The world of Korean drama has given audiences an array of genres over the decades. Historical K-dramas remain one of the most popular genres among viewers all across the world. The global streaming platform Netflix is home to several notable historical or period K-dramas.
The list includes Lee Jae-Wook and Jung So-Min’s Alchemy of Souls, Park Bo-Gum and Kim Yoo-Jung’s Love in the Moonlight, Ju Ji-Hoon’s Kingdom and more. Let’s take a closer look at these historical Korean dramas on Netflix below.
Love in the Moonlight
Love in the Moonlight is a popular historical rom-com K-drama premiered on August 22, 2016, on KBS2. The series is currently available on Netflix. It stars renowned South Korean actors Kim Yoo-Jung and Park Bo-Gum as the central characters, Hong Ra-On, aka Hong Sam-Nom and Crown Prince Lee Yeong, respectively. Baek Sang-Hoon and Kim Seong-Yoon have directed it.
Love in the Moonlight chronicles the fascinating coming-of-age story of Crown Prince Lee Yeong and Hong Ra-On, aka Hong Sam-Nom.
Alchemy of Souls
Alchemy of Souls is a highly arresting historical fantasy-action K-drama that stars Jung So-Min and Lee Jae-Wook as the main characters. The series first aired on June 18, 2022, on tvN. Viewers can stream the drama on Netflix in selected regions. Park Joon-Hwa has acted as the director of the drama.
Set in Daeho, a fictional country, Alchemy of Souls revolves around the love story between young mages dealing with a forbidden magic spell and twisted destinies.
Kingdom
Kingdom is a hit historical and political thriller K-drama that made its debut on January 25, 2019, exclusively on Netflix. The highly acclaimed actors Ju Ji-Hoon, Bae Doona and Ryu Seung-Ryong portray the lead roles in the series. Kim Seong-Hun and Park In-Je are the directors of the series.
Set in the early 17th century, the Kingdom centers around the Crown Prince of Joseon, Lee Chang. He ends up in the middle of a dangerous epidemic, leading to complete chaos in the kingdom. It is a blend of zombie horror and political thriller.
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung is a historical romance K-drama that stars Cha Eun-Woo and Shin Se-Kyung as the lead pair in the story. The series debuted on July 17, 2019, on MBC. It is also currently available to stream on Netflix. Han Hyun-Hee and Kang Il-Soo have directed the drama.
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung revolves around the love story between Prince Yi Rim, secretly working as a romance novelist, and a free-spirited historian Goo Hae-Ryung.
Moon Embracing the Sun
Moon Embracing the Sun is another notable historical romance K-drama. It stars Kim Soo-Hyun and Han Ga-In as the central pair. Kim Do-Hoon and Lee Seong-Jun have served as directors of the series. The drama first aired on January 4, 2012, on MBC. Viewers can now stream the series on Netflix.
Moon Embracing the Sun chronicles the fascinating love story between a female shaman, Lady Heo Yeon-Woo, aka Shaman Wol and King Lee Hwon, a fictional character. It also depicts conspiracy and conflicts involving political power.
Some other noteworthy historical K-dramas on Netflix include Secret Royal Inspector & Joy, The King’s Affection, Mr. Queen & more.
