Something ancient should be showcased with utmost care as it can't be changed. When a movie showcases ancient times, they generally are careful with details because history is something we can't change. The entertainment industry is fond of showcasing ancient times and mixing them with some plot to make desirable power-packed content. Talking Korean dramas, they are perfect with the variation they bring in their concept and storyline without completely distorting essential elements. There are some of the most popular pieces where ancient Korea is showcased beautifully and realistically. We will discuss the top 10 popular Korean dramas featuring ancient Korea.
1. Moon Embracing The Sun
Moon Embracing the Sun is a romantic piece plotted in a historical era. The drama is worth watching because of this brilliant element. The Historical things are kept as authentic as possible for the audience to make it more real. The backdrop is set in the Joseon Dynasty, and the love story is based on a king and a shaman. The series initially aired in 2012 and keenly covers the elements of power, betrayal, and love. The enchanting love story between a crown prince and a noblewomen would be a worthy watch.
2. Empress Ki
As the title suggests, Empress Ki follows the legendary life of Empress Ki. The drama mainly concentrates on her life and the people around her life. The way her life took turns, ultimately becoming one of the most potent and extraordinary empresses in Chinese history, is worth watching. It took off in 2013 and completed its last episode in 2014. Though the Empress was of Korean Origin, the narration was done beautifully in Korean Context.
3. Scarlet Heart: Ryeo
Scarlet Hearth: Ryeo is a successful drama that links the modern world and ancient life because it is about time travel. The K-drama is often famous with the name Moon Lovers and is quite liked by the audience. The plot follows a modern-day Korean woman who travels back to the Goryeo Dynasty, where she is involved in various events, including the princes. The story is inspired by a Chinse novel aired in 2016.
4. The Crowned Clown
The Crowned Clown is distinct from others, and it's due to its plot and protagonist. The protagonist isn't a time traveler or a price. It is about a clown, Ha-sun, who stands against the assassins to guard the king. An equally enhancing movie inspires the drama. The reason for the Clown was the threat to the life of King Gwanghae.
5. Six Flying Dragons
As the title suggests, the drama is about six crucial people who were held accountable for the start of the Joseon Dynasty. The acting is set in an era that could be considered between the early Joseon Dynasty and the late Goryeo Dynasty. The accounts of people are fictionalized and talk of power struggles targeting the main characters. The characters were Boon-yi, a talented archer; Jeong Do-jeon, a political theorist; Lee Bang-won, son of kin; Dang-sae, a skilled warrior; Gil Tae-mi, a wealthy merchant, and Lee In-gyeom, a former official.
6. Queen Seondeok
As the name suggests, Queen Seondeok is a drama based on the life of one of the greatest rulers of Korea, named Queen Seondeok. The story is about one of the three kingdoms of ancient Korea and the first female ruler, her life as a commoner, and her way up to the crown. Though Seondeok belongs to a noble family, she was persuaded to live the life of a commoner disguised as a man due to political pressure.
7. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
The plot revolves around the Silla dynasty, where a group of young warriors called Hawrang reside. The episodes aired from late 2016 to early 2017 and were in the fans' talks. The group of people was also equally skilled in art and culture. Some of the most influential people in the series were Moo Myung, the central character; Sam Maek Jong, who disguised himself as a commoner; and Ahn Ji Gong, a talented fighter. And the Princess Ah Ro.
8. Jewel In The Palace
Jewel in the Place is a must-watch that tells the story of a female physician, a royal physician during the Joseon Dynasty. The drama was an iconic piece that was among Korea's most loveable TV series and aired in the early 20s. The drama is based on actual events and appreciably covers the themes of gender equality and the importance of traditional cuisine. The drama was up to the mark and excellent at story narration, character development, and accuracy.
9. The Scholar Who Walks The Night
The Scholar Who Walks the Night could not be any more describing title than it because the drama tells the story of a scholar who is also a vampire hunter. The drama is set in ancient times and comprises enchanting fantasy elements. The combination of historical events and fantasy elements was executed perfectly. The scholar involved in the series consists of extraordinary intellect and is incredible with the mixture of supernatural forces, love, duty, and the hunger for power. The episodes were visually stunning and comprised plenty of positive reviews.
10. Sungkyunkwan Scandal
Sungkyunkwan Scandal is an excellent Korean drama that tells the story of a woman who hides herself as a man to get into a prestigious school, and later, she also becomes involved in political matters. She did so to support the family in its hard times. She took the identity of Yoon-Shik and got into a school that used to take only male candidates. She formed decent bonds with several schoolmates: Yoon-hee, her roommate, Yoo Ah-in, and Gu Yong-ha, a charming scholar.
