The 12 Best Korea Podcasts (2026)

Eric Nam brings a rare combination to the podcasting world: he's both a successful K-pop artist and someone who can actually hold a conversation that goes beyond surface-level promotional fluff. The Daebak Show (named after the Korean word for something spectacular) puts Eric across from K-pop idols, actors, and entertainment figures for interviews that feel genuinely loose and unscripted. With over 200 episodes and a perfect 5-star rating from more than 8,000 reviews on Apple Podcasts, the numbers speak for themselves.

What makes this show stand out from the dozens of K-pop interview podcasts is Eric's insider status. He's not a journalist asking questions from the outside — he's someone who has performed on the same stages, navigated the same industry pressures, and understands the unspoken dynamics of Korean entertainment. That translates into guests who actually let their guard down. You'll hear members of SEVENTEEN talk about creative disagreements, GOT7 members reflect on going solo, and aespa discuss the weirdness of having AI counterparts.

Episodes run anywhere from 30 minutes to well over an hour, dropping every Monday. The format stays flexible — sometimes it's a straight interview, other times there are games and challenges that bring out personalities you won't see in carefully managed press appearances. Produced by DIVE Studios, the audio quality is consistently solid, and Eric's bilingual ability means he can switch between English and Korean mid-sentence without it feeling forced. If you follow Korean entertainment at all, this is probably the single most essential podcast in the space right now.

David Tizzard holds a PhD in Korean Studies, teaches at two Seoul universities, and writes a weekly column for the Korea Times. That academic firepower shows up in every episode of Korea Deconstructed, but Tizzard wears his expertise lightly. The show runs as a series of open conversations with historians, artists, professors, musicians, and cultural commentators, published about twice a week.

With 121 episodes and still actively producing as of early 2026, the scope is impressively wide. One episode might feature a historian discussing the Itaewon tragedy and questions of Korean identity. Another could be a filmmaker talking about how Korean cinema processes historical trauma, or a Buddhist monk explaining the religion's centuries-long relationship with Korean governance. Tizzard also covers contemporary subjects like K-pop's global machinery, generational tensions between Korean boomers and millennials, and the evolution of feminism in Korean society.

What sets this apart from other Korea-focused interview shows is Tizzard's willingness to ask uncomfortable questions. He does not treat Korean culture as something to merely celebrate -- he pushes guests to examine contradictions, power dynamics, and uncomfortable truths. Episodes run about an hour, and the 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews reflects a listener base that values intellectual depth. This is the show for people who want to understand Korea's cultural DNA, not just its surface-level talking points.

Victor Cha literally wrote the book called The Impossible State about North Korea, and he now hosts the CSIS podcast of the same name. Cha served on the National Security Council under George W. Bush and was once the U.S. pick for ambassador to South Korea, so his Rolodex is stacked with people who have sat across the table from North Korean negotiators. Episodes run about 35 to 48 minutes and bring in former intelligence officials, State Department veterans, South Korean policy experts, and academics who have spent decades tracking the Kim regime.

The format is straightforward -- Cha frames the topic, introduces his guest, and then has a focused conversation. There is no dramatic music or storytelling gimmicks. This is a policy discussion, and it wears that identity proudly. The show works best when it tackles specific questions: what does North Korea’s latest missile technology actually mean for deterrence, how does the China-DPRK relationship shift when Beijing has its own economic pressures, or what leverage does Washington actually have left after decades of failed negotiations. With 150 episodes and a 4.5-star rating across 89 reviews, it has been running consistently since 2018. Some listeners flag an occasional Washington-centric tilt in perspective, which is fair -- this is a Beltway think tank production. But if you want the perspective of people who have actually shaped North Korea policy rather than just commented on it, this is hard to beat.

NK News runs one of the most respected English-language outlets covering the DPRK, and their weekly podcast is the audio extension of that reporting muscle. Host Jacco Zwetsloot brings on a rotating cast of analysts, former diplomats, journalists with Pyongyang datelines, and researchers who spend their careers parsing satellite imagery and state media broadcasts. Episodes typically run 45 to 55 minutes and split between two formats: roundtable discussions where NK News staffers break down the week’s developments, and longer one-on-one interviews that go deep on a single topic like cryptocurrency laundering operations, diplomatic back-channels, or the latest missile test implications.

With over 300 episodes and a 4.8-star rating from 215 reviewers, the show has built a loyal following among Korea watchers, policy students, and anyone who wants reporting that goes beyond the sensational headlines. Jacco keeps conversations grounded and specific. He pushes back when guests generalize, and he is not afraid to flag when information is uncertain or sourced from defector testimony that may be unreliable. The show does sit behind a partial paywall -- you get clips for free, but full episodes require an NK News subscription. That model frustrates some listeners, but it also means the journalism stays funded and the guest quality stays high. If you want to actually understand what is happening inside the most opaque country on Earth rather than just skim headlines about it, this is the podcast that working analysts listen to on their Monday commute.

Two longtime friends based in Ulsan, South Korea, sit down to talk about what life actually looks like on the Korean peninsula — not the Instagram version, not the K-drama fantasy, but the real day-to-day experience of living, working, and building a life there. This Korean Life has produced 141 episodes over several years, earning a perfect 5-star rating along the way, and the show is still actively releasing new content in 2026.

The format is long-form conversation, usually running one to two hours, which gives guests room to tell their full stories. And the guest list is genuinely diverse — teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, law enforcement professionals, community organizers, health workers, and musicians who have all made Korea their home. Some episodes explore the practical realities of Korean work culture. Others get into deeper territory about cultural identity, community building, or navigating a society where you'll always be a foreigner no matter how long you've been there.

What makes the show work is how unpolished and honest it feels. These aren't scripted interviews with predetermined talking points. The hosts ask real questions, share their own stumbles, and let conversations wander into unexpected places. If you're considering moving to Korea, already living there, or just curious about what expat life looks like beyond the tourist brochure, this podcast provides an authentic window. The explicit content rating means hosts and guests don't hold back, which makes for more genuine storytelling.

KOREA PRO launched in 2024 as an offshoot of the Korea Risk Group, and it has quickly established itself as one of the sharpest English-language sources for South Korean current affairs analysis. Hosted by Jeongmin Kim (Executive Director of Korea Risk Group) and John Lee (Managing Editor), with correspondent Joon Ha Park rounding out the team, the show drops new episodes every Friday covering the most consequential developments in Korean politics, economics, and society.

The chemistry between Kim and Lee is the show's secret weapon. As one listener put it, "the interaction between John Lee and Jeongmin Kim is priceless" — and when John gets on a roll, it's genuinely entertaining. Episodes run 16 to 35 minutes, which means they respect your time while still getting into substantive detail. Recent topics have included U.S.-ROK defense trade negotiations, South Korea's ongoing judicial reform battles, and the downstream effects of tariff policy on Korean industries.

With only 13 episodes so far and a 4.4-star rating from early reviews, this is still a young show finding its footing. But the institutional knowledge behind it is substantial — Korea Risk Group has been analyzing peninsula issues for years, and that expertise shows in the quality of analysis. The show fills a specific gap: if you need to understand what's happening in South Korean domestic politics and business right now, explained clearly and without excessive jargon, KOREA PRO is becoming the go-to weekly briefing.

Folklorist Shawn Morrissey and history buff Joe McPherson make an unexpectedly great duo on The Dark Side of Seoul. With over 300 episodes and counting (the most recent dropped in January 2026), this is one of the most prolific and consistently active Korean history shows in English. The premise is Korean history told through its darkest chapters: massacres, palace betrayals, folklore, ghost stories, serial killers, and the kinds of events that K-drama writers would reject as too dramatic.

The conversational format between the two hosts gives the show real personality. Shawn brings the folklorist perspective, connecting old stories and superstitions to broader cultural patterns. Joe brings the historical grounding, pulling from archives and academic sources. They disagree sometimes, crack jokes at the right moments, and genuinely seem to enjoy each other's company. The result feels like eavesdropping on two knowledgeable friends who happen to be obsessed with Korea's grimmest stories.

Topics range from ancient Joseon-era court intrigues to modern true crime cases, with detours into Korean funeral customs, burial practices, and supernatural beliefs. The hosts also run ghost walking tours in Seoul, which gives them a ground-level connection to the places they discuss. At 4.5 stars from 43 reviews, listeners appreciate the blend of genuine scholarship with accessible, sometimes irreverent delivery. If standard Korean history podcasts feel too polished or academic, this is the antidote.

Dulce Sloan, a correspondent on The Daily Show, and Chrissy Choi team up for what might be the most entertaining K-drama recap podcast currently running. Chasing K-Dramas launched in 2024 and has already racked up 67 episodes with a perfect 5-star rating from 66 reviews — numbers that suggest the audience isn't just listening, they're genuinely obsessed.

The format is episode-by-episode recaps of whatever K-drama the hosts are currently watching, with segments like "Trope Tracker" that identify recurring patterns across Korean television. They've covered series including "Dynamite Kiss" and "Genie, Make A Wish," breaking down everything from character motivations to the cultural significance of specific scenes. The discussions run about 60 to 90 minutes, giving them plenty of time to obsess over plot details, debate character decisions, and occasionally bring in guests like "Your Korean Dad" for added perspective.

What separates this from the many K-drama podcasts out there is Dulce's comedic instincts combined with Chrissy's cultural knowledge. The comedy background means the recaps never feel like homework — there's genuine wit and personality in how they process each episode. They also offer a paid fan club called Club Sarangees for six dollars a month, which includes extended cuts and exclusive content. If you're the type of person who finishes a K-drama episode and immediately needs to talk about it with someone, this podcast scratches that itch perfectly.

Joanna, Sung Hee, and Jen have been methodically working through Korean dramas one season at a time, and the results are genuinely impressive. K Drama Chat has 202 episodes across 13 seasons, each season dedicated to a single drama — they've covered heavy hitters like "Crash Landing on You," "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," "Hotel Del Luna," and "Kingdom." The show maintains a near-perfect 4.9-star rating from 79 reviews, and listeners consistently praise the hosts' research depth.

The approach is scholarly without being stuffy. Each episode breaks down a single drama episode, examining cultural context, character development, thematic layers, and production choices. Reviewers specifically call out the hosts' "thorough research on South Korean culture" as a standout feature — they'll explain why a specific funeral scene follows certain traditions, or what a character's dialect reveals about their social background. That kind of cultural grounding transforms a simple recap into something genuinely educational.

New episodes drop weekly, running anywhere from 35 minutes to nearly two hours depending on how much ground there is to cover. The current season focuses on "Start-Up," the Netflix series with Bae Suzy and Nam Joo-hyuk. What keeps listeners coming back, based on reviews, is the hosts' "soothing voices" and the feeling that watching a drama alongside this podcast actually enhances the experience. If Chasing K-Dramas brings the comedy, K Drama Chat brings the analysis — and both approaches have their place.

Korea 24 comes from KBS WORLD Radio — South Korea's public international broadcaster — and it functions like a daily newscast you can actually listen to on your commute. Episodes run about 15 to 20 minutes, packing in the biggest stories from South Korea with expert analysis and occasional guest commentary. The show holds a 4.7-star rating from 39 reviews and has 110 episodes available, making it one of the more established English-language Korean news podcasts.

The format is tight and professional. You get a news rundown up front, followed by deeper discussion of one or two major stories. Topics range from political developments and economic policy to social issues and cultural events. The current host is Alannah Hill, and while some longtime listeners have expressed nostalgia for former host Kwon Jang-ho, the show's quality has remained steady through the transition.

The main appeal here is convenience and reliability. If you want to stay informed about South Korea without committing to hour-long analytical deep-dives, Korea 24 gives you the essential headlines and enough context to understand why they matter. It's particularly popular with Korean Americans and expats who need English-language coverage of Korean affairs. The KBS branding means the reporting leans toward official sourcing, which is both a strength (accuracy, access) and a limitation (less independent perspective). Still, as a quick daily briefing on Korean current events, it's hard to beat.

Jed Lea-Henry has built something unusual here -- a long-form academic interview show that manages to be genuinely engaging rather than stuffy. Over 123 episodes, he has sat down with scholars, journalists, and professionals who specialize in both North and South Korea, and the conversations consistently go places you would not expect. One episode covers North Korean literature and what fiction reveals about the regime’s internal contradictions. Another digs into the Cold War history of the Korean peninsula through recently declassified documents. A third explores what Chinese-North Korean trade networks actually look like at the ground level.

The format is a straight interview, usually lasting 45 minutes to an hour, and Jed does his homework. He reads his guests’ books, references their published papers, and asks follow-up questions that show genuine preparation. The show earned a 4.3-star rating from listeners who tend to be Korea studies students, expats living in Seoul, and policy researchers. It ran actively from 2018 to 2022, so the back catalog is the real treasure here -- those episodes on inter-Korean relations, the North Korean economy, and regional security dynamics remain relevant because the underlying dynamics have not changed much. Think of it as a graduate seminar you can listen to on a jog, hosted by someone who genuinely loves the subject and knows how to draw out his guests.

Allison Needels and Hannah Roberts are two non-Korean expats who lived in Seoul and built a podcast around a clever premise: each episode starts with one seemingly unrelated word, then uses it as a springboard into Korean history, culture, or daily life. Over three seasons and 90 episodes, they covered everything from the tragic story of King Danjong to LGBTQIA+ rights in Korea to the country's approach to period poverty — all connected by those single-word entry points.

The format keeps things surprising. You might tune in thinking you know where an episode titled with a random word is headed, and end up learning about the development of dentistry in Korea or the cultural significance of a specific Korean drama. Episodes run 30 to 60 minutes, and the hosts bring complementary perspectives — Allison runs PinPointKorea.com and focuses on cultural insights, while Hannah works in travel and tours with an artistic sensibility. They also play games like "Never Have I Ever" with Korean twists, keeping the tone light even when topics get serious.

The show wrapped after Season 3 in December 2022, so this is a completed series with a definitive ending rather than an abandoned project. The back catalog holds up well because most episodes focus on cultural and historical topics that don't expire. It earned a perfect 5-star rating from its listeners, and if you're looking for a binge-worthy introduction to Korean culture from an outsider-who-became-insider perspective, the entire run makes for a satisfying listen from start to finish.