Best historical/sageuk K-drama of all time

As the title says… 

Vera May 17, 2022
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  • Mr. Queen

    1. Mr. Queen

    Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
    9.0
    1,664 points by 17 voters
    Jang Bong Hwan is a South Korean chef who has risen up the ranks to cook for the country’s top politicians in the Blue House’s presidential residences. After a serious accident, he ...more
  • Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    2. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
    8.7
    1,578 points by 16 voters
    When a total eclipse of the sun takes place, Go Ha Jin is transported back in time to the start of the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea during King Taejo's rule. She wakes ...more
  • Love in the Moonlight

    3. Love in the Moonlight

    Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes
    8.2
    1,352 points by 14 voters
    To protect herself and her family, Hong Ra On disguises herself as a man and counsels men on dating. Due to a love letter she wrote for a client, she meets Crown ...more
  • The Red Sleeve

    4. The Red Sleeve

    Korean Drama - 2021, 17 episodes
    8.8
    1,274 points by 13 voters
    In 18th-century Korea, Prince Yi San is a perfectionist haunted by his father's murder. He's set to inherit the throne once his cruel grandfather, the current king, passes away. Despite the emotional ...more
  • Moon Embracing the Sun

    5. Moon Embracing the Sun

    Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
    8.4
    1,162 points by 12 voters
    Thirteen-year-old Heo Yeon Woo, the daughter of a high-ranking official, accompanies her mother to the royal palace to attend her brother, Heo Yeom's civil service examination congratulatory ceremony. By chance, she comes ...more
  • Mr. Sunshine

    6. Mr. Sunshine

    Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
    8.9
    1,071 points by 11 voters
    Mr. Sunshine centers on a young boy born into a house servant's family who travels to the United States during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo (U.S. expedition to Korea). He returns to his homeland ...more
  • 100 Days My Prince

    7. 100 Days My Prince

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
    8.3
    943 points by 10 voters
    Lee Yul, Crown Prince of Joseon, is a perfectionist who disregards most royal palace nobles. His cold and demanding demeanor masks deeply-rooted loneliness. He comes to pass a law stating that Korean ...more
  • Hwarang

    8. Hwarang

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
    8.0
    839 points by 9 voters
    The names of just a few Hwarangs are recorded in history. Not many people these days truly know about Hwarangs. How did they start? How did beautiful looking young men become at ...more
  • The King's Affection

    9. The King's Affection

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
    8.3
    752 points by 8 voters
    The story is set during the Joseon Dynasty, at a time when twins were considered an ominous sign. As a result, when the Crown Princess Consort gives birth to twins, an order ...more
  • Empress Ki

    10. Empress Ki

    Korean Drama - 2013, 51 episodes
    8.6
    694 points by 7 voters
    Genghis Khan built an empire that spanned vast regions in East Asia and East Europe. And there was one woman who held immense power in the Yuan Dynasty, which Genghis Khan founded, ...more
  • Kingdom

    11. Kingdom

    Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
    8.8
    684 points by 7 voters
    No sooner does the Joseon King succumb to smallpox, do the rumors of his death begin. The Cho Clan, the clan of the pregnant Queen and her father, Chief State Councillor Cho ...more
  • Lovers of the Red Sky

    12. Lovers of the Red Sky

    Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
    8.2
    625 points by 7 voters
    During the Joseon Dynasty, a young woman named Hong Chun Ki was a painter – a true rarity in Joseon Korea, where Confucian values dictate that such pursuits are unsuitable for a ...more
  • My Country: The New Age

    13. My Country: The New Age

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
    8.4
    564 points by 6 voters
    Set during the end of the Goryeo period to the early Joseon period. Two friends aim their swords against one another due to differences in opinion about "my country." Seo Hwi is ...more
  • Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung

    14. Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung

    Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes
    8.2
    554 points by 6 voters
    The story takes place at the beginning of the 19th century. Goo Hae Ryung is an intern to become a palace historian. However, it was not acceptable for women to write historical ...more
  • Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People

    15. Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People

    Korean Drama - 2017, 30 episodes
    8.5
    477 points by 5 voters
    “The culprit who is posing as a royal official is not stealing wealth. He is stealing the hearts and minds of your people, Your Majesty.” There was a divisive figure in the ...more
  • The Crowned Clown

    16. The Crowned Clown

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
    8.4
    463 points by 5 voters
    Joseon is in a state of disorder due to uprisings and a power struggle surrounding King Lee Hun. To avoid assassination, a clown named Ha Sun is brought to the palace to ...more
  • The Tale of Nokdu

    17. The Tale of Nokdu

    Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
    8.3
    448 points by 5 voters
    Jeon Nok Du lives on an island with his father and older brother. He is smart and a good swordsman. Since he was little, his father did not let him study or ...more
  • The Scholar Who Walks the Night

    18. The Scholar Who Walks the Night

    Korean Drama - 2015, 20 episodes
    7.8
    444 points by 5 voters
    In Joseon Dynasty, immaculately dressed in scholarly robes, the young nobleman Kim Sung Yeol lives as a vampire to keep his promise to his friends. When Sung Yeol still was a human, ...more
  • Arang and the Magistrate

    19. Arang and the Magistrate

    Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
    7.9
    438 points by 5 voters
    It tells the story of a cynical and not-so-friendly government official named Eun Oh, who wanders the whole nation to look for his mother, who disappeared because of his mistake. Eun Oh ...more
  • Bossam: Steal the Fate

    20. Bossam: Steal the Fate

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
    8.0
    435 points by 5 voters
    A story of life and love that touches upon the oppression experienced by women and the impoverished. Ba Woo is a degenerate man who gambles, steals, fights and hides his real identity. ...more
  • The Princess's Man

    21. The Princess's Man

    Korean Drama - 2011, 24 episodes
    8.4
    388 points by 4 voters
    Princess Se Ryung is the headstrong and forward-thinking daughter of Grand Prince Su Yang, who is determined to be King. She falls in love with the son of his mortal enemy, and ...more
  • Six Flying Dragons

    22. Six Flying Dragons

    Korean Drama - 2015, 50 episodes
    8.7
    383 points by 4 voters
    A fictional, historical drama about the ambition, rise and fall of real and fictional characters based around Yi Bang Won. Yi Bang Won was the third king of the Joseon Dynasty in ...more
  • Jewel in the Palace

    23. Jewel in the Palace

    Korean Drama - 2003, 54 episodes
    8.7
    376 points by 4 voters
    About 500 years ago during the time of Chosun Dynasty, Korea boasted a rigidly hierarchical and male dominated social structure. Based on a true story about a legendary girl, Jang Geum, who ...more
  • Iljimae

    24. Iljimae

    Korean Drama - 2008, 20 episodes
    8.3
    359 points by 4 voters
    Set during the Joseon Dynasty, Yong acted as a hooligan in the marketplace by day but at night he was a thief who robbed corrupted government officials to give to the poor. ...more
  • Queen for Seven Days

    25. Queen for Seven Days

    Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
    8.2
    357 points by 4 voters
    This drama is about the love story between King Jung Jong and his Queen Dan Kyung, who was crowned and deposed within the span of a week due to rival political factions ...more
  • Sungkyunkwan Scandal

    26. Sungkyunkwan Scandal

    Korean Drama - 2010, 20 episodes
    8.2
    356 points by 4 voters
    Kim Yun Hee is a smart, responsible young woman with an independent drive. Since her father passed away, she has worked to support her family but has also managed to do well ...more
  • Queen Seon Deok

    27. Queen Seon Deok

    Korean Drama - 2009, 62 episodes
    8.5
    278 points by 3 voters
    The story of a beautiful queen, who has to give up her love to save the people. A biopic of Queen Seon Deok, who was born a princess and later became the ...more
  • Queen: Love and War

    28. Queen: Love and War

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
    7.9
    251 points by 3 voters
    Kang Eun Bo is a woman on a mission. When her twin sister is murdered, she vows to find the killer and bring them to justice. But during the ultra-conservative Joseon Dynasty ...more
  • Bloody Heart

    29. Bloody Heart

    Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
    8.2
    193 points by 2 voters
    A fictional historical drama that begins when Lee Tae, the eldest legitimate son of King Sunjong who became king after the rebellion, ascends to the throne of Joseon. Lee Tae’s father deposed ...more
  • Dong Yi

    30. Dong Yi

    Korean Drama - 2010, 60 episodes
    8.5
    180 points by 2 voters
    "Dong Yi" is a historical drama based on the life of Dong Yi later known as Choi Suk Bin. She worked in the royal palace as a lowly water maid. King Sok ...more
  • Tree With Deep Roots

    31. Tree With Deep Roots

    Korean Drama - 2011, 24 episodes
    8.3
    168 points by 2 voters
    Early in his reign, King Se Jong accidentally causes the death of his in-laws and their slaves in an attempt to save them from his brutal father, King Tae Jong. Two young ...more
  • Warrior Baek Dong Soo

    32. Warrior Baek Dong Soo

    Korean Drama - 2011, 29 episodes
    8.1
    167 points by 2 voters
    Set in the Joseon Dynasty during King Jeong Jo's reign, this martial-arts fusion sageuk is centered around the events involving Crown Prince Sa Do's conspiracy. Warrior Baek Dong Soo was a real-life ...more
  • Hwang Jin Yi

    33. Hwang Jin Yi

    Korean Drama - 2006, 24 episodes
    7.9
    156 points by 2 voters
    This story is about the life of Joseon dancer, musician and poet, Hwang Jin Yi, who seeks perfection in her art relentlessly and the hardship facing women due to their lowly social ...more
  • The Legend

    34. The Legend

    Korean Drama - 2007, 24 episodes
    8.0
    150 points by 2 voters
    This drama portrays the life of the 19th king of Goguryeo, Hwanwoong, who was sent from the heavens to make the world a better place. He falls in love with Saeoh and ...more
  • River Where the Moon Rises

    35. River Where the Moon Rises

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
    7.9
    150 points by 2 voters
    Born a princess and raised a soldier, Pyeong Gang is a woman with big dreams and limitless ambition. Determined to become the first Empress of Goguryeo, Pyeong Gang will stop at nothing ...more
  • Jang Ok Jung

    36. Jang Ok Jung

    Korean Drama - 2013, 24 episodes
    7.8
    143 points by 2 voters
    This drama tells the story of Jang Hee Bin, one of the most famous royal concubines in the Joseon Dynasty who was behind the deposition of King Sook Jong’s wife, Queen In ...more
  • My Only Love Song

    37. My Only Love Song

    Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
    7.7
    141 points by 2 voters
    Song Soo Jung is a top star and she is very arrogant. She classifies people by how much money they have. Suddenly, she goes back in time to the Goguryeo era and ...more
  • Horse Doctor

    38. Horse Doctor

    Korean Drama - 2012, 50 episodes
    7.8
    139 points by 2 voters
    Born from a low caste, Baek Gwang Hyun first started working as a horse doctor, then worked his way up to become a famous veterinarian. Eventually, he became a doctor appointed to ...more
  • Jumong

    39. Jumong

    Korean Drama - 2006, 81 episodes
    8.3
    90 points by 1 voters
    Jumong was the founder of Goguryeo in 37 BC. He was the son of General Hae Mo Su and Lady Yoo Hwa and was raised by King Geum Wa, who took him ...more
  • Yi San

    40. Yi San

    Korean Drama - 2007, 77 episodes
    8.1
    87 points by 1 voters
    This drama details the life of King Jeong Jo, Joseon's 22nd monarch, who is remembered in Korean history as one of Korea's greatest kings, one who loved the people and reigned for ...more
  • Gu Family Book

    41. Gu Family Book

    Korean Drama - 2013, 24 episodes
    8.3
    80 points by 1 voters
    Choi Kang Chi is a half-human and half-mythical-creature who was adopted by the lord of the Hundred Years Inn. He was the son of Gu Wol Ryung, the guardian spirit of Jiri ...more
  • The Nokdu Flower

    42. The Nokdu Flower

    Korean Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
    8.3
    73 points by 1 voters
    Set during the Donghak Peasant Revolution (1894-1895), two half-brothers find themselves on opposing sides of the conflict. Baek Yi Kang is the first son of a prominent family whose wealthy father is ...more
  • The King's Daughter, Soo Baek Hyang

    43. The King's Daughter, Soo Baek Hyang

    Korean Drama - 2013, 108 episodes
    8.2
    71 points by 1 voters
    King Mu Ryeong was a Baekje king who oversaw a renaissance during his reign while also building his kingdom into a sea power. He had a hidden daughter called Soo Baek Hyang, ...more
  • Faith

    44. Faith

    Korean Drama - 2012, 24 episodes
    8.0
    68 points by 1 voters
    A 21st-century plastic surgeon Eun Soo gets kidnapped and brought 700 years into the past for her healing powers. Goryeo era bodyguard to the king, General Choi Yeong is smart but a ...more
  • Haechi

    45. Haechi

    Korean Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
    8.1
    67 points by 1 voters
    Set during the Joseon Dynasty period, four people from different walks of life come together to make Prince Lee Geum the King and reform the Saheonbu. The four people are Lee Geum, ...more
  • The Slave Hunters

    46. The Slave Hunters

    Korean Drama - 2010, 24 episodes
    8.0
    66 points by 1 voters
    Chuno follows the story of Lee Dae Gil, a man of high birth, whose family was ruined when Won Ki Yoon, a slave, burnt down his house and escaped with his sister, ...more
  • The King in Love

    47. The King in Love

    Korean Drama - 2017, 40 episodes
    7.7
    64 points by 1 voters
    Wang Won’s father is the king of Goryeo while his mother is the Yuan emperor’s daughter. He was born with many gifts as he has good looks, the wisdom of a snake, ...more
  • The Painter of the Wind

    48. The Painter of the Wind

    Korean Drama - 2008, 20 episodes
    7.9
    63 points by 1 voters
    Shin Yoon Bok is a talented painter who disguises herself as a boy to search for her father's murderer and meets a master painter who guides her into being a great painter. ...more
  • Damo

    49. Damo

    Korean Drama - 2003, 14 episodes
    7.7
    59 points by 1 voters
    This series and our heroine took place in the Joseon Dynasty. Chae Ok was separated from her brother when her father, a nobleman, was accused of treason. She managed to make her ...more
  • The Kingdom of the Winds

    50. The Kingdom of the Winds

    Korean Drama - 2008, 36 episodes
    8.0
    56 points by 1 voters
    The drama about the life of Jumong's grandson, Moo Hyul, who was born with a curse to kill his parent, siblings, son and destroy Goguryeo. (Source: DramaWiki) ~~ Adapted from the manhwa ...more
  • The Emperor: Owner of the Mask

    51. The Emperor: Owner of the Mask

    Korean Drama - 2017, 40 episodes
    7.9
    55 points by 1 voters
    The story of a crown prince named Lee Sun who fights the Pyeonsuhwe society that holds absolute power over the kingdom and also controls the water supply by privatizing it. The drama ...more
  • Ja Myung Go

    52. Ja Myung Go

    Korean Drama - 2009, 39 episodes
    7.8
    53 points by 1 voters
    Legend has it that more than 2,000 years ago, the Kingdom of Nangnang possessed a mystical Ja Myung Drum, which would sound by itself when enemies invaded. In reality, Ja Myung Go ...more
  • Grand Prince

    53. Grand Prince

    Korean Drama - 2018, 20 episodes
    7.8
    50 points by 1 voters
    Centered around one woman who gets caught up in a bloody romance with two princes. This drama tells the story of a man who would kill even his younger brother to have ...more

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