The greatest Korean historical dramas (sageuk) by ratings
The top 3 according to 29 votes from people: Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace) (MBC, 2003-2004) · Tears of the Dragon (KBS, 1996-1998) · Queen Seondeok (MBC, 2009). (Updated Mar 29, 2025.)
The historical dramas that gathered whole families in front of the TV: from Hur Jun, with a peak rating of 63.7%, to The King's Dream, Dae Jang Geum and Jumong, Korea's sageuk classics ranked by ratings.
Automatically translated (original in 한국어). See the original
Top 15
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1
Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace) (MBC, 2003-2004)
Jang-geum, from palace cook to royal physician; a worldwide Hallyu hit.
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2
Tears of the Dragon (KBS, 1996-1998)
The founding of Joseon and King Taejong; praised for its historical accuracy.
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3
Queen Seondeok (MBC, 2009)
Silla's first queen and her rivalry with Mishil.
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4
Hur Jun (MBC, 1999-2000)
The life of Joseon's great physician Heo Jun; peak rating of 63.7%.
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5
Taejo Wang Geon (KBS, 2000-2002)
Wang Geon and the founding of Goryeo during the Later Three Kingdoms.
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6
Ladies of the Palace (SBS, 2001-2002)
Power struggles among the women of King Jungjong's court.
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7
The King and the Queen (KBS, 1998-2000)
King Sejo, Queen Insu and the court around the 1453 coup.
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8
The Moon Embracing the Sun (MBC, 2012)
A fictional Joseon king and the girl who became a shaman.
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9
The Slave Hunters (KBS, 2010)
Dae-gil, a hunter of runaway slaves.
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10
Dae Jo-yeong (KBS, 2006-2007)
The founder of Balhae after the fall of Goguryeo.
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11
Yi San (MBC, 2007-2008)
Director Lee Byung-hoon's drama on the life of King Jeongjo.
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12
Emperor of the Sea (KBS, 2004-2005)
Jang Bogo, the Unified Silla merchant who ruled the seas.
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13
Jumong (MBC, 2006-2007)
The founding epic of Goguryeo's first king.
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14
Jang Hee-bin (SBS, 1995)
The rise and fall of King Sukjong's royal consort Jang.
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15
The Legend (MBC, 2007)
A fantasy sageuk with Bae Yong-joon as King Gwanggaeto.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
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