If you're planning to travel to Korea, Japan, Taiwan or other destinations in Asia, you might want to watch and enjoy an Asian Drama. The dramas not only tell interesting stories, but include information about locations in Asia, history, and the customs and culture of the people who live there. Most dramas are subtitled in English, so it very easy to follow along and enjoy the dramas. It is also a nice way to pick up phrases and learn some of the language before you travel. The dramas are well-produced with excellent directors, actors, and original sound tracks.

Since the year 2000, Korean Dramas have been extremely popular and they are now the rage throughout Asia and the Phillipines. For Korean Drama, I would like to recommend starting out with a few of the most popular series during the last decade. One of these is the romantic comedy, Full House. It includes two of Korea's top stars, Rain also known as Bi, and Song Hye Kyo. Rain has had an amazing career as a dancer, singer, model and actor. He has also debuted in Hollywood in the 2008 film Speed Racer. Song Hye Kyo, known as one of Korea's most talented and beautiful actresses has also broken out internationally in the US and China.

Han Ji-Eun (Song Hye Kyo) inherits Full House, a beautiful home that was built on a lake by her parents. Her dream is to be a script writer and she is currently writing for the internet. Her two best friends, in desperate need of money, trick her into believing she has won a free vacation, and while she is gone they sell her house. On the airplane, she meets famous actor, Lee Young-Jae (Rain). On arrival she finds the hotel of the dream trip is not paid, but Lee Young-Jae, although reluctant, loans her the money to stay at the hotel and through a series of comic events, returning from her vacation, she finds out her house has been sold to him. These two were an excellent combination in Full House and it remains a favorite among Koreans today.

Another excellent drama and one of the funniest out there, is My Lovely Sam-soon. My Lovely Sam-soon also known as My Name is Kim Sam-soon, stars Kim Sun Ah as Kim Sam-soon and Hyun Bin as Hyun Jin-heon. These two top Korean actors make an excellent team in this surprising and lovely story of a thirty-year-old female pastry chef and young executive hotel heir and restaurant owner. As you get to know some of the dramas, another nice surprise is seeing Daniel Henney, an American actor of Korean descent and Jung Ryu Won (singer and actress). Both of these actors have excelled and become very famous in the last five years. A few more to watch to get you started are Boys Before Flowers, The Fugitive-Plan B, Save the Last Dance, Jumong, and the Insadong Scandal.

There are many dramas and movies to choose from in Korea and throughout Asia. There are also Japanese, Taiwan, and Hong Kong dramas that are extremely good. Thailand and the Philippines also produce dramas. The ability to pick a drama in a country that you might be visiting is very do-able and you can see it from the comfort of your home internet prior to traveling.

To find a drama there are free places on the web. Type in keywords such as mysoju or dramacrazy and that will take you there. DVDs may also be purchased on-line or downloaded to your computer. If you haven't experienced a film or video from Asia yet, I highly recommend starting with a Korean drama. I think you will enjoy the show!

Katherine Bowers, is a producer/director and writer. She hosts "Across a Blue Sea with Katherine Bowers," an international travel video program showcasing destinations and friends around the world. At her website, you will find articles, videos, photography and a special "Asia Wave" section. You can sign up for a free newsletter with travel information. Katherine is a person who enjoys sharing life with others. Check her out at http://www.acrossabluesea.com