Korean soap operas are called drama (드라마).  Unlike the soaps in the U.S., Korean dramas (드라마) run about three months to six months long.  Here is a list of Korean dramas (드라마) that have been well received by the international public:

Full House (풀하우스): It’s been especially popular in Taiwan and stars the female lead Song Hye Kyo (송혜교) and male lead Rain (비).  It’s a love story with the theme being opposites attract.

 

Winter Sonata (겨울 연가): It caused a huge phenomena back in Japan for Korean dramas (드라마).  The male lead is Bae Young Jun (배용준) and the female lead is Choi Jiwoo (최지우).  It’s another love story with the theme being that some couples are just meant to be together no matter what.

 

Jewel in the Palace (대장금): Was a hit in China.  The story highlights the ups and downs of a woman trying to survive the harsh world of palace life.  The protagonist of the story is played by the real life Lee Youngae (이영애).  The theme of the story is that persistence will pay off and that people who do good will prevail.

 

Of course this isn’t a full compilation of all the dramas (드라마) that have been popular with audiences, but it’s a start.