Based on True History
Korean historical dramas and movies that are based on history. Some of these are heavily political and military, whereas some more have romance and comedy twists but are still set in certain periods in Korean history.
This list is sorted by the historical timeline of each drama/movie.
Albeit based on true historical events and figures, keep in mind the possibility that they're not going to be 100% accurate. Watch with a grain of salt.
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1. Jumong
Korean Drama - 2006, 81 episodes
The founding of the Goguryeo kingdom by Chumo/Jumong.
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2. The Queen 'Woo'
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
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3. Queen Seon Duk
Korean Drama - 2009, 62 episodes
A biopic about Queen Seondeok of Silla dynasty.
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4. The Goryeo-Khitan War
Korean Drama - 2023, 32 episodes
About the war between Goryeo dynasty and Khitan empire (also known as Liao dynasty) in the late 10th-early 11th century.
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5. Jeong Do Jeon
Korean Drama - 2014, 50 episodes
Jeong Do Jeon is the pivotal character in the founding of the Joseon kingdom, in the late Goryeo period.
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6. Six Flying Dragons
Korean Drama - 2015, 50 episodes
The founding of Joseon kingdom by Yi Seong-gye (Taejo of Joseon). Historical figures: Jeong Do Jeon, Yi Seong Gye (Taejo of Joseon), Yi Bang-won (Taejong of Joseon), Queen Wongyeong (wife of Taejong).
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7. Taejong Yi Bang Won
Korean Drama - 2021, 32 episodes
About Yi Bang Won (King Taejong), the 3rd ruler of Joseon dynasty.
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8. Won Kyung
Korean Drama - 2025, 13 episodes
About Queen Wongyeong, the wife of Yi Bang Won (Taejong of Joseon).
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9. Tree With Deep Roots
Korean Drama - 2011, 24 episodes
Centered around King Sejong of Joseon.
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10. The Great King, Sejong
Korean Drama - 2008, 86 episodes
Centered around King Sejong of Joseon.
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11. The Admiral: Roaring Currents
Korean Movie - 2014
Set during the Battle of Myeongnyang (part of the Imjin War--a collective term for Japanese invasions of Korea during the end of 16th century). Key figure: Yi Sun Shin.
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12. Hansan
Korean Movie - 2022
Set during the Battle of Hansan Island (part of the Imjin War--a collective term for Japanese invasions of Korea during the end of 16th century). Key figure: Yi Sun Shin.
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13. Noryang
Korean Movie - 2023
Set during the Battle of Noryang (part of the Imjin War--a collective term for Japanese invasions of Korea during the end of 16th century). Key figure: Yi Sun Shin.
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14. The Throne
Korean Movie - 2015
Centered around the relationship between King Yeongjo and his son, Crown Prince Sado.
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15. Yi San
Korean Drama - 2007, 77 episodes
Centered around the life of King Jeongjo, Joseon dynasty's 22nd monarch.
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16. Red Cuff of the Sleeve
Korean Drama - 2021, 17 episodes
Romance drama about King Jeongjo of Joseon dynasty and Royal Noble Consort Uibin Seong.
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17. Queen Cheorin
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
Set during the reign of Cheoljong in the Joseon period. Historical figures: Cheoljong of Joseon, Queen Cheorin (wife to Cheoljong), Queen Dowager Myeonggyeong. To be noted: Andong Kim clan vs Pungyang Jo clan rivalry.
*A comedy drama wrapped with political intrigues, with elements of romance and fantasy*
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18. The Nokdu Flower
Korean Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
Romance drama with balanced historical elements. Set around the Donghak Peasant Revolution. Key historical figure: Jeon Bong Jun.
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19. Mr. Sunshine
Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
Mainly romance, set during the Japanese occupation period in the Korean Empire in the early 1900s.
Historical figure and event mentioned: Gojong of Korean Empire, Ito Hirobumi, and Eulsa Treaty.
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20. The Battle of Jangsari
Korean Movie - 2019
Centered around The Battle of Jangsari in the Korean War.
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21. The Man Standing Next
Korean Movie - 2020
Centered around the assassination of South Korea's 3rd president, Park Chung Hee.
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22. Spring in Seoul
Korean Movie - 2023
Centered around the December 12 coup d'etat by Chun Doo Hwan, who later became the 5th president of South Korea.
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23. A Taxi Driver
Korean Movie - 2017
Centered around the Gwangju Uprising.
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24. 1987: When The Day Comes
Korean Movie - 2017
The death of Park Jong Chul, a student activist for Korean democracy, sparks a chain of events that ultimately escalates to the June Democratic Struggle.