These documentaries about Korea, a nation with a rich and complex history, delve into its diverse culture, tumultuous past, and rapidly evolving present.
From the enduring legacy of the Korean War to the global phenomenon of K-pop, these documentaries about Korea offer an intimate glimpse into the Korean Peninsula, its people, and the issues that have shaped this dynamic region.
Documentaries About Korea
Whether you’re interested in exploring the intricacies of North Korea’s closed society, unraveling the mysteries of Korean cuisine, or tracing the remarkable journeys of Korean adoptees, there’s a documentary for every aspect of Korean life and history.
If you’re planning a trip to South Korea you can find hotels in Seoul here.
Seoul Train (2004)
Seoul Train is a powerful documentary film released in 2004 that sheds light on the harrowing experiences of North Korean defectors as they attempt to escape their repressive homeland and make the perilous journey to South Korea, often through China and other countries.
The documentary is particularly focused on the dangers faced by these defectors, who must evade Chinese authorities, human traffickers, and other threats to reach safety.
It highlights the desperate circumstances that drive North Koreans to risk everything in search of freedom, as well as the challenges they encounter along the way. The film also delves into the role of activists and organizations that assist these defectors in their escape and resettlement.
This documentary provides valuable insights into the human rights issues surrounding North Korean defectors and the broader geopolitical context of the Korean Peninsula.
My Love, Don’t Cross That River (2013)
My Love, Don’t Cross That River is a heartwarming and emotionally touching South Korean documentary film released in 2013. Directed by Jin Mo-young, the documentary follows the lives and enduring love story of an elderly Korean couple, Jo Byeong-man and Kang Kye-yeol.
The couple had been married for 76 years at the time the documentary was made, making their relationship one of the longest marriages ever recorded.
The documentary offers an intimate and poignant look at the daily lives of Jo and Kang as they navigate the challenges of old age together. It captures their deep affection, shared memories, and the simple yet profound moments that define their enduring bond.
Despite their advanced age and health issues, the couple’s love for each other remains strong and unwavering.
It is celebrated for its heartfelt portrayal of love and commitment, transcending cultural and generational boundaries. Out of all the documentaries about Korea, this is one of the most touching.
Michael Palin In North Korea (2018)
Michael Palin in North Korea is a documentary travel series featuring the British comedian and travel presenter Michael Palin. It originally aired in 2018 and consists of two episodes.
In this series, Michael Palin embarks on a journey to explore and experience the notoriously secretive and isolated country of North Korea.
The documentary provides a unique and often humorous perspective as Michael Palin travels through North Korea, interacting with locals, visiting cultural sites, and attempting to gain a better understanding of life in the country.
He also meets with government officials and explores aspects of North Korean society that are typically hidden from the outside world.
Throughout the series, Michael Palin’s amiable and inquisitive nature is on full display as he navigates the intricacies of traveling in North Korea and engages in conversations with ordinary citizens.
While the documentary does provide insights into North Korean life, it’s important to note that the content was produced with cooperation from North Korean authorities, and certain aspects of life in the country may be carefully curated for the documentary.
Michael Palin in North Korea offers a fascinating look at this enigmatic nation and is part of Michael Palin’s long-running travel documentary series in which he explores unique and challenging destinations around the world.
This is one of the best travel-based documentaries about Korea.
The Lovers and the Despot (2016)
The Lovers and the Despot is a documentary film released in 2016 that tells the extraordinary and bizarre story of a South Korean director, Shin Sang-ok, and his actress wife, Choi Eun-hee, who were kidnapped by North Korea’s then-leader, Kim Jong-il, in the late 1970s.
The documentary uses a combination of interviews, archival footage, and reenactments to recount how the filmmaker and actress were separately abducted and held captive in North Korea for several years.
While in captivity, they were forced to make movies for Kim Jong-il’s regime. The documentary explores their harrowing experiences, their attempts to escape, and their eventual release.
The Lovers and the Despot sheds light on the personal lives of Shin Sang-ok and Choi Eun-hee, their complicated relationship with their captor, Kim Jong-il, and the broader political and cultural context of North Korea at the time.
It provides a unique glimpse into the inner workings of North Korea’s secretive regime and the lengths to which it went to promote its propaganda and cultural ambitions.
The film is not only a gripping and suspenseful tale of survival but also a testament to the resilience and creativity of its protagonists in the face of extreme adversity. It offers a fascinating look at the intersection of cinema, politics, and personal stories in the context of North Korea.
Crossing the Line (2006)
Crossing the Line is a documentary film released in 2006, directed by Daniel Gordon. The film delves into the remarkable story of James Joseph Dresnok, an American soldier who defected to North Korea during the Cold War and lived there for several decades.
The documentary provides an in-depth look into the life of James Dresnok, who crossed into North Korea in 1962. It explores the reasons behind his decision to defect, the challenges he faced in adapting to life in North Korea, and the choices he made to remain in the country, including participating in North Korean propaganda efforts.
Crossing the Line also features interviews with Dresnok himself, as well as other American defectors who crossed into North Korea with him. It sheds light on the complexities of their lives in North Korea, their interactions with North Koreans, and the reasons they chose to remain in the secretive and isolated country.
The documentary offers a unique perspective on the Cold War era and the personal stories of individuals who found themselves on the other side of the conflict. It explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of extreme choices made during a tumultuous period in history.
National Geographic: Inside North Korea (2006)
National Geographic: Inside North Korea is a documentary that provides a rare and revealing glimpse into the secretive and isolated country of North Korea. This documentary, which originally aired in 2006, is part of the National Geographic Explorer series and is hosted by Lisa Ling, an American journalist.
The documentary takes viewers on a journey into North Korea, a nation known for its closed society and limited access to the outside world. It offers an inside look at the daily life, culture, and society of North Korea, as seen through the eyes of Lisa Ling and her team. Some of the key aspects and topics covered in the documentary include:
Everyday Life: Viewers get to witness the daily lives of North Koreans, including their routines, work, and family life.
Propaganda: The documentary explores the pervasive propaganda and ideological indoctrination that North Koreans are subjected to from a young age.
The Mass Games: It features the Mass Games, a highly choreographed and synchronized event that showcases North Korea’s devotion to its leaders and the state.
The Role of the Military: The documentary sheds light on the significant role of the military in North Korean society.
Limited Access: Viewers gain insights into the restrictions placed on foreigners visiting North Korea, including the controlled narratives they are allowed to see.
National Geographic: Inside North Korea is known for its rare and sometimes unsettling footage, as well as its attempt to offer a balanced perspective on a nation that remains largely enigmatic to the outside world.
Reach for the Sky (2015)
Reach for the Sky is a South Korean documentary film directed by Woo-mi Kim and released in 2015. The documentary follows the inspiring journey of Jung Ji-hoon, a talented and ambitious young man who aspires to become a professional basketball player.
Jung Ji-hoon’s life takes a remarkable turn when he is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that presents significant challenges. Despite facing this obstacle, he refuses to give up on his dreams and continues to pursue a career in basketball.
Reach for the Sky explores the personal struggles, determination, and resilience of Jung Ji-hoon as he battles both the stigma associated with mental health issues and the physical demands of professional sports.
The documentary sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness and the pursuit of one’s passions in the face of adversity.
This documentary is not only a story of basketball but also a story of hope, perseverance, and the strength of the human spirit. It serves as an inspirational narrative about overcoming obstacles and striving for success, even in the face of significant challenges.
Twinsters (2015)
Twinsters is a documentary film released in 2015. Directed by Samantha Futerman and Ryan Miyamoto, the documentary tells the incredible true story of Samantha Futerman, an American actress, and Anaïs Bordier, a French fashion student, who discover that they are identical twin sisters separated at birth.
The documentary begins when Samantha, living in Los Angeles, is contacted by Anaïs via social media after Anaïs sees a video featuring Samantha on YouTube. Intrigued by their physical resemblance and sharing some personal details, they quickly realize they may be long-lost siblings.
The film chronicles their initial interactions, the discovery of their shared history, and their eventual reunion in person.
It captures the emotional and heartwarming journey of Samantha and Anaïs as they navigate the complexities of their newfound sisterhood and delve into the mystery of their separation.
The film also explores the impact of social media and the internet in connecting people from across the globe.
The Korean War (2010)
The Korean War is a documentary series that was originally released in 2010. It is a comprehensive exploration of the Korean War, a conflict that took place from 1950 to 1953 and had a profound impact on the Korean Peninsula and the wider world.
The series provides in-depth insights into the causes, events, and consequences of the war.
Narrated by Keith David, the documentary series consists of several episodes, each focusing on different aspects of the Korean War. It features interviews with veterans, historians, and experts, as well as archival footage and photographs to provide a detailed and nuanced account of the conflict.
The series also delves into the political and geopolitical context of the war, including the role of the United States, the Soviet Union, and China.
It is a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the historical and geopolitical complexities of the Korean Peninsula and the lasting impact of the war on both North and South Korea.
If you have an interest in history then this is one of the best documentaries about Korea exploring the Korean War.
Planet Korea (2012)
This documentary series, hosted by Simon Reeve, delves into various aspects of South Korea, including its economy, pop culture, and tensions with North Korea.
It’s a good overall one of the documentaries about Korea.
One Extra: Seoul Searching (2015)
Seoul Searching is a South Korean-American independent film released in 2015. While it’s not a documentary, it is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that explores the experiences of young Koreans from around the world who attend a government-sponsored summer camp in Seoul.
The film is set in the 1980s and is loosely based on the director Benson Lee’s own experiences attending such a camp.
It follows a group of diverse Korean teenagers from various countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Germany, as they come to South Korea to connect with their cultural roots, make friends, and navigate the challenges of adolescence.
The film deals with themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the generation gap between the young campers and their traditional Korean instructors.
The film received praise for its representation of the Korean diaspora and its exploration of the complexities of identity and belonging. It combines elements of comedy and drama to provide a heartfelt and often humorous look at the lives of the young characters during their time at the camp.
While Seoul Searching is not a documentary, it offers a unique and engaging perspective on the experiences of young Korean diaspora members trying to connect with their heritage in South Korea.
Korea
These documentaries about Korea offer a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of its history, culture, and society.
Of course, there are many other documentaries about Korea but these are some of the best ones to get you started. On a personal note, Michael Palin In North Korea is a favorite to watch.
If you’re planning a trip to South Korea you can find hotels in Seoul here.
For more documentaries on the region take a look at:
15 best documentaries about Japan.
And these are some of the 10 best documentaries about Hong Kong.
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