A Look at Korean History (Historical K-Dramas)

The Three Kingdoms Period - Baekje Kingdom. 

This is an 108 episode drama that recounts the life of Soo Baek-Hyang, the secret daughter of King Muryeong of Baekje. 

The Three Kingdoms Period - Baekje Kingdom; mid 7th century

Gye Baek follows the life of General Gyebaek, eventually leading to the moment that he is remembered for, the last stand against the Silla Kingdom. 

The Three Kingdoms Period - Gorguryeo Kingdom; approx 58BCE-19BCE

Jumong (King Dongmyeong) is the founder of the Goguryeo Kingdom, and this drama depicts his life however, quite fictionalised due to the limited resources available to capture the reality of the time. 

The Three Kingdoms Period - Gorguryeo Kingdom

Follows the story of Jumong's grandson, Moo Hyul, and the fate that awaits him as he grows up,

The Three Kingdoms Period - Gorguryeo Kingdom

Ja Myung Go is an adaptation of a Korean folk tale revolving around Prince Hodong and Princess Nakrang (a super interesting read as well). Prince Hodong was the son of King Daemusin.

The Three Kingdoms Period - Silla Period; approx 576-64

Queen Seondeok is the famous drama that covers the life of Queen Seondeok of Silla, from when she was a child until she became the first reigning Queen of the kingdom.

The Three Kingdoms Period - Silla Period

Hwarang is leans more towards being light-hearted, instead of being politically fuelled. It revolves around an group of young men who call themselves "Hwarang". It is a coming of age story set during a particularly unstable period of Silla.

Balhae Kingdom

Dae Joyeong is the founder of the Balhae Kingdom (following the fall of Goguryeo) and this details his life as he grows up and finds himself as king of a new kingdom.

Goryeo Kingdom; 941 AD

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is not historically accurate. In fact, it draws on fantasy elements to fulfil the plot line and is a Korean adaptation of a Chinese drama. However, what it does make up in is the storytelling of how King Gwangjong inherited his throne (as he was 4th in line).

Goryeo Kingdom

Shine or Be Mad is a romance set during the historical period of Goryeo, following the love story between Wang So, the prince of Goryeo, and Shin Yool, the princess of Later Balhae.

Goryeo Kingdom; approx - 1285-1300

The King in Love is based on a novel in which the Crown Prince and his personal bodyguard falls in love with the daughter of a rich merchant they fatefully meet when they were younger. It is still a great depiction of the era and the political struggles in securing a nation and how the Crown Prince eventually became King Chungseon.

Goryeo Kingdom; approx 1330-1350

The protagonist, Gi Seungyang, rises through the ranks to become empress to Toghon Temur of the Yuan dynasty, despite being of Goryeo nationality. She faces the difficulty in choosing between the Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty and the King of Goryeo (a fictional character in this drama that is loosely based off of King Chunghye).

Goryeo Kingdom - Joseon Dynasty; this focuses on the foundation of Joseon Dynasty

Six Flying Dragons actually loosely serves as a prequel to Tree With Deep Roots (listed below), detailing how King Taejong rose to become king and establishing the Joseon Dynasty, thus ending the Goryeo era. 

Joseon Dynasty; approx 1410-1440

Also known as Deep Rooted Tree, this is another novel-based drama that follows the story of a royal guard during King Sejong's reign. King Sejong was the creator of Hangul, which is now Korea's alphabet/writing system.

Joseon Dynasty; 1457 - 1545

Also known as Dae Jang Geum, Jewel in the Palace is set during the Joseon Dynasty and spans across the reigns of King Seongjong, King Yeonsan and King Jungjong.  It depicts the story of a young girl and how she grows up to be the first female physician in the Royal Palace. 

Joseon Dynasty; approx 1460-1465

The Princess' Man is set in a historical period, but is much more of a romance, depicting the forbidden love story between King Sejo's daughter and the son of his political opponent, Kim Jong-Seo, who is a real life historical figure.

Joseon Dynasty; approx 1500

Based on the real life historical figure, Hong Gil Dong, The Thief recounts how Gil-Dong ends up becoming an outlaw during King Yeonsangun's reign,  by stealing from the rich to help the poor (yes, very Robin Hood, but apparently happened in real life).

Joseon Dynasty; approx 1505-1506

Based on the love story of King Jungjong and Queen Danyeong, who was enthroned and dethroned within a week due to political upheaval and power struggles. 

Joseon Dynasty; approx. 1670-1700

Dong Yi recounts the story of Choi Suk-Bin, a real life historical figure who became well-known for being King Sukjong's royal concubine.

Joseon Dynasty; approx 1660-1700

Jang Ok Jung was adapted from a novel, detailing the life of Royal Noble Consort Jang Hui-bin under King Sukjong's reign.

Joseon Dynasty; approx 1780-1790

Also known as Lee San, Wind of the Palace. This drama focuses on the life of King Jeongjo as he grows up and inherits the throne.