Korean historical dramas, often called “sageuks”, have captured the hearts of global audiences with their breathtaking cinematography and engaging plots. These dramas dive deep into Korea’s ancient past, unravelling stories of royal conflicts, forbidden love, and political intrigue. The stunning visuals and intense character developments make these shows a must-watch.
From time-travelling tales like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo to the hilarious body-swap chaos in Mr Queen, each drama brings a unique twist to the historical genre. Audiences are drawn into the complex relationships and high-stakes decisions that shape the fate of kingdoms.
In more intense series like Kingdom, viewers experience a chilling fusion of history and the supernatural. This zombie-infused tale set in the Joseon era keeps you on the edge of your seat. The combination of horror and political drama is a fresh take on the genre.
If you enjoy beautifully crafted narratives and mesmerizing performances, these 15 dramas offer a perfect blend of entertainment and historical education. Whether you’re new to “sageuks” or a long-time fan, these shows promise unforgettable stories that will linger long after the credits roll.
1. Mr. Queen (2020)
Jang Bong Hwan, a talented South Korean chef, has built a successful career cooking for top politicians in the Blue House. However, after a life-changing accident, he is mysteriously transported into the past, finding himself trapped in the body of Queen Kim So Yong. This shocking twist throws him into a world of royal intrigue and palace politics.
Queen Kim So Yong’s husband, King Cheol Jong, holds the throne, but in reality, the true power lies elsewhere. Queen Sun Won, the widow of the late King Sunjo, manipulates the kingdom’s affairs, ruling in King Cheol Jong’s name. Her brother, Kim Jwa Geun, also has ambitions to control the throne, making the palace a battleground for power.
As Jang Bong Hwan observes his life in the queen’s body, he begins to uncover the truth about King Cheol Jong. The seemingly gentle and passive king is far more complex and secretive than he first appears. This realization adds another layer of tension and drama to the already complicated palace dynamics.
With hidden motives and dangerous alliances surrounding him, Jang Bong Hwan must find a way to survive in a time not his own, while protecting the secrets of both the past and present.
- Aired: Dec 12, 2020 – Feb 14, 2021
- No of Episodes: 20
- Cast: Shin Hye Sun, Kim Jung Hyun
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
2. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
During a total solar eclipse, Go Ha Jin is unexpectedly transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty, under the reign of King Taejo. She awakens in the body of Hae Soo, a 16-year-old girl living in the household of the 8th Prince, Wang Wook, who is married to her cousin. As she adjusts to her new reality, Hae Soo quickly becomes acquainted with several royal princes.
Among the princes, Hae Soo grows close to the 4th Prince, Wang So, who has been shunned by his family. Despite her initial intentions to avoid palace politics, she soon finds herself entangled in the dangerous power struggles for the throne. Her relationships with the princes complicate matters further.
As tensions rise, several princes begin to fall in love with Hae Soo, adding layers of romance and jealousy to the political drama. Despite knowing the dangers of getting involved, she becomes a key figure in the battle for royal succession.
Caught between love, loyalty, and the deadly ambitions of the royal family, Hae Soo must investigate a perilous path, unsure of who to trust and how her actions might alter history forever.
- Aired: Aug 29, 2016 – Nov 1, 2016
- No of Episodes: 20
- Cast: Lee Joon Gi, IU, Kang Ha Neul, Hong Jong Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, Byun Baek Hyun, Kim San Ho, Kim Ji Soo, Yoon Sun Woo
- Streaming Platform: VIU, Viki
3. Under the Queen’s Umbrella (2022)
Inside the palace, a group of unruly princes constantly stirs trouble, much to the frustration of the royal family. Their mother, Queen Im Hwa Ryeong, is tasked with transforming these mischief-makers into worthy crown princes. However, Queen Im Hwa Ryeong is not the typical calm and graceful royal figure.
Once known for her serenity, she has become sharp-tongued and quick-tempered, constantly on edge due to the endless challenges she faces. Her life as queen has been filled with obstacles, and the pressures of raising her troublemaking sons have pushed her to her limits. She isn’t afraid to shed her royal pride and even swear when things get tough.
Despite the constant trials that surround her, Queen Im Hwa Ryeong remains determined. Every struggle, sacrifice, and frustration she endures is for the sake of her children, as she strives to secure their future and protect the legacy of the royal family. Her journey as a mother and queen is both relatable and admirable, showcasing the lengths a parent will go to for the love of their children.
- Aired: Oct 15, 2022 – Dec 4, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Hye Soo, Kim Hae Sook, Choi Won Young, Kim Eui Sung, Moon Sang Min
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
4. Alchemy of Souls (2022)
In the fictional land of Daeho, where history and maps hold no place, young mages grapple with the challenges of love and fate. Their destinies are twisted by a forbidden magic known as the “alchemy of souls,” a spell that allows souls to switch bodies. This dangerous magic sets the stage for a mystical tale of growth and redemption.
The story centres around Naksu, a feared assassin whose soul is mistakenly trapped in the frail body of Mu Deok, a servant of Jang Uk. Jang Uk is a young master from the noble Jang Family, known for his deep secrets and powerful lineage. Despite his prestige, Jang Uk carries the weight of a scandalous birth, which has haunted him throughout his life.
Desperate to change his fate, Jang Uk seeks Naksu’s deadly skills to help him rewrite his destiny. However, as the two form an unlikely bond, the lines between their pasts and futures blur. Their journey is one of survival, love, and discovering the strength to face the fates that have been forced upon them.
In this thrilling tale of magic and mystery, the young mages of Daeho must overcome their cursed fates to find true freedom.
- Aired: Jun 18, 2022 – Aug 28, 2022
- No of Episodes: 20
- Cast: Lee Jae Wook, Jung So Min
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
5. Dong Yi (2020)
Dong Yi is a historical drama that tells the remarkable story of Dong Yi, later known as Choi Suk Bin. She starts her life in the royal palace as a humble watermaid, serving the court with little recognition. However, her fate takes a dramatic turn when King Suk Jong chooses her to be his concubine.
After becoming the king’s concubine, Dong Yi gives birth to Yeong Jo, the second son of King Suk Jong. This child would eventually rise to become one of the most significant rulers of the Joseon Dynasty. Following Yeong Jo’s birth, Dong Yi is elevated to the prestigious title of Suk Bin.
Her journey from a lowly palace maid to a powerful figure in the royal court is both inspiring and dramatic. Dong Yi beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs she faces as she tackles court politics and rises above her humble beginnings.
This drama offers a compelling look into the life of a woman whose intelligence and resilience helped shape the future of the Joseon Dynasty, making it a must-watch for fans of historical Korean dramas.
- Aired: Mar 22, 2010 – Oct 12, 2010
- No of Episodes: 60
- Cast: Han Hyo Joo, Ji Jin Hee
- Streaming Platform: Viki
6. Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
At thirteen, Heo Yeon Woo, the daughter of a high-ranking official, visits the royal palace with her mother for her brother Heo Yeom’s civil service examination congratulatory ceremony. During her visit, she encounters Crown Prince Lee Hwon and a deep love blossoms between them. Yeon Woo is soon chosen as the Crown Princess of Joseon, marking the beginning of a promising future together.
However, before their marriage can take place, the Dowager Queen, driven by political motives, plots to have Yeon Woo killed. She aims to replace Yeon Woo with Yoon Bo Gyeong, from a powerful family clan, to strengthen her grip on power. The Dowager Queen commands the head shaman to cast a spell on Yeon Woo, causing a mysterious illness that leads to her death.
Miraculously, Yeon Woo is resurrected from her grave but loses all her memories. To the world, including the heartbroken Crown Prince Lee Hwon, she is considered dead, and he vows never to love again.
Eight years later, Yeon Woo reappears as Wol, a shaman whose past is shrouded in mystery. As the young king begins to investigate the truth behind Yeon Woo’s death after recognizing the grown-up Wol, he faces opposition from the queen’s influential political faction determined to remove him from power.
- Aired: Jan 4, 2012 – Mar 15, 2012
- No of Episodes: 20
- Cast: Han Ga In, Kim Soo Hyun
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
7. The Red Sleeve (2021)
In 18th-century Korea, Prince Yi San is a perfectionist deeply affected by the tragic murder of his father. As he awaits his turn to inherit the throne from his ruthless grandfather, the reigning king, Yi San is driven by a vision to reform the kingdom’s laws and bring benevolence to the land. His determination to overcome the emotional scars from his father’s death fuels his quest to become a just ruler.
During his time at court, Yi San meets Sung Deok Im, a spirited and sharp-witted young woman who captures his heart. Despite her growing affection for Yi San, Sung Deok Im faces the daunting reality of royal life and the constraints that come with it. Yi San proposes that she become his concubine, hoping their union will bring about positive change.
As their relationship develops, Sung Deok Im starts to recognize the potential for their partnership to influence the kingdom’s future. Her initial reservations give way to a growing belief that together, they can address the kingdom’s challenges and drive meaningful reform.
Their love story becomes intertwined with the fate of the kingdom, as both Yi San and Sung Deok Im strive to balance personal desires with their aspirations for a better realm.
- Aired: Nov 12, 2021 – Jan 1, 2022
- No of Episodes: 17
- Cast: Lee Jun Ho, Lee Se Young, Kang Hoon
- Streaming Platform: Viki
8. Empress Ki (2013)
Genghis Khan forged an empire that stretched across East Asia and Eastern Europe, leaving a legacy of immense power and influence. Among the notable figures in the Yuan Dynasty, which he established, was a remarkable woman who wielded significant power for 37 years. Her story is extraordinary because she was neither Mongol nor Han Chinese, but hailed from the distant kingdom of Goryeo.
Empress Ki began her journey in Goryeo, a small kingdom in the Far East, and was taken to the Mongol court against her will as a Gungnyeo, or palace woman. Despite her lowly beginnings, she defied the odds and ascended to become a formidable force in the Yuan Dynasty. Her rise to prominence in a foreign land was unprecedented.
As the last empress of the Yuan Dynasty, Empress Ki’s influence extended far beyond her initial status. Her story is one of resilience and transformation, demonstrating how she navigated the complexities of her circumstances to become a key figure in Mongol history.
- Aired: Oct 28, 2013 – Apr 29, 2014
- No of Episodes: 51
- Cast: Ha Ji Won, Ji Chang Wook, Joo Jin Mo
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
9. Love in the Moonlight (2016)
To shield herself and her family from danger, Hong Ra On disguises herself as a man and becomes a dating advisor for men. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a love letter she writes for a client leads her to encounter Crown Prince Hyo Myung. Neither Ra On nor Hyo Myung knows the true identity of the other—Ra On is unaware that she’s interacting with the Crown Prince, and Hyo Myung has no idea that Ra On is a woman.
Ra On’s situation becomes even more complicated when she is forced to become a eunuch by loan sharks, further entangling her in the palace’s intricate web. Despite the deception, the Crown Prince and Ra On develop a deep interest in each other, complicating their already challenging lives.
As Ra On observes the treacherous waters of palace life and the Crown Prince strives to secure his path to kingship, their secretive relationship faces numerous obstacles. The question remains: will their love endure amidst the palace’s political turmoil and their personal struggles?
- Aired: Aug 22, 2016 – Oct 18, 2016
- No of Episodes: 18
- Cast: Park Bo Gum, Kim You Jung
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
10. 100 Days My Prince (2018)
Crown Prince Lee Yul of Joseon is known for his exacting standards and aloof demeanour, a façade that conceals his profound loneliness. His dissatisfaction with palace life led him to enact a law mandating that all Korean citizens of marriageable age must wed before turning 28.
Hong Shim, a resilient and intelligent woman who supports both herself and her father, becomes entangled in Lee Yul’s life when he is gravely injured in an assassination attempt. With Lee Yul suffering from temporary amnesia, he finds refuge in Hong Shim’s household, unaware of his royal identity and free to live among commoners.
Under the new law, Hong Shim faces pressure to marry as she is now the oldest unmarried woman in her village. In a twist of fate, Lee Yul proposes marriage to Hong Shim, creating a unique opportunity for both of them.
As their relationship begins to develop, the real challenge lies ahead: can their growing affection endure once Lee Yul’s memory returns and he reclaims his royal status? Their love must weather the complexities of his eventual recovery and the demands of his life as a prince.
- Aired: Sep 10, 2018 – Oct 30, 2018
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Doh Kyung Soo, Nam Ji Hyun, Kim Seon Ho
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
11. Kingdom (2019)
As soon as the Joseon King succumbs to smallpox, rumours of his death spread rapidly. The influential Cho Clan, to which the pregnant Queen and her father, Chief State Councillor Cho Hak Joo, belong, seizes the opportunity to brand the Crown Prince as a traitor.
Amidst the chaos, the Crown Prince, determined to uncover the truth about his father’s death, embarks on a mission with his loyal guard, Moo Young. Their quest leads them to search for Lee Seung Hui, the last physician who treated the late King.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves in a village afflicted by a terrifying disease, accompanied by Assistant Physician Seo Bi and a mysterious man named Young Shin. As they investigate deeper into the village’s plight, the group must eradicate the dangers of the disease and uncover the secrets surrounding the King’s death
- Aired: Jan 25, 2019
- No of Episodes: 6
- Cast: Ju Ji Hoon, Ryu Seung Ryong, Ryu Seung Ryong, Kim Sung Gyu
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
12. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Mr. Sunshine tells the gripping story of Eugene Choi, who was born into slavery in Joseon. Following the brutal death of his father and his mother’s sacrifice to protect him, a young Eugene escaped to the United States during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident, thanks to the aid of a Christian missionary. In New York City, he grows up to become a Marine Corps officer.
Years later, Eugene returns to Korea as a captain stationed at the U.S. legation in Hanseong. There, he meets Go Ae-shin, a nobleman’s granddaughter who leads a secret life as a freedom fighter and sniper for the Righteous Army. Their love affair is complicated by their differing social classes and the presence of Kim Hui-seong, Ae-shin’s betrothed from a prominent family.
Eugene’s journey also brings him into contact with Gu Dong-mae, a fierce samurai with a ruthless reputation, and Kudo Hina, a Joseon-born widow of a wealthy Japanese man and owner of the popular “Glory Hotel.”
As Eugene uncovers a Japanese plot to colonize Korea, he becomes deeply involved in the struggle for his homeland’s sovereignty, balancing his passions with his patriotism.
- Aired: Jul 7, 2018 – Sep 30, 2018
- No of Episodes: 24
- Cast: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, Byun Yo Han, Kim Min Jung
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
13. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)
In the drama, Queen Jiso (Kim Ji-soo) has ruled Silla as regent since the death of her father, King Beopheung, while keeping her son, Sammaekjong (Park Hyung-sik), hidden from potential threats. As Sammaekjong approaches adulthood, there is growing pressure from citizens, officials, and even the young King himself for Queen Jiso to relinquish her control.
Despite this pressure, Jiso is reluctant to give up power due to the ongoing threat from powerful nobles who have been plotting to seize the throne. To weaken their influence and ensure the protection of her son and the throne, Jiso devises a plan to establish a new elite group known as the Hwarang. This group is designed to transcend the entrenched power structures and create a loyal force committed to defending the kingdom.
As the Hwarang members—young men from various backgrounds—bond and grow into their roles, they remain unaware of two pioneer secrets. One is that their King, Sammaekjong, is among them, and the other is that Kim Sun-woo (Park Seo-Joon), a commoner, harbours a hidden truth that even he does not fully understand.
- Aired: Dec 19, 2016 – Feb 21, 2017
- No of Episodes: 20
- Cast: Park Seo Joon, Go Ah Ra, Park Hyung Sik
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
14. My Dearest (2023)
In the 1600s during the Qing invasion, the story unfolds around Yu Gil Chae, a lively and somewhat spoiled young noblewoman in Neunggun-ri. Known as the “99-tailed fox,” she struggles with social exclusion due to her unorthodox behaviour, which attracts admiration from young noblemen but scorn from her peers.
Lee Jang Hyun, a mysterious newcomer, makes a dramatic entrance into the local social scene. His enigmatic presence and charm make him unpopular with the young nobles but endear him to the elderly, who are easily impressed by him. Despite his numerous romantic entanglements, he becomes intrigued by Gil Chae.
Their paths cross in a dramatic and unforgettable way when Gil Chae quite literally falls into Jang Hyun’s arms. As their relationship starts to develop, the pair begins to fight their growing feelings for each other.
However, just as their romance begins to flourish, the outbreak of war forces them apart. Their relationship is left in limbo, with their future together uncertain amidst the chaos of conflict.
- Aired: Aug 4, 2023 – Sep 2, 2023
- No of Episodes: 10
- Cast: Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun Jin, Lee Hak Joo
- Streaming Platform: Viki, Prime Video, KOCOWA
15. The Tale of Nokdu (2019)
Jeon Nok Du lives a secluded life on an island with his father and older brother. Despite his talent as a swordsman and his intelligence, his father restricts him from studying or visiting the mainland. Everything changes when his family is attacked by a group of female assassins, leading Jeon Nok Du to pursue one of the attackers to the capital.
In the capital, Jeon Nok Du encounters Dong Dong Ju, who is plotting to assassinate the King with her arrow. He intervenes and saves her from trouble, forming an unexpected connection. As he continues his search for answers about the attack on his family, Nok Du discovers that the assassin has taken refuge in a village for widows.
To uncover the motive behind the attack, Jeon Nok Du disguises himself as a woman and infiltrates the widow’s village. There, he crosses paths with Dong Dong Ju once more, who is now an apprentice training to become a gisaeng. Their interactions in the village bring new challenges and deepening relationships, adding layers to his quest for the truth.
- Aired: Sep 30, 2019 – Nov 25, 2019
- No of Episodes: 32
- Cast: Jang Dong Yoon, Kim So Hyun, Kang Tae Oh
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
