Popular Jobs in Korean Drama and Related Vocabularies

Annyeonghaseyo, chingudeul! This section provides you several vocabularies related to popular jobs appeared in Korean drama. In learning Korean, we might be boring if we just focus on the grammatical lesson. Sometimes we should do the different approach like learning from cultural aspect. Since most of us are K-pop addict, we can learn Korean through drama. While you’re binge-watching to K-drama, you will catch some vocabularies and knowledge, especially in profession-themed drama. So, we will share several vocabularies about profession or jobs in Korean drama.

1. 의사 (Uisa) – Most Popular Jobs in Korean Drama

We begin with the most popular jobs appeared in Korean drama, 의사 (uisa) or doctor. The one who assists doctor to take care of patients is 간호사 (ganhosa) or nurse. 의사 (Uisa) and 간호사 (ganhosa) work at 병원 (byeongwon) or hospital. In medical-themed dramas, we frequently see the operation room scene. In Korean, operation room means 수술실 (susulsil).

2. 경찰 (Gyeongchal) – Challenging Jobs in Korean Drama

Do you remember the role of Park Seojun and Kang Haneul in Midnight Runners movie? Or Kang Haneul’s job in drama When The Camellia Blooms? Yeah, it is 경찰 (gyeongchal) or policeman. Similar to doctor, policeman is mostly appeared in every K-drama. 경찰 (Gyeongchal) works at 경찰서 (gyeongchalseo) or police station. At 경찰서 (gyeongchalseo) there is an officer who has duty on crime investigation: 형사 (hyeongsa) or detective.

3. 검사 (Geomsa) – Prestigious Jobs in Korean Drama

검사 (Geomsa) or prosecutor is one of the high-ranked occupations in Korean society. He/she is intelligent and graduated from reputable university. He/she must be critical, analytical, and bold. His/her credibility is tested in 법원 (beobwon) or court when they face the high tension argument with 변호사 (byeonhosa) or lawyer. Like 검사 (geomsa), 변호사 (byeonhosa) must be smart, analytical, and bold. No matter what, he/she has to ‘win’ the client. However, how high 검사 (geomsa) and 변호사 (byeonhosa) dispute, the decision still depends on 판사 (pansa) or judge.

4. 기자 (Gija)

Talking about the popular jobs in Korean drama, we should list the journalistic world too. Journalism reminds us to Pinocchio starring Lee Jongsuk and Park Shinhye or Jealousy Incarnate starring Gong Hyojin and Jo Jungsuk. We can refer journalist or reporter to 기자 (gija). However, we can also call reporter as 보고자 (bogoja). His/her duty is not only collecting then writing news but also sharing the information for public. It’s the process of broadcasting. Sometimes journalist can also be 뉴스 앵커 (nyuseu aengkeo) or news anchor. So, multitasking skill is highly required in this field.

5. 연예인 (Yeonyein)

Probably this is the most interesting jobs in Korean drama. Generally, we can refer entertainer or celebrity to 연예인 (yeonyein). This is kind of job that everyone dreams on recently. A figure who is always under the spotlight. He/she gets the fame and fans. A way to win the people’s heart is being a talented 가수 (gasu) or singer. The other way is being an actor or 배우 (baeu) and actress or 여배우 (yeobaeu). Surely, Korean showbiz sounds promising. Many figures can do multiple jobs like being 가수 (gasu) and 배우 (baeu) at the same time or vice versa.