12 POPULAR STREAMING SERVICES AVAILABLE IN SOUTH KOREA

POPULAR KOREAN STREAMING SERVICES

1.TVING

Overview: TVING is a leading South Korean subscription-based streaming service operated by TVING Corporation, a joint venture among CJ ENM, Naver, and JTBC Studios

Content: It offers a wide range of content, including television series, variety shows, films, documentaries, animations, and sports. It also provides exclusive access to CJ ENM and JTBC content, including popular K-dramas, variety shows, and movies.

Features: high-definition streaming, multi-device access, personalised recommendations, offline viewing for some content

Pricing:

- Ad-Supported Plan: ₩5.500/month (launching in Q1 2025)

- Basic Plan: ₩9.500/month

- Standard Plan: ₩13.500/month

- Premium Plan: ₩13.900/month

2. WAVVE

Overview: Wavve is a South Korean OTT streaming service formed by collaborating with SK Telecom and the country's major broadcasters: KBS, MBC, and SBS.

Content: Wavve offers Korean dramas, variety shows, and movies from its partner broadcasters. It also features original series and international content through partnerships.

Features: TV streaming, catch-up services, personalised content recommendations, multi-device access, offline viewing for some content

Pricing: a monthly subscription of ₩7.900/month with options for multiple screens and higher streaming quality at increased prices

3. COUPANG PLAY

Overview: Coupang Play is an OTT streaming service operated by Coupang, South Korea's largest e-commerce company.

Content: Coupang Play features a mix of original programming, including K-dramas, international content through a distribution deal with Warner Bros and live sports broadcasting, including football leagues and other major sports events.

Features: ad-free streaming, high-definition content, access to a diverse range of programming, multi-device access

Pricing: subscription included with Coupang WOW membership at ₩4.990/month

4. WATCHA

Overview: Watcha is a South Korean subscription-based streaming service known for its personalized content recommendations and focus on films and indie content.

Content: Watcha offers Korean movies, including independent films, documentaries, international movies, some Korean dramas and other original programming.

Features: personalised recommendations, multi-device access, offline viewing for some content

Pricing: starting with ₩7.900/month, with options for additional features at higher prices

5. SEEZN

Overview: Seezn is a streaming service operated by KT Corporation that provides various Korean entertainment content.

Content: Seezn offers Korean dramas, variety shows, and movies, primarily from KT's own content library and partnerships.

Features: live TV streaming, catch-up services, multi-device access

Pricing: various subscription plans with options for free ad-supported access and premium plans for ad-free viewing and additional features

6. KAKAO TV

Overview: Kakao TV is a South Korean streaming platform operated by Kakao Entertainment that focuses on short-form content and web-based series.

Content: Kakao TV offers a range of original web dramas, variety shows, and entertainment content, often featuring popular celebrities and influencers.

Features: optimisation for mobile viewing, personalised recommendations, integration with the other Kakao services such as Kakao Talk

Pricing: free for most of the content, subscription for some premium content

POPULAR GLOBAL STREAMING SERVICES AVAILABLE IN SOUTH KOREA

1.NETFLIX KOREA

Overview: Netflix is a leading global streaming platform that has gained significant popularity in South Korea.

Content: Netflix Korea offers various international content and K-dramas.

Features: high-definition and ultra-high-definition content, multi-device support, multiple user profiles, personalised recommendations

Pricing:

- Ad-Supported Plan: ₩5.500/month

- Standard Plan: ₩13.500/month

- Premium Plan: ₩17.000/month

2. DISNEY+ KOREA

Overview: Disney+ Korea offers a wide range of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.

Content: Disney+ Korea includes both popular franchises and Korean content.

Features: high-definition streaming, multiple user profiles, parental control

Pricing:

- Standard Plan: ₩9.900/month or ₩99.000/year

- Premium Plan: ₩13.900/month or ₩139.000/year

3. APPLE TV+ KOREA

Overview: Apple TV+ Korea is Apple's streaming service, available in South Korea with a selection of original content.

Content: Apple TV+ Korea offers original series and movies, including Korean-language content

Features: ad-free streaming, offline downloads, 4K HDR content supported

Pricing: ₩6.500/month

4. AMAZON PRIME VIDEO KOREA

Overview: Amazon Prime Video Korea offers a selection of international content to South Korean subscribers.

Content: Amazon Prime Video Korea offers movies, TV shows, and online programming, but its content is more limited compared to other regions.

Features: multi-device support, HD streaming supported, Korean subtitles for some content

Pricing: ₩11.000/month

5. YOUTUBE PREMIUM KOREA

Overview: YouTube Premium Korea provides an enhanced viewing experience on YouTube, including ad-free content and access to YouTube Originals.

Content: YouTube Premium Korea offers ad-free viewing of all YouTube videos, background play, and offline downloads.

Features: ad-free video streaming, content downloading

6. RAKUTEN (VIKI)

Overview: Rakuten (Viki) specialises in Asian content, providing a platform for Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese dramas and movies.

Content: Rakuten (Viki) offers Asian dramas, variety shows, and movies, with community-contributed subtitles in various languages.

Features: accessibility via web and mobile apps, content with multilingual subtitles, community-driven subtitles

Pricing: free access with ads, while premium subscriptions provide ad-free viewing and early access to content.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A STREAMING SERVICE

- For Korean Dramas and Variety Shows: Consider TVING, Wavve, or Rakuten (Viki) for extensive local content.

- For International Content: Netflix and Disney+ offer a broad range of global titles along with Korean originals.

- Budget-Friendly Options: Ad-supported plans on Netflix and TVING provide access at lower prices.

- Bundled Services: Coupang Play is included with Coupang WOW membership, which may be cost-effective if you use Coupang's delivery services.

Please note that pricing, features and content are subject to change, so it's advisable to check the official websites of each service for the most current information.