Korean dramas are some of the most popular shows on television, and for good reason. They’re long, detailed stories with memorable characters that keep you hooked from beginning to end. Whether you’re a fan of romance, action, or comedy, there’s a Korean drama out there for you. ..
Some of the best Korean dramas of all time are those that have stood the test of time and can be regarded as some of the best ever created. Here, we’ll be showcasing and celebrating our favourite historical dramas!
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TheReviewGeek team presents their picks for the best historical Korean dramas of all time. ..
Mr. Sunshine
This Korean drama is a must-watch for anyone interested in period dramas. It combines amazing visuals with a well-written story that will keep you hooked from the first episode. The cast is excellent, and you won’t be disappointed.
In 1871, a Korean boy boards an American warship and grows up in the US as an American. Mr Sunshine tells the story of his experiences as a Korean boy during the Joseon period in 1871.
When he returns to his hometown again, it’s as an American soldier who is causing plenty of inner turmoil and conflict. To spoil much more would be a disservice to this drama.
The show is brilliantly paced, even across the extended 24 episode run, and the production design and set pieces are excellent. The story is compelling and well-told, with a strong ending that leaves you wanting more.
The Crowned Clown
The Crowned Clown is a dramatic, politically charged series that delivers on all levels. The tension, twists and turns are well-done and the cinematography is excellent. The ending was satisfying and the overall experience was great.
In Joseon, the Royal family is in a state of disorder following a number of uprisings among the unhappy populous. A power struggle for the throne soon ensues, with the maniacal Lee Hun ruling with an iron fist. The Queen Dowager, along with close advisor Sin Chi-Soo, plot to overthrow the King.
When an entertainer arrives in town bearing the same face as the King, Lee Hun switches places with the pretender. Unprepared and in over his head, he relies on both Eunuch Jo and the Royal Secretary Ha Sun to take the throne. ..
The Crowned Clown is a gripping, fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. You’ll never know what’s going to happen next, and the ending is sure to leave you breathless.
Mr. Queen
Mr Queen is a hilarious, well-written body swap comedy set deep in the heart of the Joseon Era. The story follows a lowly court jester named Mr. Queen who is mistakenly swapped with the king, and must use his wit and charm to keep the kingdom running while wearing a ridiculous outfit and living in an extravagant palace. This unique take on the traditional body swap comedy will have audiences laughing out loud as they journey through Mr. Queen’s hilarious adventures. ..
Despite a polarizing ending and a few missteps, this historical drama is undeniably a really solid and enjoyable watch. ..
This drama is a remake of the popular Chinese costume drama Go Princess Go. However, this remake does have its own quirks and unique elements that set it apart from the original. For example, the main character, a young girl named Xiao Qiao, is not a princess but instead a commoner. Additionally, the story is not about saving the kingdom but instead about her journey to become one.
Bong-Hwan, an arrogant chef, finds himself in a new body and time period. He must learn to be the Queen’s advisor and protector while trying to find a way back to his own body. ..
Shin Hye-Sun and Kim Jung-Hyun absolutely carry this show, with some absolutely electric scenes when they share the spotlight. This one is certainly worth a watch.
My Country: New Age
In the waning days of the Goryeo dynasty, two friends find themselves in a conflict that will determine the future of their country. As they fight for control over their own traditions, they must also contend with the challenges of a changing world.
On the other hand, you have Seo-Hwi, a smart and talented figure. Unfortunately a corruption scandal involving Seon-Ho’s Father destroys his dreams of passing the military service examination. As things progress, he and Seo-Hwi form an intense rivalry as they disagree over the direction of the country.
The series is decent and has some good fight sequences, but has a bittersweet ending.
The Empress Ki
Korean dramas typically last 16 episodes, but The Empress Ki is a whopping 51 episodes long. Don’t let that scare you though; The Empress Ki is an engaging historical epic that centers on Empress Ki. ..
The courtroom shenanigans and double-crossings are a bit of a distraction from the story, but the cast and crew make up for it with an epic watch.
The Empress Ki is a dramatic, fast-paced read that makes it easy to overlook historical inaccuracies.
Moon Embracing The Sun
However, the second half of the drama is where it falls flat. The story drags on and on, and the ending is anticlimactic. Despite these flaws, The Moon Embracing The Sun is still a watchable drama. ..
King Lee Hwon and Wol are a love story that starts out as a tragedy. Wol is executed for being a crown princess, but she manages to survive and eventually falls in love with the king. However, their relationship is forbidden by the kingdom’s rules and they must hide their relationship from the public. Despite this, they eventually fall in love and are able to get married. However, their relationship is still forbidden by the kingdom’s rules and they must hide their relationship from the public again. Despite this, they eventually fall in love again and are able to get married again.
The novel has a lot of dramatic moments and a good mystery.
Six Flying Dragons
This 50 episode epic is another Six Flying Dragons. ..
The Joseon Dynasty was a time of great change for Korea. King Taejo, the third king of this dynasty, was instrumental in helping his father, King Jeongjo, establish the foundations for this dynasty. This man was a successful general and politician who helped to build up the economy and strengthen the military. He also played a major role in bringing Buddhism to Korea and promoting education. ..
The show is not historically accurate, but it has a lot of compelling drama and some really memorable moments. ..
The Great Queen Seondeok
The Great Queen Seondeok is a unique and powerful drama that is sure to keep you entertained for weeks on end. The show is well-made and has a lot of potential, but it may not be the most original or exciting drama on this list. However, its length and high ratings make it one of the most popular.
Queen Seondeok and Princess Chonmyong are two of the most powerful women in the Silla kingdom. They are also two of the most determined. Together, they fight against Mi-Shil, who wants to take power for herself. This story is about their fight and how they are able to defeat her.
The show begins with the death of King Jinheung, and progresses through the reigns of Queen Seondeok and King Jinheung’s widow, Queen Seondeok’s daughter, and Queen Seondeok’s son.
This Korean drama is a well-written and exciting ride that definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
100 Days My Prince
100 Days My Prince is an intriguing Korean drama. While it doesn’t necessarily do anything outstanding, it does tick all the usual boxes one would expect from a period drama. It’s well-acted, has a good story, and is visually appealing. ..
Hong Sim helps Lee Yool find his way back to the world and learns about the dangers of assassination. Together, they work to stop a series of assassinations that are targeting high-ranking officials in Joseon.
What ensues is a period drama that blends comedy, romance and history together into a bubbling pot of goodness. The mystery is engaging and the chemistry between actors helps to elevate this one.
Dong Yi
Dong Yi is a historical drama that has been released 11 years ago. However, it still remains as enjoyable and exciting now as it was back then.
The story follows the life of King Sukjong, who is considered to be one of the most influential and successful kings in Joseon Dynasty history. The series follows his reign as he tries to make his mark on the kingdom and make it a better place.
Dong Yi’s father and brother are members of a secret society that is falsely accused of murdering noblemen. Dong Yi then hides her identity and enters the palace as a servant for the Bureau of Music, determined to reveal her family’s innocence and find the true orchestrators of the noblemen’s deaths.
Dong Yi tells the story of a woman who, after years of hard work and determination, becomes a court lady inspector. Dong Yi captures the excitement and excitement of being in the public eye, as well as the challenges that come with it. She also provides a unique perspective on life in China’s high society.
The Tale Of Nokdu
Nokdujeon is a webcomic by Hye Jin Yang about a young woman named Nokdu who falls in love with a man who is also in love with her. The webcomic follows the development of their relationship as they try to figure out what it means for them both.
Jeon Nok-Du is a man who lives on an island with his father and older brother. When they’re attacked by a group of female assassins, Nok-Du chases them down. He kills all of them, and becomes known as the “Island Killer.” ..
Nok-Du, disguised as a woman, enters a widow village in search of the girl he met earlier. There, he meets Dong-Ju, a woman who had earlier helped him while adopting his male disguise. It turns out that she is actually an apprentice to become a gisaeng. ..
This romantic comedy is sure to have audiences laughing and rooting for the characters. The acting is top-notch, and the story is compelling. ..
My Sassy Girl
My Sassy Girl is arguably better than its movie counterpart. There’s more characterization here, and the show delivers hearty laughs throughout. ..
The story centers on a romance between Gyeon Woo, a cold city scholar, and Hye-Myung, a sassy princess. Taking place deep in the Joseon Dynasty, it’s fair to say she doesn’t have the best reputation among the people. ..
Queen Hye-Myung often sneaks out of the palace in search of her Mother, the dethroned Queen. One night she meets Gyeon Woo and while they initially start as enemies, that façade soon breaks and they fall in love.
Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung
Rookie Historian Go0 Hae-Ryung is a series that is both historical drama and romantic comedy. It is an interesting and enjoyable show that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. ..
As a young woman, Goo Hae-Ryung is recruited to work as the first ever female historian inside the Royal palace. She quickly realizes that she has a lot to learn about the past, and quickly becomes involved in many of the palace’s intrigues. Along the way, she makes new friends and falls in love with one of the king’s most trusted advisors. However, her relationship with him is complicated by her gender and her lack of experience with court life.
As the series progresses, we see Goo and Lee fall in love and begin to explore their relationship. Goo is shy at first, but as they get to know each other better, he begins to open up and show his true self. Prince Lee is hesitant at first, but as he gets to know Goo more, he realizes that this is the only way for him to be happy.
Lee Seung-gi is thrust back into royal affairs in the latest episode of “Descendants of the Sun.” In doing so, he and Goo Hae-Ryung become entwined together and start to fall in love. ..
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
The classic time travel story, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, is a remake of the 2011 Chinese drama Scarlet Heart. It’s a historical drama set in the Joseon Dynasty and tells the story of two lovers, Seo Joon and Yoo Hwa.
Ha-Jin, a 21st century woman, travels back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty and becomes Hae Soo, one of the many royal princes of the Wang family. Ha-Jin falls in love with Prince Wang Wook, who is gentle and warm-hearted. King Taejo is on the throne, but Ha-Jin’s love for Prince Wang Wook causes her to question her own values. ..
Ha-Jin, a recent immigrant to the palace, finds herself caught up in the politics of succession as rival princes vie for control over the royal throne. ..
The show does an excellent job of blending drama and romance together, resulting in an ending that is suitably bittersweet. ..
Our list of the best historical Korean dramas of all time is based on our analysis of the best dramas that we’ve watched over the past year. We’ll be adding more and more as we watch more Korean dramas, so be sure to check back often!
We’ve put together a list of dramas that we think you’ll love. Have we included your favourites? Or have we missed any must-watch dramas? We want to hear from you so please let us know in the comments below. ..
