Time Travel, Romance, and Korean Culture 

Splash Splash Love

If you're a fan of web dramas, then Splash Splash Love is one you must watch! It's a 10-episode series that first aired in December 2015 and became so popular that it was shown on MBC, one of Korea's major public broadcasters. Even though it's been a while since it aired, it's still on all the must-watch lists in 2024. 

So, why is this drama so timeless? Even as trends change, its charm never fades. If you want to dive into the Korean language and culture, Splash Splash Love is an absolute must-watch. 

🖐 And remember, the small letters in [ ] below are how you actually pronounce the words!

🎬 Splash Splash Love (퐁당퐁당 러브)

Korea’s biggest test day, like the SAT or ACT, is just around the corner. In Korea, it’s said that every school year from elementary to high school is basically in preparation for this day. It’s the ultimate test that determines college admissions, so for students, it’s a big deal. 

In Splash Splash Love, our main character is a high school senior feeling all the typical test-day stress. On the day of her big exam, she suddenly time-slips back to the Joseon Dynasty and meets none other than King Sejong. This web drama’s got it all—a high school student, King Sejong, and a budding romance between them. Talk about a unique twist. 

As you watch, you’ll see how the drama captures the main character’s modern-day worries and explores how she discovers her true worth through her time in the past. Plus, it’s packed with scenes showing the Joseon Dynasty’s royal outfits, culture, and everyday life. If you’re interested in Korean culture with a mix of time travel and romance, Splash Splash Love is definitely worth a watch!

🎬 Where Can I Watch this Drama?

You can watch this drama on Wavve, Watcha. 

Wavve and Watcha are popular Korean streaming platforms (OTT), similar to Netflix.

📑 수능[su-neung]

College Scholastic Ability Test(CSAT)

A word to know when talking to Koreans

🎬 Splash Splash Love – EP 1 [Click here!]

📌 2:35~2:37 

👩‍🦱 Mom: 이제 수능 밖에 안 남았는데.  

👩‍🦱 Mom: There's only [su-neung] left now. 

In Korea, [su-neung], short for 대학수학능력시험[dae-hak-su-hak-neung-nyeok-si-heom], is a word you’ll hear a lot when people discuss education. [su-neung] is Korea’s college entrance exam, and nearly everyone uses the shortened term instead of the full name—even the news uses [su-neung] most of the time. 

This exam takes place just once a year, in November, starting at 8:40 a.m. and ending around 5:45 p.m. It’s such an important day in Korea that the whole country supports the test-takers. People even go to work later to avoid traffic jams, helping students get to their exam locations on time. The whole nation comes together for this one big day. 

📑 머리가 좋다[meo-ri-ga jo-ta] 

A typical Korean idiom meaning smart and clever 

🎬 Splash Splash Love – EP 1 [Click here!] 

📌 2:41 ~2:42

👱‍♀️ Female: 머리가 좋을텐데. 

👱‍♀️ Female: You must be [meo-ri-ga jo-eul-ten-de] 

If you translate 머리[meo-ri] as 'head' and 좋다[jo-ta] as 'good', you might think it means “head is nice” in English—but that doesn’t capture the real meaning! 

In Korean, [meo-ri-ga jo-ta] is used to describe someone who’s smart, quick to understand things, and a fast learner. It implies high intelligence or adaptability, like saying someone is 'bright' or 'sharp'.

You’ll hear Koreans also say [meo-ri-ga jo-ta] to compliment people who excel in studies or work, as well as those who solve problems creatively. It’s a great way to recognize someone’s talents and abilities, whether they’re book-smart or have strong practical skills! 

🖐 [eul-ten-de] is added to verbs and used to express “must be” or a sense of anticipation or regret.

Splash Splash Love isn’t just another romance drama. It mixes reality with fantasy, giving you a one-of-a-kind journey through Korean history and culture. The story follows a high school senior who time-travels back to meet King Sejong, discovering her self-worth along the way. As she faces challenges in a whole new world, you’ll find yourself connecting with her struggles, dreaming big, and growing with her.

If you’re curious about Korean history or love a unique love story, Splash Splash Love is a must-watch! Stay tuned for more Korean dramas that bring cultural charm and unforgettable stories.