10 Historical Period Korean Dramas That May Have Slipped Under Your Radar
This is a perfect list for Korean drama newbies and historical or sageuk K-drama lovers.
Here is a quick list of recommended historical period Korean dramas, with summaries that follow.
- (1) Chuno (The Slave Hunters) (2010), 24 episodes
- (2) Diary of a Night Watchman (2014), 24 episodes
- (3) The Fugitive of Joseon (2013); 20 episodes
- (4) Gunman in Joseon (2014); 12 episodes
- (5) Jung Yi, Goddess of Fire (2013); 32 episodes
- (6) Haechi (2019); 48 episodes
- (7) Jeon Woo-chi (2012); 24 episodes
- (8) Kangchi, the Beginning (aka Gu Family Book) (2013); 24 episodes
- (9) The King’s Face (2014); 23 episodes
- (10) King Maker: The Change of Destiny (2020); 21 episodes
(1) Chuno (The Slave Hunters) (2010), 24 episodes
Lee Dae-gil (played by Jang Hyuk) is the son of a noble family, who fell in love with Kim Hye-Won (played by Lee Da-Hae), a slave. Her brother destroyed his master and everything he owned. He thought he had killed Lee Dae-gil. The brother destroyed the slave ownership papers and created a new life for himself and his sister.
Since Lee Dae-gil had lost his family’s wealth, he became a slave hunter. Mainly, because he was searching for the woman he loved, assuming that she was still a slave on the run. Lee Dae-gil is also hunting for Song Tae-Ha (played by Oh Ji-Ho). He has been labeled as a slave but he is a brave and noble warrior who will one day reclaim his honor.
Eventually, Lee Dae-gil finds her but realizes that she is now in a loving relationship with the man, the slave, he has been hunting. From there …. (NO SPOILERS!)
P.S. The soundtrack is lit!
(2) Diary of a Night Watchman (2014), 24 episodes
The Night Watchman has a special ability. They can see ghosts and other supernatural beings. They must keep the king, his family, and the rest of the kingdom safe from hostile ghosts and other supernatural beings. One day the kingdom is attacked by a swarm of evil ghosts. The king goes to find a woman who has special powers to help him fight powerful evil creatures. Instead, she cast a spell on him to make him fall in love with her. When he returned home, he accused his wife, the queen, of being unfaithful, and said that his son, Prince Lee Rin (played by Jung Il-Woo), was born from her adulterous union. He murdered his wife and committed suicide. The son was sent away and another prince, the son of a concubine, was allowed to take his place.
Years later, Prince Lee Rin, returns because he must use his special abilities to get rid of Psychic Sadam (played by Kim Sung-Oh). He is the head of the Yongshin tribe, has incredible powers, and wants to resurrect the dragon god that his people worship. If he succeeds, it’s bad news for everybody!
Do-Ha (played by Ko Sung-Hee) is the sister of the woman who cast her love spell on the king. She uses her powers to help Prince Lee Rin fight and falls in love with him. Unlike her sister, she knows that the women of her people from Mount Baekdu, who have this special gift are not allowed to fall in love. So she controls her desires and stays focused on performing her spiritual duties.
It’s called the Diary of the Night Watchman or The Night Watchman’s Journal because these special soldiers kept detailed notes and journals that explained how to fight the wicked spirits. The journal comes in handy.
(3) The Fugitive of Joseon (2013); 20 episodes
This series is set during the reign of King Injong. The drama is known by an alternate title: “Heaven’s Order: The Story of the Fugitive from Joseon”. A royal physician, Choi Won (played by Lee Dong-Wook), does everything that he can to avoid getting drawn into the palace web of treachery. Even though he is a gifted doctor, he chooses not to become the personal physician of the royal family members.
Choi Won has an ailing daughter, Choi Rang (played by Kim Yoo-Bin) and all he wants to do is find the cure for her illness. The crown prince tells him that he has a medical book from China, that explains the medical treatments and medicines needed to cure his daughter. The crown prince promises to give him that book if he will serve as his royal physician.
Choi Won still refuses, but the thought that there was a book that could help him heal his daughter was a great temptation. There is an assassination plot to poison the king and the crown prince. Choi Won gets set up by a fellow physician to take the blame. That’s how he becomes a fugitive. He is on the run and must now fight to save both his life and his daughter’s life.
(4) Gunman in Joseon (2014); 12 episodes
This Korean drama, also titled “The Joseon Shooter”, is set during the reign of King Gojong. Park Yoon-kang (played by Lee Joon-gi) is the son of the last great swordsman of Joseon. Sadly, his father was killed because he brought a sword to a gunfight. As if the tragic death was not bad enough, his father was framed for treason. His mother and his sister were made slaves, but he tried to escape. His father’s enemies chased after him and shot him.
His enemies thought he died, however, a group of people on a boat headed to Japan fished him out of the water. In Japan, he created a new identity, worked as a businessman, and trained himself to use Western-made guns and rifles. Now he was not only a skilled swordsman but a skilled marksman as well. Oh yeah! It’s time for PAYBACK!
He returned to Joseon to get revenge. His enemies did not recognize him at first because they thought he was Japanese. When Jung Soo-In (played by Nam Sang-Mi), the woman he loved saw him again after all of those years believing that he was dead, she fainted.
(5) Jung Yi, Goddess of Fire (2013); 32 episodes
This historical Korean drama series is based on the life of a real-life 16th-century historical figure Baek Pa-sun, famous for being the first female potter and porcelain artist in the Joseon Dynasty. The drama depicts the life and love of Yoo Jung (played by Moon Geun-Young), who dreams of becoming the top potter and porcelain artist in Joseon. She hones her craft, ignores those who say “she can’t”, and overcomes opposition from envious people who want to stand in the way of her success.
Jung falls in love with Prince Gwanghae (played by Lee Sang-Yoon). But theirs was a love that was never meant to be. Her legendary skills attracted the attention of the Japanese and when they invaded Joseon, she was among the Korean artisans forcibly taken to Japan and made to continue their craft there. She was also honored and respected in Japan, and there exists a shrine in the city of Arita dedicated to her.
(6) Haechi (2019); 48 episodes
This historical K-drama is set during the Joseon Dynasty period. In Korean culture, Haechi is “a mythical creature that distinguishes what is good and bad, or right and wrong and symbolizes justice. So if a person wears the symbol of the Haechi on their clothing, it means they want to be righteous and do good for the people. It’s their duty and you should know that they are trustworthy.
The Saheonbu is like the Office of Inspector General. It monitored government officials to be sure their official positions were not being used for corruption, malfeasance, or inefficiency. This organization also enforced Confucian customs and public morals. In “Haechi” three (4) individuals from different backgrounds unite to support Yi Geum, Prince Yeoning (later King Yeongjo).
Three people supported Yi Geum: Chun Yeo-ji, a female police detective of the Saheonbu; Bak Mun-su, an investigator for the Saheonbu and a secret operative for Yi Geum; and Dal-moon, he looked like a beggar, but he was an intelligence gatherer and controlled a network of informants and storytellers throughout Joseon’s capital.
King Yeongjo is a real historical figure, He reigned 52 years as the 21st king of the Korean Joseon dynasty. He was discriminated against because of his mother’s humble origins. But ultimately he did become king and in history, he is praised as the “people’s King”.
(7) Jeon Woo-chi (2012); 24 episodes
This historical K-drama is so much fun! Clark Kent/Superman in Joseon? YES!! This historical K-drama series is a fantasy set in the fictional utopian nation of Yuldo, This nation was established by the righteous bandit people’s hero Hong Gil-dong, Jeon Woo-Chi (played Cha Tae-Hyun) is a Taoist wizard. He gets his powers by swallowing a gumiho fox bead. He comes across a man who is dying and the man’s dying plea is for him to look after his sister, Jeon Woo-Chi took on the identity of this man named Lee Chi, and gets a job working as a Joseon news reporter. (Shades of Clark Kent.) Whenever he needed to use his magical powers, he slipped away to some place from public view and changed over to his true identity. (Shades of Superman.)
He has enemies who are also magicians who come from Yuldo, but they have wicked plans to control the citizens of Joseon. His lover, Princess Hong Moo-Yeon (played by Uee), is the granddaughter of Hong Gil-dong. She is a good wizard however, the two wicked wizards put her under a spell that erases her memory and turns her into a heartless assassin.
Eventually, Lee Chi’s sister crosses paths with Jeon Woo-Chi. He tries to pretend to be her brother but she is suspicious of him. Jeon Woo-chi does his best to conceal his identity as a wizard but ultimately he must fight against the two wicked wizards and thwart their plans. He must also find a way to break the spell and free his beloved from their clutches.
(8) Kangchi, the Beginning (aka Gu Family Book) (2013); 24 episodes
This historical K-drama begins by introducing Koo Wol-Ryung (played by Choi Jin-Hyeok). He is a spirit protector of Jiri Mountain. One day he sees a human woman, Seo-Hwa (played by Lee Yeon-Hee), being mistreated and wants to help. But he is not allowed to get involved in human affairs. Even so, when she tries to escape her oppressors and runs into the forest, he saves her. They fall in love but she has never seen his true form. When she realizes he is not human she betrays him. But by that time she is already pregnant with his child. She gives birth to the child and places him in a basket in the river, where he is found by a wealthy man who adopts him. The child is Gu Wol-ryung (played by Choi Jin-hyuk). He is a half-man, half-gumiho; and wears a bracelet that helps him control his powers.
When he has grown up, tragedy repeats itself. The same man who brought misery to his birth mother and father also brought misery to the home of his adoptive father. Gu Wol-ryung is admitted to a military training academy where he learns the necessary fighting skills he will need to take revenge. At the academy is a young girl, Dam Yeo-Woo (played by Bae Suzy). They develop a relationship.
Koo Wol-Ryung is reanimated but now he hates humans and is like an angry vengeful spirit. He goes around destroying towns and villages. He is confronted by his son, Gu Wol-ryung, who tries to stop him. His son finally learns the true story of how he was born.
The most fascinating thing about this fantasy historical K-drama is the episode when the four (4) masters, who have an important role at a military training academy, introduced themselves to the Admiral of the Navy. After they said their names, they mentioned a particular flower. This flower was a secret code that represented them. If someone received information with a drawing of that particular flower, the recipient knew who was providing the information. The flowers were: apricot blossom, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and orchid.
FUN FACTS: In Korean Culture:
- Apricot blossoms mark the start of spring and symbolize the prosperity, victory, cooperation, and unity of the people.
- Bamboo is a symbol of righteous living in a disorderly world in Korean culture.
- Chrysanthemums symbolize purity, loyalty, and longevity.
- Orchids are a symbol of integrity and the spirit of the scholar for generations.
The orchid, along with plum (or apricot?) blossoms, bamboo, and chrysanthemums are referred to as the “Four Gentlemen” (sagunja) quartet.
The only disappointing thing about this series is that it was decided not to continue the story with a Season 2.
(9) The King’s Face (2014); 23 episodes
This historical K-drama series retells historical events such as the Imjin War aka The Seven-Year War aka The Japanese Invasions of Korea. It’ isn’t bad enough that Joseon is at war, but there is lots of palace intrigue, power struggles, ruthless scheming, backbiting, and conniving. Just in case the war didn’t keep people busy.
Physiognomy is the art of face reading, and in the kingdom of Joseon, this was a desired skill. It meant that you could look at the king’s face and predict if he would be a wise king. Prince Gwanghae (played by Seo In Guk) had a slight problem. It seems that if he was going to become a good king, he needed to fix his face! He endured all kinds of acupuncture treatments, not to mention being mistreated. His father, the king, mistreated him by sending him off to war, hoping he might die in battle. That didn’t happen. He was an exemplary military leader and when he came back the people praised his bravery. Why wouldn’t he be a great king?
It also did not help that the physiognomist (“face reader”) who worked inside the palace was a ruthless man. Of course, according to his side of the story, everything he did was so that the country would be ruled by a good and wise king. Although another character who could also read faces, read his face and summed up the reading with one word: SNAKE!!
Seo In Guk won the 2014 KBS Best New Actor Award for his role.
(10) King Maker: The Change of Destiny (2020); 21 episodes
This historical K-drama is based on the novel “Wind, Clouds and Tombstone”. The story is set during the Joseon era. The main character is Choi Chun-Joong (played by Park Si-Hoo). He is humble, honest and the best face reader in the nation. He is asked to use his skills to find “king material”, i.e. someone who would make the best king. In other words, he’s a kingmaker. Of course, the person who asked him to use these skills wanted his son to become king. But he needed a way to justify putting him on the throne.
Additionally, Choi Chun-Joong is in love with Lee Bong-Ryeon (played by Ko Sung-Hee). Not only is she a beautiful princess, the daughter of King Cheoljong, but she too can see the fate of people. She can determine if they will be a blessing or a curse.
Both the princess and Choi Chun-Joong can see the fate of Joseon and they do their best to try to alter the country’s destiny. The End of this series will surprise the viewer. Just exactly who is the ‘best king material’?
Thanks for reading.