15 Recommendations for Korean Sageuk Films, Their Stories Are Fun to Watch

Kapanlagi.com - In addition to dramas and films set in the present day, films and dramas set in ancient times also have many fans. Films that highlight Korean history are also known as sageuk dramas. Here are some recommendations for sageuk films that KLovers can watch.

This sageuk film recommendation features many interesting historical stories, such as sword fights, tales of kings, fictional love stories from the Joseon to Goryeo eras, and much more. It would be a shame for KLovers to miss out.

Now, for KLovers who are curious about what sageuk film recommendations there are. Here are sageuk genre film recommendations that you can watch in your free time. Let’s check it out, KLovers. Also read other news at Liputan6.com!

1. THE KING'S LETTERS (2019)

THE KING'S LETTERS (credit: imdb)

The first recommendation for a sageuk film is the movie THE KING'S LETTERS. Yes, this 2019 film tells the story of the famous King Sejong. This historical film narrates the life of the King, who transformed Chinese characters into hangul, the Korean alphabet that is still used today.

The story unfolds as the King tirelessly works to create the Korean alphabet, Hangul. King Sejong breaks through the difficult-to-use Chinese characters of that time. He is determined to design a perfect and easily readable script that will allow his people better access to literacy. KLovers who want to watch the film THE KING'S LETTER can do so via Prime Video and Viki.

2. THE PIRATES (2014)

THE PIRATES (credit: imdb)

The next recommendation for a sageuk film is THE PIRATES. Yes, this film tells the story of a pirate journey with a historical fantasy theme. The film narrates a contest held to obtain a royal seal that was swallowed by a whale. The film THE PIRATES will provide us with action scenes as well as real images.

Similar to pirate stories, the film THE PIRATES will present action scenes, comedy, and teamwork. Additionally, this film is adapted from a historical fairy tale of South Korea, where the early history of the formation of the Joseon dynasty, which is the last and longest royal dynasty in South Korea, is depicted.

It is no surprise that the film THE PIRATES is considered one of the best Korean films of 2014. Now, for KLovers who want to watch the film THE PIRATES, you can find it on streaming apps like Netflix, Tubi, and Viki.

3. FORBIDDEN DREAM (2019)

FORBIDDEN DREAM (credit: imdb)

The film FORBIDDEN DREAM is also one of the recommended saeguk films. This film tells the story of the friendship between King Sejong and other historical figures like Jang Yeong Sil, and it has garnered a lot of attention from KLovers.

This film explores the deep friendship formed between two great men as they pursue a scientific discovery. However, things turn tragic when Sejong is forced to choose between his loyalty to his friend or his people. KLovers can watch it through the Viki and Tubi apps.

4. THE PRINCESS AND THE MATCHMAKER (2018)

THE PRINCESS AND THE MATCHMAKER (credit: imdb)

Next is the film THE PRINCESS AND THE MATCHMAKER, which is also included in the next recommended sageuk films. This film tells the story of a Joseon-era Korean king who tries to find a good husband for his beloved daughter.

But Princess Songhwa rejects her fate of marrying the four men who propose to her. The princess feels no compatibility and is not interested in the men who propose to her. She flees from the palace. It turns out that the princess is rumored to have bad luck.

When four suitors are chosen for her based on the words of a fortune teller, her love story begins. This film has a romantic comedy storyline that KLovers definitely shouldn't miss. For KLovers who want to watch this film, it can be found on the Netflix app.

5. MEMORIES OF THE SWORD (2015)

MEMORIES OF THE SWORD (credit: imdb)

The film MEMORIES OF THE SWORD tells the story of a female warrior named Hong Yi seeking revenge for the death of her parents. Set during the Goryeo Dynasty, it features three warriors named Deok Ki, Seol Rang, and Poong Chun.

They live with the goal of protecting the people amidst the ongoing turmoil of the Goryeo government. However, Deok Ki's betrayal forces him to fight against his own comrade, Poong Chun. So, how will their story unfold? Please watch this film through the iQIYI app.

6. KING AND THE CLOWN (2005)

KING AND THE CLOWN (credit: imdb)

This film tells the story of a group of clown entertainers who come to the palace to entertain a king. The character played by Lee Jun Ki is particularly captivating in the film KING AND THE CLOWN. This is because he portrays a man with a gentle and beautiful demeanor, akin to that of a woman.

With a small budget, featuring unknown actors, and the newcomer Lee Jun Ki, the film initially did not seem promising. However, who would have thought that KING AND THE CLOWN would become a massive hit in the market, making Lee Jun Ki popular to this day.

It has become one of the best saeguk film recommendations in Korean cinema history. For KLovers who want to watch the film KING AND THE CLOWN, you can find it on streaming apps like Netflix and iQIYI.

7. A FROZEN FLOWER (2008)

A FROZEN FLOWER (credit: imdb)

The film A FROZEN FLOWER tells the complicated love life between the Goryeo King and the Yuan Queen who are married but have not yet had any offspring. The royal family pressures them to have an heir to the throne soon.

However, there is a big secret that the king hides from the public, which makes the Queen sad. The Goryeo King actually has a problem with his sexuality, as he does not like women and is reluctant to touch the Queen despite having been married for quite some time.

The king secretly has a clandestine relationship with his loyal guard named Hong Lim. Their love story becomes even more complicated when the Goryeo King asks Hong Lim to have relations with the Queen to produce an heir.

This film is one of the highly recommended saeguk films that was very popular and had many cinema viewers at the time. For KLovers who want to watch the film A FROZEN FLOWER, which was released in 2008, you can watch it through streaming applications like Netflix, VIU, iQIYI, Viki, and Tubi.

8. MASQUERADE (2012)

MASQUERADE (credit: imdb)

It is told that when King Gwanghae was seriously ill, Heo Gyun, the King's advisor, found Ha Sun, a clown assigned to impersonate and pretend to be the King. Unexpectedly, Ha Sun was able to portray the character of the King very well.

However, gradually Ha Sun's true character emerged; he was too gentle and not as tough as the real King, causing those around him to notice the difference. This situation was exploited by enemies to execute their plan to overthrow his reign.

Thus, it is a recommended saeguk film that KLovers should not miss. For KLovers who want to watch the film MASQUERADE, you can watch it through the VIU and Prime Video applications.

9. KINGDOM: ASHIN OF THE NORTH (2021)

KINGDOM: ASHIN OF THE NORTH (credit: Netflix)

This film is a spin-off of the drama series KINGDOM that tells the story of Ashin. In this film, Ashin transforms into a villain who knows about and even becomes the origin of the zombie plague in the Joseon region depicted in the drama KINGDOM.

So, if you want to watch ASHIN, you absolutely must watch the drama KINGDOM first, KLovers. Both the drama KINGDOM and the film KINGDOM: ASHIN OF THE NORTH will not make you regret it! And it has become a popular saeguk film produced by Netflix.

10. THE SWORDSMAN (2020)

THE SWORDSMAN (credit: imdb)

The film THE SWORDSMAN tells the story of the situation after the King of the Joseon Dynasty, Gwanghaegun, was overthrown. The best swordsman in the country, Tae Yool, suddenly disappears. The Joseon Dynasty itself is also in chaos due to the conflict between the Qing and Ming Dynasties.

Gurutai, a member of the Qing imperial family, makes unreasonable demands on Joseon. In this situation, Tae Yool's daughter, Tae Ok, is kidnapped by Gurutai's subordinates. After disappearing for a while, Tae Yool eventually reappears with his sword to save the princess.

Now, for KLovers who want to watch the film THE SWORDSMAN 2020, you can watch it through streaming apps like Vidio, iQIYI, and Prime Video.

11. RAMPANT (2018)

RAMPANT (credit: imdb)

Just like the movie KINGDOM: ASHIN OF THE NORTH which takes place during the kingdom era, the film RAMPANT also takes place during the Korean kingdom era. This film, released in 2018, tells the story of an exiled prince against the backdrop of a spreading zombie outbreak.

The film stars Hyun Bin. This zombie film, which carries themes of the kingdom and politics, is going to be one of the must-watch recommendations for exciting Korean saeguk films that you shouldn't miss. For KLovers who want to watch this film, it is available on the Vidio, Viki, Disney+ Hotstar, Prime Video, and Netflix apps.

12. DETECTIVE K (2015 - 2018)

DETECTIVE K (credit: imdb)

Another recommendation for sageuk films is the movie titled DETECTIVE K. This film, which is a mix of mystery, epic, and comedy, has been so successful that it has been made into 3 films. If you enjoy detective mystery genres, you should definitely watch this, KLovers. However, don't expect this film to be what it seems.

Because there are many unexpected and quite funny things that entertain. The film DETECTIVE K tells the story of a detective named Kim Min, played by actor Kim Myung Min, along with his assistant Seo Pil, played by Oh Dal Su. This film not only depicts life during the Joseon dynasty.

But there are various clever tricks that could be used in that era to kill someone. You will not only be amazed by the deductions of this funny detective but also entertained by his antics with his assistant. KLovers who want to watch the film DETECTIVE K can find it on the VIU and Prime Video apps.

13. THE ROYAL TAILOR (2014)

THE ROYAL TAILOR (credit: imdb)

The film THE ROYAL TAILOR tells the story of Jo Dol Seok, a trusted royal tailor who has served three generations of kings. Dol Seok is also a person who upholds the existing rules and culture. One day, a robe intended for the King accidentally gets burned by a gungnyeo or maid.

The Queen does not want to disappoint the King with the ruined robe. She then asks the royal tailor Dol Seok to make a new one. However, Dol Seok refuses the Queen's request because it violates the traditional rules of the Joseon Kingdom. Not wanting to stop there, the Queen seeks another tailor outside the palace.

Until she meets Lee Gong Jin, a young and talented designer known for making hanboks. Gong Jin's encounter with the Queen makes him fall in love at first sight with the wife of the royal ruler. Due to his skills, Gong Jin is brought to the Palace and becomes the new royal tailor.

Meanwhile, Dol Seok feels jealous of Gong Jin's creativity; he feels that his position as the main royal tailor is being overshadowed by the newcomer. And thus, the film becomes quite phenomenal. For KLovers who want to watch the film THE ROYAL TAILOR, it can be streamed through the VIU, Vidio, or Prime Video apps.

14. THE FACE READER

THE FACE READER (credit: Showbox Mediaplex)

Set in the Joseon Dynasty era, The Face Reader tells the story of Kim Nae-kyung, a physiognomist (face reader) who can assess a person's character, fate, and future just from their facial features. Together with his brother-in-law Pang Heon and his son Jin-hyeong, he lives a simple life with this unique skill.

Nae-kyung's ability attracts the attention of the political intrigue and power struggles within the palace. He becomes embroiled in the conflict between elite factions, especially as ambition and betrayal threaten the stability of the kingdom. Amid the temptations of power and lurking dangers, Nae-kyung must choose between his family's safety or influencing the fate of the nation.

This film highlights moral dilemmas, human ambition, and the high price of knowing the future.

15. THE ADMIRAL: ROARING CURRENTS

THE ADMIRAL: ROARING CURRENTS (credit: CJ Entertainment)

The Admiral: Roaring Currents tells the heroic story of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a legendary Korean hero. Set in the year 1597, Korea is on the brink of destruction due to a massive Japanese invasion. With only 12 warships, Yi Sun-sin must face an enemy fleet that numbers in the hundreds.

Amid political pressure, doubts among the troops, and fear of defeat, Yi Sun-sin leads the decisive battle in the Myeongnyang Strait. Relying on strategic ingenuity, knowledge of ocean currents, and extraordinary courage, he turns the tide in one of the most iconic naval battles in history.

The film showcases leadership, sacrifice, and an unyielding spirit for the homeland.

(kpl/pit)