The Top 15 Historical Korean Dramas, Ranked by IMDb

From the intricate politics of ancient kingdoms to the detailed costumes that are a feast for the eyes, these shows do more than entertain; they educate, without you even realising it.

1. Yungnyong-i Nareusya (2015–2016)

IMDb rating: 8.8

Amidst the turmoil of the Joseon Dynasty, Ddang-sae, a low-born warrior, and Boon-yi, a woman fighting for her family's survival, find their fates intertwined with Prince Lee Bang-won, who helps overthrow the Goryeo dynasty to establish Joseon, only to face his own battles for power and recognition as his father's successor; their lives become a testament to the era's strife, ambitions, and the birth of a new era.

2. Mr. Sunshine (2018)

IMDb rating: 8.7

In the late 19th century, a Korean boy born into slavery escapes to the United States, returning to Korea as an American soldier at the dawn of the 20th century; amidst foreign invasions and the encroachment of modernity, he falls for an aristocrat's daughter and becomes entangled in the fight for Korea's sovereignty, navigating love, loyalty, and the struggle for independence.

3. Hur Jun (1999–2000)

IMDb rating: 8.7

This historic drama tells the storied life of Hur Jun, a legendary doctor in the Joseon Dynasty, who rises from his lowly origins as an illegitimate son to become the royal physician; facing trials, tribulations, and romance, his journey is a testament to perseverance, the quest for knowledge, and the impact of traditional medicine in Korean history.

4. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

IMDb rating: 8.6

After a total eclipse transports a 21st-century woman back to the Goryeo Dynasty, she finds herself in the body of a noblewoman and entangled in the conflicts and romances of the princes of the ruling Wang family, her love for the troubled 4th Prince, and the dangerous palace politics threatening their romance and the stability of the kingdom.

5. The Great Queen Seondeok (2009)

IMDb rating: 8.6

Set against the backdrop of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, this series chronicles the life of Queen Seondeok of Silla, the kingdom's first female ruler; navigating palace intrigue, external threats, and internal divisions, she overcomes challenges with wisdom and compassion, leading her kingdom to a golden age and becoming a symbol of hope and strength.

6. The Slave Hunters (2010)

IMDb rating: 8.6

In 17th century Korea, a nobleman-turned-slave hunter, Dae-gil, embarks on a relentless pursuit of his first love, now a runaway slave; his journey through the Joseon Dynasty's social strata exposes the complexities of human nature, love, and the quest for freedom amidst the era's rigid class system.

7. Jewel in the Palace (2003–2004)

IMDb rating: 8.5

Based on the true story of Jang-geum, the first female royal physician of the Joseon Dynasty, this epic drama traces her journey from the royal kitchen to becoming the king's personal physician; facing sexism, conspiracy, and political intrigue, Jang-geum's determination and medical genius challenge the era's gender norms and leave a lasting legacy.

8. Jeong Do-jeon (2014)

IMDb rating: 8.5

Focusing on the political architect behind the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, Jeong Do-jeon battles with Yi Seong-gye, the future King Taejo, over the vision and direction of the new dynasty; their conflict, rooted in differing views of governance and the role of royalty, shapes the foundation of Korea's Joseon Dynasty amidst tumultuous change.

9. The Empress Ki (2013–2014)

IMDb rating: 8.4

Spanning from the Yuan Dynasty in China to the Goryeo Dynasty in Korea, this series follows the life of Ki Seung-nyang, who rises from a Goryeo slave to become the Empress of Yuan; navigating love, power, and vengeance, her journey is marked by her relationships with two men – the Yuan emperor and her first love from Goryeo, entwined with her quest for justice and power.

10. The Princess' Man (2011)

IMDb rating: 8.2

Set in the Joseon Dynasty, a tragic love story unfolds between the daughter of Prince Suyang and the son of Kim Jong-seo, her father's political rival; their love becomes a dangerous game as political tensions escalate into a bloody power struggle, challenging their loyalty, family ties, and their very survival.

11. Dong Yi (2010)

IMDb rating: 8.1

A low-born water maid becomes entangled in the intrigues of the royal court when she helps solve a mystery involving the Queen's court ladies; her intelligence and kindness capture the heart of King Sukjong, elevating her status to a royal consort and mother to the future king, all while navigating the treacherous waters of palace politics.

12. Jumong (2006–2007)

IMDb rating: 8.1

This epic tells the story of Jumong, the founder of the Goguryeo Kingdom, who overcomes tremendous obstacles to unite the Three Kingdoms of Korea; from his origins as a prince of a small tribe to becoming a legendary warrior and leader.

13. Tree with Deep Roots (2011)

IMDb rating: 8.1

King Sejong, in a secret quest to create the Korean alphabet to empower his people, faces opposition from a powerful group that sees the new script as a threat to their authority; amidst murder, mystery, and intrigue, a bodyguard to the king uncovers a conspiracy that challenges the very foundation of the Joseon Dynasty.

14. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016–2017)

IMDb rating: 8.0

In the Kingdom of Silla, an elite group of young male warriors known as Hwarang are brought together to protect the royal family and the kingdom; amidst their rigorous training, love, and rivalry, they also unwittingly become embroiled in a quest for power and the destiny of Silla.

15. Shinui (2012)

IMDb rating: 8.0

Also known as "Faith," this series combines three well-known and popular tropes: time travel, romance, and historical drama. The story is following a modern-day surgeon kidnapped by a warrior from the Goryeo Dynasty to save the wounded queen; as she navigates the intrigues of the past, her medical skills and wits become her tools for survival and the key to her unlikely love story.