Fans of Korean entertainment know that there's a must-see K-drama out there for everyone, from those who love romance to the thriller-obsessed. History buffs can turn to the sweeping genre of Korea's period dramas, also known as saeguks. These historical K-dramas traditionally take place in the country's dynastic periods, following the royal courts of the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, but some standout series have also chronicled dramatic times in Korea's more recent history. And don't expect only straightforward melodramas; the K-drama world's tendency for genre-mixing means many of the best historical series include time travel, gender-swapping, fantasy magic, and enough rom-com plots to sate the thirstiest romance fans.
Read on for a selection of the best historical K-dramas to watch, from zombie horror shows to epic romances and fantastical adventures. (Once you've dipped your toes in, check out our list of the best K-dramas to watch on Netflix.)
