Post by ajk on Jul 2, 2013 16:07:27 GMT -5
KOREAN HISTORICAL DRAMA TIMELINE
The following is my attempt to chronologize all of the existing Korean historical dramas. Most of the information here was gathered from other posts throughout this forum; full notes are provided below. Many of the start and end dates reported are approximate. Anyone who has seen a series and can provide more accurate dates, please reply to this thread or PM me and I will revise them. The same holds for the subject lines; I've watched only a fraction of the series listed here so any improvement that can be made to any of the descriptions is more than welcome. Orange highlighting indicates missing or incomplete information; here, too, any assistance would be much appreciated.
I'll try to keep the timeline current and add new series as they air. Thanks to everyone who directly or indirectly provided information that appears here.
Most recently updated: July 22, 2023.
Proto-Three Kingdoms period
Jumong / Prince of the Legend (MBC 2006-07, 81 episodes): 58 BC - 19 AD
――King Dongmyeong, founding king of Goguryeo
57 BC - begin Shilla
37 BC - begin Goguryeo
18 BC - begin Baekje
Kingdom Of The Winds / The Land of the Wind (KBS 2008-09, 36 episodes): 02 AD - 22 AD
――Early Goguryeo kings
Great Land (KBS 1964, 16 episodes): 18 AD - 44 AD
――King Daemusin (3rd king of Goguryeo)
Princess Ja Myung Go (SBS 2008, 39 episodes): 32 AD - 37 AD
――Largely fictional drama about a (real) princess of Nakrang Kingdom
42 AD - begin Gaya
Kim Su Ro / The Iron King (MBC 2010, 32 episodes): 42 AD - 99 AD
――Founding king of Gaya
King Geunchogo / The King of Legend (KBS 2010-11, 60 episodes): 324 - 375
――13th king of Baekje
The Legend / The Story Of The First King's Four Gods (MBC 2007, 24 episodes): 374 - 413
――Fantasy; King Gwanggaeto, with four deities and events spanning earlier millenia
King Gwaggaeto The Great (KBS 2011-12, 92 episodes): 374 - 413
――19th king of Goguryeo
Soo Baek Hyang / The Daughter of the Emperor (MBC 2013-14, 108 episodes (daily)): 501 - 523
――Fictional; daughter of King Muryeong (25th king of Baekje) who becomes King Seong's (26th king's) queen
Hwarang: The Beginning (KBS 2016-17, 20 episodes): 540 - 576
――Corps of elite young warriors founded by King Jinheung of Shilla (24th king)
562 AD - end Gaya
Queen Seonduk (MBC 2009, 62 episodes): 572 - 660
――Princess Deokman/QSD (27th ruler of Shilla) and fictional(?) Lady Mishil
Ballad Of Seodong / Song of the Prince (SBS 2005-06, 55 episodes): 580 - 641
――Fictional/romance; King Mu, 30th king of Baekje
River Where the Moon Rises (KBS 2021, 20 episodes): late 6th century
――Love Story between Princess Pyeonggang and On Dal
The Great King's Dream (KBS 2012-13, 70 episodes): 595 - 673
――Unification of the Three Kingdoms; Kim Chunchu/King Muyeol (29th king of Shilla) and Kim Yushin
Gyebaek (MBC 2010, 36 episodes): 610 - 660
――Baekje general
Yeon Gaesomun (SBS 2006-07, 100 episodes): 612 - 668
――Military dictator of Goguryeo
Chronicles of The Three Kingdoms / Samgukgi / Three Flags (KBS 1992-93, 50 episodes): 629 - 669
――Overview of events involving Silla, Baekje, Goguryeo, Tang China and Japan(Wae)
Sword and Flower / Blade and Petal (KBS 2013, 20 episodes): early 640s
――Fictional romance; daughter of King Yeongnyu, illegitimate son of Yeon Gaesomun
Unification of the Three Kingdoms (KBS 1975, 20 episodes): 640s - 660s
――Begins with Kim Chunchu's marriage to Lady Munhee; conclusion unknown
Dae Joyoung (KBS 2006-07, 134 episodes): 645 - 719
――Decline and fall of Goguryeo; formation of Balhae under DJY/King Go
660 end Baekje
668 end Goguryeo
698 begin Balhae
668 end Goguryeo
698 begin Balhae
Emperor of the Sea (KBS 2004-05, 51 episodes): 805 - 846
――Maritime merchant/private warlord of Shilla's SW coast
Emperor Wang Guhn (KBS 2000-2002, 200 episodes): 887 - 936
――Wang Guhn/King Taejo, founding king of Koryo dynasty
The Prince in Hemp Clothes (KBS 1964, length unknown): 900 - 936
――Crown Prince Ma-Ui, son of the last King of Silla Kingdom (King Gyeongsun)
918 begin Koryo
926 end Balhae
935 end Shilla
926 end Balhae
935 end Shilla
Shine or Go Crazy (MBC 2015, 24 episodes): 940s
――Fictional romance; prince Wang So (future King Gwangjong (4th king) and Balhae princess
Dawn of the Empire (KBS 2002-03, 94 episodes): 943 - 965
――King Gwangjong, 4th king of Koryo
Iron Empress / Empress Chunchu (KBS 2008-09, 78 episodes): 979 - 1025
――Queen Hunae/Empress Dowager Chunchu, mother of Mokjong (7th king of Koryo)
Kang Gam Chan (KBS 1973, 77 episodes): 990 - 1010
――Events surrounding first Khitan invasion of Koryo
Age of Warriors (KBS 2003-04, 158 episodes): 1170 - 1219
――Overthrow of Koryo monarchy and subsequent military rule
God Of War / Soldier (MBC 2012, 56 episodes): 1217 - 1251
――Slave-turned-military-ruler of Koryo
The King in Love (MBC 2017, 40 episodes): 1290s
――Fictional romance; future King Chungseon as a young prince
Empress Ki (MBC 2013-14, 60 episodes): 1315 - 1370
――Highly fictionalized part-romance story of Goryeo-born woman who rises to become Yuan Empress
Yeseong River (MBC 1976, 45 episodes): 1325 - 1395
――Life story of Choi Museon, the first Korean to mass-produce gunpowder
Shin Don (MBC 2005-06, 61 episodes): 1347 - 1371
――Buddhist monk who advised King Gongmin (31st king of Koryo)
Great Ambition / Daemang (SBS 2002-03, 26 episodes): roughly mid to late 1300s
――Fictional; succession dispute divides influential merchant family
Vocation (KBS 1974, 19 episodes): 1356 - 1388
――Portion of Lee Seong Gye's life
The Great Seer (SBS 2012, 35 episodes): 1370 - 1392
――Ji Sang, fictional guru who guided Yi Songgye's foundation of Joseon dynasty
My Country: The New Age (JTBC 2019, 16 episodes): Late Goryeo-Early Joseon
――Fictional/romance; love triangle during Goryeo-Joseon transition
The Foundation of the Dynasty / Gae Guk (KBS 1983, 50 episodes): 1351 - 1392
――King Gongmin, Queen Noguk, Choi Yeong, Jeong Mongju, Lee Seong Gye, Jeong Dojeon
1392 end Koryo, begin Chosun
["500 Years of Joseon Dynasty" group (MBC 1983-90) listed individually]
Jeong Dojeon (KBS 2014, 50 episodes): 1374 - 1398
――Advisor to King Taejo; profoundly influenced establishment and development of Joseon dynasty
Six Flying Dragons / Six Ascending Dragons (MBC 2015-2016, 50 episodes): late 1300s
――Foundation of Joseon dynasty
Maids / The Housemaids (jTBC 2015, 20 episodes): late 1300s
――Fictional / romance; noble-class young woman falls to servant class
500Y #1--The King of Chudong Palace (MBC 1983, 52 episodes): late 1300s - early 1400s
――Fall of Koryo / founding of Chosun; Kings Taejo, Jeongjong and Taejong (1st, 2nd and 3rd kings)
The King of Tears, Lee Bangwon: (KBS 2021-2022, 32 episodes): 1388 - 1418
――Rise to power of Prince Bangwon / King Taejong
Tears of the Dragon (KBS 1996-98, 159 episodes): 1392 - 1420
――Kings Taejo, Jeongjong, Taejong and Sejong (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th kings)
Yeonji (MBC 1978, 197 episodes) - 1400 - 1418
――Life of a fictional girl during the reign of King Taejong (need more info)
Joseon Exorcist (SBS 2021, 16 episodes, cancelled after episode 2): early 1400s
――King Taejong and Prince Choongnyeong fighting zombies and an evil spirit
500Y #2--The Tree With Deep Roots (MBC 1983, 29 episodes): first half of 15th century
――Reign of King Sejong
The Tree With Deep Roots (SBS 2011, 24 episodes): first half of 15th century
――Murder mystery in the court of King Sejong
Great King Sejong (KBS 1973, 199 episodes): 1397 - 1446
Daily drama; life of King Sejong, through the publication of the Hangul alphabet
Great King Sejong (KBS 2008, 86 episodes): 1403 - 1448
――4th king of Chosun
Jang Youngsil: The Greatest Scientist of Joseon (KBS 2016, 24 episodes): 1401 - 1460
――Prominent scientist and inventor who served under King Sejong (4th king)
Grand Prince (TV Chosun 2018, 20 episodes): 1430s - 1440s
――Fictional; two princes in a love triangle (princes based on Prince Suyang/King Sejo and his brother Prince Anpyeong)
Hong Cheongi / Lovers of the Red Sky (SBS 2021, 16 episodes): 1430s-1440s
――Fictional love triangle between Prince Anpyeong (King Sejong’s third son), Hong Cheongi (government-employed artist), and a fictional meteorologist
Loyalty (KBS 1974-75, 14 episodes): 1450s
――Prince Suyang's rise to power
King and Queen (KBS 1998-2000, 186 episodes): 1450 - 1506
――Kings Sejong through Yeonsangun (4th through 10th kings); Queen Insoo
500Y #3--The Ume Tree in the Midst of the Snow (MBC 1984-85, 108 episodes): 1450 - 1506
――Kings Munjong through Yeonsangun (5th through 10th kings)
The King And I (SBS 2007-08, 63 episodes): 1450 - 1506
――Kim Cheo Seon, eunuch who served kings from Munjong through Yeonsangun (5th through 10th kings)
Queen Insoo (jTBC 2012, 60 episodes): 1450 - 1506
――Remake of "King and Queen"
The Princess' Man (KBS 2011, 24 episodes): 1451 - 1468
――Fictional romance; years of Kings Munjong, Danjong and Sejo (5th, 6th and 7th kings)
Lost Love (MBC 1980, 132 episodes): King Sejo, 1450s – 1460s
――Grand Prince Suyang’s coup/murder of his nephew King Danjong
Dance of Breaking Sky (KBS 1980, 12 episodes): 1453 - 1468
――Coup and reign of King Sejo (7th king) - series cancelled during airing by government order
The Dance of Sky Breaking / Pa Chun Mu (KBS 1990, 50): 1453 - 1468
――Remade/expanded version of 1980 series
Six Martyred Ministers / Sa Yug Shin (KBS 2007 (North Korean production), 24 episodes): 1455 - 1456
――Attempt to overthrow King Sejo (7th king) and restore King Danjong (6th king)
The King’s Affection (KBS 2021, 20 episodes): 1455-1468, King Sejo
――Love story of a princess who grows up as a cross-dressing prince
Han Myung Hoe (KBS 1994, 105 episodes): 1455 - 1487
――Powerful minister in Chosun court; Kings Sejo, Yejong and Seongjong (7th, 8th and 9th kings)
Lady Jeong (MBC 1978, 97 episodes) - 1476 - 1506
――Story of a eunuch and his wife, and the wives of ministers, during time of King Yeonsangun (10th king)
Jo Kwang Jo (KBS 1996, 52 episodes): 1492 - 1519
――Reformist scholar / courtier under King Jungjong (11th king)
Jang Nok Soo (KBS 1995, 52 episodes): 1494 - 1506
――Concubine of King Yeonsangun (10th king)
Hong Gil Dong (SBS 1998, 16 episodes): 1494 - 1506
――Fictional Robin Hood-type character
Hong Gil Dong (KBS 2008, 24 episodes): 1494 - 1506
――Fusion drama; fictional Robin Hood-type character; second in series with Im Kkeok Jeong and Jang Gil San
Rebel: Thief Who Stole The People (MBC 2017, 30 episodes): 1494 - 1506
――Hong Gil Dong, fictional Robin Hood-type character
Yushimcho (SBS 1991-1992, 84 episodes): likely King Jungjong’s reign, early 1500s
――Fictional story of three women of different social classes; first SBS historical drama
Queen for Seven Days (KBS 2017, 20 episodes): early 1500s
――Romance; King Jungjong and Queen Dangyeong
Saimdang, the Herstory / Saimdang, Light's Diary / Memoir of Colors (SBS 2017, 30 episodes): 1504 - 1551
――Shin Saimdang, famous artist/writer, also mother of noted scholar Yulgok
Dae Jang Geum / Jewel in the Palace (MBC 2003-04, 54 episodes): 1506 - 1544
――Female royal physician; Kings Seongjong, Yeonsangun and Jungjong (9th, 10th and 11th kings)
Hwang Jini (KBS 2006, 24 episodes): 1506 - 1550
――Famous gisaeng / performer / poet
Ladies of the Palace / Woman's World (SBS 2001-02, 151 episodes): 1506 - 1565
――Queens and other influential women during reigns of Kings Jungjong and Injong (11th and 12th kings)
500Y #4--The Wind Orchid (MBC 1985, 64 episodes): 1506 - 1567
――Concubine of prime minister; Queen Regent Munjeong; Kings Jungjong, Injong and Myeongjong (11th, 12th and 13th kings)
Hwang Jin-yi (MBC 1982-83, 32 episodes): 1520 - 1560
――Famous gisaeng / performer / poet; part 4 of 4-part "Women of Legend" series
Im Kkeok Jeong (SBS 1996-97, 44 episodes): 1520 - 1562
――Leader of peasant rebellion under King Myeongjong (13th king); first in series with Hong Gil Don and Jang Gil San
The Fugitive of Joseon / Mandate of Heaven (KBS 2013, 20 episodes): 1544 - 1545
――Mystery; royal physician during reign of King Injong (12th king)
Boknyeo (MBC 1974, 109 episodes): King Myeongjong, 1545 - 1567
――Nightly drama (5x/week) about court ladies
Ok Jung Hwa / The Flower in Prison (MBC 2016, 50 episodes): 1545 - 1567
――Fictional; lawyers helping falsely convicted prisoners; reign of King Myeongjong (13th king)
Tenacity (MBC 1975, 143 episodes): 1500s - 1615
――Daily drama about Heo Jun
Yeonhwa Palace (KBS 1967, 14 episodes): 1544 - 1565
――The future King Myeongjong's years as crown prince; his unhappiness and desire to leave the palace
Dong Yui Bo Gam / The Mirror of Eastern Medicine (MBC 1991, 14 episodes): 1546 - 1615
――Royal physician under King Seonjo (14th king)
Heo Jun / Huh Joon / The Way of Medicine (MBC 1999-2000, 64 episodes): 1555 - 1615
――Royal physician under King Seonjo (14th king)
Guam Heo Jun / Heo Jun, The Original Story (MBC 2013, 135 episodes): 1546 - 1615
――Remake of 1999-2000 MBC series
Mirror of the Witch / Witch Exemplar (jtbc 2016, 20 episodes): 1550s
――Fantasy / magic; young princess becomes a witch, meets young Huh Joon
The Immortal Yi Soon-Shin (KBS 2004-05, 104 episodes): 1555 - 1598
――Undefeated admiral / hero of Imjin War
Goddess of Fire (MBC 2013, 32 episodes): 1570s - 1598
――Romance; first woman ceramic potter of Joseon dynasty; based on life of Baek Pa Sun
Roll of Thunder (KBS 2000-01, 50 episodes): 1569 - 1618
――Heo Gyun, politician / intellectual under Gwanghaegun (15th king)
West Palace (KBS 1995-96, 52 episodes): 1575 - 1623
――Queen Inmok, stepmother to King Gwanghaegun (15th king); Gwanghaegun's concubine Kim Gae Shi
The King's Woman (SBS 2003-04, 42 episodes): 1575 - 1623
――Gwanghaegun's concubine Kim Gae Shi
500Y #5--The Imjin War (MBC 1985-86, 54 episodes): 1590 - 1598
――Japanese invasions of late 16th century
The Book of Corrections / Jingbirok (KBS 2015, 50 episodes): 1590s
――Story of Ryu Seongryong, high government official during Imjin War
The Imjin War (KBS 2016, 5 episodes): 1592 - 1598
――Major events of the Imjin War; co-produced with Chinese network CCTV
The King's Face (KBS 2014-15, 24 episodes): 1592 - 1608
――Crown-prince years of future Gwanghaegun (15th king)
The Crowned Clown / The Man Who Became King (tvN 2019, 16 episodes): early 1600s
――Body double who replaces King Gwanghaegun; loosely based on the 2012 film Masquerade
The Tale of Nokdu (KBS 2019, 32 episodes): Early 1600s; reign of King Gwanghaegun
――Fictional/romantic comedy; man cross-dresses to enter women-only village
Hwajung, Princess of Light / Splendid Politics (MBC 2015, 50 episodes): early 1600s
――Fictional; Princess Jeongmyeong, Gwanghaegun's half-sister
500Y #6--The Hoechun Gate (MBC 1986, 50 episodes): 1600 - 1623
――Reign and overthrow of King Gwanghaegun (15th king), with Queen Inmok and concubine Kim Gae Shi
The Queen of the West Palace / Suh Gung Mama (MBC 1982, 24 episodes): 1602 - 1623
――Queen Inmok, second wife of King Seonjo (14th king); part 2 of 4-part "Women of Legend" series
Stealing Destiny / Bossam: Steal the Fate (MBN 2021, 20 episodes): 1608 - 1623
――Fictional main character kidnaps a princess by mistake; King Gwanghae years
Oknyeo (TBC 1970, 21 episodes): 1608 - 1623 Gwanghae years
――Romance/tragedy among nobles; apparently a non-supernatural version of the 1978 series
Oknyeo (MBC 1977-78, 136 episodes): 1608 - 1623 Gwanghae years
――Romance/tragedy about a psychic fortune-teller
Joseon X-Files / Secret Investigation Record (Netflix 2017, 20 episodes): 1609
――Paranormal and alien activity in Joseon
Strongest Chil Woo / Chilwu the Mighty (KBS 2008, 20 episodes): 1623 - 1649
――Action drama; fictional vigilante leader during reign of King Injo (16th king)
500Y #7--Namhan Mountain Castle (MBC 1986-87, 22 episodes): 1624 - 1674
――Kings Injo, Hyojong and Hyeonjong (16th, 17th and 18th kings)
The King's Doctor / Horse Doctor (MBC 2012, 50 episodes): 1625 - 1697
――Life of Baek Gwanghyon, veterinarian who rose to become chief royal physician
Great Vocation / Dae Myung (KBS 1981, 50 episodes): 1627 - 1659
――Kings Injo and Hyojong (16th and 17th kings); Manchurian invasions
The Three Musketeers of Joseon (tvN, 12 episodes): 1620s - 1630s
――Warrior guards who protect Crown Prince Sohyeon
Iljimae (MBC 1993, 8 episodes): 1630s
――Fictional; Robin Hood-type vigilante
Iljimae (SBS 2008, 20 episodes): 1630s
――Fictional; action / fusion / romance; Robin Hood-type vigilante
Moon River / The Return of Iljimae (MBC 2009, 24 episodes): 1630s
――Fictional; action / fusion / romance; Robin Hood-type vigilante
Cruel Palace / War of the Flowers (JTBC 2013, 50 episodes): 1636 - 1644
――Concubine of King Injo (16th king)
The Reputable Family (KBS 2010, 16 episodes): 1636 - 1656
――Influential Choi family; first of three "noblesse oblige" dramas (Great Merchant, Freedom Fighter)
Tamra, the Island (MBC 2009, 16 episodes): 1640s
――Fictional romantic comedy set on Jeju Island
Chuno / The Slave Hunters (KBS 2011, 24 episodes): 1644
――Fictional/action drama; fugitive slaves and their pursuers
Yearning For a Beauty (MBC 1976, 90 episodes): King Hyojong, 1649--1659
――Adaptation of a 1585 romance novel w/General Lee Wan, set during preparations for revenge "Northern conquest" of Qing
Secret Royal Inspector & Joyi (tvN 2021, 16 episodes): 17th century Joseon dynasty
――Fictional comedy/detective story about investigating public corruption
Jang Hee Bin (MBC 1971-72, 154 episodes): 1659 - 1701
――Daily drama; concubine of King Sukjong (19th king) / mother of King Gyeongjong (20th king)
Jang Hee Bin (SBS 1995, 63 episodes): 1659 - 1701
――Concubine of King Sukjong (19th king) / mother of King Gyeongjong (20th king); close remake of 1981 Lady Chang Hui-bin series
Jang Hee Bin (KBS 2002-03, 100 episodes): 1659 - 1701
――Concubine of King Sukjong (19th king) / mother of King Gyeongjong (20th king)
Jang Gil San (SBS 2004, 50 episodes): 1659 - 1701
――Fictional thief / hero; third in series with Im Kkeok Jeong and Hong Gil Dong
Jang Ok-jung, Living by Love (SBS 2013, 24 episodes): 1659 - 1701
――Fusion; Concubine of King Sukjong (19th king) / mother of King Gyeongjong (20th king)
Lady Chang Hui-bin (MBC 1981-82, 62 episodes): 1670 - 1701
――Concubine of King Sukjong (19th king) / mother of King Gyeongjong (20th king); part 1 of 4-part "Women of Legend" series
Dong Yi (MBC 2010, 60 episodes): 1670 - 1720
――Fusion/romance; King Sukjong (19th king) and his concubine Choe Suk Bin
500Y #8--Queen Inhyeon (MBC 1988, 71 episodes) 1681 - 1701
――Wife of King Sukjong (19th king)
Damo / The Legendary Police Woman (MBC 2003, 14 episodes): 1695
――Fictional / fusion / romance; female police detective
Song of Yearning (KBS 1987, 215 episodes): 1689 - 1755
――Babies-switched-at-birth story of nobleman-by-birth trying to assume his rightful place
Mankang (SBS 1996, 63 episodes): 1689 - 1755
――Babies of slave and noblewoman switched at birth; remake of Song of Yearning
Jackpot / The Royal Gambler / Daebak (SBS 2016, 24 episodes): early 1700s
――Fictional; prince forced to live as a commoner; becomes expert gambler
Ruler: Master of the Mask / The Emperor: Owner of the Mask (MBC 2017, 40 episodes): 1700s
――Fictional; crown prince who fights organized crime
Haechi (SBS 2019, 24 episodes): early 1700s
――Prince Yeoning’s (a.k.a King Youngjo’s (21st king's)) rise to the throne
Anguk-Dong Lady (MBC 1979, 160 episodes): 1735 - 1815
――Daily drama; Lady Hyegyeong, consort of Prince Sado and mother of King Jeongjo (22nd king)
Oh, Heaven (KBS 1988-89, 190 episodes): 1735 - 1815
――Prince Sado and Lady Hyegyeong; daily drama
Jeonghwa (MBC 1977, 178 episodes): 1739 - 1812
――Daily drama about a gisaeng who became the first female merchant in Joseon
The Great Merchant Kim Mandeok (KBS 2009, 30 episodes): 1739 - 1812
――Jeju Island gisaeng / businesswoman / philanthropist; second of three "noblesse oblige" dramas (Reputable Family, Freedom Fighter)
Hanjungnok (KBS 1972, 130 episodes): 1740s - 1760s
――Adaptation of Lady Hyegyeong's memoirs
The Royal Way / Wang Do (KBS 1991, 34 episodes): 1748 - 1781
――Hong Guk Young, powerful politician during reign of King Jeongjo (22nd king)
Hong Guk Young (MBC 2001, 40 episodes): 1748 - 1781
――Powerful politician during reign of King Jeongjo (22nd king)
Moonshine / Reminder of Moon When Flower Blooms (KBS 2021-2022, 16 episodes): King Yeongjo, mid-1700s
――Fictional romance between alcoholic beverage maker and prohibition inspector
Path of the Great Dynasty / King of the Wind (MBC 1998, 34 episodes): 1760 - 1762
――Prince Sado and Lady Hyegyeong
Yi San / Wind of the Palace / King Jeongjo the Great (MBC 2007-08, 77 episodes): 1762 - 1800
――Life of King Jeongjo (22nd king)
The Secret Door (SBS 2014, 24 episodes): 1754 - 1762
――Fictional; conflict between King Yeongjo (22nd king) and Crown Prince Sado
The Red Sleeve (MBC 2021-2022, 17 episodes): 1770s-1780s
――Fusion/romance between King Jeongjo and Consort Ui
Warrior Baek Dong Soo (SBS 2011, 29 episodes): 1770s - 1780s
――Action drama; swordsman / martial artist who protected King Jeongjo (22nd king)
500Y #9--The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyeong (MBC 1988-89, 62 episodes): late 1700s - early 1800s
――Crown princess / consort of Prince Sado / mother of King Jeongjo (22nd king)
Road of the Great King / King of the Wind (MBC 1998, 34 episodes): late 1700s - early 1800s
――Prince Sado drama, based on "The Diary of Lady Hyegyeong"
Mok Min Shim Suh (KBS 2000-01, 50 episodes): 1762 - 1836
――Jung Yak Yong, Confucian scholar
The Painter of Wind (SBS 2008, 20 episodes): 1766 - 1776
――Fictional / romance; murder mystery in court of King Jeongjo (22nd king)
500Y #10--Pa Mun (MBC 1989, 28 episodes): 1776 - 1834
――Confucian scholars and early Korean catholics during reigns of Kings Jeongjo and Sunjo (22nd and 23rd kings)
Merchant / Sangdo / The Way of Trade (MBC 2001-02, 50 episodes): 1779 - 1855
――Im Sang Ok, famous merchant
Sungkyunkwan Scandal (KBS 2010, 20 episodes): 1780 - 1790
――Fusion / romance / comedy; young Confucian scholars
Korean Mystery Detective Jung Yak Yong (OCN 2009 - 2010, 8 episodes): late 1700s
――Secret royal investigator for King Jeongjo (22nd king)
Eight Days / Mystery of Jeong Jo Assassination Attempts (CGV 2007, 10 episodes): 1792
――Fictional attempts to kill King Jeongjo (22nd king)
Ambition (MBC 1994, 80 episodes): 1792 - 1801
――four siblings in Sungkyunkwan who create a secret reform organization
Conspiracy In The Court / The Ballad of Seoul (KBS 2007, 8 episodes): 1800
――Social and political changes during reign of King Jeongjo (22nd king)
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (MBC 2019, 40 episodes): early 1800s
――Fictional; female historians in the royal court; romance with fictional prince
The Duo (MBC 2011, 32 episodes): 19th century
――Lives of two sons of noble and beggar families who were switched at birth
Love in the Moonlight / Moonlight Drawn by Clouds (KBS 2016, 18 episodes): 1820 - 1830
――Romance between fictional female character and Crown Prince Hyomyeong
Man of the Sun, Lee Jema (KBS 2002, 30 episodes): 1837 - 1900
――Famous physician
Queen Cheorin / Mr. Queen (tvN 2020-2021, 20 episodes): 1849 - 1864
――Soul of a 2020 man gets trapped in Queen Cheorin's body during King Cheoljeong's reign
500Y #11--Daewongun (MBC 1990, 32 episodes): 1849 - 1910
――Final years of dynasty; Kings Cheoljong, Gojong and Sunjong (25th, 26th and 27th kings)
Queen Min (MBC 1973, 213 episodes): 1851 - 1895
――Empress Myeongseong daily drama
Empress Myeongseong / The Lost Empire (KBS 2001-02, 124 episodes): 1851 - 1895
――Wife of King Gojong (26th king)
Records of Rich Men (MBC 1982-83, 10 + 22 + 25 + 26 + 22 = 105 episodes): 1854 - 1961
――Five short series about the lives of influential wealthy men in Korean hstory
Daewongun (MBC 1972, 229 episodes): late 1800s
――Empress Myeongseong and Grand Internal Prince Heungseon
Wind and Cloud / Pungun (KBS 1982, 52 episodes): 1860s - 1890s
――King Gojong and his father/regent Daewongun during dynasty's decline
Wind, Clouds and Rain (KBS 1989, 50 episodes): 1860s
――Physiognomist (face reader) aids King Gojong’s rise to the throne; based on novel published in Chosun Ilbo
King Maker: The Change of Destiny / Wind and Cloud and Rain (TV Chosun 2020, 21 episodes): 1860s
――Remake of 1989 KBS drama; main character is a fortune-teller (fictional character)
Dazzling Dawn (KBS 1995-96, 100 episodes): 1863 - 1895
――Gaehwapa reformists during reign of King Gojong (26th king)
The Merchant: Gaekju 2015 (KBS 2015-2016, 41 episodes): 1863 – 1907
――Competing merchants during reign of King Gojong (26th king)
100 Years of Korea-US Relations (MBC 1982, 6 episodes): 1866 - 1910?
――History of Korea's relations with the US, beginning with the General Sherman ship incident of 1866
The Torch (TBC 1976, 40 episodes): 1871
――Love triangle involving Prince Regent Heungseon; first season of "100 Years of Wind and Cloud" group
Joseon Gunman (KBS 2014, 22 episodes): 1876
――Fictional; swordsman who becomes a gunman, during reign of King Gojong (26th king)
The Young Ones (TBC 1976, 89 episodes): 1876 - 84
――Confucian scholars during years of reform efforts; second season of "100 Years of Wind and Cloud" group
Imperial Prince Ui (MBC 1980, 3 episodes): 1877 - 1955
――Yi Kang, fifth son of King Gojong (26th king)
Jejungwon (SBS 2010, 36 episodes): 1885
――Fictional students studying under the first American doctors in Joseon during the reign of King Gojong (26th king)
Nokdu Flower (SBS 2019, 48 episodes): 1890s
――Donghak Peasant Revolution; brothers fighting on opposing sides
Im-iyeo, Im-illera (KBS 1985-86, 192 episodes): 1893 - 1897
――Fictional daily drama about the life of a royal cook in King Gojong's palace
Bird, Bird, Blue Bird (MBC 1994, 8 episodes): 1894
――Donghak Peasant Revolution
Sedol From Muakjae (TBC 1976, 24 episodes): 1894...(likely cancelled before completion)
――Three slaves freed by the Gabo reform take merchant/sales jobs; third and final season of "100 Years of Wind and Cloud" group
Dawn / The Break of Dawn (KBS 1993-94, 39 episodes): 1894 - 1919
――Donghak Peasant Revolution through Samil Independence Movement
Independence Gate / Tong-nip Mun (KBS 1984, 44 episodes): 1894 - 1910
――Donghak Peasant Revolution through fall of Chosun Dynasty
The Land (SBS 2004-05, 52 episodes): 1897 - 1945
(earlier versions based on incomplete novelization: KBS 1979-80, MBC 1986, KBS 1987-89)
――Fictional; family drama
Mimang (MBC 1996-97, 56 episodes): late 19th century to early 20th century
――Extended-family drama in historical setting
Mr. Sunshine (TvN 2018, 24 episodes): 1900 - 1905
――Joseon/American soldier fighting against the Japanese
Joseon Dynasty, years uncertain
Chosun Police / Chosun Scientific Criminal Investigators
(MBC 2005-06 7 pilot episodes, 2007 20 episodes, 2008 20 episodes, 2010 20 episodes)
――Fictional; forensic investigators during late Chosun period
Royal Secret Agent (KBS 2020-2021, 16 episodes): later Joseon era
――Fictional comedy/detective story about investigating public corruption
Silver Knife (MBC 1982, 25 episodes): Joseon dynasty
――Story about a fictional noblewoman; part 3 of 4-part "Women of Legend" series
My Sassy Girl (SBS 2017, 32 episodes): Joseon dynasty
――Fictional romance/comedy; Joseon-era young princess and a young scholar
100 Days My Prince / Husband for 100 Days (tvN 2018, 16 episodes): Joseon Dynasty
――Fictional romance: Crown Prince gets amnesia and is lost for 100 days, and lives outside the palace
Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency (jTBC 2019, 16 episodes): Joseon dynasty
――Fictional/romantic comedy; low-born girl pretending to be a noblewoman for possible marriage to the king
Selection: The War Between Women (TV Chosun 2019-20, 16 episodes): Joseon dynasty
――Fictional: young woman becomes queen to solve the unsolved murder of her twin sister
Fight of Thrones (CNTV 2018, 4 episodes): mini-dramatizations of four important Joseon dynasty periods
――Jeong Dojeon/Ha Ryun; King Jungjong/Jo Gwangjo; Crown Prince Sado; King Sejong
The Secret Romantic Guesthouse (SBS 2023, 18 episodes): Joseon dynasty
――Fictional innkeeper and her scholar-customers search for son of deposed crown prince
Joseon Attorney: A Morality (MBC 2023, 16 episodes): Joseon dynasty
――Fictional: Son of murdered parents becomes a lawyer to pursue justice against the murderer
Our Blooming Youth (tvN 2023, 20 episodes): Joseon Dynasty
――Fictional love story between a crown prince and an intelligent girl who is falsely accused of murder. Adaptation of the Chinese novel "Annals of Hairpin."
Under the Queen’s Umbrella (tvN 2022, 16 episodes): Joseon Dynasty
――Fictional comedy/drama about queen educating her children to qualify for the crown prince position
Bloody Heart (KBS 2022, 16 episodes): Joseon Dynasty
――Fictional political battle between a king and the minister who enthroned him
Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist (tvN 2022, 12 episodes): Joseon dynasty
――Royal family physician, fired in a conspiracy/scandal, treats patients in the countryside
500 Year-History of the Lee Dynasty's Women (TBC 1972 – 1980)
fourteen daily dramas, 2263 episodes; some years and story information uncertain
fourteen daily dramas, 2263 episodes; some years and story information uncertain
Samogok / Longing For My Mother (TBC 1972-73, 264 episodes): 1490s – 1506
――Prince Yeonsan's search for the truth about his mother, and his revenge and descent into tyranny; unofficial prologue to the “Lee Women” group
Yeonhwa (TBC 1973-74, 192 episodes): unknown
――Complicated story about a rogue princess and the baby daughter she was separated from; officially part 1 of “Lee Women” group
Yun Ji Gyeong (TBC 1974, 148 episodes): most likely King Jungjong's reign 1506 - 1544
――Story not found yet; part 2 of “Lee Women” group
Queen Inmok (TBC 1974, 163 episodes): mostly King Seonjo's reign 1592 – 1608
――Conflicts among Seonjo's concubines to secure the throne for their sons; part 3 of “Lee Women” group
Jade Flute (TBC 1975, 119 episodes): unknown
――Daughter takes revenge for her father's murder; part 4 of “Lee Women” group
King's First Love (TBC 1975, 172 episodes): King Cheoljong 1849 – 1864
――Ascension of young prince to the throne, and his love for a commoner girl; part 5 of “Lee Women” group
Lady of the Side Chamber (TBC 1976, 150 episodes): Manchu invasions / King Hyojong 1649 - 1659
――Adaptation of novel The Legend of Lady Park, about a noblewoman/Taoist magician; part 6 of “Lee Women” group
Celestial Flower (TBC 1976-1977, 143 episodes): Andong Kim era, early 1800s
――story not yet found; part 7 of “Lee Women” group
Legend of Lady Heo (TBC 1977, 138 episodes): unknown
――Noblewoman tries to recover her fortune after her husband steals it and runs off with a conman; part 8 of “Lee Women” group
Rain, Wind and the Cold Dew (TBC 1977-1978, 174 episodes): King Gojong 1863 – 1907
――Love and marriage among the noble class; exact story not found yet; part 9 of “Lee Women” group
Fifteen Nights (TBC 1978, 97 episodes): 12th year of King Cheoljong, 1860 – 1861
――Action series adapted from 1969 martial arts movie "Fifteen Nights of Revenge", about a thief named Heuk Du Seong; part 10 of “Lee Women” group
Slave (TBC 1978-1979, 221 episodes): King Jeongjo's reign, 1776 – 1800
――Slave who disguises himself as a nobleman to take revenge for his master's framing and execution; part 11 of “Lee Women” group
Mapo Port (TBC 1979, 158 episodes): 1890s
――Story of two families of merchants during the years of Russia/Japan tension under King Gojong; part 12 of “Lee Women” group
Lament of the Mandarin Duck (TBC 1979-1980, 124 episodes): 1545 – 1565
――Not known for certain, apparently a love triangle between a scholar and two court ladies during the years of Queen Munjeong; part 13 of the “Lee Women” group
1910 end Chosun
Pear Blossoms / Yihwa (KBS 1987, 36 episodes): late Chosun / early Japanese occupation
――Based on fictional drama about "reexamining history through the eyes of young people"
Eyes of Dawn (MBC 1991-92, 36 episodes): 1910 - 1953
――Fictional story of three young Koreans
Rustic Period / Time of Gangsters / Age of Wild Men / Yainshidae (SBS 2002-03, 124 episodes): 1918 - 1972
――Fusion; story based on life of resistance fighter/gangster/politician Kim Doo Han
The Hymn of Death (SBS 2018, 6 episodes): 1920s
――Drama version of 1991 film Death Song; romance between playwright and famous soprano singer
Pachinko (Apple TV+, 2022, 10 episodes: Japanese Occupation period
――Woman fights for better life for Koreans under occupation (season 2 ordered)
Capital Scandal / Seoul Scandal (KBS 2007, 16 episodes): 1930s
――Fictional / romance; independence fighters
Bridal Mask (KBS 2012, 28 episodes): 1930s
――Freedom-fighter during Japanese colonial period
Inspiring Generation (KBS 2014, 20 episodes): 1930s
――Fictional: group of freedom-fighters based in Shanghai
Yimong / Different Dreams (MBC 2019, 40 episodes): Japanese occupation period
――Kim Wonbong, political activist; also fictional lover who spies for the provisional government
Freedom Fighter Lee Ho Young (KBS 2010, 5 episodes): 1932
――Leader of independence movement; third of three "noblesse oblige" dramas (Great Merchant, Reputable Family)
Seoul 1945 (KBS 2006, 71 episodes): 1933 - 1953
――Fictional; post-liberation ideological divides
The First Republic (MBC 1981-82, 39 episodes): 1945 - 1960
――Political and military events before, during and after the Korean War
The Age of the Three Kims (SBS 1998, 26 episodes): 1945 - 1987
――presidents Kim Dae Jung and Kim Yeong Sam, and military general/politician Kim Jong Pil
Kyung Sook’s Father / My Dad Loves Trouble (KBS 2009, 4 episodes): early 1950s
――Family drama/comedy set during Korean War years; based on a musical
Comrades (KBS 1975-78, length unknown): 1951
――Fictional; soldiers in the Korean War
Comrades (KBS 1983-84, length unknown): 1951
――Remake of 1975 series; fictional; soldiers in the Korean War
Comrades / Legend Of The Patriots (KBS 2010, 20 episodes): 1951
――Remake of 1975 series; fictional; eleven soldiers in the Korean War
Road No. 1 (MBC 2010, 20 episodes): 1951
――Fictional / romance; love triangle during Korean war
For now I've chosen to end the timeline at the Korean War. At some point I may continue on with post-Korean war dramas.
need more information
Gukto Malli (1962) - first TV historical; set in Goguryeo era
Daewongun (KBS 1966, 27 episodes)
Ladies in the Palace (TBC 1967, 16 episodes): second of three adaptations of Woltan Park Jong Hwa's A Woman's World
Queen Seonduk (1968)
Kim Yushin (1969)
Sword of Northern Conquest (KBS 1970, 10 episodes): likely during King Hyojong's reign; revenge against Qing
Prince Regent (MBC 1972)
Yeoro (KBS 1972)
Jeonghwa (1976)
100 Years of Wind and Cloud: The Torch (1976, likely 50 episode)
100 Years of Wind and Cloud: The Young Ones (1976 - ??)
The Royal Way (KBS, 1976-77)
"Tales of the Three Kingdoms" group (MBC, 1980s)
Royal Secret Inspector (1981-84?)
Match Made in Heaven (KBS 1982, 184 episodes) - Adaptation of 1966 TBC drama special "Princess Daughter-in-law" about a princess marrying into a Confucian family
Gaekju (1983) - "a down to earth merchant who values people over money"
Flower Ring (KBS 1985-86, 164 episodes) - Fictional romance
The Region of Calm (KBS 1988-89, 13 episodes) - possibly about 20th century Syngman Rhee administration
Flower that Never Wilt (KBS 1991-92)
Sunrise Peak (MBC 1992, 72 episodes): late 18th century to 19th century
Kim Gu (KBS 1995): 20th century?
War and Love (MBC 1995): 20th century?
Orient Theater (KBS 2001): 20th century?
Journal of Baekbeom (MBC 1989): early 20th century?
Legend of Hyang Dan
Demon / Ya Cha / Yaksha (OCN 2010-2011, 12 episodes)
1967 TBC Drama 'Seong Chunhyang' - weekly, not sure how many episodes
1974 MBC Drama 'Seong Chunhyang' - 40 episodes, daily
1979 TBC Drama Special 'Great Tale of Chunhyang' - 3 episodes, daily
1980 TBC Drama Special 'Story of Chunhyang' - 2 episodes
1984 KBS Drama 'TV Story of Chunhyang' - weekly, not sure how many episodes
Also--a video clip that summarizes the "500 Years" group says that the total episode count is 538, but the information I've found online and posted here says that the eleven series total 572. This contradiction needs resolving. --click here for video clip
Fantasy dramas of uncertain historical date:
Hometown (of) Legends: (all KBS: 1981-89, 578 episodes; 1996, 21 episodes; 1997, 25 episodes; 1998 11 episodes; 1999, 12 episodes; 2008, 8 episodes; 2009, 10 episodes)
Rebirth / Next (MBC 2005, 14 episodes)
Gumiho / Tale of the Fox's Child (KBS 2010, 16 episodes)
Moon Embracing the Sun (MBC 2012, 20 episodes): maybe 1400s (fictional Chosun king and a female shaman)
Jeon Woo Chi (KBS 2012, 24 episodes): Joseon era (Taoist wizard)
The Night Watchman's Journal (MBC 2014, 24 episodes): Joseon era (ghost chasers)
Scholar Who Walks the Night (MBC 2015, 20 episodes): Joseon era (romance/vampires)
Kingdom (Netflix 2019, 6 episodes): Joseon era; zombies - based on a plague during King Sunjo's reign (early 1800s)
Arthdal Chronicles (tvN 2019, 18 episodes): fantasy/romance; power struggles among residents of an ancient city
Alchemy of Souls (tvN 2022, 30 episodes): Fictional kingdom of Daeho; young mages deal with a forbidden magic spell that allows souls to switch bodies
Time-travel dramas not included in above list:
Live Up To Your Name / Deserving of the Name (tvN 2017, 16 episodes)
――Male doctor from Huh Joon era and contemporary female doctor time-travel back and forth
Faith (SBS 2012, 24 episodes)
――Contemporary plastic surgeon time-travels to 1st year of King Gongmin era and falls in love with young Choi Young
Queen Inhyeon's Man (tvN 2012, 16 episodes)
――Fictional servant of Queen Inhyeon time-travels to 2012 and falls in love with an actress who plays Queen Inhyeon in a sageuk
Rooftop Prince (SBS 2012, 20 episodes)
――Fictional crown prince based in King Kyungjong reign time-travels to 2012 with friends, falls in love with a woman living at a rooftop
Scarlet Heart: Ryeo / Moon Lovers (SBS 2016, 20 episodes)
――Contemporary woman time-travels back 1000 years and falls in love with Wang So (Gwangjong; 4th king of Goryeo)
Splash Splash Love (MBC 2015, 2 episodes)
――Contemporary woman time-travels back 700 years and falls in love with young King Sejong (4th king).
Thousand Years of Love (SBS 2003, 20 episodes)
――Baekje princess love triangle, reincarnated to present day
Time Slip Dr. Jin (MBC 2012, 22 episodes):
――Contemporary doctor time-travels to final year of King Cheoljong era and assists Prince Daewon
Legend of the Blue Sea (SBS 2016-2017, 20 episodes)
――Joseon-era mermaid from 1582 brought to present day
Goblin (TvN 2016-2017, 16 episodes)
――Fantasy, mostly contemporary; 935-year-old goblin from Goryeo dynasty
My Only Love Song (Netflix 2017, 20 episodes)
――Contemporary actress travels back to 6th century Goguryeo
Joseon Survival (TV Chosun 2019, 16 episodes): mid-16th century
――Present-day retired archery athlete time-travels to Joseon dynasty, King Myeongjeong era
incomplete notes on upcoming series
Goryeo-Khitan War (KBS 2023, 32 episodes): centered roughly 1000 AD
--King Hyeonjong of and Commander-in-Chief Gang Gam-Chan lead Goryeo in defense of Khitan invasions
Flower that Blooms at Night (MBC 2023, ?? episodes): Joseon dynasty
--Fictional widowed daughter-in-law of noble family goes out at night and helps people in need
My Dearest / Lovers (MBC 2023, ?? episodes): 1637
--Fictional romance story set during the Qing invasion of 1637
The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract (MBC 2023, ?? episodes)
--Joseon Dynasty woman who time-slips to 2023
Gyeongseong Creature (Netflix 2023, ?? episodes): Japanese Occupation period
--Two fictional twentysomethings battle a mysterious enemy that lives on greed
Queen Woo (TVING 2024, 8 episodes): 197 AD
-- Wife of two Goguryeo kings: Gogukcheon and Sansang
Song of the Bandits (Netflix 2023, ?? episodes): 1920s
--Korean settlement in China during Japanese Occupation period
Legend of Lady Ok (jtbc 2024, ?? episodes): ??
--Slave who escapes abusive masters and then assumes the identity of her new mistress after the mistress dies
Seven Years War (not funded yet): 1592—1598
--Based on memoirs of Ryu Seongyeong
Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 (tvN 2023, ?? episodes) time travel
--Second season of/prequel to 2020 series
The Moon that Rises in the Day (ENA 2023, ?? episodes) time travel
--Present-day reincarnation of a 6th-century Gaya girl meets her lover from her past life, through
paranormal dreams
Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramoon (tvN September 2023, ?? episodes) ancient fantasy
--Season 2 of 2019 drama Arthdal Chronicles
Love in Spring (Watcha (streaming) 2022, 16 episodes: unknown
--Poor nobleman encounters and eventually falls in love with a man who’s impersonating a woman
Research note: Most of the information gathered here is from contributions made to this forum by other members over the years and from pages on the Wikipedia, Asianwiki, and Wiki.d-addicts websites. The remaining bits and pieces came from my scouring the Internet and visiting hundreds of websites that came up during Google searches on individual series. As much as I wanted to provide a full set of citations to all of the websites I visited, it quickly became apparent that this wasn't practical and would have overwhelmed the timeline itself. If anyone feels that I've neglected a website that deserves mention here, by all means post a reply in this thread and I'll be happy to look into it.
One page that I did rely on for more than a snippet or two is this one:
wiki.d-addicts.com/User:MoerkJ/Historical_KDramas
This is on the wiki.d-addicts site but represents one individual's research...and it was particularly helpful so I do want to cite it. In particular, it provides some limited information on historicals from past decades. While incomplete and partly written in untranslated Korean, it's the only significant source anywhere that I was able to locate regarding older historicals. As time allows I'll try to translate the listings and see if I can turn up other details to incorporate the older historicals into the timeline.
