10 Best Korean Historical Dramas of All Time Seen from Popularity

Kapanlagi.com - There are many popular Korean historical dramas. However, not all historical Korean dramas or sageuk dramas have interesting storylines that make them the best dramas of all time. But not with some of the following Korean historical dramas.

Yes, this Korean historical drama is actually considered the best historical Korean drama of all time based on its popularity. There are Korean historical dramas that aired before 2010, and those that are newly aired in 2022.

For KLovers who really like sageuk dramas, here is a list of the best historical Korean dramas of all time based on their popularity according to Kapanlagi. Let's check it out, KLovers.

1. JEWEL IN THE PALACE (2003)

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Rating	8.5 IMDB
Duration	65 minutes
Episodes	54 episodes
Aired on	Vidio, VIKI
Cast	Lee Yeoung Ae, Ji Jin Hee

The drama JEWEL IN THE PALACE or known as DAE JANG GEUM is about a legendary woman who became an icon of emancipation in Korea named Jang Geum, who later became the first female doctor for the royal family in Korean history.

Despite her background from the lower class, Jang Geum faced various challenges. However, her life story is so impressive, from a royal cook, royal doctor, to a special doctor for the king.

2. QUEEN SEON DEOK (2009)

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Rating	8.6 IMDB
Durasi	65 minutes
Episode	62 episodes
Air Date	VIU, Apple TV
Cast	Lee Yo Won, Go Hyun Jung Kim Nam Gil, Yoo Seung Ho

The drama QUEEN SEON DEOK tells the story of Queen Seondeok, the first queen in the history of the Korean kingdom civilization. Queen Seondeok led when Korea was ruled by the Silla Royal Dynasty, which was directly appointed by King Jinheung through a will. Seondeok's appointment as crown princess surprised the entire royal court and gave birth to several internal rebellions.

3. DONG YI (2010)

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Rating	8.1 IMDB
Durasi	65 minutes
Episode	60 episodes
Air Date	VIU, VIKI
Cast	Han Hyo Joo, Ji Jin Hee

This Korean royal era drama tells the story of a slave who eventually becomes a beloved queen consort. The drama broadly takes the true story of Royal Consort Suk of the Haeju Choe clan, who was one of the consorts of King Sukjong of Joseon. She was known for her kind heart and was a consort from the lower class, whose son was raised as King Joseon.

4. MOON EMBRACING THE SUN (2012)

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Rating	8.1 IMDB
Durasi	65 minutes
Episodes	20 episodes
Air Date	Vidio, VIU, Netflix, WeTV VIKI, iFLIX, Apple TV
Cast	Han Ga In, Kim Soo Hyun Jung Il Woo, Kim Yoo Jung Yeo Jin Goo

This Korean drama set in the era of the kingdom tells the story of King Lee Hwon and Wol. They had actually met and were to be betrothed since adolescence. However, the Queen Mother thwarted their plans. This evil Queen Mother tried to kill Heo Yeon Woo, the noble princess.

She succeeded with her plan, but it turned out that the noble princess was brought back to life. Unfortunately, her memory was lost and she grew up with the name Wol and now works as a fortune teller. This is where the love story and meeting between Lee Hwon and Wol, who is actually Heo Yeon Woo, takes place.

5. THE EMPRESS KI (2013)

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Rating	8.4 IMDB
Durasi	65 minutes
Episodes	51 episodes
Air Date	Vidio, VIU, Netflix, VIKI Prime Video, Apple TV
Cast	Ha Ji Won, Ji Chang Wook

This drama tells the story of Ki Seung Nyang, who disguises herself as a man to avoid being a tribute. By chance, Ki Seung Nyang meets the prince of the Goryeo kingdom, who is disguised as an ordinary citizen named Wang Yoo. The prince's identity is eventually revealed, leading him to appoint Ki Seung Nyang as his subordinate.

Her task begins as a companion to Ta Hwan, the Prince of the Yuan Dynasty. It turns out that there are members of the royal family who intend to kill Ta Hwan. They both try to protect and save Ta Hwan from Prime Minister El Temur. The story of Seung Nyang, Ta Hwan, and Wang Yoo begins in such a complicated way. Especially since Seung Nyang turns out to be Ta Hwan's concubine after he ascends to the throne, making her Empress Ki.

6. MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO (2016)

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Rating	8.5 IMDB
Duration	60 minutes
Episodes	20 episodes
Aired	VIU, Netflix, Prime Video
Cast	Lee Joon Gi, IU, Kang Ha Neul Hong Jong Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk Baekhyun EXO

This Korean historical drama tells the story of a woman named Go Ha Jin from the modern world who gets trapped in the Goryeo Dynasty era. She finds herself in the past after falling into a lake. After realizing she is stuck in the Goryeo Dynasty era, Go Ha Jin begins to live her life with the identity of Hae Soo.

Hae Soo meets one of the royal princes and falls in love at first sight. The prince's name is Wang Wook and he is the 8th prince. However, their love story does not go well. Hae Soo then also falls in love with the 4th prince, Wang So, who has a distinctive feature of his face covered by a mask. Their love story successfully makes the audience emotional even though it ends quite tragically.

7. KINGDOM (2019)

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Rating	8.3 IMDB
Durasi	51 minutes
Episodes	6 episodes
Streaming	Netflix
Cast	Joo Ji Hoon, Ryu Seung Ryong Bae Doo Na, Kim Sung Gyu

The drama KINGDOM tells the story of Crown Prince Lee Chang's struggle to uncover and protect the people from a mysterious virus outbreak. His journey begins at a clinic to find out the cause of the king's death.

However, he instead finds many corpses and prepares to come back to life as a zombie or kill them. In addition, the Crown Prince tries to find out the truth about his father's death, who was none other than the king, which made him an alleged traitor and even killed his own father.

8. THE TALE OF NOKDU (2019)

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Rating	7.8 IMDB
Durasi	33 minutes
Episodes	32 episodes
Streaming	VIU,iQIYI,Netflix,VIKI,Apple TV
Cast	Jang Dong Yoon, Kim So Hyun

This Korean historical drama presents a romantic comedy series that can entertain you. It also tells many mysteries and politics of the kingdom that are beyond the viewers' expectations.

The drama THE TALE OF NOKDU tells the story of a man named Nokdu who disguises himself as a woman named Lady Kim to enter a mysterious women's village to uncover a crime in that era.

9. THE RED SLEEVE (2021)

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Rating	8.5 IMDB
Durasi	80 minutes
Episodes	17 episodes
Aired on	VIU, VIKI, Apple TV
Cast	Junho 2PM, Lee Se Young

This Korean period drama tells the story of Crown Prince Lee San and a servant named Sung Deok Im. After the Crown Prince ascends to the throne, Lee San struggles to become a perfect leader. However, after meeting Sung Deok Im, Lee San begins to show a side of himself that few people know.

A romantic side suddenly appears in Lee San when he is with Deok Im. He wants to make the servant his concubine, but Sung Deok Im refuses. This is because Deok Im has an ambitious character and wants to live freely. Moreover, a concubine is known to have a life that she considers full of limitations and even lack of freedom.

10. ALCHEMY OF SOULS (2022)

(credit: hancinema.net)

Rating	8.8 IMDB
Durasi	80 minutes
Episodes	20 episodes
Aired on	Netflix
Cast	Lee Jae Wook, Jung So Min Hwang Minhyun, Go Youn Jung

ALCHEMY OF SOULS is also a must-watch Korean period drama recommendation. This epic drama has an interesting story. It tells the story of a woman whose soul is swapped with a legendary killer.

The soul swap in the Joseon era brings Mu Deok to meet a man named Jang Uk. He comes from a noble family at that time. This Korean drama with an interesting story and airing on Netflix has captured so much attention that there will be a season 2 for KLovers. It's too good to miss.

(kpl/dhm)