15 Best historical Korean dramas: Seven Day Queen to Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth

From Seven Day Queen to Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, here is an assortment of the best 15 historical Korean dramas ranked along with their IMDb ratings.

By Ayushi Balani

Updated on Nov 03, 2023 | 04:14 PM IST | 1.7M

Best historical Korean dramas

In this Article

1. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
2. Seven Day Queen (2017)
3. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
4. Mirror of the Witch (2016)
5. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)

While the world of Korean dramas is flooded with a variety of genres, this time we have decided to shed light on those Korean dramas that are established in historical settings. These Korean dramas will take you on a journey in the past while giving you a full dose of entertainment. The following assortment of historical K-Dramas is well-equipped to hook you to your screens. In fact, it’s a treat for the global world to understand South Korean culture across different time periods. Not only that, but each enlisted Korean show below has an iconic plot, exceptionally talented cast, and sets that will make your jaw drop.

Keep scrolling to see our list of the top 15 historical K-Dramas that will transport you back in time. Most of the shows are available on Netflix or Rakuten Viki but all of them are absolutely binge-worthy. Go on! Dive into the world of South Korean history.

15 Best Historical K-Dramas with their IMDb ratings and more

1. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Original title: Dalui Yeonin - Bobogyungsim Ryeo
Running Time: 60 min
K-Drama Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
Number of episodes: 21
K-Drama Star Cast: Lee Joon Gi, Lee Ji eun, Kang Ha neul, Nam Joo hyuk
Director: Kyoo Tae Kim
Writer: Yoon Young Jo, Hua Tong
Year of release: 2016
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Starring Lee Joon Gi, Lee Ji Eun, Kang Ha Neul, and Nam Joo Hyuk, this action-fantasy drama is directed by Kyoo Tae Kim. The plot of the show revolves around Ha Jin who travels 1000 years in the past during the Goryeo Dynasty as Hae Soo. Watch the show to witness an epic power struggle. The historical Korean drama is available on Amazon Prime Video to watch and it has an IMDb rating of 8.6 out of 10.

2. Seven Day Queen (2017)

Original title: 7 Ilui Wangbi
Running Time: 60 min
K-Drama Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Number of episodes: 20
K-Drama Star Cast: Kim Gi Cheon, Hyun Sung Jang, Dong geon Lee
Director: Lee Jung seob
Writer: Jin Young Choi
Year of release: 2016
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Starring Kim Gi Cheon, Hyun Sung Jang, along with Dong Geon Lee among other Korean stars, this show revolves around Chae Kyung who is a noblewoman. Watch this show to witness how she marries the crown prince who goes on to become king. The interesting part begins when she spends just seven days as queen before becoming the victim of a conspiracy. This historical Korean drama is available on Netflix, with an IMDb rating of 8.6 out of 10.

3. Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Original title: Miseuteo Shunshain
Running Time: 80 min
K-Drama Genre: Action, Drama, Romance
Number of episodes: 24
K-Drama Star Cast: Lee Byung hun, Kim Tae ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, Yo Han Byun
Director: Young-woo Jang, Jihyeon Jeong, Eung Bok Lee
Writer: Kim Eun Sook
Year of release: 2018
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

This 2018 drama features Korean actors like Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, and Yo Han Byun. When it comes to the plot, the show revolves around a young boy who falls for a noblewoman. The show is set in 1871. The historical Korean drama is available on Netflix to watch and has an IMDb rating of 8.7 out of 10.

4. Mirror of the Witch (2016)

Original title: Manyeo Bogam
Running Time: 80 min
K-Drama Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Number of episodes: 20
K-Drama Star Cast: Yoon Shi Yoon, Kim Sae ron, Sung Jae Lee, Yum Jung ah
Director: Hyun Tak Jo
Writer: Hyuk Moon Yang
Year of release: 2016
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Starring Yoon Shi Yoon, Kim Sae Ron, Sung Jae Lee, and Yum Jung Ah, this show revolves around a royal physician, a cursed princess, and Queen Shim. This historical Korean drama is available on Netflix with an IMDb rating of 8.7 out of 10.

5. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)

Original title: Hwarang
Running Time: 60 min
K-Drama Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Number of episodes: 20
K-Drama Star Cast: Park Seo joon, Go Ara, Park Hyung sik, Choi Min ho
Director: Yoon Sung Shik
Year of release: 2016
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8/10

Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth stars popular Korean actors Park Seo Joon, Go Ara, Park Hyung Sik, and Choi Min Ho. The epic historical drama follows an elite group of young warriors known as the Hwarang during the Kingdom of Silla. With riveting action sequences and an engaging storyline, Hwarang brings ancient Korean history to life. This binge-worthy K-drama is available to stream on Netflix, currently holding an IMDb rating of 8 out of 10.

6. The Rebel Hong Gil Dong (2017)

Original title: Yeok jeok: baek seong eul hom chin do jeok
Running Time: 60 min
K-Drama Genre: Action, Drama, History
Number of episodes: 30
K-Drama Star Cast: Kim Ye June, Sang Jung Kim, Yoon Kyun Sang, Hee seop Sim
Director: Jin man Kim
Writer: Jin Young Hwang
Year of release: 2017
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Starring Kim Ye June, Sang Jung Kim, Yoon Kyun Sang, and Hee Seop Sim, Hong Gil Dong is set during the Joseon Dynasty and follows the tale of the iconic Hong Gil Dong. This acclaimed historical K-drama brings an iconic Korean folk hero to life through stunning visuals and gripping storytelling. Now streaming on Netflix with an IMDb rating of 8.1 out of 10, Hong Gil Dong is a must-watch sageuk drama.

7. The Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015)

Original title: Bameul geotneun seonbi
K-Drama Genre: Action, Fantasy, History
Number of episodes: 20
K-Drama Star Cast: Lee Joon Gi, Lee Soo hyuk, Kim So eun, Jang Hie jin
Director: Seong Joon Lee
Writer: Jang Hyun Joo
Year of release: 2015
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

This 2015 K-drama stars Korean actors including Lee Joon Gi, Lee Soo Hyuk, Kim So Eun, as well as Jang Hie Jin. When it comes to the plot the show revolves around the alternate Joseon dynasty featuring the best of Jo Yang Sun, a nobleman’s daughter, and how she loses everything. The historical Korean drama is available on Netflix to watch and it has an IMDb rating of 7.2 out of 10.

8. The Empress Ki (2013)

Original title: Ki Hwanghoo
K-Drama Genre: Action, Drama, Romance
Number of episodes: 51
K-Drama Star Cast: Ha Ji Won, Ji Chang Wook, Choi Jung Won, Hye Rin Han
Director: Han Hee, Seong Joon Lee
Writer: David Bannon, Young Chul Jang, Kyung Soon Jung
Year of release: 2013
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

This K-drama stars Korean actors including Ha Ji Won, Ji Chang Wook, Choi Jung Won, as well as Hye Rin Han. When it comes to the plot the show revolves around a Korean warrior girl who is a servant at the Mongol Yuan court. Watch the show to witness how she changes her fate. The historical Korean drama is available on Netflix to watch and it has an IMDb rating of 8.4 out of 10.

9. The Fortress (2017)

Original title: Namhansanseong
Running Time: 2h 20m
K-Drama Genre: Action, Drama, History
Number of episodes: 18
K-Drama Star Cast: Lee Byung hun, Kim Yoon seok, Park Hae il
Director: Hwang Dong hyuk
Writer: Hwang Dong hyuk, Hoon Kim
Year of release: 2007
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

This K-drama stars Korean actors including Lee Byung-hun, Kim Yoon-seok, and Park Hae-il. The show is set in 1636 during the Qing dynasty. It revolves around historical events in Korea at that time. The historical Korean drama is available on Netflix and has an IMDb rating of 6.8 out of 10.

10. Love in the Moonlight (1996)

Original title: Gooreumi Geurin Dalbit
Running Time: 60 min
K-Drama Genre: Comedy, Drama, History
Number of episodes: 18
K-Drama Star Cast: Park Bo gum, Kim Yoo jung, Kwak Dong yeon, Chae Soo bin
Director: Sung Yoon Kim
Writer: Min Jung Kim, Im Ye Jin, Yoon Yi Soo
Year of release: 1996
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

This K-drama stars Korean actors including Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung, Kwak Dong-yeon, and Chae Soo-bin. The show revolves around an epic love story between a prince and his eunuch. The historical Korean drama is set in 1996 and is available on Netflix. It has an IMDb rating of 7.8 out of 10.

11. Jumong (2006)

Jumong (2006)

Running Time: 60 min
K-Drama Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Number of episodes: 81
K-Drama Star Cast: Il guk Song, Hye jin Han, Kim Seung su, Jun Kwang ryul
Director: Geun Hong Kim, Ju Hwan Lee
Writer: Wan Gyu Choi, Hyung Soo Jung
Year of release: 2006
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

This K-drama stars Korean actors including Song Il-guk, Han Hye-jin, Kim Seung-soo, and Jun Kwang-ryul. The show revolves around the myth of Jumong. It is set in 37 BC in the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo. The historical Korean drama is available on Amazon Prime Video and has an IMDb rating of 8.1 out of 10.

12. A Frozen Flower (2008)

A Frozen Flower (2008)

Original title: Ssang hwa jeom
Running Time: 133 min
K-Drama Genre: Drama, History, Romance
K-Drama Star Cast: Zo In sung, Ju Jin Mo, Song Ji Hyo
Director: Ha Yoo
Writer: Ha Yoo
Year of release: 2008
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Tubi TV, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

This K-drama stars Korean actors including Joo Jin-mo, Song Ji-hyo, and Jo In-sung. The show revolves around the Koryo dynasty and explores the relationship between a king and his bodyguard. It is set during the Koryo dynasty period in Korean history. The historical Korean drama is available on Tubi TV and Amazon Prime Video. It has an IMDb rating of 7.1 out of 10.

13. The Great Queen Seondeok (2009)

Original title: Seondeok yeowang
Running Time: 1h
K-Drama Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Number of episodes: 62
K-Drama Star Cast: Jeong Woong in, Kim Jung hyun, Dam Ryu, Yo won Lee
Director: Geun hong Kim, Hong Kyun Park
Writer: David Bannon, Young Hyun Kim, Sang yeon Park
Year of release: 2009
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: KOCOWA+
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

This 2009 K-drama stars Korean actors including Jeong Woong in, Kim Jung hyun, Dam Ryu, as well as Yo Won Lee. When it comes to the plot the show revolves around Queen Seondeok and how she becomes the ruler of Silla. The historical Korean drama is available on KOCOWA+ to watch and it has an IMDb rating of 8.6 out of 10.

14. Yungnyong i Nareusya (2015)

Yungnyong i Nareusya (2015)

K-Drama Genre: Action, Drama, History
Number of episodes: 50
K-Drama Star Cast: Yoo Ah in, Yo Han Byun, Myung Min Kim, Shin Se Kyung
Director: Kyung Soo Shin
Writer: Young Hyun Kim, Sang yeon Park
Year of release: 2015
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

This K-drama stars Korean actors including Yoo Ah In, Yo Han Byun, Myung Min Kim, and Shin Se Kyung among others. The main storyline of the show focuses on the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. The historical Korean drama is available on Amazon to rent and has an IMDb rating of 8.8 out of 10.

15. Guga ui Seo (2013)

Guga ui Seo (2013)

K-Drama Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Number of episodes: 24
K-Drama Star Cast: Jo Sung ha, Kim Hee won, Hye Young Jung, Sung Jae Lee
Director: Woo chul Shin
Writer: David Bannon, Eun kyung Kang
Year of release: 2013
Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon
IMDb Rating: 8/10

This K-drama stars Korean actors including Jo Sung ha, Kim Hee Won, Hye Young Jung, and Sung Jae Lee among others. The central storyline follows the half-breed Choi Kang Chi as he uncovers the mystery of his origins and how to turn completely human. The historical Korean drama is available on Amazon to rent and has an IMDb rating of 8 out of 10.

The above list of historical K-dramas is an assortment of shows that have gained massive popularity at a global level. Each show is listed along with its IMDb ratings, plot cast, creators, and more to help you make an informed decision. We highly recommend you bookmark this page for the next time you want to take a deep dive into the world of binge-worthy historical tales.