Though marked by centuries of division between three kingdoms, Korea's distant past is nevertheless embedded with a rich cultural history that's been the subject of countless films and TV shows throughout the years. That said, if you're a K-culture fan dedicated to learning all about the country's imperial ages, what better way to dip your toes than by binge-watching gripping period pieces starring your favorite actors?
Below, we list down 10 historical K-dramas you can watch on Netflix that will take you back to the glowing time of hwarangs, hanboks, and royal courts.
1. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)
A group of talented, and dashing elite warriors called hwarang are established amidst growing social turmoil in the kingdom of Silla. Among them is Moo Myung, a young man born of the lowest social class who climbs up the ranks to avenge the death of his best friend at the hands of the Queen Mother's men. In real life, these ancient hwarang, also known as Flowering Knights, were all well-bred and provided with the highest education. Korean history dictactes that they existed until the 10th century.
Starring: Park Seo Joon, Go Ara, Park Hyung Sik
2. Love in the Moonlight (2016)
Hong Ra On sets out to counsel her kingdom's men on dating while disguised as a man. In a twist of fate, a love letter she writes for a client leads her to meet Crown Prince Hyo Myeong. Both unaware of each other's status—that Ra On is actually a woman, and Hyo Myeong is of nobility—the prince takes great interest in Ra On, leading his political eunuchs to attempt to get her onboard as a eunuch herself.
Starring: Park Bo Gum, Kim Yoo Jung, Jung Jin Young
3. Queen for Seven Days (2017)
Queen for Seven Days depicts the tragic love story between King Jung Jong and Queen Dangyeong of the Joseon era. Legend states that Danyeoog, the queen consort, was deposed of her position after just seven days, by rival noblemen in control of the king's rule. Banned from the palace, Danyeong was exiled to Mt. Inwang for the rest of her days. King Jung Jong, who had deeply loved his wife, longed for the queen and was said to have continuously and mournfully looked towards Mt. Inwang during his rule.
Starring: Park Min Young, Yeon Woo Jin, Lee Dong Gun
4. Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (2019)
Set in early 19th century Joseon where females are treated as inferior to men, free-spirited palace historian intern Goo Hae Ryung is determined to prove that both genders are of equal footing. Her impassioned plight in the royal court eventually leads her to cross paths with Prince Lee Rim, who harbors a secret of his own.
Starring: Shin Se Kyung, Cha Eun Woo, Lee Ji Hoon
5. My Only Love Song (2017)
Arrogant and conceited, Song Soo Jong is a famous actress who believes that money makes the world go round. Her life takes a major turn when she falls into a time portal that takes her back to 6th century Korea during the Goguryeo era in the midst of King Pyeongwon's reign. Here, she meets On Dal, a man dedicated to making money whose ambitious goal is only hampered by his own generous heart.
Starring: Gong Seung Yeon, Lee Jong Hyun
6. Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
Heo Yeon Woo, the daughter of a high ranking official during the Joseon period, meets and falls in love with the Crown Prince Lee Hwon. The two eventually decide to marry, but before they can tie the knot, tragedy strikes after the conniving Queen Dowager orders a shaman to curse Yeon Woo with an unknown sickness that would eventually kill her. Yeon Woo is revived eight years later as a shaman named Wol. Upon catching a glimpse of Wol, Prince Lee Hwon, still heartbroken over Yeon Woo's passing, begins to investigate the circumstances behind her death.
Starring: Han Ga In, Kim Soo Hyun, Jung Il Woo
7. The Emperor: Owner of the Mask (2017)
Set in the 1700s, a sinister secret society rules the country and its imperial court by monopolizing Korea's water supply. Sick of their tyranny, Crown Prince Lee Sun opposes the organization with the help of the woman he loves, Ga-eun. His heroic actions lead him to become a beacon of hope throughout the aggrieved empire.
Starring: Yoo Seung Ho, Kim So Hyun
8. The Tale of Nokdu (2019)
Jeon Nok Du, a brilliant swordsman, lives a peaceful life with his father and older brother on an island during the Joseon dynasty. The plot starts when their status quo is disturbed by a group of female assassins targeting his family for unknown reasons. In attempt to uncover the group's motive, Nok Du chases after one of their assailants into a widowed village where he diguises himself as a woman.
Starring: Jang Dong Yoon, Kim So Hyun, Kang Tae Oh
9. My Country: The New Age (2019)
As Korea transitions from the Goguryeo dynasty to the Joseon dynasty, two good friends turn on each other brought about by their warring beliefs. Separated by their ideals, Seo Hwi and Nam Sun Ho employ two different ways to protect their country and their loved ones.
Starring: Yang Se Jong, Woo Do Hwan, Kim Seol Hyun
10. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
A peasant boy conceived into a house servant's family travels to the United States during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident, a.k.a. the Battle of Ganghwa. Years later, he grows up to become an American military officer and returns to his homeland, only to fall in love with an aristocrat's daughter, while unveiling a sinister plot by foreign nationals to colonize Korea.
Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri
Do you have favorite period K-dramas that aren't included in this list? Sound off in the comments!
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