14 Best Sageuk K-Dramas To Take You Back In Time

Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Often at the top of the list when sageuk dramas are concerned, Mr Sunshine was hailed for its excellent writing, top-notch acting, and rich cinematography. Set in the early 1900s in Hanseong—now Seoul—this APAN Star Award winner tells the story of Eugene Choi (Lee Byung-hun), a man who was born into slavery in Joseon, but managed to escape to the United States.

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Mr. Sunshine (2018)

After becoming a United States Marine Officer, he returns to Joseon after the war, where he meets and falls in love with the aristocrat Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri). Choi also finds himself neck-deep in the battle for Joseon’s sovereignty after discovering a colonization plot hatched by the Empire of Japan.

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Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)

Adapted from the novel of the same name, this historical fantasy drama centers on the romance between a fictional Joseon Dynasty monarch (Crown Prince Lee Hwon, played by Kim Soo-hyun) and a shaman (Heo Yoon-woo, played by Han Ga-in). In order to maintain her family’s power, the Queen Mother and the Prime Minister conspire to promote his daughter Bo-kyung (Kim Min-seo), who is also her blood relative, to the Crown Princess title.

Photo Credit: MBC

Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)

However, the king chooses Yoon-woo instead, infuriating the Queen Mother, who orders a deadly curse cast on the girl in order for Bo-kyung to be crowned in her stead.

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Jewel in the Palace (2003)

You may or may not have encountered the Tagalized version of this drama on local television, but its existence alone is a testament to its popularity. Jewel in the Palace stars Lee Young-ae as the historical figure Jang-geum, an orphaned kitchen cook who rises above her rank to become the king’s first female physician.

Photo Credit: MBC

Jewel in the Palace (2003)

Not allowing herself to be restricted by social conventions imposed upon her gender and social class, she strived to better herself, earning the ire of the Chois, the family controlling the royal kitchens, who began to see her as a threat to their operations.

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Empress Ki (2013)

This multi-awarded series was a hit both domestically and overseas, praised for its plot, character development, and stunning visuals. Ha Ji-won stars as the titular Empress Ki—or Ki Seung-nyang—a historical figure who went from favored concubine to primary empress. Alongside her are Joo Jin-mo as Wang Yoo, the King of Goryeo and Ji Chang-wook as Toghon Temur, the Emperor of Yuan, both competing for her affection.

Photo Credit: MBC

Empress Ki (2013)

A major theme here is how she ascends to power despite being the classist and sexist restrictions prevalent during the time period; this was, however, met with controversy by historians due to the series painting her in a too-positive light.

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The Crowned Clown (2019)

The series centers on a Joseon king, Yi Heon, and his doppelgänger, a performer clown named Ha-seon (both played by Yeo Jin-goo). Fearing for the king’s life amidst the political uprisings, Chief Royal Secretary Yi Kyu (Kim Sang-kyung) has Ha-seon pose as the ruler. Obvious complications aside, Ha-seon grows enamored with the queen (Lee Se-young), who finds herself liking this sudden change in the “king’s” temperament.

Photo Credit: tvN

The Crowned Clown (2019)

Much praise was heaped on Yeo Jin-goo’s performance, with critics highlighting his ability to showcase a clear between king and clown, utilizing a different set of gestures, expressions, and habits for each of the two characters.

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Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)

Born in an era where females had no access to education or employment, Kim Yoon-hee (Park Min-young) disguises herself as her brother to make ends meet for her family through numerous odd jobs. To increase her earnings, she commits an illegal act by becoming a substitute test taker, and is caught by Lee Sun-joon (Park Yoo-chun).

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Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)

He notices her potential and even encourages her to enroll in classes, keeping her true identity a secret alongside their friends Gu Yong-ha (Song Joong-ki) and Moon Jae-shin (Yoo Ah-in). Unlike most sageuk programmes, this is a light and fun watch that gives a bit of a modern rom com feel.

Photo Credit: KBS

The Great Queen Seondeok (2009)

Chronicling the life of Queen Seondeok of Silla, the first female ruler of Korean, this 62-episode drama enjoyed high ratings throughout its run. Lee Wo-yu stars as the titular character, who was sent away from the palace as a baby to prevent Lady Mishil (Seondeok’s archenemy, played by Go Hyun-jung) from ousting her mother from the throne.

Photo Credit: MBC

The Great Queen Seondeok (2009)

Upon finding out her real identity, Seondeok sets out to seek revenge against Mishil and take back what is hers, igniting a war between two queens. The series received multiple awards for acting, with Go Hyun-jung taking home multiple Daesangs/Grand Prizes.

Photo Credit: MBC

Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)

“Hwarang” or “Flower Knights” is a term used to refer to the elite group of male warriors in Silla, an ancient Korean kingdom in the 10th century. This K-drama tells a simpler, light-hearted story, focusing more on friendship, love, and dreams over war and political intrigue.

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Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)

Leading the cast are Park Seo-joon as Kim Seon-u, a young man who assumes the identity of his deceased friend in hopes of becoming a Hwarang warrior; Park Hyung-sik as Sammaekjong, a royal in hiding who joins the Hwarang in secret; and Go Ara as Kim Ah-ro, the daughter of an aristocrat and a servant who aids the Hwarang as their physician. Also in this drama is Kim Tae-hyung (also known as V from BTS) as Suk Han-sung, the youngest hwarang of the lot who has a cheery personality and gets along with everyone.

Photo Credit: KBS

Love In The Moonlight (2016)

Starring Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung, alongside Jinyoung, Chae Soo-bin, and Kwak Dong-yeon, Love in the Moonlight is a coming-of-age and romance story set I 19th century Joseon. It's based on the novel 'Moonlight Drawn by Clouds' which was first serialized on Naver in 2013, then consequently published as a five part book series in 2015.

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Love In The Moonlight (2016)

It follows Crown Prince Lee Yeong (Park Bo-gum) as he grows into the revered monarch. As the only son of the King and heir to the throne, he is smart and bright, but also mischievous and unpredictable at times. He develops an unlikely relationship with eunuch Hong Ra-on (Kim Yoo-jung), who was raised as a boy by her mother and continues to disguise herself as a male counselor and author, under the name Sam-nom.

Photo Credit: KBS

The Princess's Man (2011)

In the mood for a historical drama with a touch of Romeo and Juliet? Look no further than The Princess's Man, about the forbidden romance between the daughter of King Sejo and the son of Sejo's political opponent, Kim Jong-se.

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The Princess's Man (2011)

It stars Moon Chae-won as Lee Se-ryung, who battles her loyalty to her family versus the love she bears for Kim Seung-yoo (Park Si-hoo), as well as the knowledge of knowing that his cause is the right and just one. This romance story also touches on real events in history, and incorporates fictional characters and their lives with the stories of King Sejo and his climb to the throne.

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The Tale of Nokdu (2019)

Starring Jang Dong-yoon and Kim So-Hyun, with Kang Tae-oh and Jung Joon-ho, The Tale of Nokdu is set in the Joseon dynasty and is about a man, Jeon Nokdu, who disguises himself as a woman to enter a mysterious women-only village to uncover the truth about his birth. He encounters a young woman, Dong Dong-joo/Yoo Eun-seo (Kim So-Hyun), a hot-tempered kisaeng in training, who has no skills in performing arts.

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The Tale of Nokdu (2019)

In pursuit of revenge for her family, she uses her skills as an artisan in developing a concealed weapon. This webtoon based series captured the hearts of the generation Z in South Korea, and grew its own following online around the world for its beautiful storytelling, fun moments, and chemistry between its leads.

Photo Credit: KBS

Deep Rooted Tree (2011)

Based on the novel of the same name by Lee Jung-myung, this historical drama tells the story of King Sejong (Han Suk-kyu), the creator of Hangul. It depicts how in his early years, he, Yi Do, had a strained relationship with his father and harbored guilt for seeing people's suffering and death under his father's tyranny.

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Deep Rooted Tree (2011)

After the death of his father and his wife, King Sejong begins investigating the serial murders of Jiphyeonjeon scholars in Gyeongbok Palace. He employs Kang Chae-yoon (Jang Hyuk) as an investigator, and seeks the help of So-yi (Shin Se-kyung) to create Hangul.

Photo Credit: SBS

Deep Rooted Tree (2011)

Watch it for the rich history and wonderful storytelling but also for Song Joong-Ki, who plays the young King Sejong, Yi Do.

Photo Credit: SBS

My Sassy Girl (2017)

Based on the 2001 movie, My Sassy Girl by Kwak Jae-yong, but based during the Joseon period, this movie depicts the love story of a cold city scholar Gyeon Woo (Joo Won), with the title of "National Treasure of Joseon", and the sassy princess Hye-myung (Oh Yeon-seo) who does not have the best reputation among her people.

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My Sassy Girl (2017)

Wanting to find her mother, the dethroned queen, Hye-myung often sneaks out of the palace. One night, she meets Gyeon Woo and while dislike each other at first, they become friends and eventually fall in love. He helps her as she pursues the secrets surrounding her mother's dethronement.

Photo Credit: SBS

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

And, of course, Moon Lovers—a must-watch on this list. This historical melodrama often tops the list when audiences are asked about K-Dramas that have made them cry and are difficult to move on from. In present-day Korea, Go Ha-jin (Li Ji-eun/IU) falls into a river and somehow ends up traveling back in time to the Goryeo era, where she wakes up in the body of Hae Soo, a cousin of the wife of the 8th Prince Wang Wook.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

As is customary for sageuks, there is a power struggle among the royals, especially when the King declares his firstborn son as his heir, hatching several assassination plots in the process. There’s plenty of tragedy and unrequited love to go around; as well as a stellar cast including Lee Joon-gi as 4th Prince Wang So, who falls in love with Have Soo, and Kang Ha-neul as 8th Prince Wang Wook. It also sees Kim San-ho, Jong Jong-hyun, Yoon Sun-woo, EXO's Baek-hyun, Nam Joo-hyuk, and Ji Soo as the other princes in an impressive supporting cast.

Photo Credit: SBS