BEST HISTORICAL KOREAN DRAMA

For some historical drama does look boring because its length and most of the time it focused on politics. With all honesty, I find historical drama more interesting, mind boggling and very informative -- imagine learning about their history without taking Korean history class! That's something you can brag with your friends!

With that in mind, I made my own list of "My Top Favorite Historical Korean Drama" As I was putting it together, I couldn’t even narrow it down without feeling I was leaving out some really good Korean dramas behind let alone rank them. T_T

Disclaimer

“These are my personal favorites, it doesn't mean that other dramas are bad. There are so many great dramas which I haven't seen.”

10. My Sassy Girl (2017)

Native title: 엽기적인 그녀 Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo

Network: SBS

Genres: Comedy, Historical, Romance

Episodes: 32

Aired: May 29, 2017 - Jul 18, 2017

Cast: Joo Won, Oh Yeon Seo, Lee Jung Shin, Kim Yoon Hye,Son Chang Min, Yoon Se Ah

Overview: A love story of a cold city scholar Gyun Woo, who's known as "Joseon’s national treasure", and the sassy princess Hye Myung in a Joseon Dynasty era.

Personal Thoughts: Though this may seem a typical dramas of the same genre, I still found it enjoyable for the most part. Romantic- comedy Sageuk with a dose of political intrigue mixed in, is what makes this drama stand out.

9. Love in the Moonlight (2016)

Native title: 구르미 그린 달빛 Moonlight Drawn by Clouds , Gooreumi Geurin Dalbit

Network: KBS2

Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Melodrama, Political

Episodes: 18

Aired: Aug 22, 2016 - Oct 18, 2016

Cast: Park Bo Gum, Kim Yoo Jung, Jung Jin Young, Kwak Dong Yeon

Overview: Hong Ra On disguises herself as a man and counsels men on dating. Due to a love letter she wrote for a client, she meets Crown Prince Hyo Myeong. Ra On is unaware that he is the Crown Prince and Hyo Myeong is unaware that Ra On is a woman. The Crown Prince becomes interested in Ra On. His eunuchs become aware of this and attempt to get Ra On to become one of them.

Personal Thoughts: I honestly tried to start this drama on numerous occasions but could not get past episode 1. I heard about the hype and read all about the reviews, and yet initially the characters aside from Bo Gum, seemed overacted and the story came across boring. However, on my nth attempt, I am proud to say that I was proven wrong. I'm not a fan of gender bender story, but what makes this drama stand out? -- the cinematography and the soundtrack. As for the characters, I felt that some of them were not completely necessary. I will say that I am very partial towards Park Bo Gum and he now holds a place in my list of favorite K-drama actors. While the story-line is a bit more new age than the typical historical drama but as you watch it you'll find yourself in deep spell with the chemistry between BoGum and Yoo Jung. ^^

8. Night Watchman's Journal (2014)

Native title: 야경꾼일지 The Night Watchman, Records of the Night Watchman, Chronicle of the Night Watchman, Journal of the Night Watchman, Annals of the Night Watchman

Network: MBC

Genres: Action, Historical, Romance, Supernatural

Episodes: 24

Aired: Aug 4, 2014 - Oct 21, 2014

Cast: Jung Il Woo, Go Sung Hee, U-Know Yun Ho, Seo Ye Ji

Overview: During the Joseon dynasty, Lee Rin, a prince who lives a lonely life outside the palace since childhood, even though he is born in the direct line of descent. Lee Rin has wealth and good looks but lives as a rebel to overcome internal struggles. Due to the fact that he can see ghosts, Lee Rin hides his secret and pain from childhood with a smiling face and playful behavior. After meeting Do Ha, Lee Rin joins the team of night watchman and becomes a true prince after seeing the lives of the citizens as he helps get rid of the ghosts. The night watchman is crime prevention squad that used to patrol the streets from 9 to 5 at night to catch ghosts.

Personal Thoughts: I read in some reviews that he's rooting for the "bad guy". At least now I know that I'm not weird for having the same thoughts. Lol! I couldn't help it Kim Sung Oh was the best actor in the entire drama, and I'm such a fan. Have you ever seen an actor who can play nearly every type of role given to them? Kim Sung Oh is that type of actor. The pace was slow but not so slow that it became boring. It was never repetitive or dull. And I'm a sucker for happy ending -- so if you're someone like me, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to see a really well written drama that takes its' time to create an excellent story.

7. The Emperor: Owner of the Mask (2017)

Native title: 군주 - 가면의 주인 Ruler – Master of the Mask , Monarch , Goonjoo-Gamyunui Jooin

Network: MBC

Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Melodrama, Political

Episodes: 40

Aired: May 10, 2017 - Jul 13, 2017

Cast: Yoo Seung Ho, Kim So Hyun, L, Yoon So Hee

Overview: In the 1700's, Crown Prince Lee Sun fights against Pyunsoo hwe, an organization that has accumulated power and wealth through privatizing water all over Joseon. He becomes a hope for the people who suffer. Ga-Eun is the woman Crown Prince Lee Sun loves and she helps him grow as a ruler.

Personal Thoughts: Usually, period dramas are a bit boring, especially when they exceed to 16 episodes. However, this one, kept the interest high till the end. Sure, the mystery wasn't that good, as it was easy to figure out. But, the whole bad political plot was entertaining, with lots of action scenes and very realistic costumes and settings. I saw a lot of negative comments about this show but I think this deserves more praises, the writer made a dynamic characters for this story. Everyone showed various emotions, had both weak and strong side and made me pay attention and root for them -- it's a combination of well written characters and great actors. And what I love about this story is that you can tell from the start that this is not a low budget drama. From the setting, properties, cinematography and everything about this drama was beautifully made, including the soundtrack. So, should I recommend this drama? Definitely! :)

6. Arang and the Magistrate (2012)

Native title: 아랑사또전 Arangsattojeon

Network: MBC

Genres: Suspense, Historical, Mystery, Comedy, Romance, Supernatural

Episodes: 20

Aired: Aug 15, 2012 - Oct 18, 2012

Cast: Lee Joon Gi, Shin Min Ah, Yeon Woo Jin, Kwon Oh Jung

Overview: Arang and the Magistrate tells the story of a cynical and not so friendly government official named Eun Oh who wanders the whole nation to look for his mother who disappeared because of his mistake. Eun Oh has the ability of seeing ghosts, so he's used to be bothered by many kind of ghosts. As a result he isn’t afraid of ghosts anymore.Then Eun On meets a virgin ghost named Arang. Before she became a ghost, Arang was a beautiful girl who was murdered. Arang asks Eun Oh to seek vengeance for her death and Eun Oh tries to appease her request.

Personal Thoughts: This drama stocked in my head for weeks... Literally weeks! I can't get enough of it, of course -- I'm a huge Lee Joon Gi fan! ^^ To describe his performance in one word I'd say he's FABULOUS. He played not one but several roles with such panache that the female viewer could only be glued to their TV or PC screens and pin him in their hearts. The chemistry between Joon Gi and Min Ah are undeniable. Nothing seemed rushed and everything just fell into place. I was hooked from the first episode, the ghost story wasn't the typical "rescue me princess" If you are planning to watch historical drama I highly recommend this to anyone who's interested in watching a show that serves a dish with every ingredient added right, albeit one that cooks a little slowly. But is worth the patience.

5. Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015)

Native title: 밤을 걷는 선비 The Scholar Walking at Night , Bameul Geotneun Sunbi

Network: MBC

Genres: Historical, Mystery, Vampire, Romance, Drama, Melodrama

Episodes: 20

Aired: Jul 8, 2015 - Sep 10, 2015

Cast: Lee Joon Gi, Lee Yoo Bi, Shim Chang Min, Lee Soo Hyuk, Kim So Eun

Overview: Jo Yang Sun is the daughter of a nobleman whose family loses everything when her father is framed for treason. To make ends meet, Yang Sun begins cross-dressing as a male bookseller, and meets the handsome and mysterious scholar Kim Sung Yeol, who works at the Hongmungwan. Sung Yeol is a vampire, and he continues to be haunted by the long-ago death of his first love Lee Myung Hee, especially when he meets Myung Hee's present-day look-alike Choi Hye Ryung, an aloof nobleman's daughter. Meanwhile, the evil vampire Gwi resides in the royal palace and uses his powers and political machinations to prevent the Crown Prince from ascending the throne. ~~ Based on a hit manhwa by Jo Joo Hee and Han Seung Hee.

Personal Thoughts: Lee Joon Gi was outstanding as usual. He played his character the way I wanted him to - at its finest and doing his best during every minute of the episodes. (Sorry, I couldn't say anything bad about my Joon Gi and I would watch anything he's in ^^) another actor that you should look out in this drama was Lee Soo-hyuk -- his facial reaction, height and his voice are something worth watching *Promise* he portrayed the dark Gwi role brilliantly and with too much sexiness. Over all, this is an exciting, creative, dark and at the same time beautiful, magical and unique creation that you shouldn't miss.

4. Gu Family Book (2013)

Native title: 구가의서 Guga Uiseo , Gugaeuiseo , Ancient Medical Book , The Writings of Nine Houses , Book of the House of Gu , Guga Medical Book

Network: MBC

Genres: Historical, Romance, Martial Arts, Fantasy

Episodes: 24

Aired: Apr 8, 2013 - Jun 25, 2013

Cast: Lee Seung Gi, Suzy, Yoo Yeon Seok

Overview: Choi Kang Chi, born as a half-human-half-mythical-creature, goes through struggles in order to live more like a human than anyone else despite not being able to become human. He is the son of Gu Wol Ryung, the guardian spirit of Jiri Mountain, and Yoon Seo Hwa, an ordinary human. Choi Kang Chi later was raised by adopted family. He grows up as an outspoken character who's full of curiosity and one day,he realizes that he's a half-human-half-beast through a certain incident and starts living his second life. While going through the struggles, he met Dam Yeo Wool who is a master of martial arts and archery at a young age and then, they both fall in love with each other.

Personal Thoughts: Another drama that is so dear to me ^^ I'd be honest I started this because of Lee Seung Gi -- he was such an amazing actor here. While he was crying, I was crying along with him but before I knew it I was gushing over Wol Ryung's cuteness and crying over his sad demise :( The beginning love story between Gu Wol Ryung, the guardian god of the Jiri Mountain and Seo Hwa was something that made me hook into it. This is a perfect example of a roller coaster ride of emotion, the whole story is full of betrayals and tumbling events that makes you want to dive into the screen and punch somebody -- haha! I personally love everything about this drama, although I cannot explain how much pain I felt about the sad ending of this story :(

3. Faith (2012)

Native title: 신의 The Great Doctor , Shinui

Network: SBS

Genres: Action, Historical, Romance, Drama, Medical, Fantasy

Episodes: 24

Aired: Aug 13, 2012 - Oct 30, 2012

Cast: Lee Min Ho, Kim Hee Sun, Ryu Deok Hwan, Park Se Young

Overview: A 21st-century plastic surgeon Eun Soo gets kidnapped and brought 700 years in the past for her healing powers. Goryeo era bodyguard to the king General Choi Yeong is smart but a little naive, he almost never smiles. He faces conflicts with the female doctor Eun Soo, but soon feels attracted to her.

Personal Thoughts: This was one of my first time travel drama and since then I have this huge fantasy of going back in time and meet a handsome warrior like Lee Min Ho in this story. :p The chemistry between Choi Young and Eun Soo is one of the best I've seen so far. The fight scenes was to die for, faith really kept me glued on the screen, the first ever drama to did that to me. The story has a lot of twists and turns, it is hard to tell if Eun Soo actually came from the past, present or future. I absolutely recommend this!

2. Hwarang (2016)

Native title: 화랑 Flowering Knights , Flower Knights: The Beginning ,The Beautiful Knights , Hwarang: The Beginning, Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth

Network: KBS2

Genres: Friendship, Historical, Comedy, Romance, Youth

Episodes: 20

Aired: Dec 19, 2016 - Feb 21, 2017

Cast: Park Seo Joon, Go Ah Ra, Park Hyung Shik

Overview: History is often made on the backs of truly passionate, talented young people. During the Kingdom of Silla, a group of elite youth known as Hwarang (literally "Flowering Knights") would wield great influence. These dashing, talented knights – Moo Myung, Sam Maek Jong, Soo Ho, Ban Ryu, Yeo Wool, Han Sung, and maiden Ah Ro – could outsmart and outfight anyone as they pushed for justice in Seorabeol, the capital city. One of them would become King Jin Heung of Silla and change the course of history.

Personal Thoughts: If you are into eye-candy, history, dynamic rock and roll characters go for it! I could list down all the reason why I love this seguk but I guess everyone will agree that this is one of those drama that's got BROMANCE overload, HOT GUYS, and KISSES -- its just everywhere in this drama! ;p and not to mention that outstanding act of Seo Joon where he claimed as the king of Silla to saved his love one *heartuuu** Also the OST in this drama, have you ever watched a korean drama where all of the cast are idols? I memorized all their OST by heart - I love "Even If I Die, It's You" by V & Jin of BTS, "I'll Be Here" by Park Hyung Shik, "Becoming Each Other's Tears (Sun Woo Ver.)" by Park Seo Joon. Listening back to all hwarang's OST made me miss the moments and scenes that I've enjoyed. I watched this drama several times and still found myself hook with these beautiful men.

1. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Native title: 달의 연인 - 보보경심 려 Moon Lovers , Time Slip: Ryeo , Daleui Yeonin - bobogyeongsim Ryeo , Moon Lovers – Scarlet Heart: Ryeo , Scarlet Heart: Goryeo , Scarlet Heart: Ryeo

Network: SBS

Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Tragedy, Political

Episodes: 20

Aired: Aug 29, 2016 - Nov 1, 2016

Cast: Lee Joon Gi, IU, Kang Ha Neul, Hong Jong Hyun

Overview: The story set up in the early of Goryeo regime. Hae Soo, a 25-year-old girl from modern era got transported back to Goryeo dynasty and got trapped in the conflicts and struggles between princes of Wang’s House. There, she falls in love with Wang So, who makes other people tremble with fear. ~~ Based on Chinese novel “Bu Bu Jing Xin” by Tong Hua.

Personal Thoughts: Now I didn't rate this as my number 1 because of Lee Joon Gi alone, I think most of all Kdrama fan would agree that this is by far the BEST historical drama of all time. I swear I was bawling my eyes out like a little baby. And I did mention earlier that I'm a sucker for happy ending, so as much as I love this drama, this also gave me the biggest heartache -- I'm the type of person that needs closure so I'd say this drama kept me hanging and still hoping for season 2 ;( *jebal* My emotions are all over the place and been feeling this way since 2016 I couldn't believe how much it hurt me. And just like how I love all Hwarang's OST, I'd say the soundtrack in this drama was great too. "My Love" by Lee Hi is now one of my favorite song. So, am I going to recommend this? Hell, YESSSS! Despite the heartache I felt, despite all the tears I shed I love this drama so much.

“How did you like my list? Do you have any Kdrama that you want to add here? Let me know in the comment section and would love to review them.”

There goes my favorite historical Sageuk dramas, please take note that this lists are based on my own point of view so you might agree or disagree at some point. There are so many great Sageuk drama that I have yet to watch I just hope I could find time to watch them all.