6 K-Dramas That Will Turn You Into Joseon Era Addict

We doubt there is a person left who hasn't seen at least one K-drama (Squid Game made us sure of that), because for the past decade the South Korean industry has grown from a local TV to a worldwide phenomenon.

The industry creates hundreds of shows with absolutely different, original premises. We challenge you to find two similar rom-coms, it's just impossible. But where do they find their inspiration?

Well, maybe history helps. Because there are many period K-dramas that are simply remarkable.

Today we want to pay tribute to the most popular historical period in South Korea – the Joseon Dynasty era. So here are 6 perfect K-dramas set during that time.

1. Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)

Where to stream: Viki

We'll start with this rather old K-drama, which is still considered one of the best in the genre. Set in the Joseon era, it's actually a story about love, among other things. At the center of the series is a king who falls in love with a woman who becomes a shaman. But it seems that their destinies were intertwined many years before.

When they were teenagers and the king was still Crown Prince Lee Hwon, he fell in love with Heo Yeon Woo, a 13-year-old girl, and wanted to marry her when the time came. However, his mother never wanted this and ordered her murder.

In order to save the girl, the main shaman casts a spell to save her. Many years later she returns, but her memories are lost...

2. Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (2019)

Where to stream: Netflix

This Joseon Dynasty K-drama stars Goo Hae-ryung and Shin Se-kyung with A-list actor Cha Eun-woo. The events of the series take place in the 1800's and focus on a young and very intelligent woman whose dream was to become a historian. The only problem is that at that time it was almost impossible...

But for Goo Hae Ryung everything is possible. She becomes an intern to become a historian and follows her dream step by step, under the judgmental remarks of many people.

However, there is one person in particular who helps her – none other than Prince Yi Rim.

3. The Crowned Clown (2019)

Where to stream: Viki

In the center of this K-drama is the time when Joseon was in a state of disorder and power struggles were normal. King Lee Hun is in danger and to save him the royal advisors decide to bring a clown named Ha Sun into the palace and replace him.

The K-drama revolves around a newly installed king and how he manages not only to survive but also to rule the nation. Both roles are played brilliantly by the one and only Yeo Jin-goo and the story about a crowned clown makes for an excellent watch.

4.100 Days My Prince (2018)

Where to stream: Viki

At the center of this K-drama is a seemingly cold-hearted crown prince of Joseon named Lee Yul. While he seems so distant and demeaning, he is actually very lonely and that's what makes him wear the mask of darkness. He decides to pass a law that every citizen has to get married before the age of 28.

One day he is injured so badly that he loses his memory and a woman named Hong Shim finds him and starts to take care of him. However, it seems that she will turn 28 and must marry someone to avoid being punished by the new law.

Will they find a way to work it out together?

5. Kingdom (2019)

Where to stream: Netflix

Kingdom is one of the more unusual Joseon Dynasty K-dramas, as it features some creatures that didn't exist at the time. Yes, we are talking about zombies...

Set in 1500s Joseon, after a war has plagued the dynasty, the crown prince discovers that his father is sick and this mysterious disease is appearing all over the kingdom. When it brings the dead back to life, he realizes he has a big problem on his hands.

“It's high-octane and very thrilling. It does have the historical political stuff, but it's mixed in with the zombie action, so I don't think it will bother you much. It's really a fast paced action thriller more than it is a historical political drama. Not to mention it's one of the best zombie thrillers I've seen,” Redditor TotoroTheGreat said.

6. Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)

Where to stream: Viki

We'll end this list with another old-time K-drama that made its reputation as one of the shows that got international recognition.

In this series, Park Min-young portrays a young and very creative woman who wears men's clothes in order to have a chance to work, since it was impossible for women to have a job in Joseon Korea at that time.

However, she gets so far in her game that she even gets accepted into Sungkyunkwan University, and that's where all her problems start.