There is something very comforting about historical Korean dramas. Whether it is the beautiful Korean hanboks or the rich history and culture, watching these historical Korean dramas is a great way to escape. Best of all, you can learn a lot about history through these dramas while at the same time being entertained by royal conspiracies, sinister villains, and passionate love stories. Historical dramas are not for everyone; some might find them too slow. However, many might not know that historical dramas can be unique and bring elements of modern times into their storylines. For our list, we selected the best historical Korean dramas of all time, and each brings something new for everyone to enjoy. In addition, most of these Korean dramas are available on Netflix.
Mr. Sunshine
Mr. Sunshine is a more recent historical Korean drama than the others on this list. The is about Eugene Choi, a young boy who escaped to the United States during the late 19th century after the Shinmiyangyo incident (1871 Shinmiyangyo (U.S. expedition to Korea), which was a clash between Korea and the United States. He returns to Korea as an American soldier and falls in love with an aristocrat’s daughter, Go Ae-shin, while becoming involved in various political and social struggles during the tumultuous time of the Joseon Dynasty. The series explores themes of love, loyalty, patriotism, and the conflicts between different social classes amidst Korea’s struggle for independence.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Ok, this is technically a Korean film, but it deals with Korean history. The film is about a woman who is transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty. During King Taejo’s rule, the woman wakes up in the body of a 16-year-old girl. However, she is soon able to adapt to his new world and makes friends with several princes. Some of them fall in love with her. Then she ends up getting involved in the succession to the throne.
Empress Ki
This Korean historical drama occurs during the time of Genghis Khan, who built an empire that spanned vast regions in East Asia and East Europe. During this time, one woman held immense power in the Yuan Dynasty, which Genghis Khan founded for 37 years. However, she was neither of Mongol descent nor Han Chinese. Rather, she came from Goryeo, a small kingdom in the Far East. She was taken to the Mongols against her will as a Gungnyeo (palace woman) but eventually overcame her lowly status to become an empress in another land. Her name was Empress Ki.
Kingdom
Kingdom is set in the Joseon period. The drama starts with the King having fallen seriously ill, and rumors start to spread that he has died. Meanwhile, a Crown Prince is labeled a traitor by the clan of the current pregnant Queen and her father. While the Crown Price tries to uncover what happened to his father, he goes with his guard to Dongnae to look for a physician to treat his father. However, he only finds an assistant physician and a mysterious man in a village plagued with a zombie-like disease.
Six Flying Dragons
“Six Flying Dragons” is a Korean historical drama that revolves around the lives of six individuals who played crucial roles in the founding of the Joseon Dynasty . The story follows the political and power struggles during the end of the Goryeo Dynasty and the emergence of a new era in Korea. These six characters, including Yi Bang-won, later King Taejong, and Jeong Do-jeon, a scholar with ambitious political visions, navigate through complex relationships, betrayals, and conflicts as they strive to shape the future of the nation. The series delves into the intricacies of power, loyalty, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a new dynasty.
The Bridal Mask
A more recent historical Korean drama adapted from a Korean webtoon of the same name centers around a Korean officer employed by the Japanese colonists. Despite his mother’s disapproval of his work and his brother’s uneasy history with the Japanese, he continues to play by the colonist’s rules in hopes of becoming successful and bringing his family out of poverty. However, a mysterious figure wearing a traditional Bridal Mask always seems to get in his way.
Arthdal Chronicles
“Arthdal Chronicles” is a Korean fantasy drama set in a mythical land called Arthdal. The drama stars a talented ensemble cast, including Song Joong-Ki, Jang Dong-Gun, and Kim Ji-Won. The series boasts high production values, with stunning visuals, elaborate set designs, and intricate costumes that transport viewers to a richly imagined world. It explores themes of power, politics, and identity in a complex and thought-provoking way. The writing is ambitious, with multiple storylines and intricate plot twists that keep viewers on edge. The drama’s use of mythology and world-building is impressive, creating a fully realized world that feels epic and intimate.
The show’s pacing can be slow sometimes, and its complex political intrigue may overwhelm some viewers. However, the show’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-watch for fans of the fantasy genre and anyone looking for a show with strong writing, acting, and production values. Overall, “Arthdal Chronicles” is an ambitious and visually stunning series that is not to be missed.
Jewel in the Palace
This historical Korean drama takes place during the Chosun Dynasty. During this time, Korea had a rigid hierarchy and male-dominated social structures. The drama is based on a story about a legendary girl who became the first woman to be the supreme royal physician of her time. She overcame a series of social discrimination and ended up becoming a royal cook. Then she becomes the royal physician. Finally, she ends up being the physician to the King.
Queen Seon Deok
“Queen Seon Deok” is a Korean historical drama based on the life of the first female ruler of the Silla Kingdom. The show features strong performances from lead actors Lee Yo-won and Go Hyun-jung, who bring depth and complexity to their characters. The show’s writing is exceptional, with intricate plot twists and intriguing character arcs that keep viewers engaged throughout its 62-episode run. Viewers love that the drama explores themes of power, gender, and loyalty in a nuanced and thought-provoking way. The production values are also impressive, with beautiful costumes and sets that transport viewers back to the Silla period. Overall, “Queen Seon Deok” is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and anyone interested in strong female characters and complex political intrigue.
Moon Embracing the Sun
“Moon Embracing the Sun” is a Korean historical drama about the love story between King Lee Hwon and a female shaman named Wol. The drama features supernatural elements and is set in a saguek setting with minimal political intrigue. Kim Soo Hyun’s acting as the young king is magnetic and nuanced, earning him a Baeksang award for his performance. The cinematography is beautiful, and the child actors in the first six episodes provide an excellent foundation for the rest of the story.
