(This is a new challenge and may still be subjected to change as I'm trying to figure out what works the best.)
Hi, dear fellow historical K-drama lovers!
This challenge is a way for you to watch Korean dramas/movies from all periods of Korean history. It is inspired by Rillas' List of Korean K-Dramas/Movies on Historical Timetable (thanks a lot for this great overview), and inspired by my own Historical C-Drama Challenge and my wish to make another challenge for K-dramas.
Because many more dramas are set in Joseon than in other dynasties, this challenge will have a bigger focus on the Joseon dynasty than on other dynasties/kingdoms.
Where to find dramas for this challenge:
- Rillas' List of Korean K-Dramas/Movies on Historical Timetable (It has all dramas and movies of all historical periods sorted by the date the drama is set in or starts with. It, however, doesn't show it when a drama is set during multiple time periods (e.g. Six Flying Dragons starts during U's reign (1374–1388) of the Goryeo dynasty, but continues until Taejong's reign (1400–1418) of the Joseon dynasty). If you realize a drama is also set during another time, you could choose yourself to which period you want to add the drama.)
- My List of K-Dramas/Movies based on Joseon Kings (It is not totally complete, so I recommend to use it next to Rillas' list, but this list has ordered dramas and movies according to which Joseon kings are in the cast or during which kings reign the drama is set. (If the king is written in Bold, that king is the main lead. If the king is underlined, the story mostly takes place during his reign. If neither, then either the king has a minor role in the drama, or doesn't have a role in the drama, but it still takes place during his time.))
- List of K-Dramas/Movies based on Goryeo Kings.
- Check for dramas on the Wikipedia pages of Korean kings: Many kings have a part on their Wikipedia pages where it shows in which Popular Culture this king has been portrayed.
- Use the Explore feature of MDL: use the Advanced Search function to add a specific dynasty to the Themes/Tags. Then check yourself whether the drama is based on history or is fictional.
Rules:
This challenge is ordered in categories of historical periods. It’s up to you whether you want to follow the order to progress further into history or to watch the dramas in a random order.
If you cannot find a (good) drama for a certain kingdom/dynasty, either ask others/me, look at what others watched, or skip that challenge (for now).
Some dramas take place during multiple dynasties, e.g. when a drama starts in one dynasty and it changes to the next dynasty. Also some dynasties overlap with others. Feel free to choose to which dynasty you add a drama. Try to not add a drama to multiple challenges.
To make it more difficult, don’t add dramas you already watched. However, this may not always work as for some periods, there are not enough dramas yet, so I will allow you to add dramas you already watched.
I have added a few optional challenges, feel free to do them or delete them to make it easier. (If possible you can add a movie to the optional challenges.)
You could also choose to only watch one item per part to make the challenge easier.
Feel free to play around and make some changes to the challenge :)
Badges:
You can find the badges made by Rien on this page: Historical K-Drama Challenge Badges.
The Historical K-Drama Challenge
Started: xx/xx/xxxx | Completed: xx/xx/xxxx
Finished categories: 0/5
Total finished dramas: 0/53
Category 1: The Three Kingdoms of Korea/Samhan
Goguryeo 고구려 (37BC - 668AD):
>(watch two titles for Goguryeo, add titles here)
>
Baekje 백제 (18BC - 660AD):
> (watch two titles for Baekje)
> (optional)
Silla 신라 (57BC - 935AD):
> (watch two titles for Silla (including Unified Silla))
>
Gaya 가야 (42 - 532):
> (optional)
Balhae 발해 (698 - 926):
> (optional drama or movie)
Three Kingdoms of Korea:
> (optional: watch a movie or another drama from the Three Kingdoms period of Korea)
Completed: 0/9
Category 2: Goryeo 고려 (918 - 1392)
The Founding and Rise of Goryeo (918 - 993):
>
>
> (optional)
The Khitan, Jurchen and Mongols (993 - 1274):
>
> (optional)
The Late Period (1274 - 1392):
>
>
> (optional)
Completed: 0/8
Joseon 조선 (1392 - 1897) + The Korean Empire (1897 - 1910)
(There are two options for Category 3, 4, and 5: the first option is to watch one drama or movie for every king of Joseon (just copy the List of Joseon kings on this page and add a drama to every king). The second option is written out here below. (Both have the exact same amount of total dramas to watch (27), but to make it easier you can delete the optional challenges here below, which will make it less.))
Category 3: The Early Period
The Founding Period (1392 - 1418):
>
>
> (optional)
Sejong (1418 - 1450):
>
> (optional)
A period of weakening (1450 - 1494):
>
>
> (optional)
The Tyrant (Yeonsangun) and his half-brother (Jungjong) (1494 - 1544):
>
>
> (optional)
Completed: 0/11
Category 4: The Middle Period
Factional Struggles and Japanese Invasions (1544 - 1608):
>
>
> (optional)
Manchu Invasions (1608 - 1659):
>
>
> (optional)
Completed: 0/6
Category 5: The Late Period
Rebuilding Joseon Society (1659 - 1724):
>
>
Yeongjo - Sado - Jeongjo (1724 - 1800):
>
>
> (optional)
In-law Government (1800 - 1863):
>
> (optional)
The Fall of the Dynasty (1863 - 1910):
>
>
> (optional)
Completed: 0/10
Category 6: Modern Korea (1910 - Now)
Japanese Rule (1910 - 1945):
>
>
> (optional)
Division and Korean War (1945 - 1953):
>
> (Optional)
Modern South Korea (1953 - Now):
>
> (Optional)
Modern North Korea (1953 - Now):
>
> (Optional)
Completed: 0/9
|
Summary |
| |||||||||
Started: 19/01/2025 Finished: xx/xx/202x Categories: x/5 Titles: 00/34 Last Updated: 19/01/2025 | Currently Watching... - |
【✓】= Completed | 【✗】= Not Started | 【...】= Ongoing
Category 1: The Three Kingdoms of Korea/Samhan | 0/6 | ||
Components | Titles | Notes | Status |
Goguryeo 고구려 (37BC - 668AD) | ![]() | Jungjong (1506–1544) 1hr, 45min x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
Baekje 백제 (18BC - 660AD) | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | ||
Silla 신라 (57BC - 935AD) | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | ||
Gaya 가야 (42 - 532) | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | ||
Balhae 발해 (698 - 926) | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | ||
Three Kingdoms of Korea | ![]() | Three Kingdoms of Korea (57 BC - 688 AD) 18 1/2hrs x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
Category 2: Goryeo 고려 (918 - 1392) | 0/3 | ||
Components | Titles | Notes | Status |
The Founding and Rise of Goryeo (918 - 993) | ![]() | Fictional Fantasy/Sci-Fi set during the Goryeo dynasty. | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
The Khitan, Jurchen and Mongols (993 - 1274) | ![]() | Mokjong(997–1009), Hyeonjong (1009–1031) 32hrs x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
The Late Period (1274 - 1392) | ![]() | Mokjong(997–1009), Hyeonjong (1009–1031) 32hrs x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
Joseon 조선 (1392-1897) + Korean Empire (1897-1910) |
Category 3: The Early Period | 0/7 | ||
Components | Titles | Notes | Status |
The Founding Period (1392 - 1418) | ![]() | Taejo (1392–1398),Taejong (1400-1418) 2hrs, 10min x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
![]() | Taejo (1392–1398),Taejong (1400-1418) 14hrs x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | |
Sejong (1418 - 1450) | ![]() | Taejong (1400-1418), Sejong (1418–1450) 2hr, 30min x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
A period of weakening (1450 - 1494) | Joseon Attorney: A Morality | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | |
Behead the King | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | ||
The Tyrant (Yeonsangun) and his half-brother (Jungjong) (1494 - 1544) | ![]() | Jungjong (1506–1544) 1hr, 45min x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
Category 4: The Middle Period | 0/6 | ||
Components | Titles | Notes | Status |
Factional Struggles and Japanese Invasions (1544 - 1608) | ![]() | Seonjo (1567–1608), Gwanghaegun (1608–1623) 2hrs, 6min x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
![]() | Seonjo (1567–1608), Gwanghaegun (1608–1623) 21hrs x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | |
![]() | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | ||
Manchu Invasions (1608 - 1659) | ![]() | duration x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
The Night Owl / The Fortress / Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River | duration x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
Category 5: The Late Period | 0/7 | ||
Components | Titles | Notes | Status |
Rebuilding Joseon Society (1659 - 1724) | duration x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | |
duration x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | ||
Yeongjo - Sado - Jeongjo (1724 - 1800) | ![]() | Yeongjo (1724–1776) 2hrs x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
![]() | Yeongjo (1724–1776) 1hr, 40min x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | |
In-law Government (1800 - 1863) | ![]() | Cheoljong (1849–1864) 21hrs x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
The Fall of the Dynasty (1863 - 1910) | ![]() | Gojong (1864–1897) 2hrs, 9min x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
![]() | Gojong (1864–1897) 1hr, 50min x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
Category 6: Modern Korea (1910 - Now) | 0/5 | ||
Components | Titles | Notes | Status |
Japanese Rule (1910 - 1945) | ![]() | 1930s duration x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
![]() | duration x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | |
Division and Korean War (1945 - 1953) | duration x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx | |
Modern South Korea (1953 - Now) | ![]() | 2hrs, 15min x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
Modern North Korea (1953 - Now) | ![]() | 1970s 1hrs, 30min x.x/10 Recommend: x | PTWxx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx |
Other Challenges | ||||
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Started: xx.xx.xxxx Completed: xx.xx.xxxx Finished categories: 0/5 Total finished dramas: 0/53 Last updated: 22.01.25 | The | Not Started: ✘ Watching: ʚɞ Completed: ✔ |
Currently watching: - |
Category 1: The Three Kingdoms of Korea/Samhan | ||||
Goguryeo 고구려 (37BC - 668AD) | Baekje 백제 (18BC - 660AD) | Silla 신라 (57BC - 935AD) | ||
✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Silla 신라 (57BC - 935AD) | Gaya 가야 (42 - 532) | Balhae 발해 (698 - 926) | Three Kingdoms of Korea | Bonus |
✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
x/9 + x/1 |
Category 2: Goryeo 고려 (918 - 1392) | |||
The Founding and Rise of Goryeo (918 - 993) | The Khitan, Jurchen and Mongols (993 - 1274) | ||
(?) | |||
✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
The Khitan, Jurchen and Mongols (993 - 1274) | The Late Period (1274 - 1392) | ||
![]() | ![]() | ||
✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
x/8 |
Joseon 조선 (1392 - 1897) + The Korean Empire (1897 - 1910) | ||||
Category 3: The Early Period | ||||
A. The Founding Period (1392 - 1418): | ||||
Taejo (1392–1398) | Jeongjong (1398–1400) | Taejong (1400-1418) | ||
![]() | ||||
✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ||
B. Sejong (1418 - 1450): | ||||
Sejong (1418-1450) | ||||
✘ | ||||
C. A period of weakening (1450 - 1494): | ||||
Munjong (1450-1452) | Danjong (1452-1455) | Sejo (1455–1468) | Yejong (1468–1469) | Seongjong (1469–1494) |
![]() | ||||
✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
D. The Tyrant (Yeonsangun) and his half-brother (Jungjong) (1494 - 1544): | ||||
Yeonsangun (1494-1506) | Jungjong (1506–1544) | |||
✘ | ✘ | |||
x/11 |
Category 4: The Middle Period | |||
A. Factional Struggles and Japanese Invasions (1544 - 1608): | |||
Injong (1544–1545) | Myeongjong (1545–1567) | Seonjo (1567–1608) | |
![]() | |||
✘ | ✘ | ✘ | |
B. Manchu Invasions (1608 - 1659): | |||
Gwanghaegun (1608–1623) | Injo (1623–1649) | Hyojong (1649–1659) | |
✘ | ✘ | ✘ | |
x/6 |
![]() | Started: 21/01/2025 | Completed: -/-/2025 | ![]() |
---|---|---|
Sageuk Challenge | Finished categories: 0/5 | |
![]() | Total finished dramas: 0/53 | |
✿⊰✲⊱✿⊰✲⊱✿✲✿⊰✲⊱✿⊰✲⊱✿⊰✲⊱✿⊰✲⊱✿✲✿⊰✲⊱✿✲✿⊰✲⊱✿✲✿⊰✲⊱✿ |
Category 2: Goryeo 고려 (918 - 1392) | Completed:0/8 | |
---|---|---|
Era | Drama Name | Date Finished |
The Founding and Rise of Goryeo (918 - 993) | ||
The Khitan, Jurchen and Mongols (993 - 1274) | ||
The Late Period (1274 - 1392) | ||
✿⊰✲⊱✿⊰✲⊱✿✲✿⊰✲⊱✿⊰✲⊱✿✲✿⊰✲⊱✿ ✲✿⊰✲⊱✿⊰✲⊱✿✲✿⊰✲⊱✿⊰✲⊱✿✲✿⊰✲⊱✿ | ||
Joseon 조선 (1392 - 1897) + The Korean Empire (1897 - 1910) |
For now, I'll only list the drama and movie I completed (picture and link) and dropped/on-hold (link only), will be back to start the challenge on May maybe.
The Historical K-Drama Challenge
Started: 05/05/2025 | Completed: xx/xx/xxxx
Finished categories: 0/6
Total finished dramas: 0/33 + 0/4 (restart the dropped/on-hold series)
Category 1: The Three Kingdoms of Korea/Samhan
Goguryeo 고구려 (37BC - 668AD):
> Jumong
> Yeon Gae Somun
Baekje 백제 (18BC - 660AD):
> The King's Daughter, Soo Baek Hyang
> (optional)
Silla 신라 (57BC - 935AD):
> Emperor of the Sea
> Hwarang
Gaya 가야 (42 - 532):
> (optional)
Balhae 발해 (698 - 926):
> (optional drama or movie)
Three Kingdoms of Korea:
> (optional: watch a movie or another drama from the Three Kingdoms period of Korea)
Completed: 0/5
Category 2: Goryeo 고려 (918 - 1392)
The Founding and Rise of Goryeo (918 - 993):
> Shine or Go Crazy
> Emperor Wang Gun
> (optional)
The Khitan, Jurchen and Mongols (993 - 1274):
> Age of Warriors
> (optional)
The Late Period (1274 - 1392):
> Jeong Do Jeon
> Six Flying Dragons
> (optional)
Joseon 조선 (1392 - 1897) + The Korean Empire (1897 - 1910)
Category 3: The Early Period
The Founding Period (1392 - 1418):
> My Country: The New Age
> Maids
> (optional)
Sejong (1418 - 1450):
> Jang Young Shil
> (optional)
https://mydramalist.com/2785-deep-rooted-tree
A period of weakening (1450 - 1494):
> Queen Insoo
> The Face Reader
> (optional)
![]() | ![]() |
The Tyrant (Yeonsangun) and his half-brother (Jungjong) (1494 - 1544):
> Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People
> Saimdang, Light’s Diary
> (optional)
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Completed: 0/7
Category 4: The Middle Period
Factional Struggles and Japanese Invasions (1544 - 1608):
> Hur Jun
> The Admiral: Roaring Currents
> (optional)
Manchu Invasions (1608 - 1659):
> The Slave Hunters
> My Dearest Part 2
> (optional)
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Completed: 0/4
Category 5: The Late Period
Rebuilding Joseon Society (1659 - 1724):
> Queen In Hyun's Man
> Haechi
https://mydramalist.com/67-dong-yi
https://mydramalist.com/4711-horse-doctor
Yeongjo - Sado - Jeongjo (1724 - 1800):
> Yi San
> Secret Door
> (optional)
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
https://mydramalist.com/61399-dress-sleeved-red
In-law Government (1800 - 1863):
> Heung Boo: The Revolutionist
> (optional)
![]() | ![]() |
The Fall of the Dynasty (1863 - 1910):
> Jejoongwon
> Empress Myeongseong
> (optional)
Completed: 0/7
Category 6: Modern Korea (1910 - Now)
Japanese Rule (1910 - 1945):
> Pachinko
> Chicago Typewriter
> (optional)
Division and Korean War (1945 - 1953):
> Road Number One
> (Optional)
Modern South Korea (1953 - Now):
> Youth of May
> (Optional)
Modern North Korea (1953 - Now):
> Iris
> (Optional)
Completed: 0/5
![]() |
![]() Started: 24/01/2025
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