Top 10 Best Historical Korean Dramas of All Time

Moon Embracing the Sun is a romantic drama filled with tears, telling the secret love story between a king and a female shaman. Based on the novel by Jung Eun Gwol, who also wrote "Sungkyunkwan Scandal", this historical drama is set in the Joseon dynasty. Known for having one of the most talented child actor ensembles at the time, the drama's adult cast also received much praise and success. The series' stunning set designs and emotional scenes, particularly the tear-jerking moments, helped elevate Kim Soo Hyun to star status. The plot follows Lee Hwon, the king of the Joseon Dynasty, and Han Ga-In, a beautiful and intelligent girl who is also kind-hearted. Although Han Ga-In's character is initially promised to marry Lee Hwon at 13, she is later betrayed and left with a serious illness. Fortunately, she is saved by a shaman and loses her memory, wandering the land. By fate, she meets Lee Hwon again, but now as a shaman named Wol.

Watch the drama here: https://vieon.vn/mat-trang-om-mat-troi.html

This drama tells the story of the remarkable life of the first female physician in Korea, Dae Jang Geum. Born to a military official in the royal court and a palace maid, Dae Jang Geum’s parents are caught in the political machinations of the court, leading to their exile. After their deaths, Jang Geum is selected to work in the palace as a maid. She starts as a chef and earns the favor of Mama Han, a close friend of her late mother.

After Mama Han is wrongfully accused and both of them are exiled to Jeju Island, Mama Han dies during the journey. Devastated, Jang Geum swears to return to the palace to clear Mama Han’s name. During her time on Jeju, she learns medicine and eventually makes her way back to the royal court.

Starring the beloved actress Lee Young Ae, this drama became a global sensation, especially in Vietnam. It achieved an average viewership rating of 45.8% and reached a peak of 57.1%, making it one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean television history. Not only was it a ratings powerhouse for MBC in 2003, but the story of the first female royal physician also sparked a wave of interest in Korean cuisine and tourism across Asia.

Watch the drama here: https://vieon.vn/nang-dae-jang-geum-vietsub.html

The Legend of Iljimae is a rare historical drama that explores the life of a legendary character, based on the Chinese novel "Huanxi Oanjia". The story follows Iljimae, whose real name is Gyeom, the son of a nobleman Lee Won Ho. Lee Won Ho is a trusted ally of the king and a central member of the secret organization Cheonwoohoe.

Gyeom lives a peaceful life with his family until a blind man who can predict the future tells the king about a house shining like the sun, which would be loved by the people. Fearing that two suns cannot exist in one sky, the king orders Lee Won Ho’s execution. Gyeom is hidden by his father at the time but witnesses the tragedy. After losing his memory, he is taken in by a thief named Swe Dol and is forced to prove he is not Lee Won Ho’s son by throwing a stone at his own mother’s head.

Thirteen years later, now called Yong, Gyeom begins to remember his past and sets out to find his sister Yeon, only to discover she has been wrongly convicted and hanged. Devastated by her death, he seeks vengeance and uncovers the truth. With a sword symbol that links back to the person who killed his father and sister, he swears to find those responsible. Disguising himself as Iljimae, he becomes a notorious thief, targeting corrupt aristocrats.

Through his actions, Iljimae becomes a symbol of resistance, fighting not just for himself, but for the common people. His actions spark a movement against the oppression and exploitation of the lower classes, making him a beloved figure among the citizens.

Watch the drama here: https://vieon.vn/huyen-thoai-iljimae.html

Empress Ki tells the story of Ki Seung Nyang, a woman from Goryeo (ancient Korea) who was captured and forced into service in the Yuan dynasty as a concubine. Over time, she rises to become the most favored concubine and ultimately ascends to the throne as Empress. The series also portrays the love triangle between Seung Nyang, Wang Yoo (the King of Goryeo), and Tahwan (the final emperor of the Yuan dynasty, known as Emperor Huizong). Empress Ki blends historical events with fictional elements, focusing on the life and love of Ki Hoàng Hậu, the Empress of the Yuan dynasty, who was renowned for being the emperor's favorite concubine and mother of Emperor Shizong of Yuan. She is also remembered as the wife of Emperor Huizong, the most notorious and decadent ruler of the Yuan dynasty.

Produced in 2013, Empress Ki is a 50-episode historical drama broadcast on MBC, starring Ha Ji-won, Joo Jin Mo, Ji Chang-wook, and Baek Jin Hee. The drama became one of the most anticipated shows of the year, featuring the stunning Ha Ji-won in a powerful role. The story portrays the strength and resilience of a woman who fought for her freedom and power in a world dominated by men. While the series stays true to some historical facts, it also introduces fictional characters like Wang Yoo, a fictional king who never existed in real history, adding an element of fantasy to the storyline.

Watch the drama here: https://tv360.vn/movie/hoang-hau-ki-empress-ki-tap-1?m=18151&e=923716

Dr. Yoo Se Poong follows the journey of Yoo Se Poong, a renowned doctor at the royal court during the Joseon Dynasty. After the death of the king, Yoo Se Poong is falsely accused of causing the king's demise and is exiled from the palace. Stripped of his fame and fortune, he retreats to a remote village with the intent to end his life.

However, fate intervenes when he is saved by the widow Seo Eun Woo, just as he attempts to jump from a cliff. In the village, he crosses paths with Gye Ji Han, a greedy and unscrupulous doctor. Together, the three of them begin treating the villagers, gradually healing not only the physical ailments but also the emotional wounds of the people they encounter. This heartfelt drama is truly worth watching!

Watch the drama here: https://www.netflix.com/vn/title/81618684?source=35

Love in the Moonlight is one of the most beloved and highly acclaimed dramas that has captured the hearts of a vast audience. The story centers on the beautiful and intelligent Hong Ra On, who, in order to make a living, disguises herself as a man and offers advice on matters of love.

When a royal request comes to her to write a love letter for the princess, Crown Prince Lee Yeong decides to meet the mysterious letter writer. Having already accepted the payment, Ra On takes on the responsibility of meeting the prince, which sparks the beginning of their fateful relationship. However, their blossoming love story is soon interrupted by the complex intrigues of the royal court.

Watch the drama here: https://danet.vn/may-hoa-anh-trang-1618478732.html

Hwarang follows a group of elite young warriors, trained in both noble virtues and martial arts, as they find love and friendship in the kingdom of Silla during the Three Kingdoms period. United by their shared vision, they form the legendary Hwarang Corps, an iconic force in Korean history.

With a talented young cast including Park Seo Jun, Park Hyung Sik, and Go Ara, the drama garnered high ratings and became a sensation in the Korean entertainment industry upon its release. Additionally, it features appearances from K-pop idols such as Kim Tae Hyung (V) from BTS and Min Ho from SHINee.

Watch the drama here: https://www.netflix.com/vn/title/80196931?source=35

Love in Sungkyunkwan is the first historical school drama from South Korea. Set in the prestigious Sungkyunkwan university during the Joseon era, the series tells the story of four young individuals entangled in love, friendship, and personal struggles.

Kim Yoon Hee, whose father passed away early and whose brother is ill, disguises herself as her brother, Kim Yoon Sik, to support her family. Facing a debt of 100 nyang, which would force her to become a concubine to pay off the debt, she decides to take her brother's place in a government exam. After being caught by Lee Sun Jun, he recognizes her talent and helps her sit for the civil service exam, leading them both to attend Sungkyunkwan and share a dorm room together.

At Sungkyunkwan, Yoon Hee faces teasing from her senior Gu Yong Ha and the moody Mun Jae Sin, her roommate. She must also navigate the rivalry with Ha In Soo, a powerful figure who despises Lee Sun Jun. Yoon Hee struggles to keep her secret identity hidden. Meanwhile, Sun Jun begins to fall for Yoon Hee, unaware of her true gender, which leads him to question his feelings.

As Yoon Hee's secret is revealed, Sun Jun returns to Sungkyunkwan, and the two finally acknowledge their love for each other.

Watch the drama here: https://vieon.vn/chuyen-tinh-o-sungkyunkwan.html

Queen Seon Deok is a historical drama that chronicles the life of Princess Deok Man, who later becomes the first female ruler of Silla. Her reign witnesses the country embroiled in internal conflicts during the turbulent period of the Three Kingdoms (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla).

Princess Deok Man, the youngest daughter of King Kim Jin Pyeong and Queen Maya, is forced to flee to the distant lands of Xinjiang in China as a child to escape the wrath of Mi Shil, a powerful and ambitious woman in Silla. Mi Shil is beautiful, intelligent, and cunning, possessing everything in Silla—except the throne. From the first few episodes, Queen Seon Deok garnered immense viewership, consistently topping the ratings against its time slot competitors.

Initially planned for 50 episodes, the series exceeded expectations, with viewership surpassing 40% by episode 26, prompting the production team to extend the show by 12 more episodes. Featuring stellar performances by Lee Yo Won, Go Hyun Jung, Uhm Tae Woong, Kim Nam Gil, and Yoo Seung Hoo, the drama became a 2009 television phenomenon, capturing top ratings and elevating its cast with powerful portrayals and a plot that celebrated female empowerment in ancient times.

Watch the drama here: https://vieon.vn/nu-hoang-seon-deok.html

The Joseon Dynasty is set in the late 18th century, during the reign of King Lee San, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Dynasty. This period marks one of the most chaotic and transformative eras in the 500-year history of Joseon. Lee San is depicted as a wise and progressive ruler, eager to embrace new ideas and advocate for democratic values. The series follows his story, focusing on his glorious victories, challenges, regrets, and the lasting impact of his reign on Korea's history.

A key element of the series is the poignant love story between King Lee San and Song Yeung, a skilled artist. Their fateful first meeting, when Lee San was just an 11-year-old boy and Song Yeung a young girl entering the palace to learn, sets the stage for a 30-year-long romance full of obstacles yet deeply romantic. The show beautifully portrays the evolving relationship between the king and a commoner, filled with trials and heartfelt moments. Don't miss out on watching The Joseon Dynasty!

Watch the drama here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N0CIri-UMA