Time-Travel to Joseon: Best Joseon-Era Korean Dramas

Best Korean Joseon dramas

Korean dramas set in the Joseon Dynasty have been gaining increasing popularity over the years. With the growing interest in Korean culture around the world, many foreigners have developed a fascination for Korean dramas set in the Joseon Dynasty. In this post, I'll be introducing the best Korean Joseon dramas that you should definitely watch if you want to learn more about traditional Korean culture.

What was the Joseon Dynasty?

The Joseon Dynasty was the last dynasty of Korea, which lasted for over 500 years from 1392 to 1910. The Joseon Dynasty was founded by Yi Seong-gye, who overthrew the Goryeo Dynasty and established his capital in Hanyang (modern-day Seoul). The Joseon Dynasty lasted for a long time, so the social systems and culture of the time still influence the Korean people.The Joseon Dynasty was characterized by a centralized state, strict social hierarchy, and Confucian ideas. 

One of the main reasons why historical dramas set in the Joseon Dynasty are so popular is because of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of this era. From the elegant court customs and the intricate traditional clothing to the fascinating martial arts and detailed historical records , there's something for everyone in Korean Joseon dramas. Moreover, the political intrigues, the royal scandals, and the passionate love stories that are often portrayed in these dramas make them even more captivating and thrilling.

Top 5 Joseon-Era Korean Dramas

Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum, 2003)

"Jewel in the Palace," also known as "Dae Jang Geum," is a classic historical drama that remains one of the most popular Korean dramas of all time. The series is set in the 15th century and follows the life of Jang Geum, a young girl who rises through the ranks of the royal court to become the first female physician of the king. Along the way, she faces numerous challenges and obstacles, including jealousy and political intrigue. 

The historical record of the main character, Jang Geum, is only a single line. But the drama delicately depicts the food and fashion of the Joseon Dynasty. The drama is known for its stunning cinematography and elaborate costumes, the performances of the cast are also exceptional, with Lee Young Ae delivering a memorable performance as Jang Geum. The drama was a huge success, ranking 10th on South Korea's all-time ratings list. 

Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)

"Sungkyunkwan Scandal" is a delightful historical drama that combines romance, comedy, and politics. The series is set in the 18th century and follows the story of Kim Yoon Hee, a clever and resourceful young woman who disguises herself as a man to attend Sungkyunkwan, the Joseon Dynasty's most prestigious educational institution. There, she meets the arrogant Lee Sun Joon, the dashing Moon Jae Shin, and the mischievous Gu Yong Ha.

As Yoon Hee navigates the challenges of studying at Sungkyunkwan while keeping her identity a secret, she also becomes embroiled in a political conspiracy that threatens the stability of the kingdom. The drama features exceptional performances from the cast, particularly Park Min Young as Yoon Hee and Park Yoo Chun as Lee Sun Joon. The drama was a huge hit in Japan as well as Korea, and the four lead actors all became rising stars through the show. 

The Princess's Man (2011)

"The Princess's Man"  is often referred to as the Korean version of Romeo and Juliet, as it tells the story of star-crossed lovers from opposing sides of a political conflict. Kim Seung-yoo is the son of a nobleman who was executed for opposing the king, while Lee Se-ryung is the daughter of the king who was responsible for Seung-yoo's father's execution. Despite the danger it poses to their lives, Seung-yoo and Se-ryung fall deeply in love and must navigate the dangerous political climate and the machinations of their families to protect their love and their lives.

Although the drama is a fusion historical drama based on folk tales, the portrayal of the characters has been praised for being more true to life than an authentic historical drama.  The drama is known for its beautiful cinematography and emotional performances. Moon Chae Won delivers a standout performance as Se-ryung, while Park Shi Hoo brings depth and complexity to his portrayal of Seung-yoo. 

The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)

"The Moon Embracing the Sun" is a historical fantasy drama that tells the story of a love between a king and a female shaman during the Joseon Dynasty. The drama stars Kim Soo-hyun as Lee Hwon, the crown prince who later becomes king, and Han Ga-in as Wol, a shaman who becomes a member of the royal court.

The story begins when Lee Hwon falls in love with Yeon-woo, who he meets as a young girl. However, their relationship is cut short when Yeon-woo is believed to have died in a mysterious accident. Years later, Lee Hwon becomes king and meets Wol, a shaman who looks exactly like Yeon-woo, the two fall in love again. 

"The Moon Embracing the Sun" was especially beloved by the child actors who appeared until episode. The drama also features elements of fantasy and supernatural, which adds to its allure. If you're looking for a romance with a touch of mysticism, this drama is definitely worth watching.

Six Flying Dragons (2015)

“Six Flying Dragons” is epic historical drama set in the late Goryeo Dynasty. This drama chronicles the rise of six key figures who contributed to the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty, including Lee Bang-won (played by Yoo Ah-in), the fifth son of King Taejo, who later becomes King Taejong. The drama shows the political and social turmoil of the Joseon Dynasty as it transitioned from the Goryeo Dynasty.

In fact, this period is one of the staples of Korean historical dramas. But “Six Flying Dragons” combines historical and fictional characters, staying true to the historical facts but not losing sight of the dramatic imagination, which sets it apart from previous dramas. The show is known for its complex and well-developed characters, intricate plot, and stunning cinematography. It also features powerful performances from its talented cast, including Yoo Ah-in, Kim Myung-min, Shin Se-kyung, Byun Yo-han, and Yoon Kyun-sang.

In this post, I've explored the top 5 Joseon-era Korean dramas that are must-watch for any fan of the genre. From the epic historical drama of "Jewel in the Palace" to the political intrigue of "Six Flying Dragons" and the romance of "Moon Embracing the Sun," each of these dramas offers a unique and compelling storyline.

But these five dramas are just the beginning. There are countless other Joseon-era Korean dramas that are worth checking out, each offering its own unique take on life during this fascinating period of Korean history.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Korean dramas or you're just getting started, I hope this post has given you some great ideas for your next binge-watch session. So immerse yourself in the world of the best Korean Joseon dramas.