If you’re curious about Korean culture beyond the K-pop headlines and Netflix dramas, podcasts offer one of the most accessible and immersive ways to deepen your understanding. Whether you’re a long-time Korea enthusiast, a traveler preparing for a trip, or an expat trying to navigate Korean life, listening to real voices unpack real topics—everything from kimchi-making to gender politics—offers a rare kind of access.
But with thousands of podcasts out there, how do you find quality Korean content in English that focuses on more than just language learning? In this guide, we’ve curated a list of the best English-language podcasts about Korean society, food, and culture in 2025—not from textbooks, but from journalists, chefs, cultural analysts, expats, and locals alike.
Why Podcasts Are a Great Way to Explore Korean Society
Unlike fast-paced YouTube videos or bite-sized social media posts, podcasts give you room to slow down and reflect. The best ones bring together thoughtful storytelling, expert guests, and personal anecdotes that help paint a layered picture of modern Korea—from its rich culinary heritage to shifting social values.
And because many of these podcasts are produced with foreign audiences in mind, they’re beginner-friendly, often include cultural context, and don’t require any Korean language skills.
1. KBS World Radio – Korea 24
Platform: https://world.kbs.co.kr
Also available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Korea 24 is KBS World Radio’s flagship English-language news and current affairs podcast. While its tone leans journalistic, it frequently covers cultural topics like:
Korean cinema and literature
Public holidays and historical anniversaries
Social trends, such as aging population or youth unemployment
English-language interviews with Korean academics and policy experts
Each episode features daily headlines, a deep-dive interview segment, and a “Korea Trending” section that often uncovers quirky or viral local news stories.
Why listen:
For those who want daily exposure to Korean current events without needing to read the news. It’s especially helpful if you want to understand how policy, history, and culture intersect.
2. Arirang Radio – Korea 101
Platform: https://www.arirang.com
Also available on: YouTube, Arirang Radio app, Spotify
“Korea 101” is part of Arirang’s educational mission to introduce Korean culture to international audiences. Unlike news podcasts, it takes a more narrative-driven approach, with episodes focused on:
Hanbok and Korean traditional fashion
The art of kimjang (community-based kimchi making)
Why Korean homes don’t use shoes indoors
Introduction to Korean family and naming customs
The content is scripted but engaging, and episodes typically run around 20–25 minutes—perfect for a commute or short walk.
Why listen:
It’s a great starter podcast for cultural literacy, especially if you’re new to Korean society. It’s also very clearly narrated and well-paced for English learners.
3. SeoulPodcast
Platform: https://www.seoulpodcast.com
Also available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
SeoulPodcast is one of the longest-running podcasts focused on life in Korea as experienced by foreigners. Hosted by expats who have lived in Seoul for years, the show discusses:
Life as a foreigner in Korea
Working in Korean companies
Dating, social rules, and culture shock
Hot-button topics like military service, education, and immigration
While not professionally produced like KBS or Arirang, its unfiltered tone and humor make it feel like a casual conversation with knowledgeable friends.
Why listen:
For expats, digital nomads, or long-term travelers who want a realistic, boots-on-the-ground perspective about life in Korea.
4. Korean Culture Cast (by Korea.net)
Platform: https://www.korea.net
Also available on: YouTube, Podbean
This podcast, run by the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS), explores how Korean culture is being perceived and adopted globally. Guests include:
International students in Korea
Chefs who run Korean restaurants abroad
Korean studies professors from the US and Europe
Multicultural families living in Korea
Episodes cover things like how Korean food is being localized overseas, what Korean soft power means, and how traditions are being preserved in a globalized era.
Why listen:
If you’re interested in Korea’s cultural export and its influence abroad, this is an insightful and official source—without sounding like a PR campaign.
5. The Korean Vegan Podcast (by Joanne Molinaro)
Platform: https://www.thekoreanvegan.com
Also available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Joanne Molinaro, a Korean-American lawyer-turned-author and chef, created this podcast as an intimate blend of food, identity, and Korean-American history. While it’s not based in Korea, her stories offer a deeply personal exploration of what it means to carry Korean culture in a global context.
Episodes feature:
Narratives about family and heritage
Food memories linked to cultural identity
Reflections on grief, immigration, and belonging
Why listen:
To understand the emotional and cultural layers of Korean food and family life, especially from a diaspora perspective.
6. Kimchi + Cornbread (Culture from the Korean South & American South)
Platform: https://kimchicornbread.com
This unique podcast explores the intersection of Korean and African-American culture through food, storytelling, and shared struggle. Hosted by a Korean adoptee and a Black Southern chef, it delves into:
Soul food and Korean BBQ mashups
Family rituals, church, and race
Korean-American identity in the Deep South
While it isn’t updated as regularly as others, its episodes are rich in social commentary and heartfelt dialogue.
Why listen:
For a rare and meaningful blend of cultures, and the kind of intersectional perspective often missing in mainstream Korean media.
7. Korea Herald Podcast
Platform: https://www.koreaherald.com
Also available on: Spotify, Google Podcasts
The Korea Herald, one of Korea’s top English-language newspapers, now offers short-form podcasts summarizing major news events and social topics. Occasionally, episodes dive into:
Public debates around work-life balance
Korean youth culture and education pressure
Pop culture analysis from a news perspective
It’s more functional than entertaining, but a great way to stay informed.
Why listen:
For those who want a news-based, no-frills update on what’s happening in Korean society week to week.
8. K-Food Explored (Independent Culinary Podcast)
Platform: Independent/Spotify
This niche podcast focuses entirely on Korean food culture, hosted by a Korean-American chef and a Seoul-based food writer. Topics include:
The role of fermentation in Korean cuisine
Stories behind temple food and Buddhist vegan meals
How seasonal eating shapes Korean traditions
Interviews with ajummas who run decades-old eateries
Why listen:
If you’re a food lover or culinary student, this podcast is a must for understanding Korea’s relationship with food as heritage.
How to Choose the Right Podcast for Your Korean Curiosity
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each podcast is best for:
| Podcast | Best For |
|---|---|
| Korea 24 (KBS) | Daily news and policy insight |
| Korea 101 (Arirang) | Cultural beginners |
| SeoulPodcast | Real-life expat stories |
| Korean Culture Cast | Global Korean culture perspectives |
| The Korean Vegan | Korean-American identity and food |
| Kimchi + Cornbread | Intersectional cultural storytelling |
| Korea Herald Podcast | Weekly headlines and analysis |
| K-Food Explored | Deep dives into traditional cuisine |
Podcasts That Bring Korea Closer, One Conversation at a Time
Whether you’re listening on your morning commute, during a late-night study session, or while preparing your own homemade bibimbap, Korean-themed podcasts are one of the most accessible and human ways to engage with a country that’s increasingly shaping global culture.
You don’t need to speak Korean or live in Seoul to understand the questions Korea is asking itself today. All you need is a pair of headphones and a bit of curiosity. These shows will do the rest—one thoughtful, flavorful, and often surprising episode at a time.