This study investigated the effects of using comic strips and context on the vocabulary learning of Korean high school students. Ninety high school students participated in the study and they were divided into three groups: a control group and two experimental groups using comic strips and using context, respectively. In addition, questionnaires were used to investigate students’ attitudes toward English vocabulary learning. The results of the study revealed that there were statistically significant differences in productive vocabulary retention among three groups in terms of short-term memory. In particular, the experimental groups showed high short-term memory rate compared with the control group, which may mean that the use of comic strips and context in English vocabulary learning is effective in improving learners’ productive vocabulary retention. Also there was a statistically significant difference in productive vocabulary retention among three groups in terms of long-term memory. The experimental groups showed a high long-term memory rate compared with the control group. The results of the questionnaire revealed that the two experimental groups showed more positive attitudes towards English vocabulary learning. This may suggest that teaching vocabulary with comic strips and context could be effective for students in English classes, and it is very helpful to develop various activities using comic strips and context.