12 Best Historical K-Dramas On Netflix Right Now

Historical K-dramas are some of the best in the genre. They instantly take you back to a time when hierarchy, kingdom laws, and romance were complicated. Not to mention, the costumes are amazing to look at, and the storylines can be some of the best. If you want to dive into some historical K-dramas, I’ve compiled a list of 12 of the best to watch on Netflix.

My Dearest

• Genre: Historical, romance, drama
• Stars: Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Hak-joo, Lee Da-in
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 21
• Runtime: 70–80 minutes per episode
• Creator: Kim Sung-yong
• Release date: 2023

This K-drama follows the love story between Lee Jang-hyun and Yoo Gil-chae. He is a nobleman, while she is the daughter of a noble family. Amidst their romance and the chaos of the battlefield, their love is challenged as bloodshed, hardship and difficult times prevail, leaving them caught in between.

The Red Sleeve

• Genre: Historical, romance, drama
• Stars: Lee Jun-ho, Lee Se-young, Kang Hoon
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 17
• Runtime: 70–80 minutes per episode
• Creator: Jung Hae-ri
• Release date: 2021

The Red Sleeve is a historical Korean drama about the monarchs of the Joseon era, loosely based on the lives of King Jeongjo and Consort Ui. While he battles trauma following family tragedy, she is a woman who wants more from life than simply being a “king’s woman.” The drama takes a closer look at their dynamic through this period of time.

Mr. Sunshine

• Genre: Historical, romance, drama
• Stars: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung, Byun Yo-han
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 24
• Runtime: 70–90 minutes per episode
• Creator: Kim Eun-sook
• Release date: 2018

Mr. Sunshine is an enthralling K-drama that takes place across both Joseon and New York. Following the lives of Eugene Choi and Go Ae-shin, the story sees social ranks and politics stand in the way of their romance. Amid an oncoming war in Joseon, Eugene fights for his own future and Ae-shin fights for her country.

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty

• Genre: Historical, romance, comedy, fantasy
• Stars: Lim Yoon-a, Lee Chae-min, Kang Han-na, Choi Gwi-hwa
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 12
• Runtime: 60–70 minutes per episode
• Creator: Park Seon-ho
• Release date: 2025

When a talented chef travels back to the Joseon era, she is met by a stubborn and demanding king. However, he starts showing interest and affection as she impresses him with her creative culinary skills.

Mr. Queen

• Genre: Historical, romance, comedy, fantasy
• Stars: Shin Hye-sun, Kim Jung-hyun, Bae Jong-ok, Kim Tae-woo
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 20
• Runtime: 70–80 minutes per episode
• Creators: Park Gye-ok, Choi Ah-il
• Release date: 2020

Mr. Queen is a hilarious K-drama about Queen Cheorin, who finds herself with the soul of a modern-day man trapped inside her body. Meanwhile, King Cheoljong strives to become a king who fights for his people.

The King’s Affection

• Genre: Historical, romance, drama
• Stars: Park Eun-bin, Rowoon, Nam Yoon-su, Choi Byung-chan
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 20
• Runtime: 65–70 minutes per episode
• Creator: Han Hee-jung
• Release date: 2021

Set during the Joseon period, The King’s Affection is about the life of a woman who makes a huge sacrifice in her life despite in also putting jeopordy on her well-being. Dam-yi descends to the throne undercover as a Crown Prince following her brother’s death, with secret this big, it puts eveything and everyone at risk.

Under the Queen’s Umbrella

• Genre: Historical, comedy, drama
• Stars: Kim Hye-soo, Kim Hae-sook, Choi Won-young
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 16
• Runtime: 60–70 minutes per episode
• Creator: Park Ba-ra
• Release date: 2022

Set in a fictional Joseon-era kingdom, the series follows a group of troublesome princes who are causing headaches for the royal family. Their mother takes on the challenge of teaching them how to behave and prepare for life in the palace.

Alchemy of Souls

• Genre: Historical, fantasy, romance, drama
• Stars: Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Go Youn-jung
• Seasons: 2
• Episodes: 30
• Runtime: 70–80 minutes per episode
• Creators: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran
• Release date: 2022

This show is about trapped souls, sorcery, and fate. Alchemy of Souls is full of suspense and drama and is definitely worth watching.

Love in the Moonlight

One disguise, a secret confession and romance. These are the topics in Love in Moonlight. A young woman disguises herself as a eunuch and ends up falling for a crown prince.

100 Days My Prince

• Genre: Historical, romance, comedy, drama
• Stars: Doh Kyung-soo, Nam Ji-hyun, Jo Sung-ha
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 16
• Runtime: 60–75 minutes per episode
• Creator: No Ji-seol
• Release date: 2018

Released in 2018, 100 Days My Prince is about a crown prince who loses his memories. He is forced to live a new life and marriage with a bride he doesn’t know.

Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung

• Genre: Historical, romance, comedy, drama
• Stars: Shin Se-kyung, Cha Eun-woo, Park Ki-woong
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 20
• Runtime: 60–70 minutes per episode
• Creator: Kim Ho-soo
• Release date: 2019

This lighthearted Korean drama follows a historian who has no interest in marrying. And surprisingly, she mets a handome prince with a love of literature. Does it work out between them?

Rooftop Prince

When a Crown Prince is transported to the future, he’s not only baffled by his surrounding but also a woman who looks just like his wife. This is an interesting watch.