Though marked by centuries of division between three kingdoms, Korea's distant past is nevertheless embedded with a rich cultural history that's been the subject of countless films and TV shows throughout the years. That said, if you're a K-culture fan dedicated to learning all about the country's imperial ages, what better way to dip your toes than by binge-watching gripping period pieces starring your favorite actors?
Below, we list down 20 historical K-dramas you can watch online that will take you back to the glowing time of hwarangs, hanboks, and royal courts. This slew of historical shows with diverse narratives have been released on various streaming platforms, captivating audiences into learning more about the rich background of Korean culture through unique storylines.
1. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)
A group of talented, and dashing elite warriors called hwarang are established amidst growing social turmoil in the kingdom of Silla. Among them is Moo Myung, a young man born of the lowest social class who climbs up the ranks to avenge the death of his best friend at the hands of the Queen Mother's men. In real life, these ancient hwarang, also known as Flowering Knights, were all well-bred and provided with the highest education. Korean history dictactes that they existed until the 10th century.
Starring: Park Seo Joon, Go Ara, Park Hyung Sik
2. Love in the Moonlight (2016)
Hong Ra On sets out to counsel her kingdom's men on dating while disguised as a man. In a twist of fate, a love letter she writes for a client leads her to meet Crown Prince Hyo Myeong. Both unaware of each other's status—that Ra On is actually a woman, and Hyo Myeong is of nobility—the prince takes great interest in Ra On, leading his political eunuchs to attempt to get her onboard as a eunuch herself.
Starring: Park Bo Gum, Kim Yoo Jung, Jung Jin Young
3. Queen for Seven Days (2017)
Queen for Seven Days depicts the tragic love story between King Jung Jong and Queen Dangyeong of the Joseon era. Legend states that Danyeoog, the queen consort, was deposed of her position after just seven days, by rival noblemen in control of the king's rule. Banned from the palace, Danyeong was exiled to Mt. Inwang for the rest of her days. King Jung Jong, who had deeply loved his wife, longed for the queen and was said to have continuously and mournfully looked towards Mt. Inwang during his rule.
Starring: Park Min Young, Yeon Woo Jin, Lee Dong Gun
4. Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung (2019)
Set in early 19th century Joseon where females are treated as inferior to men, free-spirited palace historian intern Goo Hae Ryung is determined to prove that both genders are of equal footing. Her impassioned plight in the royal court eventually leads her to cross paths with Prince Lee Rim, who harbors a secret of his own.
Starring: Shin Se Kyung, Cha Eun Woo, Lee Ji Hoon
5. My Only Love Song (2017)
Arrogant and conceited, Song Soo Jong is a famous actress who believes that money makes the world go round. Her life takes a major turn when she falls into a time portal that takes her back to 6th century Korea during the Goguryeo era in the midst of King Pyeongwon's reign. Here, she meets On Dal, a man dedicated to making money whose ambitious goal is only hampered by his own generous heart.
Starring: Gong Seung Yeon, Lee Jong Hyun
6. Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
Heo Yeon Woo, the daughter of a high ranking official during the Joseon period, meets and falls in love with the Crown Prince Lee Hwon. The two eventually decide to marry, but before they can tie the knot, tragedy strikes after the conniving Queen Dowager orders a shaman to curse Yeon Woo with an unknown sickness that would eventually kill her. Yeon Woo is revived eight years later as a shaman named Wol. Upon catching a glimpse of Wol, Prince Lee Hwon, still heartbroken over Yeon Woo's passing, begins to investigate the circumstances behind her death.
Starring: Han Ga In, Kim Soo Hyun, Jung Il Woo
7. The Emperor: Owner of the Mask (2017)
Set in the 1700s, a sinister secret society rules the country and its imperial court by monopolizing Korea's water supply. Sick of their tyranny, Crown Prince Lee Sun opposes the organization with the help of the woman he loves, Ga-eun. His heroic actions lead him to become a beacon of hope throughout the aggrieved empire.
Starring: Yoo Seung Ho, Kim So Hyun
8. The Tale of Nokdu (2019)
Jeon Nok Du, a brilliant swordsman, lives a peaceful life with his father and older brother on an island during the Joseon dynasty. The plot starts when their status quo is disturbed by a group of female assassins targeting his family for unknown reasons. In attempt to uncover the group's motive, Nok Du chases after one of their assailants into a widowed village where he diguises himself as a woman.
Starring: Jang Dong Yoon, Kim So Hyun, Kang Tae Oh
9. My Country: The New Age (2019)
As Korea transitions from the Goguryeo dynasty to the Joseon dynasty, two good friends turn on each other brought about by their warring beliefs. Separated by their ideals, Seo Hwi and Nam Sun Ho employ two different ways to protect their country and their loved ones.
Starring: Yang Se Jong, Woo Do Hwan, Kim Seol Hyun
10. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
A peasant boy conceived into a house servant's family travels to the United States during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident, a.k.a. the Battle of Ganghwa. Years later, he grows up to become an American military officer and returns to his homeland, only to fall in love with an aristocrat's daughter, while unveiling a sinister plot by foreign nationals to colonize Korea.
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri
11. Mr. Queen (2020)
What happens when the soul of a modern day man finds its way into the body of a queen from the past? Hint: absolute chaos and hilarity. In Mr. Queen, Jang Bong-hwan is a chef employed in the Blue House (the official residence of Korea’s head of state), who one day wakes up in the body of Queen Cheorin from the Joseon period.
Starring: Shin Hye Sun, Kim Jung Hyun, Bae Jong Ok, Kim Tae Woo
12. Royal Secret Agent (2020)
State examination top scorer Sung Yi-gyum gets involved in a gambling incident. Due to this, he undergoes punishment and is reassigned from his position in the government office to becoming a secret royal inspector now tasked to handle investigations on corruption amongst public officials. In his new post, Yi-gyum works alongside a female inspector named Hong Da-in, and his assistant, Park Chun-sam. Together, they uncover various cases laid out throughout the series.
Starring: Kim Myung Soo, Kwon Nara, Lee Yi Kyung
13. The King's Affection (2021)
Twins born during the Joseon dynasty were considered inauspicious, especially if they’re born into a prominent family. When the Queen Consort births twins, both children grow up to lead different lives, as the daughter, Da-mi, is secretly sent away in order to live, while the son, Lee Hwi, is groomed to become King. However, when an unfortunate incident takes the life of the crown prince, Da-mi must return to the palace and assume her late brother's position and identity for the rest of her life. This soon proves difficult in her adult years when she develops feelings for her returning first love, who has in turn become her teacher.
Starring: Park Eun Bin, Rowoon, Nam Yoon su, Choi Byung Chan, Bae Yoon Kyung, Jung Chae Yeon
14. River Where the Moon Rises (2021)
Based on characters from a classic Goguryeo folktale, the love story between Princess Pyeonggang and On Dal is brought into focus in River Where the Moon Rises. Raised by assassins, Princess Pyeonggang learns the truth about her lineage and sets off on a quest to win back her rightful claim to the throne, which is ridden with corruption under the rule of another leader. Through this, she crosses paths with On Dal, a man who’s the polar opposite of Pyeonggang. As their story takes its course, On Dal finds himself disregarding his principles in order to keep the warrior princess safe, but soon discovers the challenges this entails when the battle for the throne unfolds.
Starring: Kim So Hyun, Na In Woo, Lee Ji Hoon, Choi Yu Hwa
15. The Red Sleeve (2021)
Based on a novel of the same name, The Red Sleeve tells the tale of a royal court romance during the Joseon period between the emotionally scarred Crown Prince Yi San and Seong Deok-im, a free-spirited court lady who captures the future king’s heart.
Starring: Lee Jun Ho, Lee Se Young, Kang Hoon
16. Kingmaker: The Change of Destiny (2020)
When Choi Chun-joong, a well known fortune teller, joins forces with the princess, Lee Bong -ryeon, they discover that their natural abilities to see into the future entails them to save and change the fate of Joseon.
Starring: Park Si Hoo, Ko Sung Hee, Jun Kwang Ryu, Sung Hyuk
17. Youth of May (2021)
Set in the 1980s amidst Korea’s historical Gwangju Uprising, a love story unfolds between a Seoul National University medical student named Hwang Hee-tae and Myung Hee, a young nurse. As the two grow closer, they’re caught in the crossfire of a torn nation crying for democracy.
Starring: Go Min Si, Lee Do Hyun, Lee Sang Yi, Geum Sae Rok
18. Lovers of the Red Sky (2021)
This fantasy drama takes place in the Dan dynasty, a time when mythical creatures roamed freely amongst mortals. Amidst all this, romance blossoms between a female painter named Hong Cheon-ki and an astrologer named Ha Ram. An accident causes Ha Ram to become blind in his youth, however, despite his disabilities, Cheon-ki still finds herself falling in love with him.
Starring: Kim Yoo Jung, Ahn Hyo Seop
19. Secret Royal Inspector Joy (2021)
Ra Yi-eon, who dreams about owning a dumpling restaurant, finds himself in a unique position when he's hired as a secret royal inspector upon passing the national examination. With his new occupation, his life changes when he meets Kim Joy, who works alongside him. Kim Joy is unlike most women in the Joseon period as her undying curiosity and progressive ideals prove she’s way ahead of her time. Together, they work on secret missions and expose corrupt government officials.
Starring: Kim Hye Yoon, Ok Taecyeon, Lee Jae Kyung
20. Under the Queen's Umbrella (2022)
Queen Hwaryeong (Kim Hye-Soo) is a regal figure expected to embody grace and poise. However, her sons, known for their troublesome behavior, challenge her patience. Faced with the contrast between royal expectations and reality, Queen Hwaryeong abandons protocols and takes on the arduous task of molding her sons into worthy princes through the power of education.
Starring: Kim Hye Soo, Moon Sang Min, Bae In Hyuk
Do you have favorite period K-dramas that aren't included in this list? Sound off in the comments!
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