Best South Korean history series

Get ready to binge. We've found a collection of must-watch history shows from South Korea, now streaming on Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Prime Video, and other top services!

  • Poster for Gu Family Book

    Gu Family Book 2013

    Choi Kang Chi is a half-beast and half-human and was adopted by a merchant Park Mu Sol when he was a infant. Kang Chi has a kind of unusual power. Dam Yeo Wool is the daughter of Dam Pyeong Joon who is the owner of the Invisible Knife Moo Kwan and also a patriotic warrior. Kang Chi and Yeo Wool meet and fall in love with each other. However, there is hatred between their fathers. Jo Gwan Woong is a traitor. He uses his power to frame faithful and upright individuals and obtain profit for himself. His criminal plots are destroyed by Kang Chi time and again. Therefore, he is determined to kill Kang Chi through different ways. Kang Chi is troubled by his identity but stands up for justice.

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  • Poster for The Great Queen Seondeok

    The Great Queen Seondeok 2009

    The life story of Queen Seondeok, the first queen of the Korean people during the Silla Dynasty.

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  • Poster for Apartment 404

    Apartment 404 2024

    Unprecedented real incidents that took place in Korean apartments! And six residents uncovering the mysteries of the apartment! The year changes with every episode. The cast directly faces incidents that happened in each era and solves the “secret of the apartment.” Who will become the main character to uncover the hidden secret? A variety show full of fantastic chemistry and real laughter, based on real apartment incidents, a time-and-space transcending true story chase drama.

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  • Poster for Hwajung

    Hwajung 2015

    Fair Princess Jungmyung lives a life of the highest privilege, until her half-brother Prince Gwanghae executes the rightful crown prince and usurps the throne. Exiled from court, Jungmyung goes under disguise as a man and learns to adapt to life as a commoner — never forgetting Gwanghae's wrongdoing. But amidst rampant corruption throughout the kingdom, can Jyungmyung exact her vengeance, restore order and take back her rightful place in the palace?

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  • Poster for The King's Doctor

    The King's Doctor 2012

    The historical period epic was directed by Lee Byung-hoon, known for his previous works Hur Jun, Jewel in the Palace, Yi San and Dong Yi. This marked the first television drama for actor Jo Seung-woo in his 13-year film and stage career.

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  • Poster for The King's Face

    The King's Face 2014

    Since Kwanghae was born from a concubine and only appointed as Crown Prince in a desperate measure, many dissatisfied officials from Northerner faction often plotted for his assassination and dethronement for 16 years. He also often quarreled with his father, King Seonjo, especially regarding Kim Ga Hee. Both son and father will fight against each other in favor of her. However, he eventually managed to overcome the obstacles by the help of Physiognomist, Kim Do Chi and become the next king. Meanwhile, Gwiin Kim is King Seonjo’s royal concubine.

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  • Poster for The Fugitive of Joseon

    The Fugitive of Joseon 2013

    Set during the reign of King Injong, the protagonist is a royal physician desperate to cure his ailing daughter. He becomes a fugitive when he gets entangled in an assassination plot to poison the crown prince, and fights to save both his daughter's life and his own.

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  • Poster for Secret Door

    Secret Door 2014

    A re-imagining of the legendary tale of the troubled father-son relationship between King Yeongjo and his only son Prince Sado. While his father insists on a strong and centralized government, Crown Prince Sado promotes social justice and equality throughout the kingdom. Throughout eight fateful years, the strain on their relationship — both familial and political — eventually evolves into a total breakdown, ending with one of the most tragic stories in Joseon history.

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  • Poster for Bichunmoo

    Bichunmoo 2008

    This drama depicts the sacrifices four central characters make for love, vengeance and honor as each travels a road of chosen destiny.

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  • Poster for The Great Seer

    The Great Seer 2012

    The Great Seer is a 2012 South Korean historical television series, starring Ji Sung, Ji Jin-hee, Song Chang-eui, Kim So-yeon and Lee Yoon-ji. Set during the turbulent decline of Goryeo, it is about practicers of divination and the power that they hold over the fate of the country. It aired on SBS from October 10, 2012 to February 7, 2013 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 35 episodes.

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  • Poster for The Duo

    The Duo 2011

    In a story of two men switched at birth, noble-born Chun Doong lives as a slave and becomes a heroic outlaw, while beggar-born Gwi Dong lives as a nobleman and police chief; then each falls in love with the same girl, Dong Nyeo.

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  • Poster for Conspiracy in the Court

    Conspiracy in the Court 2007

    Conspiracy in the Court, is a 2007 Korean historical drama broadcast on KBS2. The mystery thriller revolves around a murder case set in Hansung, the capital of Korea during the latter years of the Joseon dynasty when the nation was experiencing a rapid influx of western influences. Featuring a band of newcomers in the leading roles, Conspiracy in the Court entails a story of four young visionary idealists and King Jeongjo, Joseon's popular 22nd monarch who fought for commoners' rights and bureaucratic reformation. Despite low ratings averaging 6.00%, it was lauded for its high standard of content and art direction.

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  • Poster for 세나라 영웅전

    세나라 영웅전 2006

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