-recorded by them. This is usually done with plenty of practice prior to the filming.
Next, the guest will be presented with some clues pertaining to the contestants. Some hints suggest that they’re good at singing, while others might be fabricated.
Finally, the guest is given 30 seconds to interrogate the contestants. By this round, only two singers remain, and the guest has to pick one singer to perform onstage with.
Watch the compilation video of some of the best performances here:
Video credit: Mnet TV
9. Sea Of Hope
When there’s music by the sea with good food and drinks, there’s nothing more you could possibly wish for.
Sea Of Hope is a healing variety show that provides the audience with comfort. This show isn’t only a treat for your ears, but also your eyes – it features celebrities such as Lee Dong-wook, Kim Go-eun, SHINee’s Onew, and AKMU’s Su-hyun.
Enjoy the astounding performance of SHINee’s Stand By Me here:
Video credit: 바라던 바다
10. Hangout With Yoo
Hangout With Yoo initially began as a casual show to observe the daily life of Korea’s top host, Yoo Jae-suk. But the producer of the show decided to develop the concept further by getting Yoo Jae-suk to dip his toes into different occupations and industries.
In this reality show, you get to see Yoo Jae-suk doing his best to pick up a variety of skills such as singing, playing instruments, and even dancing.
The success of this show has led to the execution of several loosely related projects, such as the debut of Refund Sisters. The Refund Sisters is a girl group comprising Lee Hyo-ri, Jessi, Uhm Jung-hwa, and MAMAMOO’s Hwasa.
Watch Yoo Jae-suk with the Refund Sisters here:
Video credit: KOCOWA TV
11. I Live Alone
I Live Alone features what the day-to-day life of celebrities look like. In order to make a guest appearance in this show, the celebrities must fulfil one condition: living alone.
From personal recipes to hobbies, this reality show gives you a glimpse into the unfiltered lives of celebrities such as actor Ahn Bo-hyun , 2PM’s Jun-ho, and MAMAMOO’s Hwasa.
Watch the funny daily life of SHINee’s Key with his dogs here:
12. The Manager (Omniscient Interfering View)
More often than not, celebrities are the ones in the spotlight while their managers hustle off camera. But that’s not the case in The Manager .
As the title suggests, managers are filmed alongside the celebrities that they take care of. We get a closer look at the responsibilities they shoulder, as well as their relationship with celebrities.
This reality show gives us an insight into how behind every successful celebrity is a persevering manager.
Check out soloist Jeon Somi’s relationship with her manager here:
13. On & Off
Have you ever wondered what celebrities are like when they’re not performing? If so, On & Off might provide some answers for you.
In this reality show, celebrities share their public and private moments, and viewers get to see the contrast between their working days and free time. “On” refers to their professional lives, whereas “off” represents their private lives behind the scenes.
The first season aired in 2020, and the second season was released in 2021.
Here’s a clip of how EXID’s Hani unwinds during her free time:
Video credit: 디글 :Diggle
14. Hyori’s Homestay
With a total of two seasons, the star of Hyori’s Homestay is the guest house owned by Lee Hyori and her husband, Lee Sang-soon.
The two invite both celebrities and non-celebrities alike to stay at their guest house located in Jeju, in hopes of providing respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The first season of Hyori’s Homestay was such a hit that there were close to 160,000 guest applications in less than a week.
Watch IU as a guest in season one of Hyori’s Homestay here :
Video credit: JTBC Voyage
15. Three Meals A Day
Three Meals A Day is about cooking meals from scratch with the ingredients that are found at the filming location, which typically happens to be fishing or rural villages.
The villages are situated in far-flung provinces such as Gangwon-do and Jeollabuk-do.
Actors Nam Joo-hyuk and Ok Taec-yeon appeared as part of the main cast in 2016 and 2014 respectively.
There was even a season titled Three Meals A Day: Doctors dedicated to the cast of Hospital Playlist.
You can watch their adorable chemistry and mukbang here:
16. Yoo Quiz On The Block
Yoo Quiz On The Block is an insightful and meaningful talk show led by Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho.
The hosts sit down and converse with guests from all walks of life. Although the majority of guests are non-celebrities, there are times when celebrities such as actors and athletes are invited to the show. For instance, global star Jung Ho-yeon in Squid Game made her appearance on the show in 2021.
You can watch the video here:
Each episode of Yoo Quiz On The Block follows a theme or topic such as “Skilled physicians, those who open people’s minds”, and “Are there benefits?” Approximately four guests are invited to share their experiences in relation to the topic.
Like most Korean variety shows, Yoo Quiz On The Block brings laughter and smiles to viewers. But heartbreaking experiences of grief and loss are shared as well.
You can watch how a police officer saved a young woman from dating violence here:
Video credit: 샾잉 #ing
17. Love Naggers
Based on real-life dating experiences, Love Naggers is a talk show featuring five panel members who discuss diverse relationship concerns and dilemmas faced by couples in Korea.
While some relationship concerns are absurd and hilarious, other dilemmas lead to a complex debate as issues such as cheating and obsession are involved.
The panel members share their personal thoughts pertaining to each relationship issue, and they judge whether an individual should fight for the relationship or recognise the red flags and leave immediately.
Take a glimpse of Love Naggers here:
Video credit: KBS N
18. Youn’s Kitchen
Youn’s Kitchen is a food and travel reality show filmed abroad in locations such as Spain and Lombok, an Indonesian island near Bali.
Prior to running a pop-up restaurant for a few days in a foreign country, veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung developed a menu based on her meeting with Lee Won-il, a Korean chef, and Hong Seok-cheon, a restaurant owner.
In season one, Youn Yuh-jung came up with three main dishes using bulgogi (marinated beef or pork): bulgogi burger, bulgogi rice, and bulgogi noodles. As the season progressed, new dishes such as ramyeon and fried dumplings were added to the menu.
In the following season, Youn Yuh-jung decided on bibimbap (mixed rice) as the central theme. There were a total of three dishes – the classic vegetable bibimbap , spicy pork bibimbap , and bulgogi bibimbap .
However, the spicy pork bibimbap was removed from the menu at the beginning of the season and replaced with Korean fried chicken. Other dishes, such as kimchi fried rice and japchae (stir-fried noodles), were also added to the menu.
Check out the customers’ reaction to Youn Yuh-jung’s ramyeon here:
19. Stars’ Top Recipe At Fun-Staurant
Stars’ Top Recipe At Fun-Staurant is no ordinary cooking show – it’s a cooking battle show between Korean celebrities.
Each round adheres to a theme, and participants must follow the theme when they come up with a new recipe. The themes can range from using specific ingredients such as prawns and kimchi, to including flavours such as spicy and sweet.
The participants have to carry out their own research before developing a creative recipe that’s not only easy for the viewers to follow, but will also be appetising and delicious.
Finally, the participants will introduce their dishes to a panel of chefs, who will then judge and announce the winner of each round.
Celebrities who win the battle get to experience their dishes being sold in CU, also known as one of the most popular convenience store chains in Korea. This allows the public to try out the dishes, and the profits will be donated to charities. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!
You can watch how the cooking battle unfolds here:
Video credit: KBS 한국방송
20. Baek Jong-won’s Alley Restaurant
Baek Jong-won’s Alley Restaurant focuses on one objective: revive Korean restaurants located along alleys.
You can easily find handfuls of restaurants along any alley in Korea. But many of these restaurants struggle to make ends meet due to several reasons, such as a less-than-ideal location or rising competitors in the vicinity.
Baek Jong-won, one of the most famous celebrity chefs in Korea, visits these restaurants to evaluate what can be done better in order to save the owners from bankruptcy or closing down the store.
You can watch how the show is run here:
Video credit: 스브스 예능맛집
Korean variety shows that will make you laugh & learn
These 20 shows span a variety of themes and objectives. More importantly, they evoke a variety of emotions that will not only make you laugh out loud, but also shed a tear or two. Besides, watching Korean variety shows is one of the most fun yet effective ways to pick up the language and culture!
Also check out:
- 8 Korean dating reality shows
- 20 K-dramas airing in 2022
- 12 crime K-dramas
- 10 Korean law dramas
- 27 romantic K-dramas sorted by themes
Cover image adapted from: JTBC, tvN and KBS
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IMAGES
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Best Travel/Adventure K-Variety Shows. Please add only Korean shows relevant to title. Tae Ho Nov 25, 2019. 284 Titles 10 Loves. 0% Watched. Report. ... Jung Hae In's Travel Log. Korean TV Show - 2019, 8 episodes. 25. Because I Want to Talk. Korean TV Show - 2019, 12 episodes. 26. Road to Ithaca. Korean TV Show - 2018, 11 episodes. 8.5.
Here's a list of Korean variety shows on travel, including . The Law of Jungle (2011-present). Who's in it: Kim Byung Man, various guests per season Where you can watch it: Viu Survival is the name of the game on this variety show that tasks stars with living in the wild in different locations all over the world, like New Zealand, Fiji, and even Antarctica.
Gamsung Camping is a travel variety show with an interesting concept. It features an the all-female cast, consisting of Park Na-rae, Ahn Young-mi, Park So-dam, Kim Yong-sun (Solar) and Son Na-eun. In each episode, the cast heads to different spots in Korea that resemble another country, such as Switzerland, Vietnam and Canada.
2 Days & 1 Night. Launched in 2007, 2 Days & 1 Night or 2D1N is one of the longest-running variety shows in South Korea. The show follows a mission format where the members take on various tasks to either gain delicious rewards or troublesome punishments. It's the perfect show to watch if you're keen to know all about the places in South ...
Top 11 Places to Watch Korean Dramas Online in 2024 ». Korean variety shows are an awesome way to watch your favorite Korean idols and actors having fun. Check out this list of 22 variety shows you shouldn't miss, such as "Infinite Challenge," "Weekly Idol," "I Live Alone," "Knowing Bros" and many more!
Over Flowers series. Unplaned trip-Africa 츤데레 류준열, 박보검과 다정하게 샌드보딩! 160219 EP.1. Watch on. With a title inspired from the infamous K-drama Boys Over Flowers, this travel variety show has spawned over ten seasons and three titles: Grandpas Over Flowers, Sisters Over Flowers, and Youth Over Flowers.
5. "TRAVEL THE WORLD ON EXO'S LADDER ". Media: SMTOWN. "Travel the World on EXO's Ladder" is a travel variety show wherein the members of EXO take a vacation in different countries around the world. However, it comes with a twist: they have to use the ladder game when faced with decisive situations such as eating, choosing beds, and ...
Hangout with Yoo. Law of Jungle. 1. Running Man. Among all the Korean variety shows available, Running Man remains a favorite among viewers, which is why the show is still on-going after 10 seasons and over 500 episodes. The game-variety show stars Yoo Jae Seok, Lee Kwang Soo, Song Ji Hyo, Kim Jong Kook, and more Korean entertainers as they ...
Other good Korean reality shows on Netflix include Men on a Mission - AKA Knowing Bros - and Hyori's Bed and Breakfast. Vote up the best Korean variety shows on Netflix, and add your favorites if they're missing from the list. Latest additions: The Devils Plan, Single's Inferno, Zombieverse. Fact-checked by: Molly Gander.
Bon Voyage. For the ARMY who miss traveling, there's BTS' travel variety show Bon Voyage. It features the seven members of the group as they try to become normal tourists and tour a place they know nothing about with only a limited budget. The variety show now currently has 4 seasons and has brought the group to Norway, Sweden, Finland ...
New Journey to the West (Korean: 신서유기) is a South Korean travel-reality show that airs on tvN.This program started broadcasting on September 4, 2015 and has currently aired for 8 Seasons. New Journey to the West's cast members are Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, Eun Ji-won, Ahn Jae-hyun, Cho Kyu-hyun, Song Min-ho, and Pyo Ji-hoon.Inspired by the famous Chinese novel Journey to the West, in ...
1. "Honeymoon Tavern". "Honeymoon Tavern" is a tvN variety show produced by Lee Woo Hyung. The cast of celebrities, which includes Kim Hee Sun, Tak Jae Hoon, Yoo Teo, Moon Se Yoon, and Kai ...
Running Man. Running man is the best and most favourite korean variety shows, shown from the fact that it's still going strong after 10 seasons and over 500 episodes. This show starring Yoo Jae Seok, Song Ji Hyo, Kim Jong Kook and more Korean entertainers as they race to complete different missions on each episode.
Join this quintet as they find a new sense of adventure and happiness as they step away from everyday life and enjoy the thrill of the unknown. "Romantic City" is a 2022 travel variety show. The world is full of cities that inspire romance: Paris, Venice, Rome, Prague, Kyoto, Seville…. The list goes on and on.
1. Sixth Sense. Image credit: tvN. Sixth Sense is a two-season variety show that mostly involves mind games. The first season aired in 2020, while the sequel was released in 2021. In every episode of Sixth Sense, there is a guest who is known as the Sixth Man. The guest has to work closely with the cast members to find out which is the ...
Watch list: Infinite Challenge, X-Man, Running Man, New Journey to the West, 2 Days & 1 Night, Great Escape, Knowing Bros, Weekly Idol. Advertisement. So you want to watch…. Korean reality shows ...
Sharing some Korean travel variety shows that I have watched so far…. 1. Twogether. Last year, I watched "Twogether", it is a travel documentary on Netflix that was released last June 26, 2020, starring two celebrities from South Korea and Taiwan. Lee Seung-gi and Jasper Liu traveled to 3 countries (Indonesia, Thailand, and Nepal) and 6 ...