Joseon Best: 10 Popular K-Dramas About South Korea’s Greatest Era

Rather than spend their time watching some silly romance drama, many viewers prefer to focus on the impressive world of historical shows. And no other country is considered to be the best in this genre than South Korea.

As the fans say, they're just different, and it's no surprise: the history of South Korea is rich in events and deserves to be explored properly.

One of the greatest periods in Korean history was the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted for 500 years. And many of the most popular K-dramas are set during this time. Here are ten of our favorites.

1. My Country: The New Age (2019)

The first series that comes to mind is definitely My Country: The New Age, as it's set right at the beginning of the era. The show focuses on two friends who become enemies because they have completely different opinions about their country.

“I absolutely loved it. The cast is superb, and to me it's the most beautiful yet tragic bromance story. One of my faves. I love Do Hwan but came out loving Jang Hyuk too. For me it was worth it....but I like period dramas that aren't all about the love story,” Redditor IcePsychological7032 said.

2. Mr. Queen (2020)

This one is easier to watch because it has a fantasy twist that makes the show much more fun. The story of K-drama revolves around a modern guy who had a serious accident and was sent back in time. But he did not reappear as a common man, instead he found himself in the body of Queen Kim So Yong. And now he has to do everything to save her royal position and put an end to all the scandals around her.

3. The Tale of Nokdu (2019)

This K-drama has it all: fights, romance, comedy. In the center of the story is Jeon Nok Du, a guy who lives on an island with his family. He is a good swordsman, but he never went to school or studied anything, and his father never even let him go to the mainland. One day, however, they were all attacked by brutal female assassins, leaving Nok Du no choice but to “become” a fake girl and follow those women back to their village to investigate.

4. Alchemy of Souls (2022)

Although based on the Joseon era, this K-drama is set in a fictional kingdom called Daeho. At the center of the story is a brutal warrior named Naksu, whose soul is trapped inside a weak and fragile woman. She is forced to hide her true identity for the best, but she searches for the one who will help her end the spell. She finds Jang Uk and it turns out that he needs her help to release his special powers. So they team up to help each other.

5. Lovers of The Red Sky (2021)

Another fantasy K-drama with a complicated yet compelling storyline at its core follows Hong Chun Ki and Ha Ram as they are bound together by the red thread of destiny. Chun Ki was born blind, but magically regained her sight and enrolled in the most prestigious art college. There she meets Ha Ram and discovers that he is also blind. Together they find themselves at the epicenter of royal intrigue and scandal.

6. Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (2019)

The events of the story take place at the beginning of the 19th century, a time when female scientists or teachers were frowned upon. At the center of the K-drama is a dedicated young woman, Goo Hae Ryung, who is an intern who will soon become a palace historian. Even though it seems impossible at that time, she manages to make it step by step.

7. The Secret Romantic Guesthouse (2023)

Fans of this new show admit that the storyline of this K-drama, which so effortlessly juggles intrigue, romance, and suspense, is exceptional, and the characters are so well written that it can definitely be considered a masterpiece.

Centered around Yoon Dan Oh, who is forced to support her family by running a small hotel, the series unfolds the many secrets that the guests of the inn have. But there's one main mystery that Dan Oh has to solve and that's the unexpected disappearance of Lee Seol 13 years ago.

8. Queen In Hyun's Man (2012)

This old gem is definitely a perfect example of the Joseon era K-drama. At the center of the story there’s Kim Boong Do, a scientist who actually supported the reinstatement of Queen In Hyun when Jang Hee Bin's schemes resulted in her being deposed and replaced as King Suk Jong's queen consort. But a time travel twist makes this period drama so much more interesting.

9. Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People (2017)

There were many people who came from the Joseon Dynasty, but this one's name is known to everyone. Hong Gil Dong is considered a hero of the people, a man who took from the establishment to help the poor. Born as a slave, he has really managed to move forward and win the hearts of all the people out there in the kingdom. Except for the royals, of course.

10. Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)

Another old Joseon-based K-drama is about a young and free-spirited woman, Kim Yun Hee, who has to face the harsh realities of life after the death of her father. As things get worse and worse financially, she decides to take the 'men only' national exam under her brother's name.

Things get even more complicated when she befriends a rich guy, Lee Seon Joon, and after they both pass the exam, they have to share a room at the university. How long can Kim Yun Hee hide her true identity?