Today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of historical romance. Buckle up, because we’ve got the top 15 best romantic historical Korean dramas that will transport you through time and steal your heart!
List of Romantic Historical Korean Dramas That Steal Your Heart
1. Alchemy of Souls
Set in a mystical setting, this historical romance K-drama mixes love, destiny, and the secrets of a power that wreaks havoc.
The story follows young witches who find love and grow as they overcome their twisted destinies due to a forbidden magic spell that allows souls to swap bodies.
This K-drama stars Lee Jae Wook, Jung So Min, and Go Youn Jung. Released in 2022 and has two seasons with a total of 30 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix.
2. Mr. Queen
Mr. Queen is a historical drama that successfully combines elements of comedy and touching moments that make it a must-watch. Humor about palace intrigue, politics, and unexpected romance is the main premise of this drama.
Imagine a chef from our time who inhabits the body of a Joseon queen. Chaos after chaos occurs as she has to live her life as a queen.
This K-drama stars Shin Hye Sun and Kim Jung Hyun. Released in 2020 and has 20 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix.
3. The Tale of Nokdu
The Tale of Nokdu tells the story of a man who disguises himself as a woman to infiltrate a mysterious widow village on a mission to hunt down his family’s attacker.
In the village he meets Dong Joo, a strong-willed gisaeng candidate. Their chemistry grows stronger as they continue to be together, but when secrets are revealed danger begins to lurk.
This K-drama stars Jang Dong Yoon and Kim So Hyun. Released in 2019 and has 32 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix.
4. Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung
Set in 19th century Korea, this historical romance drama tells the story of Goo Hae Ryung who faces gender discrimination when she wants to become a historian.
However, her tough attitude and courage to challenge tradition make her survive until she becomes involved in a romance with Prince Lee Rim.
This K-drama stars Shin Sae Kyeong and Cha Eun Woo. Released in 2019 and has 40 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix.
5. The King’s Affection
This is a historical Kdrama set in the Joseon Dynasty when twins were considered a bad omen.
When the Crown Princess Consort gives birth to twins, an order is sent to kill her daughter. In order to save her, she is secretly banished from the palace.
After many years, she returns to become the crown prince in place of her twin brother. Amidst palace intrigue, a forbidden love blossoms between the crown prince and the Royal Tutor.
This K-drama stars Park Eun Bin and Rowoon. Released in 2021 and has 20 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix.
6. My Dearest
Set against the backdrop of the Qing invasion, “My Dearest” tells the story of an anti-marriage founder named Lee Jang Hyun who falls apart when he meets noblewoman Yoo Gil-chae.
Their love story unfolds amidst the chaos, war, and the historical accuracy of Joseon adds depth to their bond.
This K-drama stars Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin. Released in 2023 and has two seasons with a total of 21 episodes. You can watch it on Viki.
7. The Red Sleeve
Adapted from the novel of the same name, “The Red Sleeve” has a very hot storyline with revenge, loyalty, and passion.
Tells a love story in the royal palace between the King of Joseon who prioritizes his duty to the country over love, and a lady-in-waiting who wants to protect the life she has chosen.
This K-drama stars Lee Jun Ho, Lee Se Young, and Kang Hoon. Released in 2021 and has 17 episodes. You can watch it on Viki and Apple TV.
8. Lovers of the Red Sky
Lovers of the Red Sky is a historical romance kdrama with a beautiful fantasy touch that you must watch.
Tells the story of Hong Chun Gi, a female painter with a magical painting talent. She was chosen as the first female painter because of her extraordinary talent.
One day, she meets Ha Ram whose curse has a magical connection with Hong Chun Gi’s painting talent. Because of their compatibility, they become a solace in each other.
This K-drama stars Kim You Jung and Ahn Hyo Seop. Released in 2021 and has 16 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix.
9. Captivating the King
Captivating the King is a historical K-drama that features a plot of political intrigue, witty banter, and a seductive stolen kiss.
Tells the cruel love story of King Yi In, who is in a political crisis and fighting for the throne, with Kang Hee-soo, a secret agent who approaches Yi In for revenge but ends up being charmed.
This K-drama stars Jo Jung Suk, Shin Sae Kyeong, and Lee Shin Young. Released in 2024 and has 16 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix.
10. The Crowned Clown
This historical K-drama is set in the Joseon era, when the power struggle surrounding the throne has reached an extreme level.
To escape those who plot to kill him, the King places a clown, who looks exactly like him, on the throne.
As the clown begins to play his role, the palace is thrown into chaos as the King’s enemies are baffled by the impostor’s creativity. The tension between duty and desire keeps viewers hooked. Will the clown-turned-king find true love?
This K-drama stars Yeo Jin Goo, Lee Se Young, and Kim Sang Kyung. Released in 2019 and has 16 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix.
11. The Forbidden Marriage
Next up is “The Forbidden Marriage,” a K-drama that weaves together a story of love, deceit, and palace intrigue very well.
The story follows Ye So-rang, a con artist matchmaker who insists she can summon the late crown princess.
She appears before King Lee Heon who has declared a ban on marriage since he lost his wife 7 years ago by pretending to be possessed by the spirit of the king’s wife.
This K-drama stars Kim Young Dae, Park Ju Hyun, and Kim Woo Seok. Released in 2022 and has 12 episodes. You can watch it on Viki.
12. Our Blooming Youth
Last on our list is ‘Our Blooming Youth.’ This is a heartwarming historical drama about love, conspiracy, and palace intrigue.
The story follows a prince who receives a ghost storybook containing various curses of life and experiences them happening one by one.
He then meets a noblewoman who is on the run after being framed for the murder of her family. They then agree to help each other.
This K-drama stars Park Hyung Sik and Jeon So Nee. Released in 2023 and has 20 episodes. You can watch it on Viki.
So, those are our top 12 historical romantic Korean dramas that will rock your heart. Which one stole your heart? Let us know in the comments below.
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