Scarlet Heart Ryeo, My Dearest, Mr. Queen, and more: Top historical K-dramas for a royal binge-watching marathon!

Korean entertainment fans know that there’s a K-drama for every mood, and history buffs are in for a treat with Korea's period dramas, or saeguks. These historical K-dramas transport you to the opulent courts of the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, but don’t think it’s all serious business. Oh no, these shows are like a buffet of genre delights: time travel shenanigans, gender-swapping escapades, forbidden romances hotter than a pot of kimchi, and rom-com antics that will tickle your funny bone. So, check out our top picks for the best saeguks to feast your eyes on!

In a breathtaking twist of fate, Go Ha Jin's (IU) life takes a dramatic turn when a total eclipse of the sun catapults her back to the dawn of the Goryeo Dynasty during the reign of King Taejo. Awakening in the body of the 16-year-old Hae Soo, she finds herself amidst the luxury and intrigue of the royal court, residing in the household of the 8th Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha Neul), who is married to Hae Soo's cousin. As Ha Jin explores the treacherous waters of palace life, she befriends several princes, including the mysterious 4th Prince Wang So (Lee Joon Gi). Despite her best efforts to avoid entanglement, she becomes an unwitting pawn in a fierce battle for the throne, capturing the hearts of multiple princes in the process.

A famous South Korean chef, celebrated for his culinary skills in the Blue House, finds his life transformed after a severe accident. Whisked away to Korea's distant past, he awakens in the body of the young queen, Kim So Yong (Shin Hye Sun). As Queen Kim So Yong, he tries to adapt to a complex court where her husband, King Cheol Jong (Kim Jung Hyun), appears to be a mere figurehead, overshadowed by the manipulative influence of the late King Sunjo's Queen. Amid the royal intrigue, the chef-turned-queen uncovers startling truths about her seemingly gentle husband and the hidden tensions within the palace walls.

‘Mr. Sunshine’ follows the journey of Choi Yoo Jin (Lee Byung Hun), a young boy from a humble house servant's family who journeys to the United States during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo, the U.S. expedition to Korea. Returning to his homeland years later as a U.S. Marine officer, he encounters Go Ae Sin (Kim Tae Ri), the daughter of an aristocrat and falls deeply in love with her. As he deals with his newfound role and romance, he uncovers a dangerous plot by foreign powers intent on colonizing Korea. Caught between his allegiance to his country and his personal desires, he must confront the looming threat to his homeland while grappling with his own complicated feelings.

In the midst of the Qing invasion in the 1600s, a tale of forbidden romance unfolds between a charming noblewoman and an secretive newcomer. Yu Gil Chae (Ahn Eun Jin), known as the 99-tailed fox of Neunggun-ri, is a spirited and somewhat spoiled young woman whose vibrant personality makes her a target of jealousy among local ladies. While her boldness endears her to the young noblemen, it alienates her from her peers. Enter Lee Jang Hyun (Namkoong Min), a mysterious man who disrupts the social order of Neunggun-ri. Although shunned by the young nobles and adored by the elderly, he becomes intrigued by Gil Chae. Their fateful encounter, where Gil Chae literally falls into his arms, sparks a connection just as war threatens to tear them apart before they can fully explore their budding feelings.

In 18th-century Korea, Prince Yi San (Lee Jun Ho), burdened by the trauma of his father’s murder and poised to inherit the throne from his harsh grandfather, dreams of transforming the kingdom with his progressive reforms. Despite his perfectionist tendencies and emotional scars, Yi San is determined to rule with compassion. His path crosses with Sung Deok Im (Lee Se Young), a vibrant and clever young woman who mesmerizes him. When Yi San proposes she become his concubine, Sung Deok Im is initially overwhelmed by the constraints of royal life. As their relationship deepens, however, she begins to envision the possibility of using their union to instigate meaningful change in the troubled realm.