1. Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace): This drama chronicles the life of Jang Geum, the first female royal physician of the Joseon Dynasty. It’s a tale of perseverance, resilience, and the human spirit.
2. Moon Embracing the Sun: A poignant love story between a fictional king and a female shaman. It blends romance, politics, and elements of traditional shamanistic beliefs.
3. Six Flying Dragons: This drama depicts the lives of six people who were involved in the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty. It masterfully combines political intrigue, action, and character-driven narratives.
4. Kingdom: A unique blend of historical drama and zombies, “Kingdom” is set in the Joseon period and delves into a mysterious epidemic that turns people into zombies.
5. Hwarang: Focusing on the Hwarang warriors of the Silla dynasty, this drama combines romance, bromance, and political intrigue.
6. Sungkyunkwan Scandal: A gender-bender drama set during the Joseon Dynasty, where a woman disguises herself as a man to attend the prestigious Sungkyunkwan academy. It’s a mix of romance, comedy, and social issues of the time.
7. Empress Ki: Telling the story of a Goryeo-born woman who becomes a powerful empress of the Yuan Dynasty, this drama offers an epic tale of love, power, and betrayal.
8. The Crowned Clown: In order to escape from those seeking to assassinate him, a king brings in a clown who looks identical to him. This drama delves into court politics, conspiracies, and a unique love story.
9. Queen for Seven Days: A tragic love story based on the real historical figures, King Yeok and Queen Chinsung, who were king and queen of the Joseon Dynasty for just seven days.
10. Chuno (The Slave Hunters): Set in the early Joseon dynasty, the story revolves around three characters: a noble but fallen Joseon warrior, a slave hunter, and a runaway slave. It’s a gripping narrative with intense action sequences and emotional depth.
Kdrama Recommendations 