Top 15 Best Historical K-Dramas to Watch in 2025

Introduction

Historical K-dramas, also known as sageuks, have always held a special place in the hearts of Korean drama fans. They are more than just stories set in the past—they offer a fascinating mix of romance, palace intrigue, cultural traditions, politics, and breathtaking cinematography. Whether you’re new to the genre or a long-time fan, these dramas transport you to a different time period, often inspired by real-life historical figures, dynasties, and events.

In 2025, the popularity of historical K-dramas continues to soar, with both older classics and recent hits being rewatched by global audiences on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Viki. To help you decide your next binge-watch, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 15 Best Historical K-dramas you should watch (or rewatch) in 2025. Each entry includes its plot, main cast, and reasons why it remains timeless.

Quick Overview – Best Historical K-Dramas at a Glance

Drama Title	Release Year	Main Cast	Streaming Platform
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo	2016	Lee Joon Gi, IU	Netflix, Viki
The Red Sleeve	2021	Lee Jun-ho, Lee Se-young	Disney+
Empress Ki	2013	Ha Ji-won, Ji Chang-wook	Viki
Mr. Sunshine	2018	Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri	Netflix
The Crowned Clown	2019	Yeo Jin-goo, Lee Se-young	Netflix
Queen for Seven Days	2017	Park Min-young, Yeon Woo-jin	Viki
Kingdom	2019	Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona	Netflix
Lovers of the Red Sky	2021	Kim Yoo-jung, Ahn Hyo-seop	Viki
Dong Yi	2010	Han Hyo-joo, Ji Jin-hee	Viki
Love in the Moonlight	2016	Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung	Viki
Six Flying Dragons	2015	Yoo Ah-in, Shin Se-kyung	Netflix, Viki
Alchemy of Souls	2022	Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min	Netflix
Arang and the Magistrate	2012	Shin Min-ah, Lee Joon-gi	Viki
The King’s Affection	2021	Park Eun-bin, Rowoon	Netflix
Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum)	2003	Lee Young-ae, Ji Jin-hee	Viki

1. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Set in the Goryeo Dynasty, this fan-favorite drama follows Hae Soo (IU), a modern woman who accidentally travels back in time and gets caught in a web of love and power struggles between princes.

Cast: Lee Joon Gi as Wang So (4th Prince), IU as Hae Soo.
Why Watch in 2025: Despite its bittersweet ending, the drama remains iconic for its breathtaking cinematography, star-studded cast (Baekhyun, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kang Ha-neul), and emotional depth. Many fans still hope for a second season.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki.

2. The Red Sleeve (2021)

Based on a real historical figure, The Red Sleeve tells the poignant love story of King Jeongjo and his court lady, Sung Deok-im. The drama beautifully balances romance and the burdens of royalty.

Cast: Lee Jun-ho as King Jeongjo, Lee Se-young as Sung Deok-im.
Why Watch in 2025: This is one of the most beautifully written sageuks, praised for its emotional depth and the stellar performances by its leads. It won multiple awards and remains a fan-favorite.
Where to Watch: Disney+.

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3. Empress Ki (2013)

A gripping tale about Ki Seung-nyang, a woman of Goryeo origin who rises to become the Empress of Yuan. The drama blends romance, politics, and action.

Cast: Ha Ji-won as Empress Ki, Ji Chang-wook as Toghon Temür.
Why Watch in 2025: Known for its epic 51-episode run, Empress Ki is a masterpiece of palace politics and power struggles. Ji Chang-wook’s breakout role makes it unforgettable.
Where to Watch: Viki.

4. Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Set in the late 19th and early 20th century, the drama follows Eugene Choi (Lee Byung-hun), a Korean boy who escapes to America, only to return years later as a U.S. Marine officer.

Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok.
Why Watch in 2025: Produced by the creators of Goblin and Descendants of the Sun, this drama blends romance, history, and patriotism. Its visuals are cinematic, and the tragic love story is unforgettable.
Where to Watch: Netflix.

5. The Crowned Clown (2019)

When a king fears for his life, he installs a look-alike clown on the throne. What begins as a desperate strategy turns into a tale of loyalty, love, and power.

Cast: Yeo Jin-goo as King Yi Heon/Ha Sun, Lee Se-young as Queen Yoo So-woon.
Why Watch in 2025: Yeo Jin-goo’s performance as both the tormented king and the kind-hearted clown is phenomenal. This drama offers palace intrigue with heart.
Where to Watch: Netflix.

6. Queen for Seven Days (2017)

A tragic love story based on the real Queen Dangyeong, who reigned for only seven days.

Cast: Park Min-young, Yeon Woo-jin, Lee Dong-gun.
Why Watch in 2025: Known as one of the most heartbreaking sageuks, the drama’s emotional storytelling and Park Min-young’s performance leave a lasting impression.
Where to Watch: Viki.

7. Kingdom (2019)

Blending historical drama with zombie horror, Kingdom is set in Joseon-era Korea where a mysterious plague spreads.

Cast: Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Lee Chang, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong.
Why Watch in 2025: Unique in its genre, Kingdom is Netflix’s first original Korean series and has set the standard for period thrillers.
Where to Watch: Netflix.

8. Lovers of the Red Sky (2021)

A romantic fantasy set in the Joseon Dynasty, following Hong Cheon-gi, a gifted painter, and Ha Ram, a blind astrologer bound by fate.

Cast: Kim Yoo-jung, Ahn Hyo-seop, Gong Myung.
Why Watch in 2025: A perfect mix of romance, fantasy, and stunning visuals. Kim Yoo-jung shines in this role.
Where to Watch: Viki.

9. Dong Yi (2010)

A classic sageuk telling the life story of Dong Yi, a palace maid who becomes a royal consort and the mother of King Yeongjo.

Cast: Han Hyo-joo, Ji Jin-hee, Lee So-yeon.
Why Watch in 2025: With 60 episodes, Dong Yi is perfect for fans who enjoy long historical dramas filled with politics, romance, and character growth.
Where to Watch: Viki.

10. Love in the Moonlight (2016)

A coming-of-age historical romance about Crown Prince Lee Yeong and a young woman disguised as a eunuch.

Cast: Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo-jung.
Why Watch in 2025: Sweet, youthful, and full of charm, this drama is ideal for those who want a lighthearted historical romance.
Where to Watch: Viki.

11. Six Flying Dragons (2015)

A political sageuk centered around the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty, following ambitious characters like Yi Bang-won, who later becomes King Taejong.

Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Shin Se-kyung, Byun Yo-han.
Why Watch in 2025: A historical masterpiece that blends political intrigue and personal struggles with intense action sequences.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki.

12. Alchemy of Souls (2022)

Though more of a fantasy than a traditional sageuk, this drama is set in a fictional, historical-like kingdom where magic and soul-shifting exist.

Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Go Yoon-jung.
Why Watch in 2025: Popular among global fans, it combines fantasy elements with sageuk aesthetics, making it a refreshing watch.
Where to Watch: Netflix.

13. Arang and the Magistrate (2012)

A supernatural sageuk about Arang, a ghost who seeks the truth behind her death, and Eun-oh, a magistrate who can see spirits.

Cast: Shin Min-ah, Lee Joon-gi.
Why Watch in 2025: A mix of folklore, mystery, and romance. The chemistry between Shin Min-ah and Lee Joon-gi is delightful.
Where to Watch: Viki.

14. The King’s Affection (2021)

Based on a manhwa, this drama tells the story of a crown princess who disguises herself as her twin brother, the crown prince, after his death.

Cast: Park Eun-bin, Rowoon.
Why Watch in 2025: This drama made history by winning the International Emmy Award in 2022. It’s a groundbreaking sageuk with strong themes of identity and love.
Where to Watch: Netflix.

15. Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) (2003)

One of the most legendary historical K-dramas, it follows Jang Geum, the first female royal physician of the Joseon Dynasty.

Cast: Lee Young-ae, Ji Jin-hee.
Why Watch in 2025: A timeless masterpiece that boosted the Korean Wave worldwide. Its mix of cooking, medicine, and palace intrigue remains unmatched.
Where to Watch: Viki.

FAQs

What is the most popular historical K-drama of all time?
Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) is often considered the most influential sageuk.
Are historical K-dramas based on true events?
Some are inspired by real figures and dynasties, but most blend fact with fiction.
What makes sageuk dramas unique?
Their mix of history, traditional culture, political intrigue, and romance.
Which historical K-drama is best for beginners?
Love in the Moonlight and The King’s Affection are light and easy to follow.
Where can I watch historical K-dramas in 2025?
Most are available on Netflix, Viki, and Disney+, depending on your region.

Conclusion

Historical K-dramas are not just about costumes and palaces—they are emotional journeys filled with timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Whether you want an epic political thriller like Six Flying Dragons, a heartbreaking love story like The Red Sleeve, or a fantasy twist like Alchemy of Souls, this list of the Top 15 Best Historical K-dramas to Watch in 2025 guarantees something for every fan.

So, grab your popcorn (or perhaps some Korean traditional tea), pick your favorite from this list, and let yourself be transported back in time!

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