Sageuk (Historical)

kdramarecs Oct 13, 2019
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  • Gu Family Book

    1. Gu Family Book

    Korean Drama - 2013, 24 episodes

    Gu Family Book had a great story, OST, and cast. This was one of the first dramas I was SUPER into. I'd grab some food and binge several episodes. I wasn't a fan of the ending.  - u/life-finds-a-way

  • Empress Ki

    2. Empress Ki

    Korean Drama - 2013, 51 episodes

    Empress Ki  - Not historically accurate but you fall in love with the wise and badass female protagonist. Some funny scenes in the beginning but mainly series kdrama . I dont usually binge on long kdramas but it felt fast pace for a series period drama compared to Queen Seonduk. It took me about 6 eps to get into it but man  it is rare to see a strong female protagonist in a kdrama imo.  - u/properintroduction

    Empress Ki is also a popular one that has a LOT of, well, everything. Action, love triangles, betrayal, politics, comedy, deaths, etc. Ji Chang Wook had his best acting moments here, and anyone who says otherwise can fight me, no cap. Ha Ji Won also shines with her badassery as usual. I guess the only downside is that it heavily relies on its creative license, meaning yes it's inspired by the real Empress Ki, but a lot of what they show about her is distorted/fake. Got a lot of flak for that in Korea, but just as a drama, its good. - u/jaceydarling

  • Sungkyunkwan Scandal

    3. Sungkyunkwan Scandal

    Korean Drama - 2010, 20 episodes

    Sungkyunkwan Scandal: A fantasy historical about a girl cross-dressing to attend the Sungkyunkwan school, which was the school for the best and brightest of the aristocrat class preparing for their government careers. She forms an extraordinary friendship with three guys, each immensely different in personality but all exceedingly smart and courageous. There are hijinks, crushes, and lots of guts from these youngsters who fight for justice and help take down corruption. This drama is a good intro historical to watch because it basically dresses up a modern rom-com in historical clothing.  - u/myweithisway

    Sungkyunkwan Scandal is a nice historical. Romance and sort of coming-of-age. Real good core cast, bit of mystery and mischief, and fun times. - u/life-finds-a-way

  • Warrior Baek Dong Soo

    4. Warrior Baek Dong Soo

    Korean Drama - 2011, 29 episodes

    Warrior Baek Dong Soo based on the person who first created the martial arts guide in Joseon.  - u/Enter_Text_Here

    Warrior Baek Dong Soo - Great story of two friends who take completely different paths and how those choices impact their relationship. Has a bit of a longer lead in with child actors to set up the background, but it sets up each characters choices later in the drama. - u/Kordiana

  • Moon Embracing the Sun

    5. Moon Embracing the Sun

    Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes

    The Moon Embracing the Sun is a good one to start with bc it's not as tragic as all the other ones are lmao. Also the story/music gives a fairy tale vibe. Also, the only drama where you can see Kim Yoo Jung, Yeo Jin Goo, and Kim So Hyun act all in one screen as the main characters, just   i c o n i c   and a classic.  - u/jaceydarling

  • Iljimae

    6. Iljimae

    Korean Drama - 2008, 20 episodes

    Iljimae: Iljimae is a folklore hero who battled corruption to help the poor, essentially a Robin Hood figure. This drama version is mostly focused on action and comedy and light on gravitas. Some of the props/setups was truly hilarious to see. Might be worth it for a Lee Joon Ki fan to check out for giggles but not a really great drama overall.  - u/myweithisway

    Iljimae - Great revenge action historical.  - u/Kordiana

  • The Return of Iljimae

    7. The Return of Iljimae

    Korean Drama - 2009, 24 episodes

    Return of Iljimae is not a sequel,  and received a lot of praise. It has an interesting back story.  - u/Nottoolatetolearn

    Return of Iljimae: Another drama portraying the story of Iljimae, this drama is more of a traditional sageuk even though it has a bit of fantasy at the very beginning and at the very end to anchor the story. It basically portrays the growth of a young man from his very unfortunate beginnings into a folk hero. There's quite a bit of tragedy in the story and the overall drama has a somber tone. During its initial airing, it earned a lot of praise for its sweeping cinematography, which was not as common back then. A decade on, this drama will likely feel dated for new viewers in terms of both the story and visuals.  - u/myweithisway

  • Dong Yi

    8. Dong Yi

    Korean Drama - 2010, 60 episodes

    Jewel in the Crown (Dong Yi): a fanciful and charming story about a commoner who becomes the mother of a king. The story is packed with humor, political intrigue, and idealism. Despite its length (60 episodes!) the pacing is brisk and the story continues to move forward at a good clip.  - u/FoucaultsFarts

    Dong Yi - follows life story of a peasant girl who rises to a high position in the court. Comparable to Jewel in the Palace ( with the same ML). Also has a young Lee Kwang Soo in a humorous role.  May be slow, tame compared to more modern Historicals, but well worth it! - u/LcLou02

  • Jewel in the Palace

    9. Jewel in the Palace

    Korean Drama - 2003, 54 episodes

    Jewel in the Palace - Based on a probably true story of the first royal female physician. It's number 10 on the highest-ranked drama list for public tv. This is an excellent drama that really provides a lot of background on the workings of Palace life.

    Personally it's my favorite historical and it would be a very easy first drama but it can be very heavy at times.  - u/Sephdar

    Jewel in the Palace is a historical unlike any other I’ve seen. It’s what got me into historicals and was my first ever kdrama too. It’s a beast at 54 episodes (not as much as DongYi’s 80something though) but the character development is so good. The female lead is very intelligent and a great refreshing character when you look at how others are portrayed. Slow burn but it makes the journey worth it.  - u/dianapharah

  • Queen Seon Deok

    10. Queen Seon Deok

    Korean Drama - 2009, 62 episodes

    Queen Seon Duk: Based loosely off real historical figures, the drama depicts an epic fight between two opposing sides, each led by a strong female. At the time of airing, it captured the attention of the general public and its villain became a byword for evil. In fact, the villain had a piece of music that was played whenever she was being evil and you can still hear this music being played on variety shows when they are cueing an evil person. If you're fan of melodramas, this is a good drama to satisfy those cravings since it's basically a melodrama wearing historical clothing.  - u/myweithisway

    Queen Seon Duk, another based on a real person and events. Girl power drama, and the villian... It's so good. Don't be scared by the episode count. It's worth it.  - u/Sephdar

  • The Princess's Man

    11. The Princess's Man

    Korean Drama - 2011, 24 episodes

    Princess' Man - a Romeo and Juliette type drama involving a Princess in Joseon and the son a Nobleman who is her father's enemy.  - u/Enter_Text_Here

    If you're into angst, Princess' Man is the angstiest drama PERIOD. So good, and the chemistry is off the charts. One of my all time favs. - u/jaceydarling

  • Heaven's Order

    12. Heaven's Order

    Korean Drama - 2013, 20 episodes

    Mandate of Heaven/The Fugitive of Joseon

    One of my favorite and underrated dramas of 2013!

    Quick summary: Set during the reign of King Injong, the protagonist is a royal physician desperate to cure his ailing daughter. He becomes a fugitive when he gets entangled in an assassination plot to poison the crown prince, and fights to save both his daughter's life and his own

    The main leads were ok. Not that I didn't like them (I did) but they were pretty boring and stagnant throughout the show compared to others. The supporting cast really shined (especially the Woo-young/Jung-hwan couple was amazing and had a crackling chemistry. As Dramabeans put it "It's like if the prosecutor from City Hunter got together with City Hunter's sister). There was a diverse and full cast with a lot of different personalities which made the world seem real, if that makes sense

    One thing that I loved was that it was consistent. No random, wtf twists, no wild swings, just a fun story that it wanted to tell. I know some people prefer it the other way but it was really nice not constantly yelling at my screen and just enjoying the show.

    Rang is the cutest thing ever. Trust me.

    - u/Srini_

  • Secret Investigation Record

    13. Secret Investigation Record

    Korean Drama - 2010, 12 episodes

    Joseon X-Files - It's a Sci-Fi sageuk. Supernatural/paranormal, but not in a really hokey way. Shot beautifully, and the writing is pretty tight. No romance, but no disasters. Very cerebral once you hit the middle, and it continues until the end.  - u/life-finds-a-way

  • The Bridal Mask

    14. The Bridal Mask

    Korean Drama - 2012, 28 episodes

    Bridal Mask - set in Japanese occupied Korea. It's pretty intense in some parts, but it is really interesting. Great character development with both main male leads. - u/Kordiana

    Gaksital - gut-wrenching hero’s tale that is set during the Japanese occupation era. Epic in the best of ways. It has dark and complex characters, excellent acting, terrific action scenes, and breathtaking music.  - u/latteh0lic

  • The Slave Hunters

    15. The Slave Hunters

    Korean Drama - 2010, 24 episodes

    Chuno is probably the best action sageuk I've seen. I really like the cinematography in this bc it's not like the typical historical dramas nowadays where everything is visually aesthetic and all fluffy. This one is more gritty, but it fits the drama bc its about slave hunters. - u/jaceydarling

  • Jejoongwon

    16. Jejoongwon

    Korean Drama - 2010, 36 episodes

    Jejoongwon revolves around the first Western medicine hospital in Korea. The main setting is the hospital and the characters are diverse (Western doctors, an incredibly smart FL, a ML who rejects his class in society to learn medicine).  - u/serendipitious333

    I'm not big on historical dramas, but I loved Jejoongwon.  - u/Aksalon

  • Gunman in Joseon

    17. Gunman in Joseon

    Korean Drama - 2014, 22 episodes

    Joseon Gunman - It’s historical, but bridges the period of modernization in Korean History. - u/roseweldrmr

  • Secret Door

    18. Secret Door

    Korean Drama - 2014, 24 episodes

    I enjoyed Secret Door a lot.

    I knew enough about Crown Prince Sado before watching the drama, and I was very interested in seeing how everything would be treated. The drama was initially marketed as "just how did Sado die?"

    The writers hit the ground running and never really looked back. There are usual sageuk tropes: political scheming, King and Prince fights, etc. But there are enough smaller story arcs that fade out when another appears to keep things interesting.

    Also, you can read up on Crown Prince Sado before or after the drama. Lee Je-hoon did such a great job with the role, you'll feel a host of conflicting emotions in the best way possible.

    There's an unfortunate loss of momentum around the halfway mark or so. It's with a supporting character. I feel that's a product of the writers changing things due to a live shoot system. Something happened. But that's honestly negligible in the grand scheme of things. - u/life-finds-a-way

  • The Three Musketeers

    19. The Three Musketeers

    Korean Drama - 2014, 12 episodes

    The Three Musketeers is now one of my favorite dramas.

    I watch the BBC series, so I wanted to see what Korea was going to do with it. It was a faithful enough historical adaptation for sure. It also had some key "goddamnit" dramatic elements, and that kept things grounded.

    The cast was great. Always some intentionally funny and even some unintentionally funny moments. This was supposed to be a three season venture, but it looks like they're stopping at the first. Which is fine. Enough of the story had been told and enough had been set up for us to know how the story carries out. That is, unless you don't know the novel or movies or show. - u/life-finds-a-way

  • Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    20. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes

    Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo: A time travel drama based loosely off the original Chinese work, Moon Lovers depicts an epic love story. Filled with characters good and bad engaged in an intense fight for power, the drama suffers a bit from trying to do too much without having enough time. The cinematography of this drama may be a deal-breaker for some viewers since it can be very distracting. (My favorite part about this drama is arguably the fantastic behind the scenes content that came out of it.)  - u/myweithisway

    Moon Lovers is a perfect gateway sageuk drama for anyone who has ever been intimidated by this genre. It has piece of everything a good sageuk has in pretty packaging and with engaging story.  - u/Egg-Mont

    Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo - One of sageuk drama that stand the most for me. I rarely watch Sageuk, but this one won over me easily. It has a bit of time-travelling, strong character development, sweet romance,amazing ost. - u/dxfaa

  • Hwarang

    21. Hwarang

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes

    Hwarang - Very cute and fun drama about young scholar-warriors who are assembled to protect the interests of the throne. It's got a lot of bromance, and there's a lot about the nature of friendship, family, and what makes a king. - u/eroverton

    Hwarang -  A cute, fun drama with so much eye-candy it almost hurts haha. Romance was there, but it's the bromance that keeps you watching :)  - u/UkEuropeEarth

    Hwarang - although it has its flaws I enjoyed watching it  - u/iluvbiology

  • Love in the Moonlight

    22. Love in the Moonlight

    Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes

    A girl pretending to be a guy gets on the bad side of some bad guys and ends up being "castrated" and sent to live as a palace eunuch. She falls in love with the crown prince, but their relationship is kinda complicated. This one is loads of fun and piles of cute.  - u/eroverton

    Moonlight Drawn by Clouds - does not feel historical. Female lead entered the palace as eunich. Prince fell in love with her. Very cliche but an easy watch. - u/onioncube79

    Love in the Moonlight - A lighthearted rom-com with some basic palace politics. The ML and FL are adorable and their chemistry was spot on. The SML and other side characters are also lovable. I especially enjoyed the bromance in this drama. This one’s an easy watch and if you’re watching your first ever historical drama then this is perfect for it.  - u/Fatooz

  • Six Flying Dragons

    23. Six Flying Dragons

    Korean Drama - 2015, 50 episodes

    Six Flying Dragons: Arguably the best sageuk to come out after 2000, it portrays the founding of the Joseon Dynasty. It has all the elements that you want in an epic historical drama: fantastic action, sweeping cinematography, a stirring OST, and career defining acting. On top of all this, the drama is anchored to an epic story that explores topics ranging from human desires, to political systems, to justice and morality, to love. Truly worth watching for its take on humanity regardless of whether you like the sageuk genre or not. This is the sageuk by which I personally measure all other sageuks.  - u/myweithisway

    Six Flying Dragons is the prequel to Tree with Deep Roots. SFD is action, political intrigue, drama, love stories, and history all in one. One of my all-time favorites! - u/life-finds-a-way

    This was great! Loads of action, twists, 'omg' moments and even a tiny touch of romance.  - u/eroverton

    I have watched it and I absolutely fell in love. The character arc of the male lead (Yi Bang Won, played by Yoo Ah In) was stunningly portrayed. From a reckless boy to a wise leader, the journey was amazing. The other characters' stories were developed quite well too. No one was freeloading in the drama and each character played an important piece. The political portion of the drama was compelling because of the well-versed dialogues accompanied with some historical significance.  - u/jamthedrestoyer

  • The Legend of the Blue Sea

    24. The Legend of the Blue Sea

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes

    Legend of the Blue Sea - Timeline hops back and forth from present-day to Joseon. Technically it's mostly present day, but the sageuk sections are integral to the plot. u/eroverton

    Legend of the Blue Sea - Semi-historical drama where the historical parts come only when the ML dreams of his past life. I absolutely loved the connection that was built and shown in the drama, the scenes that went from Joseon era to modern time was really nicely done. A cute rom-com with two adorable characters falling in love, some wholesome underrated friendships and goofball characters. This drama is really close to my heart. It’s a perfect watch if you don’t want to watch too much of historical but also want to watch little bit of historical.  - u/Fatooz

  • Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People

    25. Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People

    Korean Drama - 2017, 30 episodes

    Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People - Amazing OST!! Gil Dong champions the rights of the common people on his path to becoming Joseon’s first revolutionary activist. - u/thabz2281

    Rebel Thief Who Stole The People: Korean historical version of Robin Hood with some excellent social commentary on the class system that still relevant to this day. It has well-written female characters, fleshed out and layered characters, beautiful OST that maintained authenticity with the time period, and a heart-fluttering romance.  - u/latteh0lic

    Rebel: Thief Who Stole The People -  I usually don't watch sageuks but this one was amazing. Definitely worth watching. - u/razer981

  • Chicago Typewriter

    26. Chicago Typewriter

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    Chicago Typewriter - takes place during the Japanese occupation, so that is the focus.  Chicago Typewriter begins in modern times and then you see the past woven through the story.  - u/LcLou02

    Chicago Typewriter, so this one isn't much for historical accuracy but it's set in the 30's and was a very interesting drama. - u/Sephdar

    Chicago Typewriter - Well, again this one’s also semi-historical. The past life story which is the best part about the drama is set in the Japanese Occupation of Korea era. The main trio has great chemistry and just loved their friendship and patriotism. Kind of an easy watch which will make you laugh, cry and smile. Love the soundtrack too! - u/Fatooz

  • Queen for Seven Days

    27. Queen for Seven Days

    Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes

    Queen for Seven Days is a favorite. Beautifully shot, plus the actors delivered. You might want to check it out if you enjoy melodrama, this one made me cry buckets. - u/yawniez

    Queen for Seven Days, from the title you may be able to guess this one isn't all rainbows and sunshine. It's very short for a historical, only 20 eps. Also based on the true story of our poor 7 day queen. This drama was an emotional roller coaster, but you really shouldn't miss out on it. - u/Sephdar

    Queen for Seven Days is a tragic historical drama, if you're into sad stories. Also based on a real king&queen, which kinda makes things sadder. - u/jaceydarling

    I haven't seen much historical but I personally loved Queen for Seven Days for an interesting storyline (no dull old guys talking to each other), focuses on family and friendships (the mad king was brilliantly portrayed in a way we could sympathize with him yet never agree with him), and a romance that was ill-fated but had good development. Also the costumes were gorgeous and I cried the hardest I've ever cried while watching this one...breaks your heart so good!  - u/keroppi-pond

  • Mirror of the Witch

    28. Mirror of the Witch

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes

    The Mirror and the Witch - a beautiful story about love and sacrifice.  - u/mirimirth

  • 100 Days My Prince

    29. 100 Days My Prince

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes

    It has a good mix of comedy, romance, intrigue and heartbreak imo. Anyway although it does have some elements of tragedy and involves court intrigue, I never felt like it was a super intense, tragic, complicated sageuk that leave you totally drained (although I like those kind of dramas too!). So I guess it could ease you into the genre. - u/emzolio

    100 Days My Prince is good.  It has D.O. in it.  - u/my_name_is_a_llama

  • The Crowned Clown

    30. The Crowned Clown

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    The Crowned Clown - Set in the past, completely fictional. Beautifully filmed. Actor does a fantastic job of portraying two very different people. Political intrigue is simple to follow. - u/LcLou02

    The Crowned Clown is one of the best drama of the year and the acting is phenomenal. If you truly want and EPIC drama, this one is a must. Every episode is a movie-like experience with so much depth and storyline.  - u/ProdigiusTrue

    The Crowned Clown is a well-written story and unique drama. The cliffhangers at the end of each episode make you keep watching to the end. Yeo Jin Goo did a great job portraying his dual roles. - u/dramafan1

  • Tamra, the Island

    31. Tamra, the Island

    Korean Drama - 2009, 16 episodes

    Tamra, The Island: Based on a manhwa, the story is about an upright, talented young government official who is banished to Tamra (modern day name Jeju Island) and his adventures on the island. On the island, he lives with the family of the head diver and is constantly knocked off balance by the head diver's daughter, who is a rambunctious ball of energy and fearlessness. Slowly both of them learn how to coexist peacefully with each other while teaming up to root out corruption. An adorable story of finding oneself and becoming family, this drama shines despite some of its awkwardness. - u/myweithisway

    Tamra, the Island is a comedy that is a bit over the top, but I loved it.  - u/icebberg2

  • Rooftop Prince

    32. Rooftop Prince

    Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes

    Rooftop Prince: A fusion sageuk about an uptight prince who time travels to modern day Korea along with his closest guards/friends, the drama is filled with hilarious fish out of water hijinks. But even the time travel couldn't erase the typical sageuk story of a battle between heirs for power. The historical portion of the drama is very small, it's mostly a modern rom-com.  - u/myweithisway

    Rooftop Prince is a fusion sageuk (and hilarious). - u/life-finds-a-way

  • Tree With Deep Roots

    33. Tree With Deep Roots

    Korean Drama - 2011, 24 episodes

    Tree with deep roots good history/conspiracy drama about Hangul (Korean alphabets). - u/Enter_Text_Here

    Tree With Deep Roots is 24 episodes and portrays the formation of the Korean alphabet, so it's neat little look at history (obviously it's fictionalized so isn't historically accurate, like most dramas, but it still gives a general idea of actual historical events).  - u/wanderingjinny

    Deep Rooted Tree, another one that you should take it's historical accuracy with a grain of salt. If you are interested in Hangul then give it a watch, it's very interesting.  - u/Sephdar

    Tree With Deep Roots: an account of the history of hangul. The premise might sound boring but on the contrary, the story moved along at a breakneck pace, and full of intrigue and thrills, along with stellar acting from its cast, in particular from Han Seok-kyu.  - u/latteh0lic

  • Sandglass

    34. Sandglass

    Korean Drama - 1995, 24 episodes

    Sandglass is an older drama that also covers the Gwangju Uprising as well as the 70-80's. It is an older drama, and you can tell it when you view it but it's considered one of the most significant drams in korean tv history. The drama includes actual footage from the Uprising and its ranked number 4 on highest-rated Korean dramas in public broadcast. If you do watch this one watch Taxi Driver first since that does provide some background info. - u/Sephdar

  • Kingdom

    35. Kingdom

    Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes

    Kingdom- zombies in historical Korea. This has to be one of the highest quality shows I’ve ever seen ever.  - u/Fire_Lord_Pants

  • The Legend

    36. The Legend

    Korean Drama - 2007, 24 episodes

    My personal favorite: The Legend (2007) - okay, this one may be too old. And I know I'm probably the only person on EARTH now that has ever seen this show, but I have to recommend it every time. It. Is. So. Freaking. Good. If you can get by the cringy CG in episode 1, I swear its the best drama you'll see. I guess I really like where the director was trying to go with the direction/vision of the whole story. It's a historical fantasy (with much better storytelling than Arthdal Chronicles, thank you very much) about a king and his four "guardians." - u/jaceydarling

  • Arang and the Magistrate

    37. Arang and the Magistrate

    Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes

    I loved Arang & The Magistrate. It's a hybrid (supernatural + saeguk) but it's got a great story. Highly watchable despite the somewhat cheesy SFX.  - u/h_friend

  • Splash Splash LOVE

    38. Splash Splash LOVE

    Korean Special - 2015, 2 episodes

    Splash Splash Love: At just 2 episodes, SSL is the definition of a cute and adorable fusion sageuk. When a troubled teenage girl time travels back into the Joseon dynasty, she discovers how life was like before electricity and cell phones. There she falls in love with the young king and also discovers the power of math. The drama is sweet enough to give you a toothache, definitely worth watching for the cute.  -  u/myweithisway

  • Mr. Sunshine

    39. Mr. Sunshine

    Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes

    Mr. Sunshine depicts a begining of a painful era in Korean history. It starts like a little slow soft romance but eventually evolves into an epic war drama.  - u/Egg_mont

    Mr Sunshine is undoubtedly the best characterization I've seen in a kdrama. Watching this was like reading something by Daphne du Maurier or Gabriel Garcia Marquez! It's gorgeously shot, with a memorable OST and brilliant actors. A lot of scenes are slowly paced and take their time developing, but it's well worth the watch.  - u/surreal_strawberry

  • Haechi

    40. Haechi

    Korean Drama - 2019, 48 episodes

    Haechi: A deeply moving portrayal of King Yeonjo in his youth, the drama focuses on the idea of justice in society. Filled with characters that fight for justice in their own way, the drama is inspiring in its portrayal of the strength of humanity and humaneness. There is a 'barely existing' romance storyline but the true 'romanticism' of the drama lies within the dreams of the characters for an ideal society where justice and kindness prevail.  - u/myweithisway

  • Faith

    41. Faith

    Korean Drama - 2012, 24 episodes

    Faith: A bodyguard from Goryeo travels in time and kidnaps a sassy modern-day surgeon to save his dying king. It's got swoon-worthy leads and a sweet romance plot along with lots of political turmoil, sword fighting and court intrigue. It isn't the most well-balanced show in terms of plot development and execution, but it has it's moments that make it worth a watch when you have nothing else on your plate.  - u/surreal_strawberry

  • My Only Love Song

    42. My Only Love Song

    Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes

    My Only Love Song - Ultra light fantasy sageuk fusion. A cute van carries an actress to the past.  I think that if Moonlovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo had had an ending like this, less fans would be demanding a second series... (or maybe they would still want more?) - u/LcLou02

  • Saimdang, Light’s Diary

    43. Saimdang, Light’s Diary

    Korean Drama - 2017, 28 episodes

    Saimdang: Light's Diary - One of the most visually rich dramas I've seen.  The story begins in modern times, but weaves back and forth to the youth and adult life of Saimdang who was a famous female artist in the Joseon period.  (Her portrait is on the 50,000 won bill.)  This drama marked the return of  actress Lee Young Ae who played Dae Jang Geum in Jewel in the Palace. - u/LcLou02

  • Live Up to Your Name

    44. Live Up to Your Name

    Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

    Live Up to Your Name - The drama goes back and forth between the Joseon era and modern time as the ML can time travel. I love how this drama depicts both acupuncture and modern medical as a means of saving people. The romance was subtle but lovely. You can say this one is semi-historical too but an entertaining watch.  - u/Fatooz

  • Queen In Hyun's Man

    45. Queen In Hyun's Man

    Korean Drama - 2012, 16 episodes

    Queen In-Hyun’s Man - This one also goes back and forth between Joseon era and modern time. It’s an old drama but the time travel aspect was pretty easy to follow. I loved the main couple’s chemistry and they were just so cute! An underrated drama that deserves more love. - u/Fatooz

  • The Hymn of Death

    46. The Hymn of Death

    Korean Drama - 2018, 6 episodes

    The Hymn of Death -This one’s a short historical drama set in the Japanese Occupation era. It’s so aesthetic to watch and it’s just 3 episodes 1 hour each. It’s based on a true story so it will give you more feels. I liked the chemistry between the two actors despite not being either of their fan. But it was another enjoyable watch, don’t forget your tissues when you watch this though.  - u/Fatooz

  • My Country: The New Age

    47. My Country: The New Age

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    My Country: The New Age - Hwi, played by Yang Se Jong, and Seon Ho, played by Woo Do Hwan are childhood best friends who end up on different sides of the conflict after King Taejo topples the Goryeo Dynasty in a coup that brings forth the Joseon Dynasty.  These two friends are exceptional swordsmen and archers, but each are challenged in being able to rise in the ranks due to their family situations. The drama follows these two alongside Yi Bang Won, King Taejo's 5th son, charismatically played by Jang Hyuk, who has his eyes set on the throne. There is a lot of action and even more heartbreak as these characters struggle over the years covered in the drama. It's worth your time, and at 16 episodes, is shorter than some other sageuks covering the same time period. It's definitely a gateway drama to other sageuks. - u/pvtshame

  • The Tale of Nokdu

    48. The Tale of Nokdu

    Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes

    I liked Tale Of Nokdu very much as someone who doesn't generally enjoy these type of shows. I loved that it had a lighthearted romance with the ML not being afraid to express himself and be vulnerable and a badass FL who had her own arc that she didn't magically give up after meeting the ML. I also liked how this show developed all the characters and it didn't feel like caricature or stereotype and the pace was fast enough such that I didn't get bored.  - u/catandthefiddler

  • Mr. Queen

    49. Mr. Queen

    Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes

    Mr Queen - Revolves around a current era chef ending  up in a Joseon era queens body. How they both survive and go back to their normal lives. Most entertaining and wittiest drama - u/Happysleepeer

    Mr Queen -  its historical fiction and one of the funniest kdramas I've ever seen!! Totally recommend it  - u/cheesewhat

  • Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung

    50. Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung

    Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes

    Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung - For anyone who likes historical dramas Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung has a sweet Noona romance and follows the struggles of a woman who rises to become a royal historian in the King's court. Gender roles in the drama are often inverted in this romance where she is the worldly wise character and the male lead who is a prince is the innocent trapped in a tower.  - u/Silly_Merricat

  • Horse Doctor

    51. Horse Doctor

    Korean Drama - 2012, 50 episodes

    King's Doctor (Horse Doctor) - A combination of a medical drama, romance, a rags to riches story, and a fight the system story, this one is an epic historical with 50 episodes staring Cho Seung Woo as a horse doctor who rises through the ranks to become a physician in the royal court. I got completely sucked into this heartwarming drama with a plot that never seems to stop enough to binge all 50 episodes. - u/Silly_Merricat

  • Grand Prince

    52. Grand Prince

    Korean Drama - 2018, 20 episodes

    Grand Prince - Ja Hyun, a painter and scholar’s daughter, falls in love with Grand Prince Lee Hwi, who is brother to the current King. However, his jealous older brother Grand Prince Jin Yang, desires to steal both Lee Hwi’s love and the King’s throne. If you’re looking for a lot of soap opera level dramatics, this will be right up your alley! The main couple is so dedicated to each other it is great to watch, and the tight bond that forms between the ML and his friend group is #friendgoals. A great show if you’re looking for heavy romance.  - u/TVAddict4

  • Queen: Love and War

    53. Queen: Love and War

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    Queen: Love and War - After finding out her sister has been killed on her wedding day, a young woman realizes the only way to find the killer is to enter the selection process for the opportunity to be chosen as Queen. But of course, she falls in love with the King, throwing a wrench in her plan. This show really has everything - attempted assassination, scheming court scholars, secret twins, even clairvoyance!  - u/TVAddict4

  • River Where the Moon Rises

    54. River Where the Moon Rises

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes

    River Where the Moon Rises - Based on the story of Princess Pyeonggang, this show is set in a world where a princess becomes a hero and the village idiot becomes a legend. Kim So Hyun and Na In Woo did an amazing job in their roles as Princess Pyeonggang and On Dal, respectively. The chemistry between the couple was great and the fight scenes were amazing as well. Throw in some really good side characters and there’s no reason not to watch! - u/TVAddict4

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