Historical Korean dramas have a unique ability to transport viewers to different eras, blending romance, action, political intrigue, and even fantasy. Whether set in the Joseon Dynasty, Goryeo era, or other historical periods, these dramas captivate audiences with their stunning cinematography, intricate storylines, and unforgettable characters. If you’re looking for the best historical Korean dramas, this list includes must-watch series that offer an exciting mix of love, power struggles, and destiny.
1. Mr Queen
When: 2020
Synopsis: An extraordinary, erogant chef (Choi Jin Hyuk) cooking for the palace is accused of treason when a fishing hook is found in the food he prepared for the Chinese king. During the investigation he takes a run and falls of a tall building into a swimming pool. He wakes up in the Joseon Dynasty as the new destined queen (Shin Hye Sun) soon to marry the king (Kim Jung Hyun). What happens when he uncovers the truth about the queen? Will he(the queen/chef) every find his way back to the future?
2. Moon Lovers (Scarlet Hear)
When: 2016
Synopsis: A modern-day woman, Go Ha-jin, drowns while trying to save a child and wakes up in the Goryeo Dynasty as Hae Soo. She becomes entangled in royal politics and the rivalry among the princes for the throne. As she falls in and out of love, she must navigate heartbreak, betrayal, and fate itself. Can love survive in a world where power determines everything?
3. 100 Days My Prince
When: 2018
Synopsis: It has not rained in a very long time. The prince(Lee Yool) inforces a rule that all unmarried women and men must marry. A young lady(Hong Shim) in her late thwenties refuses to marry by force. One day Hong Shim’s father finds a young man unconscious, laying in the middle of a forest. He saves the young man’s life and finds that he has lost his memory. Hong Shim’s father gives this young man a name as he would become a temporary husband for her daughter. But coincidentally the prince is attacked and has gone missing.
4. Alchemy of Souls
When: 2022
Synopsis: A young guy (Jang Uk) from an noble family meets a strong sorceress disguised as a blind lady. Jang Uk asks her for assistance in altering his course of events. All of this takes place in Daeho, a land where magic is real. Young magicians overcome their strange circumstances and learn to love. Accidentally, the spirit of a powerful warrior (Mu-Deok) gets imprisoned in Nak-frail su’s body. While training Jang Uk how to fight, Mu-Deok makes him his slave.
5. The King in Love
When: 2017
Synopsis: Kings typically lead very lonely lives. There aren’t many individuals they can rely on, count on, or turn to for support. This narrative transports us to the Goryeo dynasty. Young and aspirational (Won), he wants to succeed. Won becomes friends with Wang Rin and a stunning young woman (San). The three get so close together that they begin to feel fondness for one another. The Crown Prince (Won) and Wang Rin, his closest friend, both have a strong love for San and would do everything for her. Wang Rin repressed his affection for San. When San realizes she has affections for Wang Rin, what happens?
6. Queen for Seven Days
When: 2017
Synopsis: A tale of love between Queen Dan Kyung and King Jung Jong. The Queen’s rule only lasts one week after her coronation until politics force her to abdicate. The King kept adoring his Queen even after she was forced to live alone outside the castle. Will their relationship withstand being apart?
7. The Princess’ Man
When: 2011
Synopsis: Forbidden love at its worst? Se Ryeong, the daughter of King Sejo, develops feelings for Kim Jong-seo, King Sejo’s political rival. Se Ryeong encounters Kim Jong Seo’s son Seung Yu while she’s posing as Princess Gyeong Hye. They get along well, but their families start to feud. Se Ryeong is ready to put everything on the line for the guy she adores. But Seung Yu is just interested in getting even. Can Se Ryeong’s love withstand Seung Yu’s protection?
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8. Gu Family Book
When: 2013
Synopsis: Choi Kang Chi is a hybrid of a human and a beast. He is the offspring of Gu Wol Ryung, a human and the Jiri Mountain’s protector spirit (Yoon Seo Hwa). He was adopted as a child by a businessman named Park Mu Sol. The proprietor of Hundred Years Inn is to be defended and protected by the daughter of the leader of a clandestine organization, Dam Yeo Wool. She is an accomplished martial artist. Despite Choi Kang Chi being a half-human, Dam Yeo Wool and Choi Kang Chi fell in love at first sight at the Hundred Years Inn. Will the two bring order back to their country?
9. Empress Ki
When: 2013
Synopsis: Sung Nyang is a girl from Goryeo. This is the Yuan Dynasty, Which means as a woman she is bound to work as a palace maidservant or possibly become a concubine. She pretends to be a boy who watches over the Yuan crown prince To Gon who was exiled to Goryeo. What happens when her secrete is discovered? With all the turn and twists, will Yuan and becomes Emperor?
10. Arang and the Magistrate
When: 2012
Synopsis: This story is baed on a tale of The Legend of Arang. It is in the Joseon Era and the magistrate’s daughter is murdered. The ghost of the girls haunts every magistrate who is about to take the position. Will there ever be a man who can overcome the ghost.
11. Love in the Moonlight
When: 2016
Synopsis: Another story that takes us back to the Joseon Dynasty. Hong Ra On poses as a man and gives advice to guys on dating in order to protect herself and her family. She meets Crown Prince Hyo Myung as a result of a love letter she penned for a customer. Hyo Myung is not aware that Ra On is a woman and neither is Ra On of the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince and Ra On start developing feelings for one another not long after Ra On is made into a eunuch by loan sharks. Will the Crown Prince discover her secret?
12. Dong Yi
When: 2010
Synopsis: Dong Yi is a menial water maid employed by the royal court who later becomes Choi Suk Bin. Choi Suk Bin is chosen by King Sok Jong as his concubine. Yeong Jo, King Sok Jong’s younger son and the future ruler of Joseon, would then be born to Choi Suk Bin. Dong Yi will eventually change to Suk Bin once Yeong Jo was born.
13. The Red Sleeve
When: 2021
Synopsis: Yi San is a young prince in Korea. The murder of his father haunts him, but puts him in a position to succeed to the kingdom. Yi San has vowed to uphold morality and change the law, but is emotionally traumatized. Sung Deok Im, however, has a strong sense of independence. Yi San tries to persuade her to become his legal concubine, but she is wise enough to realize that marrying the future king would be a prestigious position, but also limit her independence.
14. Kingdom
When: 2019
Synopsis: Queen Jo (Kim Hye-Jun) and her father, Chief State Councilor Jo Hak-Joo (Ryoo Seung-Ryong), have forbidden anyone from visiting the King since he fell ill 10 days ago. Even his own son, Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-Hoon), cannot see him. As he slips into the King’s palace, Crown Prince Lee Chang detects something evil. What does he find?
15. The Tale of NokDu
When: 2019
Synopsis:Nokdu, a young man on the run, stumbles upon a mysterious village inhabited only by women. Disguising himself as a woman, he hides while uncovering shocking truths about his past. But when he falls for a spirited woman, will his deception cost him everything?
Conclusion
From thrilling palace politics to heartwarming romances and epic battles, historical Korean dramas offer something for every viewer. Whether you’re drawn to the time-traveling chaos of Mr. Queen, the tragic love story in Moon Lovers, or the supernatural mysteries of Kingdom, each of these dramas brings history to life in its own unique way. If you love stories filled with royal intrigue, deep emotions, and stunning historical settings, these best historical Korean dramas are perfect for your next watch.
