When it comes to television, South Korea is at the current forefront of the most entertaining historical period dramas. The Korean word "sageuk" refers to such historical dramas and retro period pieces alike, with the first TV show of its kind produced via the 1962 release of Gukto Mali. In the six decades since, the subgenre has proliferated tremendously.
The best Korean period dramas tend to fuse elements of national folklore or mythology and often revolve around princes, princesses, kings, queens, national luminaries, and iconic women from the country's past.
Tree With Deep Roots (2011) - 8.3
Told in 24 episodes released in 2011, Tree with Deep Roots is a Korean period drama that entails the mysterious murders of several scholars in the Gyeongbok Palace in the Joseon Dynasty. When King Sejong (Suk-kyu Han) begins forming a new Korean alphabet as a way to break from Chinese tradition, several of his scholastic aids are murdered to keep the alphabet from advancing.
The show has been lauded for its unique true story, the intriguing exploration of power and royal conspiracy, shadowy betrayal, and effortless fusion of romance, crime, and historical accuracy.
Kingdom (2019) - 8.4
With superb production value, Kingdom fuses the historical drama genre of South Korea's past with the viral horror zombie subgenre to create something new and terrifying. The story concerns the king of Korea who is rumored to be violently ill, leaving his duties in the hands of a crown prince who must rise up and quell the mysterious virus.
In addition to the sumptuous visuals, the period piece has been praised by fans for its breathtaking horror, brilliant pacing, jaw-dropping twist plot reveal, and trenchant commentary about Korea's complicated past. In fact, the series has been called the Korean Game of Thrones by some.
The Great Jang-Geum (2003 - 2004) - 8.5
One of Korea's most significant early period dramas is The Great Jang-Geum, which ran for 54 episodes from 2003-2004. Based on the real historical figure Seo Jang-Geum (Lee Yeong-Ae), the show depicts how the national heroine overcame the odds to become the first female royal doctor despite belonging to a fugitive family.
The series has been praised for its strong female lead who symbolizes a role model of resilience and perseverance. The moral dilemmas Jang-Geum overcomes provides endless inspiration for women everywhere. Emotional, immersive, and highly entertaining, the show is an all-time Korean great.
The Empress Ki (2013) - 8.5
The Empress Ki is a romantic Korean period drama that charts the unlikely rise of Ki Seung Nyang (Ha Ji-Won), an indentured slave of the Mongol Yuan court who slowly climbs the royal ladder to become the empress in a nearby territory. The towering performance by Ji-Won is the chief reason why fans recommend the show.
In addition to the central performance and excellent supporting turn from Chan-Wook Ji, the story has been praised for depicting Ji-Won's intense internal struggle to choose true love or her desire to have more control as a self-empowered female, making the primary conflict must-see TV.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) - 8.7
Adapted from the 2011 Chinese drama Scarlet Heart, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Reyo is a melodramatic K-period piece that follows Go-Ha Jin (Ji-Eun Lee), a young woman sent back in time to the year 941, where she wakes up as the woman Hae Soo.
As Hae Soo navigates the palace intrigue and political infighting among the Goryeo Dynasty, her heart is torn between benevolent and malevolent crown princes. The show has been hailed for its well-written characters, heart-wrenching drama, romantic pathos, and tear-jerking melodrama.
Hur Jun (1999 - 2000) - 8.7
The earliest Korean period piece to be included here is Hur Jun, which ran for 63 episodes from 1999 to 2000. The historical drama centers on the title character (Kwang-Ryul Jun), a criminal ring-leader who overcomes his dark past to become the famous doctor of the Chosun Dynasty.
A common refrain among fans is how compelling Hur Jun's journey is, from being the illegitimate son of the North Korean governor to his time running a smuggling ring, and finally leaving it all behind to become a heroic and magnanimous figure in the most influential dynasty. The redemptive arc of the immoral criminal to noble doctor is what makes Hur Jun so special.
The Great Queen Seondeok (2009) - 8.8
The Great Queen Seondeok was so popular in Korea that the series was expanded from 50 to 62 episodes due to the high TV ratings. The riveting period piece traces Princess Deokman (Yo-won Lee), who later becomes Queen Seondeok, the first female Korean ruler of the Shilla Dynasty.
The biggest praise for the show, aside from boasting a prominent real-life female lead, is its seamless blend of action, humor, romance, melodrama, and historical accuracy. The engaging fusion of genres keeps the story fresh and unpredictable as can be.
Mr. Queen (2020 - ) - 8.8
With 20 episodes and counting, Mr. Queen is an uproarious Korean period drama that fuses historical accuracy with a highly entertaining gender-reversing body-swap comedy. The story concerns Jang Bong Hwan, a modern-day chef whose free spirit is somehow transferred into the body of Queen Cheorin (Hye-sun Shin) in the Joseon era.
With all sorts of topical commentary on men and women's rights, issues of equality, societal double standards, and the like, the show has been extolled as the funniest Korean period drama ever made.
Mr. Sunshine (2018) - 8.8
Netflix's original historical drama series Mr. Sunshine has been lauded for its absolutely stunning cinematography and lush visual language. The story follows Eugene Choi (Byung-hun Lee), a Korean boy who escapes a life of bondage in Joseon and becomes a U.S. Marine. When he returns to his hometown on a military mission, he reconnects with his past while falling for the aristocratic Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri).
In addition to the peerless visuals, the show has been praised for the historical accuracy of the class differences between Go and Eugene, the fascinating culture clashes Eugene faces at home and abroad, the show's profound sense of storytelling, and the educational awareness it fosters among viewers.
Six Flying Dragons (2015) - 8.9
Six Flying Dragons is the best Korean period drama to date. With its intense action, extremely well-drawn characters, and the utmost respect for Korea's complicated past, the show charts the rise and fall of several prominent figures in the Joseon Dynasty.
Among the biggest draws of the series is the dramatic tug-of-war between fathers and sons vying for the throne. The epic scale and sweeping scope of the series have also been celebrated, as has the top-tier acting, excellent direction, immersive world-building, and lavish set designs. With 50 episodes, many also feel Six Flying Dragons is the most comprehensive Korean period drama ever produced.