Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) (2003)

 

Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) (2003)

Jewel in the Palace (대장금 / Dae Jang Geum) is a 2003 South Korean historical drama produced by MBC.

It’s based on the true story of Seo Jang-geum, the first female royal physician of the Joseon Dynasty.

Key Details:

Aired: September 15, 2003 – March 23, 2004

Episodes: 54

Genre: Historical, Drama, Medical, Culinary

Main Cast:

Lee Young-ae as Seo Jang-geum

Ji Jin-hee as Min Jung-ho

Hong Ri-na as Choi Geum-young

Im Ho as King Jungjong

Plot Summary:

The drama follows Jang-geum, a determined orphan girl, who enters the royal palace as a kitchen apprentice. Through talent, hard work, and resilience, she becomes a master chef and later the King’s physician—the first woman to achieve such a position in a male-dominated era. Along the way, she faces palace politics, jealousy, love, and betrayal.

Significance:

Hugely popular domestically and internationally; aired in over 90 countries.

Boosted the Korean Wave (Hallyu) in Asia and beyond.

Inspired tourism to filming locations in Korea.