Are you new to Korean dramas?
Or are you looking for some recommendations.
Then, you came to the right place.
If you’re new to the world of Korean drama, it can be overwhelming. I’ve been watching Korean dramas for many years and I still get overwhelmed. I have more shows saved under my favorites than I have time to watch them. I also have trouble deciding whether to watch older shows or watch what is currently airing. After all, we all have jobs and responsibilities.
Your time is precious.
So, here is a guide for K-drama newbies if you are a fan of historical dramas. Korean historical dramas are called Sageuk.
A quick note before we start.
In the past couple of decades, the amount of Korean entertainment content has grown exponentially in the American market and many streaming platforms have hopped on the Hallyu, Korean Wave, bandwagon. While Viki and Netflix seemed to have taken the lead (after DramaFever’s disappearance), you can still find great content on other streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube, and OnDemandKorea.
Please check out my future posts for other categories such as fantasy, romance, comedy, and others.
If you want to take a deep dive into some of your favorite shows, please watch out of future posts.
Here are some of the best Sageuk (historical dramas).
#10. 2011 – Warrior Baek Dong Soo: This is a fictionalized story of a real historical figure during King Yeongjo and King Jeongjo’s reign. He was a master swordsman and one of the author’s of a martial arts manual. He becomes a loyal warrior for King Jeongjo as he saves the young king from assassinations attempts. The story is about friendship and loyalty as he tries to restore the lost honor of his family. Why you should watch it: This is a hero’s journey a strong sense of honor and friendship.
#9. 2015 – Six Flying Dragons: As the title suggest, this epic tale is about six people’s role in creating the Joseon Dynasty. The drama focuses primary on Lee Bang Won, who becomes the third king, King Taejong. Often seen as a ruthless, power hungry prince turned king, the drama provides depth to his character and the forces that changed him along the way. Why you should watch: Despite the fact that this series has 50 episodes, it has a nice pace that keeps the audience’s attention.
#8. 2011 – Tree with Deep Roots: A historical drama about King Sejong the Great, the creator of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. The genius king faces enormous resistance from a secret society and ministers as he tries to completes his tasks, creating a written language for all people. Why you should watch: This was penned by the same screenwriter as #9 above and a much shorter (24 episodes) series. If 50 episode overwhelms you, this is a better option.
#7. 2010 – Giant: This is a 60-episode saga that spans from the 70s to present day. It follows three siblings as they survive the turbulent period of dictatorship, civil unrest, and eventually democratization. It’s a story of hope and overcoming obstacles. Why you should watch: It’s about family and human survival that tug on your heartstring.
#6. 2007 – Yi San: King Jeongjo, personal name Yi San, was the son of Crown Prince Sado. A young prince must overcome his beloved father’s execution in the hands of his grandfather. Crown Prince Sado was placed inside a small rice chest and died a week later. Despite his traumatic childhood, he becomes a tireless reformer and works to improve the lives of his people. Why you should watch: This is a monster series with 77 episodes, but it brings to life so many historical figures and makes you want to learn more Korean history.
#5. 2010 – Jewel in the Crown (otherwise known as Dong Yi): This follows the love life story between King Sukjong and Lady Choi, a young slave girl who becomes a Royal Concubine (King Yeongjo’s mother). This is more than just a love story, as Dong Yi learns to survive the dangerous waters of the royal court using her intelligence. Why you should watch: Dongyi is not your helpless damsel. It’s her intelligence that allows her to survive.
#4. 2015 – Reply 1988: This is the third and final installment of the Reply series. This the highest rated of the Reply series for good reasons. If you want the constant action and emotional ups and downs, this drama is not for you. This is a slow moving drama of everyday people as they navigate growing pains and family hardships in the backdrop of the 1988 Olympics and beyond. Why you should watch: It invokes nostalgia for simpler times, but also shows just how much Korean has changed in such a short period.
#3. 2009 – The Great Queen Seondeok: The drama is a hyper-dramatization of the main character, Queen Seondeok, the first female ruler in the Three Kingdoms. It is worth noting that while many kingdoms and dynasties had female regents, Silla was the only kingdom that had a female ruler – they had three ruling queens. As a side note, actress Go Hyun Jung plays the archnemesis to the Queen and she is absolutely fantastic! Why you should watch: It’s all about girl power as two strong women go head-to-head in the fight over Silla.
#2. 2003 – Dae Jang Geum: Jang Geum was a real historical figure, the first and only female physician to the King. The most amazing part of this drama is that a woman was able to accomplish this feat more than 500 years ago in a Confucius culture where women were not given high public positions, let alone any official government positions. Why you should watch: Jang Geum was truly ahead of her time, someone who continues to inspire people today.
#1. 2018 – Mr. Sunshine: The story revolves around a Korean American soldier and freedom fighting noble woman as they fall in love in the twilight of the Joseon Dynasty. The drama showcases people’s love for their country and the uphill battle they face to keep their identity. Why you should watch: It brings awareness to Korea’s history, a small country caught in the middle of world powerful countries quest for domination.
Click on Mr. Sunshine Episode 1: Power for more.
There are so many more great historical dramas, but this list of ten drama should give you a good start on your journey.
I would love to hear from you, so please leave a comment.
What is your favorite Sageuk?