"20 Best Historical K-Dramas That Will Transport You Back in Time"
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Historical K-Dramas |
If you’re a fan of palace politics, royal romances, epic battles, and breathtaking historical settings, ancient Korean dramas (sageuks) are an absolute treat. These shows not only tell captivating stories but also give you a glimpse into Korea’s rich culture and history.
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1. Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum, 2003)
The inspiring journey of Jang Geum, the first female royal physician in Korea’s history.
2. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
A modern woman travels back to the Goryeo Dynasty and gets entangled with princes and palace politics.
3. Empress Ki (2013–2014)
The story of a Korean-born woman who rises to become the empress of the Yuan Dynasty.
4. The Red Sleeve (2021)
A poignant romance between King Jeongjo and his court lady.
5. Love in the Moonlight (2016)
A disguised woman enters the palace as a eunuch and catches the crown prince’s attention.
6. Mr. Queen (2020–2021)
A modern man’s soul wakes up in the body of a Joseon queen—chaos and comedy follow.
7. The King’s Affection (2021)
A secret princess raised as a man becomes the crown prince to protect her identity.
8. Dong Yi (2010)
The rise of a low-born woman who becomes a royal consort and influences history.
9. The Crowned Clown (2019)
A king switches places with a lookalike clown to protect the throne.
10. My Sassy Girl (2017)
A playful romance between a mischievous princess and a straight-laced scholar.
11. Six Flying Dragons (2015–2016)
A political and martial epic about the founding of the Joseon Dynasty.
12. Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung (2019)
A free-spirited female historian clashes with a prince in a male-dominated era.
13. Lovers of the Red Sky (2021)
A gifted painter and a blind astrologer find love amid supernatural happenings in Joseon.
14. The Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015)
A vampire scholar and a young bookseller uncover dark secrets in Joseon.
15. Queen for Seven Days (2017)
A tragic romance about the shortest-reigning queen in Joseon history.
16. Arang and the Magistrate (2012)
A ghost teams up with a magistrate to solve her murder.
17. Hwarang (2016–2017)
The story of elite youth warriors in the Silla kingdom.
18. Faith (The Great Doctor, 2012)
A modern doctor is kidnapped into the Goryeo era by a warrior general.
19. The Emperor: Owner of the Mask (2017)
A masked crown prince fights to protect his people from a secret society.
20. Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People (2017)
Based on the legend of Hong Gil-dong, Korea’s Robin Hood.
Final Thoughts:
Ancient K-dramas transport you to another era — where romance blooms in secret gardens, swords clash in palace halls, and loyalty is tested at every turn. Whether you’re new to sageuks or a seasoned fan, these 20 dramas will keep you hooked from the first episode.
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💬 Which one is your favorite ancient K-drama? Share in the comments!
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