If you're learning Korean and want to dive deeper into the culture (while getting into the holiday spirit), Korean Christmas movies are the perfect way to go. Not only will you pick up some useful everyday Korean slang and phrases, but you'll also get to see how this Western holiday has been beautifully adapted into Korean culture.
In this post, we've handpicked 4 must-watch Korean Christmas films that'll have you reaching for your hot chocolate and tissue box – because let's face it, Korean dramas know how to tug at our heartstrings!
Korean Christmas Words And Expressions
Before diving into our movie picks, let's get familiar with some common Korean Christmas expressions you'll likely hear in these films. During the holiday season, Koreans often use specific phrases to spread Christmas cheer, and spotting these in the movies will definitely make your viewing experience more rewarding!
| Korean Script | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 메리 크리스마스 | Meri Keuriseumaseu | Merry Christmas |
| 행복한 성탄절 되세요 | Haengbokhan Seongtanjeol Doeseyo | Have a Happy Christmas |
| 선물 | Seonmul | Gift/Present |
| 산타 할아버지 | Santa Hal-abeoji | Santa Claus (lit. "Santa Grandfather") |
| 크리스마스 트리 | Keuriseumaseu Teuree | Christmas Tree |
| 캐롤 | Kaerol | Christmas Carol |
| 성탄절 | Seongtanjeol | Christmas (more formal) |
| 즐거운 연말 보내세요 | Jeulgeoun Yeonmal Bonaeseyo | Have a happy end of the year |
| 눈이 와요 | Nuni Wayo | It's snowing |
| 크리스마스 이브 | Keuriseumaseu Ibeu | Christmas Eve |
You'll notice that while some expressions are direct translations from English (like 메리 크리스마스), others have a uniquely Korean twist. For instance, Santa Claus becomes "Santa Grandfather" (산타 할아버지), showing how Korean culture naturally incorporates respect for elders even in Western holiday traditions.
Korean Christmas Movies
Christmas in August
This touching Korean classic (팔월의 크리스마스) isn't your typical holiday romance – it's a gentle story that captures what makes Christmas truly special: cherishing moments with loved ones. The Korean film follows Jung-won, a kind-hearted photo studio owner who finds himself in an unexpected situation: he's falling in love while keeping the secret that he only has months to live.
When a bright, friendly parking officer starts visiting his shop regularly to develop photos, their simple everyday chats turn into something beautiful, making each moment feel as special as Christmas morning. It's a heartwarming reminder that sometimes life's most precious gifts don't come wrapped in shiny paper, but in the simple moments we share with someone special.
Keep an ear out for these tender expressions in this heartwarming film:
| Korean Script | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 사진 찍어드릴까요? | Sajin jjigeodeurilkkayo? | Shall I take your photo? |
| 마음에 들어요 | Maeume deureoyo | I like it (lit: It enters my heart) |
| 오래 기다렸어요 | Orae gidaryeosseoyo | I've waited a long time |
| 건강하세요 | Geonganghaseyo | Stay healthy |
| 다시 만나요 | Dasi mannayo | Let's meet again |
Haepi ero Keurisemaseu
Happy Ero Christmas (해피 에로 크리스마스) serves up holiday chaos with a side of quirky romance! This playful comedy follows a lovesick police officer who's struck by cupid's arrow when he spots a charming bowling alley worker. But winning her heart isn't going to be as easy as writing a ticket – he's got some serious competition from the neighborhood's smooth-talking gang boss, who's made it his Christmas mission to sweep the same girl off her feet!
What follows is a hilarious holiday showdown complete with wacky schemes, awkward flirting attempts, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as our determined cop races against the Christmas clock to win true love.
These fun expressions pop up throughout this romantic comedy:
| Korean Script | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 데이트 할래요? | Deiteu hallaeyo? | Want to go on a date? |
| 귀엽다 | Gwiyeopda | Cute! |
| 나랑 볼링 칠래? | Narang bolling chillae? | Want to bowl with me? |
| 경찰이에요 | Gyeongchalieyo | I'm a police officer |
| 싸움 좀 그만해요 | Ssaum jom geumanhaeyo | Please stop fighting |
The Tower
The Tower (타워) turns Christmas Eve into a night of survival when a luxurious high-rise celebration goes horribly wrong. What starts as a glittering holiday party at the prestigious Tower Sky complex quickly transforms into a nightmare when flames engulf the building, trapping partygoers and employees inside.
Based on real-life disasters and brought to heart-pounding life by director Kim Joo Hoon, this isn't your typical cozy Christmas movie – it's an edge-of-your-seat thriller that shows how ordinary people become heroes when disaster strikes during the most wonderful time of the year.
These urgent expressions are commonly heard throughout this thriller:
| Korean Script | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 불이야! | Buriya! | Fire! |
| 도와주세요! | Dowajuseyo! | Help! |
| 여기서 나가야 해요 | Yeogiseo nagaya haeyo | We need to get out of here |
| 살려주세요 | Sallyeojuseyo | Save me! |
| 모두 대피하세요 | Modu daepihaseyo | Everyone evacuate! |
Woojoo’s Christmas
Woojoo's Christmas brings this magical "what if" to life in the most charming way possible. After losing her mother, 38-year-old Woojoo starts fresh by turning an old antique shop into a cozy cafe - but this isn't just any ordinary business venture. In a Christmas miracle that could only happen in Korean shows, she suddenly finds herself sharing coffee and conversations with her 19 and 26-year-old selves!
This crazy good story blends the magic of the holiday season with a touching journey of self-discovery, showing us that sometimes the best Christmas gift is getting a chance to understand yourself better - at every age and stage of life.
Listen for these reflective phrases as the three Woojoos interact:
| Korean Script | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 믿을 수 없어 | Mideul su eopseo | I can't believe it |
| 그때로 돌아가고 싶어 | Geuttaero doragago sipeo | I want to go back to that time |
| 후회하지 마 | Huhoehaji ma | Don't have regrets |
| 엄마가 보고 싶어 | Eommaga bogo sipeo | I miss mom |
| 커피 한잔 할래요? | Keopi hanjan hallaeyo? | Would you like a cup of coffee? |
Learning Korean Through These Christmas Movies
Want to make the most of your movie-watching experience while learning Korean? These films offer more than just entertainment – they're educational for language learners! Christmas movies are especially great for picking up everyday Korean because they often feature both casual conversations and emotional moments, giving you exposure to various speaking styles and expressions.
Here's where Lingopie comes in handy – instead of struggling with regular subtitles, you can watch these movies with interactive language learning features that make understanding so much easier.
Simply click on any word you don't know to see its meaning and save useful phrases to review later. Plus, the dual subtitles feature lets you see both Korean and English text, helping you connect the dots between what you hear and what it means.
Some pro tips for maximizing your learning:
- Pay attention to how characters change their speaking style based on age and social status (especially in "Woojoo's Christmas")
- Listen for seasonal expressions and everyday phrases that come up repeatedly
- Practice mimicking the characters' intonation during emotional scenes
- Use the pause and replay features on Lingopie to break down complex sentences
- Try predicting what characters will say next based on the context
Remember, the best way to learn a language is when you're enjoying yourself – and what better way than curling up with some heartwarming (or heart-pounding!) Korean Christmas films? Start your Korean learning journey today with Lingopie and turn your movie-watching time into an effective language-learning session!
