Inspired by Curio’s amazing list and this topic on MyDramaList.com’s forum, this is for my own reference as well as a way to keep track of the historical dramas, which are getting more recognition and gaining popularity on big and small screens alike. Maybe I can challenge myself to watch as many sageuk dramas and movies too?
I’ve also added those featuring the period after Korean Empire, including creative works of Korea under colonial period, Korean War, and military rule, because my interest is growing on the history of that era. This page will be updated from time to time π
(Last Update: 11/11/2020)
—
Prehistoric
Fictional Prehistoric : μμ€λ¬ μ°λκΈ° – Arthdal Chronicles (tvn, 2019);
Gojoseon
Proto-Three Kingdoms
Three Kingdoms (Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje, Gaya)
| Year | Ruler | Drama/Movie |
| 37 BC~ | Jumong (Goguryeo) | μ£Όλͺ½ – Jumong (MBC, 2006) |
| 4-18 AD | Yuri, Daemusin (Goguryeo) | λ°λμ λλΌ – Kingdom of the Wind (KBS2, 2008) |
| 18-44 | Daemusin (Goguryeo) | μλͺ κ³ – Princess Ja Myung Go (SBS, 2009) β€ |
| Early 1st c. | Kim Suro (Gaya) | κΉμλ‘ – Kim Su Ro (MBC, 2010) |
| 341-375 | Gogugwon (Goguryeo), Geunchogo (Baekje) | κ·Όμ΄κ³ μ – King Geunchogo (KBS1, 2010) |
| Late 4th c. | Gogugyang (Goguryeo) | νμμ¬μ κΈ° – The Legend (MBC, 2007) |
| Late 4th c. | Gogugyang (Goguryeo) | κ΄κ°ν λμ – King Gwanggaeto the Great (KBS1, 2011) |
| 501-523 | Dongseong, Muryeong, Seong (Baekje) | μ μμ λΈ, μλ°±ν₯ – King Daughter, Soo Baek Hyang (MBC, 2013) β€ |
| 551~ | Jinheung (Silla) | νλ – Hwarang: the Poet Warrior Youth (KBS2, 2016) |
| Late 6th c. | Wideok, Hye, Beop (Baekje) | μλμ – Ballad of Suh Dong/ Seodongyo (SBS, 2005) |
| Late 6th c. | Jinpyeong (Silla) | μ λμ¬μ – Queen Seondeok (MBC, 2009) |
| Late 6th c. | Pyeongwon (Goguryeo) | λ§μ΄ μ¨λ¦¬ λ¬λΈμ‘ – My Only Love Song (Netflix, 2017) β€ |
| 7th c. | Uija (Baekje),Yeongnyu (Goguryeo), Taejong Muyeol (Silla) | μΌκ΅κΈ° – Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms (1992, KBS1) |
| 598-666 | Yeongyang, Yeongnyu, Bojang (Goguryeo) | μ°κ°μλ¬Έ – Yeongaesomun (SBS, 2006) |
| Early 7th c. | Yeongnyu, Bojang (Goguryeo) | μΉΌκ³Ό κ½ – Sword and Flower (KBS2, 2013) |
| 7th c. | Mu, Uija (Baekje) | κ³λ°± – Gyebaek (MBC, 2011) |
| 7th c. | Jinji – Taejong Muyeol (Silla) | λμμ κΏ – The Great King’s Dream (KBS, 2012) |
| 645 | Bojang (Goguryeo) | μμμ± – Ansi Fortress/The Great Battle (2018) |
| 660 | Bojang (Goguryeo), Uija (Baekje), Taejong Muyeol (Silla) | ν©μ°λ² – Hwangsanbeol/ Once Upon a Time in a Battlefield (2003) |
| 668 | Bojang (Goguryeo), Uija (Baekje), Munmu (Silla) | νμμ± – Pyeongyang Fortress/ Battlefield Heroes (2011) |
Fictional Goguryeo: λλΌλ§ νν곡주 체μ€κ°λμ¬* – Princess Hwapyung’s Weight Loss (KBS2, 2010);
North and South States (Balhae & Unified Silla)
| Year | Ruler | Drama/Movie |
| 645-719 | Dae Jo Young (Balhae) | λμ‘°μ – Dae Jo Young (KBS1, 2006) |
| Late 8th c. | Heungdeok (Unified Silla) | ν΄μ – God of the Sea (KBS2, 2004) |
Later Three Kingdoms & Goryeo
| Year | Ruler | Drama/Movie |
| 870-936 | Gyeon Hwon (Later Baekje),Gung-ye (Taebong), Taejo (Goryeo) | νμ‘° μ건 – Emperor Wang Geon (KBS1, 2000) |
| 941-969 | Taejo, Hyejong, Jeongjong, Gwangjong (Goryeo) | λ¬μ μ°μΈ – 보보경μ¬: λ € – Moon Lovers/ Scarlet Heart: Ryeo (SBS, 2016) β€ |
| 943-949 | Taejo – Gwangjong (Goryeo) | λΉλκ±°λ λ―ΈμΉκ±°λ – Shine or Go Crazy (MBC, 2015) |
| 943-975 | Hyejong, Jeongjong, Gwangjong (Goryeo) | μ κ΅μ μμΉ¨ – Dawn of the Empire (KBS1, 2002) |
| 955-1031 | Gwangjong – Hyeonjong (Goryeo) | μΆμΆνν – Empress Chunchu (KBS2, 2009) |
| 1170-1219 | Uijong – Huijong (Goryeo) | 무μΈμλ – Age of Warriors (KBS1, 2003) |
| 1215-1268 | Gojong (Goryeo) | λ¬΄μ – God of War (MBC, 2012) |
| 1290s | Chungryeol – Chungseon (Goryeo) | μμ μ¬λνλ€ – The King Loves (MBC, 2017) |
| 1320-1370 | Chungsuk – Gongmin (Goryeo) | κΈ°ν©ν – Empress Ki (MBC, 2013) β€ |
| 1348-1374 | Gongmin (Goryeo) | μ λ – Shin Don (MBC, 2005) |
| 1375 | Gongmin (Goryeo) | λ¬΄μ¬ – Musa/ The Warrior (2001) |
| 1351-1379 | Gongmin (Goryeo) | μ μ – Faith (SBS, 2012) β€ |
| 1351~ | Gongmin (Goryeo) | μνμ – A Frozen Flower (2008) |
| 1351-1392 | Gongmin (Goryeo) – Taejo (Joseon) | κ°κ΅ – Foundation of Joseon Dynasty (KBS, 1983) |
| 1351-1392 | Gongmin (Goryeo) – Taejo (Joseon) | λνμ – The Great Seer (SBS, 2012) |
| 1374-1398 | Gongmin (Goryeo) – Taejong (Joseon) | μ λμ – Jeong Do Jeon (KBS1, 2014) |
| 1375-1410 | U (Goryeo) – Taejong (Joseon) | μ‘λ£‘μ΄ λλ₯΄μ€ – Six Flying Dragons (SBS, 2015-2016) β€ |
| 1388 | Chang (Goryeo) | λμ λλΌ – My Country (JTBC, 2019) |
Fictional Goryeo: νλ , μΉΌμ κΈ°μ΅ – Memories of the Sword (2015);
Joseon & Korean Empire
| Year | Ruler | Drama/Movie |
| 1388-1422 | Chang (Goryeo) – Sejong | μ©μ λλ¬Ό – Tears of the Dragon (KBS1, 1996) |
| 1392 | Taejo | ν΄μ – Pirates (2014) |
| 1392-1910 | Taejo – Sunjong | μ‘°μ μμ‘° μ€λ°±λ – 500 Years of Joseon Dynasty (MBC, 1983) |
| 1398 | Taejo | μμμ μλ – Age of Innocence/ Empire of Lust (2015) |
| 1400 | Taejong | νλ λ€ – Maids (jtbc, 2015) |
| 1400~ | Taejong, Sejong | μ₯μμ€ – Jang Yeong Sil (KBS1, 2016) |
| 1409-1446 | Taejong, Sejong | λμμΈμ’ – The Great King Sejong (KBS1, 2008) |
| 1409-1446 | Taejong, Sejong | λΏλ¦¬κΉμ λ무 – Tree With Deep Roots (SBS, 2011) β€ |
| 1418 | Taejong, Sejong | λλ μμ΄λ‘μμ΄λ€ – I am the King (2012) |
| 1418-1446 | Sejong | μ κΈ°μ – The Divine Weapon (2008) |
| 1443-1446 | Sejong | λλλ§μΈλ―Έ – The King’s Letters (2019) |
| 1450-1506 | Munjong – Yeonsangun | νλͺ ν – Han Myung Hoe (KBS2, 1994) |
| 1452-1457 | Danjong, Sejo | νμ²λ¬΄ – Pacheonmu (KBS2, 1990) |
| 1452-1468 | Munjong, Danjong, Sejo | 곡주μ λ¨μ – Princess’ Man (KBS2, 2011) β€ |
| 1452-1468 | Munjong, Danjong, Sejo | κ΄μ – The Face Reader (2013) β€ |
| 1452-1506 | Danjong – Yeonsangun | μκ³Ό λΉ – King and Queen (KBS1, 1998) |
| 1452-1506 | Danjong – Yeonsangun | μΈμλλΉ – Queen Insu (jtbc, 2011) |
| 1452-1506 | Danjong – Yeonsangun | μκ³Ό λ – The King and I (SBS, 2007) |
| 1462 | Sejo | κ΄λλ€: νλ¬Έμ‘°μλ¨ – Jesters: The Game Changers (2019) |
| 1469 | Yejong | μκΈλμ μ¬κ±΄μ첩 – The King’s Case Notes (2017) |
| 1469~ | Seongjong | λΆμ¨* – Unrest/Rebellious (MBC, 2013) |
| 1476-1506 | Seongjong, Yeonsangun | μ₯λ Ήμ – Jang Nok Su (KBS2, 1995) |
| 1482-1545 | Seongjong, Yeonsangun, Jungjong | λμ₯κΈ – Dae Jang Geum (MBC, 2003) |
| 1482- 1506 | Seongjong, Yeonsangun | μμ : λ°±μ±μ νμΉ λμ – /Traitor: The Thief Who Stole for the People /Rebel Hong Gil Dong (MBC, 2017) |
| 1499-1506 | Yeonsangun, Jungjong | 7μΌμ μλΉ – Seven Day Queen/ Queen of Seven Days (KBS2, 2017) |
| 1504-1506 | Yeonsangun | μμλ¨μ – The King and the Clown (2005) β€ |
| 1504-1506 | Yeonsangun | κ°μ – The Treacherous (2015) |
| 1506 | Jungjong | μ μ°μΉ – Jeon Woo-chi: The Taoist Wizard (2009) β€ |
| 1506-1544 | Jungjong | ν©μ§μ΄ – Hwang Jin Yi (KBS2, 2006) β€ |
| 1506-1544 | Jungjong | ν©μ§μ΄ – Hwang Jini (2007) |
| 1506-1565 | Jungjong, Injong, Myungjong | μ¬μΈμ²ν – Women of the Palace (SBS, 2001) |
| 1522-1562 | Jungjong, Injong, Myungjong | μ κΊ½μ – Im Kkeok Jeong (SBS, 1996) |
| 1522-1551 | Jungjong, Injong, Myungjong | μ¬μλΉ, λΉμ μΌκΈ° – Saimdang, Light’s Diary (SBS, 2017) |
| 1527 | Jungjong | λ¬Όκ΄΄ – Monstrum (2018) |
| 1540-1565 | Jungjong | μ₯μ€ν – Okjunghwa/The Flower in Prison (MBC, 2016) |
| 1544 | Jungjong, Injong | μ²λͺ – Mandate of Heaven (KBS2, 2013) β€ |
| 1550~ | Myungjong | λ§λ λ³΄κ° – Mirror of the Witch/Witch Exemplar (jtbc, 2016) β€ |
| 1554-1598 | Myungjong, Seonjo | λΆλ©Έμ μ΄μμ – The Immortal Yi Sun-shin (KBS1, 2004) |
| 1559-1615 | Myungjong, Seonjo, Gwanghaegun | νμ€ – Heo Joon (MBC, 1999) |
| 1559-1615 | Myungjong, Seonjo, Gwanghaegun | ꡬμνμ€ – Gu Am Heo Joon (MBC, 2013) |
| 1562~ | Myungjong | μ‘°μ μμ‘΄κΈ° – Joseon Survival (TV Chosun, 2019) |
| 1569-1618 | Seonjo, Gwanghaegun | μ²λ₯μ리 – Roll of Thunder (KBS2, 2000) |
| 1570-1598 | Seonjo | ꡬκ°μ μ – Gu Family Book (MBC, 2013) |
| 1572 | Seonjo | μ²κ΅° – Heaven’s Soldiers (2005) |
| 1575-1608 | Seonjo | λΆμ μ¬μ , μ μ΄ – Goddess of Fire, Jung-yi (MBC, 2013) |
| 1583-1623 | Seonjo, Gwanghaegun | μκΆ – Western Palace (KBS2, 1995) |
| 1589-1608 | Seonjo, Gwanghaegun | μμ μΌκ΅΄ – King’s Face (KBS2, 2014) |
| 1590s | Seonjo | ꡬλ¦μ λ²μ΄λ λ¬μ²λΌ – Like the Moon Escaping from the Clouds/Blades of Blood (2010) |
| 1591-1623 | Seonjo, Gwanghaegun | μμ μ¬μ – King’s Woman (SBS, 2003) |
| 1592 | Seonjo | μμ§μλ 1592 – Imjin War 1592 (KBS1, 2016) |
| 1592 | Seonjo | λ립ꡰ – Warriors of the Dawn (2017) β€ |
| 1592 | Seonjo | λͺ λΆνμ – Live Up to Your Name, Dr Heo (tvn,2017) β€ |
| 1592-1607 | Seonjo | μ§λΉλ‘ – Jingbirok/Book of Corrections/Memoir of Imjin War (KBS1, 2015) |
| 1597 | Seonjo | λͺ λ – Myeongnang/ The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014) |
| 1598 | Seonjo | νΈλ₯Έ λ°λ€μ μ μ€ – The Legend of the Blue Sea (SBS, 2016) β€ |
| 1600s | Seonjo | μ²νλͺ μ – Sword in the Moon (2003) |
| 1608-1645 | Seonjo – Hyojong | νμ – Hwajung/ Splendid Politics (MBC, 2015) |
| 1613 | Gwanghaegun | κ°μμΉ μ΄μ * – The Tale of the Bookworm (KBS2, 2014) β€ |
| 1615-1623 | Gwanghaegun | μ‘°μ λ‘μ½ – λ Ήλμ – The Tale of Nokdu (KBS2, 2019) β€ |
| 1616 | Gwanghaegun | κ΄ν΄, μμ΄ λ λ¨μ – Masquerade/ Gwanghae: the Man Who Became King (2012) β€ |
| 1619 | Gwanghaegun | νν¬ – The Showdown (2011) |
| 1623 | Gwanghaegun, Injo | κ²κ° – The Swordsman (2020) |
| 1623-1649 | Injo | μΌμ§λ§€ – Iljimae (MBC, 1993) |
| 1623-1649 | Injo | μΌμ§λ§€ – Iljimae (SBS, 2008) |
| 1623-1649 | Injo | λμμ¨ μΌμ§λ§€ – Return of Iljimae (MBC, 2009) |
| 1623-1649 | Injo | νλλλλ€ – Tamra the Island (MBC, 2009) |
| 1623-1649 | Injo | λͺ κ° – The Reputable Family (KBS1, 2010) |
| 1636 | Injo | μΌμ΄μ¬ – Three Musketeers (tvn, 2014) β€ |
| 1636 | Injo | λ¨νμ°μ± – The Fortress/ Namhan Fortress (2017) |
| 1636-1637 | Injo | μ΅μ’ λ³κΈ° ν – War of the Arrows (2011) β€ |
| 1637 | Injo | λ§κ·* – The Devil Rider (KBS2, 2013) |
| 1637-1649 | Injo | κΆμ€μνΉμ¬ β κ½λ€μ μ – Cruel Palace: War of the Flowers (jtbc, 2013) |
| 1637~ | Injo | μ΅κ°μΉ μ° – Strongest Chil Woo (KBS2, 2008) |
| 1641 | Injo | νν₯-μ₯λΆλμ΄* – Return Home (KBS2, 2012) |
| 1645~ | Injo | μΆλ Έ – Chuno/ The Slave Hunter (KBS2, 2010) |
| 1649 | Hyojong | λ΄μ΄ κΉμ λ¬ – Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River (2016) |
| 1649~ | Hyojong | λλͺ – Great Vocation (KBS1, 1981) |
| 1659~ | Hyeonjong | λ§μ – Horse Doctor (MBC, 2012) |
| 1670-1701 | Hyeonjong, Sukjong | μ₯ν¬λΉ – Jang Hee Bin (SBS, 1995) |
| 1680~ | Sukjong | κΆλ – Shadows in the Palace (2007) |
| 1674-1701 | Sukjong | μ₯μ₯μ , μ¬λμ μ΄λ€ -Jang Ok Jung, Live In Love (SBS, 2013) |
| 1681-1701 | Sukjong | μ₯ν¬λΉ – Jang Hee Bin (KBS2, 2002) |
| 1681-1724 | Sukjong | λμ΄ – Dong Yi (MBC, 2010) |
| 1693-1728 | Sukjong, Gyeongjong, Yeongjo | λλ° – Daebak/Jackpot (SBS, 2016) |
| 1674~ | Sukjong | λ€λͺ¨ – Damo (MBC, 2003) |
| 1674~ | Sukjong | μ₯κΈΈμ° – Jang Gil San (SBS, 2004) |
| 1719-1728 | Sukjong, Gyeongjong, Yeongjo | ν΄μΉ – Haechi (SBS, 2019) β€ |
| 1724 | Yeongjo | 1724 κΈ°λ°©λλμ¬κ±΄ – The Accidental Gangster and the Mistaken Courtesan (2008) |
| 1724~ | Yeongjo | λμμ κΈΈ – Path to Great Dynasty (MBC, 1998) |
| 1724~ | Yeongjo | μ΄μ¬ λ°λ¬Έμ – Inspector Park Moon Soo (MBC, 2002) |
| 1728 | Yeongjo | μλͺ¨-λ°λμ μλ – The Age of Blood (2017) |
| 1734 | Yeongjo | μ리꾼 – The Singer (2020) |
| 1735-1762 | Yeongjo | μ¬λ – Sado/The Throne (2015) β€ |
| 1742-1778 | Yeongjo, Jeongjo | λ¬΄μ¬ λ°±λμ – Warrior Baek Dong Soo (SBS, 2011) |
| 1750~ | Yeongjo | λΆμ λ¬* – Red Moon/Crimson Moon (KBS2, 2015) |
| 1754-1762 | Yeongjo | λΉλ°μ λ¬Έ – Secret Door (SBS, 2014) |
| 1762-1800 | Yeongjo, Jeongjo | μ΄μ° – Yi San (MBC, 2007) |
| 1776 | Yeongjo, Jeongjo | λ°λκ³Ό ν¨κ» μ¬λΌμ§λ€ – The Grand Heist/Gone with the Wind (2012) |
| 1776 | Jeongjo | μλ¦° – The Fatal Encounter/King’s Wrath (2014) |
| 1776~ | Jeongjo | μλ – The Royal Way (MBC, 1991) |
| 1776~ | Jeongjo | νκ΅μ – Hong Guk Young (MBC, 2001) |
| 1776~ | Jeongjo | λ°λμ νμ – Painter of the Wind (SBS, 2008) β€ |
| 1776~ | Jeongjo | λ―ΈμΈλ – Portrait of a Beauty (2008) |
| 1776~ | Jeongjo | κ±°μ κΉλ§λ – Merchant Kim Man Deok (KBS1, 2010) |
| 1776~ | Jeongjo | μμ€ λͺ©λ―Όμ¬μ – Novel Admonitions on Governing Officials (KBS2, 2000) |
| 1776~ | Jeongjo | μ±κ· κ΄ μ€μΊλ€ – Sungkyunkwan Scandal (KBS2, 2010) β€ |
| 1793 | Jeongjo | μ‘°μ λͺ νμ : κ°μν¬κ΅¬κ½μ λΉλ° – Detective K: Secret of the Virtuous Widow (2011) |
| 1795 | Jeongjo | μ‘°μ λͺ
νμ : μ¬λΌμ§ λμ λΈ – Detective K: Secret of the Lost Island (2015) |
| 1795 | Jeongjo | μ‘°μ λͺ νμ : ν‘νκ΄΄λ§μ λΉλ° – Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead (2018) |
| 1776~ | Jeongjo | μ±κ· κ΄ μ€μΊλ€ – Sungkyunkwan Scandal (KBS2, 2010) β€ |
| 1800 | Jeongjo | νμ±λ³κ³‘-μ – Conspiracy in the Court/Seoul’s Sad Song (KBS2, 2007) β€ |
| 1803-1840 | Sunjo, Heonjong | μλ – Sangdo (MBC, 2001) |
| 1808 | Sunjo | νμ λ – Blood Rain (2005) |
| 1827~ | Sunjo | ꡬλ₯΄λ―Έ κ·Έλ¦° λ¬λΉ – Moonlight Drawn by Clouds/ Love in the Moonlight (KBS2, 2016) |
| 1830-1843 | Sunjo, Heonjong | λͺ λΉ Fengshui (2018) |
| 1837-1900 | Heonjong, Cheoljong, Gojong | νμμΈ μ΄μ λ§ – Man of the Sun, Lee Je Ma (KBS2, 2002) |
| 1843-1897 | Heonjong, Cheoljong, Gojong | μ·¨νμ – Chwihwaseon/ Painted Fire (2002) |
| 1847 | Heonjong | ν₯λΆ: κΈλ‘ μΈμμ λ°κΎΌ μ – Heung-boo: The Revolutionist (2018) |
| 1849-1866 | Cheoljong, Gojong | λ°λκ³Ό ꡬλ¦κ³Ό λΉ – Wind, Cloud and Rain (TV Chosun, 2020) |
| 1850s | Cheoljong | μ§ν¨ – The Duo (MBC, 2011) |
| 1850s | Cheoljong, Gojong | κ³ μ°μ, λλμ¬μ§λ – The Map Against the World (2016) |
| 1850s | Cheoljong | μ₯μ¬μ μ -κ°μ£Ό 2015 – The God of Trade-Gaekju (KBS2, 2015-2016) |
| 1857-1898 | Cheoljong, Gojong | νμ΄ – Poongwoon (KBS1, 1982) |
| 1861-1898 | Cheoljong, Gojong | λͺ μ±ν©ν – Empress Myeongseong (KBS2, 2001) |
| 1863-1895 | Gojong | μ°¬λν μ¬λͺ – Dazzling Dawn (KBS1, 1995) |
| 1863~ | Gojong | μ‘°μ μ΄μ‘μ΄ – Joseon Gunman (KBS2, 2014) |
| 1863~ | Gojong | μ‘°μ κ³Όνμμ¬λ λ³μκ² – Chosun Police (MBC, 2005) |
| 1863~ | Gojong | λ³μκ² μμ¦1 – Chosun Police Season 1 (MBC, 2007) |
| 1863~ | Gojong | λ³μκ² μμ¦2 – Chosun Police Season 2 (MBC, 2008) |
| 1863-1910 | Gojong, Sunjong | λ 립문 – Dokripmun/ Independence Gate (KBS1, 1984) |
| 1866~ | Gojong | λΆκ½μ²λΌ λλΉμ²λΌ – The Sword with No Name (2009) |
| 1867 | Gojong | λ리νκ° – The Sound of A Flower (2015) |
| 1871-1909 | Gojong, Sunjong | λ―Έμ€ν° μ μ€μΈ – Mr Sunshine (tvN, 2018) β€ |
| 1876~ | Gojong | μ μ€μ – Jejoongwon (SBS, 2010) |
| 1893-1896 | Gojong | λ Ήλκ½ – Nokdu Flower/ Mung Bean Flower (SBS, 2019) |
| 1896 | Gojong | κ°λΉ – Gabi (2012) |
| 1896 | Gojong | λμ₯ κΉμ°½μ – Man of Will (2017) |
| 1910 | Sunjong | κ·Έλ¦Όμ μ΄μΈ – Private Eye/ Shadow Murder (2009) |
Fictional Joseon:
- νκΈΈλ – Hong Gil Dong (SBS, 1998)
- λλ§ – Daemang/ Great Ambition (SBS, 2002)
- νμ¬ – Duelist (2005) β€
- μλμμ – Forbidden Quest (2005)
- νκΈΈλ – Hong Gil Dong (KBS2, 2008)
- λ°©μμ – The Servant (2010)
- λ―Έλ ¨* – Lingering Affection (KBS2, 2011)
- κ°μ² λ³Έμ* – The True Colours of Kang and Cheol (KBS2, 2012)
- ν΄λ₯Ό νμ λ¬ – The Moon Embracing the Sun (MBC, 2012) β€
- νκΆ: μμ 첩 – The Concubine (2012)
- μλμ¬λμ – Arang and the Magistrate (MBC, 2012) β€
- μ μ°μΉ – Jeon Woo Chi (KBS2, 2012)
- μλνμΆκΈ°* – Swine Escape/ Escaping Slavery (MBC, 2013)
- 곑λΉ* – The Dirge Singer (KBS2, 2014)
- μ‘°μ λ―Έλ μΌμ΄μ¬ – The Huntresses (2014)
- μΌκ²½κΎΌ μΌμ§ – The Night Watchman’s Journal (MBC, 2014)
- μμμ – The Royal Tailor (2014)
- νμλΉ μΌκΈ°* – Hyeongyeongdang’s Diary (MBC, 2014)
- μλ μΌκΈ°* – Diary of a Resentful Woman (MBC, 2014)
- λ°€μ κ±·λ μ λΉ – Scholar Who Walks the Night (MBC, 2015)
- μ‘°μ λ§μ μ¬ – The Magician (2015)
- μ½κΈ°μ μΈ κ·Έλ – My Sassy Girl (SBS, 2017)
- κ΅°μ£Ό: κ°λ©΄μ μ£ΌμΈ – Ruler: Master of the Mask (MBC, 2017)
- κΆν© – The Princess and the Matchmaker (2018)
- λκ΅°: μ¬λμ κ·Έλ¦¬λ€ – The Grand Prince (TV Chosun, 2018)
- μ°½κΆ – Rampant (2018)
- μ¬κ³‘μ± – The Wrath (2018)
- μμ΄ λ λ¨μ – The Man Who Became King/The Crowned Clown (tvn, 2019) β€
- μ μ μ¬κ΄ ꡬν΄λ Ή – Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung (MBC, 2019)
- κΈ°λ°©λλ Ή – Homme Fatale (2019)
- κ½νλΉ: μ‘°μ νΌλ΄κ³΅μμ – Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency (JTBC, 2019)
- κ°ν – μ¬μΈλ€μ μ μ – Queen: Love and War/ Selection (TV Chosun, 2019)
Japanese Annexation & Provisional Government [1910β1945; 1919β1948]
| Year | President | Drama/Movie |
| Early 20th c. | λ°±λ²μΌμ§ – Journal of Baekbeom (MBC, 1989) | |
| Early 20th c. | κΉκ΅¬ – Kim Gu (KBS1, 1995) | |
| 1910s~ | μμ μ°¨μ μλ³΅λ – The Cyclist King/ Race to Freedom: Uhm Bok Dong (2019) | |
| 1911-1969 | μ΅μΉν¬ – Choi Seung Hee (MBC, 1995) | |
| 1912~ | λνμΉμ£Ό – Princess Deokhye/ The Last Princess (2016) | |
| 1918-1972 | μΌμΈμλ – Rustic Period (SBS, 2002) | |
| 1919~ | νκ±°:μ κ΄μ μ΄μΌκΈ° – A Resistance/ Yu Gwan Sun’s Story (2019) | |
| 1920s | λ°μ – Secret Agent/ The Age of Shadows (2016) | |
| 1920s | λͺ¨λ¨κ±Έ* – Modern Girl (KBS2, 2020) | |
| 1920s-1930s | κ°μν – Bridal Mask (KBS2, 2012) β€ | |
| 1920s-1930s | μ’μ λ, λμ λ, μ΄μν λ – The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008) | |
| 1920 | λ΄μ€λ μ ν¬ – The Battle: Roar to Victory (2019) | |
| 1921-1926 | μ¬μ μ°¬λ―Έ – Hymn of Death (SBS, 2018) | |
| 1923-1926 | λ°μ΄ – Park Yeol/ Anarchist from Colony (2017) β€ | |
| 1925 | λνΈ – The Tiger (2015) | |
| 1926 | κ°λμ μ μ λ³μ²μ¬* – Kang Deok-sun’s Love History (KBS2, 2017) | |
| 1928-1948 | λ§μ΄ μ¨μ΄ – My Way (2011) | |
| 1930 | μνΌ* – Vengeful Spirit (KBS2, 2014) | |
| 1930s | μ μ * – The Peak (MBC, 2011) | |
| 1931-1932 | μμ μΈ μ΄νμ – Freedom Fighter, Lee Hoe Young (KBS1, 2010) | |
| 1931-1933 | μ΄λͺ½ – Different Dreams (MBC, 2019) | |
| 1930s | κ²½μ±μ€μΊλ€ – Capital Scandal (KBS2, 2007) β€ | |
| 1930s | μ΄μ κ·Έ μ΄μ* – Lee Sang That Lee Sang (MBC, 2013) | |
| 1930s | κ°κ²©μλ: ν¬μ μ νμ – Inspiring Generation (KBS2, 2014) | |
| 1930s | μκ°μ¨ – Agasshi/ The Handmaiden (2016) | |
| 1930s | μμΉ΄κ³ νμκΈ° – Chicago Typewriter (tvn, 2017) β€ | |
| 1930s-1940s | λκΈΈ – Snowy Road (2015) | |
| 1930s-1940s | λμ£Ό – Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet (2016) | |
| 1930s-1940s | κ·ν₯ – The Spirits’ Homecoming (2016) | |
| 1930s-1950s | λμκ·Ήμ₯ – Orient Theater (KBS1, 2001) | |
| 1933 | μμ΄ – Assassination (2015) β€ | |
| 1937 | λͺ¨λ λ³΄μ΄ – Modern Boy (2008) | |
| 1937 | λ§λκ² ν΄, μ£Όμ€* – Let Us Meet (KBS2, 2017) | |
| 1938 | κ²½μ±νκ΅: μ¬λΌμ§ μλ
λ€ – The Silenced/ Gyeongseong School: The Lost Girls (2015) | |
| 1940s | μ μκ³Ό μ¬λ – War and Love (KBS2, 1995) | |
Independence, 1st & 2nd Republic [1948β1961] (Korean War 1950-1953)
| Year | President | Drama/Movie |
| 1930-1950 | Syngman Rhee | μμΈ 1945 – Seoul 1945 (KBS1, 2006) |
| 1930s-1950s | Syngman Rhee | κ΅ν¬ – Kukhee (MBC, 1999) |
| 1930-2004 | Syngman Rhee – Roh Moo-hyun | μμ μλ – The Age of Heroes (MBC, 2004) |
| 1940s-1970s | Syngman Rhee – Park Chung-hee | λΆκ½ μμΌλ‘ – Into the Flames (TV Chosun, 2014) |
| 1940s | Syngman Rhee | λ§λͺ¨μ΄ – MALΒ·MOΒ·E: The Secret Mission (2019) |
| 1943 | Syngman Rhee | ν΄μ΄ν – Haeeohwa/ Love, Lies (2016) |
| 1943-1953 | Syngman Rhee | μ¬λͺ μ λλμ – Eyes of Dawn (MBC, 1991) |
| 1945 | Syngman Rhee | μμ‘°μ ν μ΄μΈμ¬κ±΄ – The Tooth and the Nail (2017) |
| 1945 | Syngman Rhee | κ΅°ν¨λ – The Battleship Island (2017) |
| 1945-1960 | Syngman Rhee | μ 1곡νκ΅ – The First Republic (MBC, 1981) |
| 1945-1987 | Syngman Rhee – Chun Doo-hwan | μΌκΉμ¬λ – Samgimshidae (SBS, 1998) |
| 1950s | Syngman Rhee | κ²½μμ΄ κ²½μ μλ²μ§ – Kyung-sook’s Father (KBS2, 2009) |
| 1950s | Syngman Rhee | νλμ¬ μ΄μΈμ¬κ±΄* – Haneuljae’s Murder (MBC, 2013) |
| 1950s | Syngman Rhee | μλ – Guest/ The Piper (2015) |
| 1950s | Syngman Rhee | μλΆμ μ – Western Front/ The Long Way Home (2015) |
| 1950s | Syngman Rhee | μ€λΉ μκ° – A Melody to Remember (2016) |
| 1950 | Syngman Rhee | μμ μ°λͺ» – A Little Pond (2009) |
| 1950 | Syngman Rhee | μΈμ²μλ₯μμ – Operation Chromite (2016) |
| 1950 | Syngman Rhee | μ₯μ¬λ¦¬: μνμ§ μμ λ€ – The Battle of Jangsari (2019) |
| 1950-1951 | Syngman Rhee | λ‘λ λλ²μ – Road Number One (MBC, 2010) |
| 1950-1953 | Syngman Rhee | νκ΅κΈ° – Taegukgi (2004) |
| 1950-1953 | Syngman Rhee | μ°μ»΄ ν¬ λλ§κ³¨ – Welcome to Dongmakgol (2005) β€ |
| 1950-1953 | Syngman Rhee | ν¬ν μμΌλ‘ – 71: Into the Fire (2010) |
| 1950-1953 | Syngman Rhee | μ μ° – Comrades (KBS1, 2010) |
| 1951~ | Syngman Rhee | κ΅μ μμ₯ – Ode to My Father (2015) |
| 1951 | Syngman Rhee | μ€μν€μ¦ – Swing Kids (2018) |
| 1953 | Syngman Rhee | κ³ μ§μ – The Front Line (2011) |
| 1952-1970 | Syngman Rhee – Park Chung-hee | μκΈμ λ – Gold Land (KBS2, 2014) |
| 1957-1963 | Syngman Rhee – Park Chung-hee | μ 2곡νκ΅ – The Second Republic (MBC, 1989) |
| 1950s-1970s | Syngman Rhee – Park Chung-hee | μΌμμ΄ – TV Novel Samsaengi (KBS2, 2013) |
| 1950s-1970s | Syngman Rhee – Park Chung-hee | μν¬ – TV Novel Eunhee (KBS2, 2013) |
3rd Republic – 6th Republic [1961βToday]
| Year | President | Drama/Movie |
| 1958-1972 | Syngman Rhee – Park Chung-hee | μ 3곡νκ΅ – The Third Republic (MBC, 1993) |
| 1960s | Yun Bo-seon – Park Chung-hee | ν¨μ 70’s – Fashion 70s (SBS, 2005) |
| 1960s-1970s | Yun Bo-seon – Park Chung-hee | λ³΅ν¬ λλ – TV Novel Dear My Sister (KBS2, 2011) |
| 1960-2002 | Yun Bo-seon – Kim Dae-jung | μλ΄μ λμͺ½ – East of Eden (KBS2, 2011) |
| 1961-1982 | Yun Bo-seon – Chun Doo-hwan | μ 4곡νκ΅ – The Fourth Republic (MBC, 1995) |
| 1968-1971 | Park Chung-hee | μ€λ―Έλ – Silmido (2003) |
| 1969 | Park Chung-hee | κ·Έν΄, μ¬λ¦ – Once in a Summer (2006) |
| 1970s-1980s | Park Chung-hee – Chun Doo-hwan | μ¬λμ μ¬λμ – Love, My Love (KBS2, 2012) |
| 1970s-1980s | Park Chung-hee – Chun Doo-hwan | λΉκ³Ό κ·Έλ¦Όμ – Lights and Shadows (MBC, 2011) |
| 1970s-1990s | Park Chung-hee – Kim Young-sam | λͺ¨λμκ³ – Sandglass (SBS, 1995) |
| 1970s-1990s | Park Chung-hee – Kim Young-sam | μμλ΄ – C’est si bon (2015) |
| 1970-2010 | Park Chung-hee – Lee Myung-bak | μμ΄μΈνΈ – Giant (SBS, 2010) |
| 1970s-1990s | Park Chung-hee – Kim Young-sam | λμλ μ¬λ – Endless Love (SBS, 2014) |
| 1970s | Park Chung-hee | λ§μ½μ – The Drug King (2018) |
| 1971 | Park Chung-hee | λμ λ¨Όκ³³μ – Sunny/My Dear is Far Away (2008) |
| 1972 | Park Chung-hee | μ ν¬μΈνΈ – R-Point (2004) |
| 1972-1994 | Park Chung-hee – Roh Tae-woo | λμ λ μ¬μ – My Dictator (2014) |
| 1977-1979 | Park Chung-hee | μ½λ¦¬μκ²μ΄νΈ – Korea Gate (SBS, 1995) |
| 1978 | Park Chung-hee | κ΅λΉμμ¬ – The Classified File (2015) β€ |
| 1979 | Β Park Chung-hee | λμ 리 μλ μλ – Girls’ Generation 1979/Lingerie Girls’ Generation (KBS2, 2017) |
| 1979 | Park Chung-hee | λ¨μ°μ λΆμ₯λ€ – The Man Standing Next (2020) |
| 1979-1997 | Choi Kyu-hah – Kim Young-sam | μ 5곡νκ΅ – The Fifth Republic (MBC, 2005) |
| 1979~2017 | Choi Kyu-hah | λΉκ΅¬* – Ice Mound (MBC, 2017) β€ |
| 1980s | Chun Doo-hwan | μΈκ°μμ₯ – Human Market (MBC, 1988) |
| 1980s-2011 | Chun Doo-hwan | μ¨λ – Sunny (2011) β€ |
| 1980~ | Chun Doo-hwan | κ½μ – A Petal (1996) |
| 1980-1999 | Chun Doo-hwan | λ°νμ¬ν – Peppermint Candy (1999) |
| 1980-2006 | Chun Doo-hwan | μ€λλ μ μ – The Old Garden (2016) |
| 1980 | Chun Doo-hwan | νλ €ν ν΄κ° – A Splendid Holiday/May 18 (2007) |
| 1980-2006 | Chun Doo-hwan | 26λ – 26 Years (2012) |
| 1980 | Chun Doo-hwan | νμμ΄μ μ¬ – A Taxi Driver (2017) |
| 1982 | Chun Doo-hwan | νΌλλ μ²μΆ – Hot Young Bloods/ Blood Boiling Youth (2014) |
| 1983~2015 | Chun Doo-hwan | μκ°μ΄νμ – Time Renegades (2016) |
| 1985~1987 | Chun Doo-hwan | λΉ¨κ° μ μλ* – The Red Teacher (KBS2, 2016) |
| 1985~2015 | Chun Doo-hwan | λΉμ , κ±°κΈ° μμ΄μ€λμ – Will You Be There (2016) β€ |
| 1986~2016 | Chun Doo-hwan | μκ·Έλ – Signal (tvn, 2016) β€ |
| 1986~2017 | Chun Doo-hwan | ν°λ – Tunnel (OCN, 2017) |
| 1987 | Chun Doo-hwan | 1987 – 1987: When the Day Comes (2018) |
| 1988-1995 | Chun Doo-hwan | μλ΅νλΌ 1988 – Reply 1988/ Answer Me 1988 (tvn, 2015) β€ |
| 1989 | Roh Tae-woo | μμ¬λΆλ°μ₯-μμ‘°νμ μ§μΌλΌ!*- Save Wang Jo Hyun! (MBC, 2013) |
| 1990s | Roh Tae-woo – Kim Dae-jung | 2014 μΈκ°μμ₯ – New Human Market (SBS, 2004) |
| 1990s-2000s | Roh Tae-woo – Roh Moo-hyun | ν©κΈμ μ κ΅ – Empire of Gold (SBS, 2013) |
Other Sources: here here here here
My personal favourites are marked with β€
Titles marked with asterisks(*) are parts of Drama Special (KBS) or Drama Festival (MBC)
I love watching historical drama and to have this list, thumbs up! It’s really nicely done. Thanks so much for sharing!
Mind if you share your fave historical dramas / movies also? π
You’re welcome! Glad the list can be of help to you π
Hmmm maybe I should put some asterisks indicating my favourites but for now, here are some of them: Tree with Deep Roots, Princess’ Man, King’s Daughter Soo Baek Hyang, and War of the Arrows.
War of the Arrows. On to watching it now! π
Just new into sageuk dramas since lockdown. Absolutely love the history, music and acting. Can you suggest a series to watch that has a happy ending. The ones Iβve watched have ended so sad with the women sacrificing so much. Too sad for my system to endure
Hi Amelia!
Have you watched Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency? It’s a fusion sageuk and from what I know, it ends well for the characters so you might want to check that out. Sageuk’s middle name is ‘death and pain’ so happy ending is quite a rare sight in historical kdramas ^^;
Thank you so much. I have some favourite sageuks and it’s nice to have an idea of where they all fit in. You’ve worked hard.
No problem! Do tell me if I have missed any show in this list π
I am new fan of ur blog. It’s lovely. The contents, especially this one. It’s a good idea. Thx for ur hardwork. Hug hug hug i love you
Awwwww thanks a lot for the love! β€ hugs
Awesome.. thank you so much. Huge help in watching in order, and putting things in perspective. Please do add “Into the Flames” drama about the man who created POSCO, and hence brought about modern steel mill to S. Korea. It was an amazing drama.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Into_the_Flames
Thank you for the tip! I really need help especially the dramas/movies set post-Korean War. Do share with me the titles I have missed in this list π
OK, so based on your recommendation, I finally watched Faith and I REALLY liked it. The whole time travel thing turned me off which is why I was hesitant from the get-go. But it worked. Thank you!
Anyway, based on what I gathered, I would say the drama ended in the year 1379. Without giving too much away to those who haven’t seen it, 1379 would have been 5 years into the reign of King U μ°μ who followed King Gongmin.
Glad you liked it! I’m curious, though..what made you think it ended in that year?
(I’ll delete the spoiler once I read it! I promise… π )
HI,
This is LACruiser from the Sageuk Channel on Viki.com. I added a link to your site there.
There is one sageuk from 1996 called Tears of the Dragon that I would really like to find where I can watch it online. I am hoping you or one of your fans will know. You have it listed from Sejong’s time but I have never been able to find a place to watch it.
Thanks for all you do!
Hi LACrusier! π
Hello~
Thanks for adding this blog to the channel. I have only seen the episodes on youtube without subs. Here’s the link to the first episode: https://youtu.be/4ZNWcz8R2Sg
I really love Ja Myung Go. I recommend it to anyone that liked Queen Seon Deok and Empress Ki. That drama was so underrated
I agree with you – I really liked that one too. Then you might also like The Ballad of Suh Dong or The King Daughter, Soo Baek Hyang
This is a really great list – extremely comprehensive. Here are some more you might want to add on the list:
1) μλμ¬λμ – Arang and The Magistrate (MBC 2012) – Perhaps this one was an oversight. This was a great drama – I loved it! Although there is not a specific date in the drama, it is based on a Korean folktale called “The Tale of Arang” that was set during the reign of King Myeongjong (1545-1567).
The following are sageuks are part of KBSβs “Drama Special” Series. They can be viewed on YouTube or on the KBS app on AppleTV.
2) λ§κ·-The Devil Rider (KBS2 2013) 1-episode – drama starts in the year 1637 (during the reign of Injo)
The following have no specific dates, but are Joseon Era:
3) κ°μ² λ³Έμ The True Colors of Gang and Cheol (KBS2 2012) – 4 episode (very cute comedy!)
4) κ³‘λΉ – Dirge Singer (KBS2 2014) 1 Espisode
5) κ°μμΉμ΄μ – The Tale of the Bookworm (KBS2 2014) 1 episode
And one super tiny correction: Freedom Fighter, Lee Hoe Young takes place from 1931-1932 (with some occasional flashbacks to early times in Joseon).
Hi! Thank you so much for the addition and correction! I tend to miss lots of shows O.O
Regarding Arang, I’m torn in between listing it as a story set in fictional Joseon because it’s a folklore, or putting it according to the year it is published. Ahh yes, the drama specials! Gotta make time to watch them~ Thanks again π
Arang…..yeah, that’s a tough one. Since we know the time period based on the actual folktale then perhaps it should go on the actual list…but then it again it is totally fictional. I trust you’ll make the best decision. πππ
Talking about drama specials, there are some drama specials depicting sageuk.
Like Story of Hyang Dan (Hyang Dan Jeon) starring Siwon.
Btw Mimi, I love your list.. Very comprehensive. Thank you so much for pouring your effort into this! Gotta catch some dramas and movies as well!
Thank you for the lead Kanz! I love the story of Chun-hyang. Can’t wait to watch it. It’s only 2 episodes, so I can bang it out this weekend. π
Awww you’re welcome! It won’t be complete without the help I received from fellow fans. If you happen to see any that I haven’t included in the list, feel free to leave a comment!
Oh, KBS has a recent sageuk drama special, Crimson Moon (λΆμ λ¬) about Crown Prince Sado ^^
Hey Mimi,
I LOVE your list! It has some elements that I’ve been meaning to add to mine but have never gotten around to doing. Maybe someday. Cheers!
thanks for sharing all that
I’m a sageuk addict…love the history….I was just thinking how cool it would be to have a comprehensive collated list….and what do you know…I found it in ‘The Cupboard’!
I’m sure I’ll pick up some more interesting things from your site….THANK YOU for the great effort you put in, you’ve worked hard!
Thank you for dropping by~ Glad you find it useful π
thanks again…currently im in love in korean historical drama….. u help me more
You’re welcome π Glad to be of help~
This post helps me so much! I can tell you’ve been work really hard to make this! Thanks!
Wow! This needs to go on every drama site and wiki. Good job!
Thanks for such a dandy list of sageuks. It’s a wonderful reference! I’d like to return the favor with another entry (unless I somehow failed to see it listed already).
DER YALU FLIESST aka AMNOK RIVER FLOWS (2008-09) 3 eps.; joint production of Bayerischer Rundfunk (Bavarian Broadcasting) and SBS.
A touching and evocative account of the winds of change observed by the Confucian scholar Li Mi Reuk (Maitreya). Born around the turn of the 20th Century, he came of age after the last Joseon monarch abdicated to the Emperor of Japan. On the lam following a student demonstration, he made his way to Weimar Germany and eventually became a professor of Oriental philosophy. He was encouraged to write his memoirs, which were published as an autobiographical novel in German after the Second World War.
I was left with a peculiar, peaceful feeling after watching this drama. I’d never heard of Li Mi Reuk before, and was intrigued to learn of his connection with Weimar Germany… and the White Rose, who opposed the National Socialists. His translation of Lao Tse provided ethical support for the resistance movement.
I’m so glad I came across this list!! Extremely helpful especially for people who are truly interested in Sageuk dramas.
By the way, I’m just really curious, hope you’d reply…. have you already watched everything in this list? :O
The Duo ? They named an insurrection at a specific location, but for the life of me I can’t remember the name of the location now. I looked it up at the time though, and it did really happen. I remember thinking it was earlier than I thought it would be given the types of guns they had.
Got it – Hwanghae Province rebellion 1559-1562
Wow, I’ve been looking for a list like this for so long! Thanks. Question: Where can I watch “The Railroad” with Kim Kang Woo? I think it takes place around DMZ. Should it be added to the list?
Thanks so much for compiling this post!! I was searching for one just like it this whole time.
You’re welcome! π