Netflix’s The East Palace has sparked a renewed obsession with historical K-dramas, blending palace intrigue, romance and folklore. This guide curates 12 standout sageuk series—from epic fantasies like Arthdal Chronicles to identity mysteries such as Dear Hongrang—tailored to every kind of fan, whether you crave intense court politics, sweeping romance or magical, history-tinged worlds.
The last time it was Perfect Crown. This month, we can't stop talking about The East Palace. The Netflix period fantasy has quickly has become the K-drama everyone seems to be talking about, climbing to the top of the platform's non-English TV rankings and drawing viewers in with its blend of palace intrigue, romance and Korean folklore.
Its success is also part of a much bigger trend. Period K-dramas, or Sageuk have surged in popularity over the past few years, moving far beyond conventional period pieces to embrace everything from sweeping romances and political thrillers to supernatural mysteries and sprawling fantasy epics. So, if The East Palace has left you searching for your next binge, this list has you covered, whether you're here for intense court politics, heartfelt romance or magical worlds where history meets fantasy.
Set in the mythical land of Arth, the series follows Eun-seom (Song Joong-ki), an outcast destined to reshape the continent, and Tagon (Jang Dong-gun), a celebrated war hero determined to become its first king. Their intersecting journeys spark wars, betrayals and political upheaval as kingdoms battle for power. If you enjoy layered politics and morally grey characters, this is one of Korean television's most ambitious historical fantasies.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
When King Lee Heon becomes increasingly paranoid after surviving repeated assassination attempts, his advisers secretly replace him with Ha Seon, a humble clown who looks exactly like him. Over time, Ha Seon slowly transforms into the ruler the kingdom actually needs, surpassing even the actual king. The drama is celebrated for Yeo Jin-goo's remarkable dual performance as both the king and the clown.
Where to watch: Netflix
Set during the Joseon era, the drama follows gangster Si Yool (Ro Woon), a merchant Choi Eun (Shin Ye-eun), and Jeong Cheon (Park Seo-ham), an idealistic officer with political ambitions. Fate brings these three together as they try to dismantle systemic corruption in the Geonggeon trading hub area.
Hong-rang (Lee Jae-wook), the long-lost heir of a wealthy merchant family, suddenly returns after disappearing as a child. His half-sister Jae-yi (Jo Bo-ah) doubts he is who he claims to be and begins investigating his identity. You don't get any large-scale action as such with this show, but the constant uncertainty over Hong-rang's true identity more than makes up for it.
After the Crown Prince is murdered, his twin sister Dam-i (Park Eun-bin) is forced to assume his identity and live as Crown Prince Lee Hwi. Now, at the worst possible time, she reunites with her childhood first love and royal tutor Jung Ji-un (Rowoon). Every interaction between the two is increasingly dangerous. Dam-i must choose her kingdom, but her heart says otherwise.
Where to watch: Netflix
Fans of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, meet the show that did the time travel into a queen's body concept first. Actually, Mr. Queen is a remake of a Chinese drama, and Bon Appétit was inspired by it. Here, a present-day celebrity chef, Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk), mysteriously wakes up inside the body of Queen Kim So-yong (Shin Hye-sun) in the Joseon era. As he tries to return to his own time, he is drawn into palace politics and develops an unexpected relationship with King Cheoljong (Kim Jung-hyun).
Where to watch: Netflix
Born into slavery, Choi Yu-jin (Lee Byung-hun) escapes to America as a child and returns to Joseon years later as a U.S. Marine officer. There he falls in love with noblewoman and secret resistance fighter Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri), even as the country edges towards Japanese occupation. Widely regarded as one of Korea's finest historical dramas, it pairs an epic love story with breathtaking cinematography and emotionally rich storytelling.
Where to watch: Netflix
Nok-du (Jang Dong-yoon) disguises himself as a widow to infiltrate a mysterious village inhabited only by women while investigating an attempt on his family's life. There he meets aspiring gisaeng Dong Dong-joo (Kim So-hyun), whose own secrets gradually intertwine with his mission. The series effortlessly shifts between comedy, romance and palace intrigue, making it an entertaining watch for anyone looking for a lighter historical drama without sacrificing emotional depth.
Where to watch: Viki
In the fictional kingdom of Daeho, the soul of elite assassin Nak-su (Go Yoon-jung) becomes trapped inside the frail body of Mu-deok (Jung So-min). Hiding her true identity, she reluctantly becomes the servant and secret mentor of nobleman Jang Uk (Lee Jae-wook), whose own destiny could reshape the kingdom. Much like The Haunted Palace, it blends magic, romance and political intrigue, but on a far grander scale with an intricate fantasy world and memorable characters.
Where to watch: Netflix
Yeo-ri (Bona) is a shaman who rejects her spiritual destiny until an ancient serpent spirit possesses her first love, Yoon Gap (Yook Sung-jae). Drawn into the royal palace, they confront ghosts, curses and dark secrets threatening the kingdom while uncovering the truth behind the supernatural forces at work. The series stands out for weaving Korean folklore into a palace drama, balancing romance, horror and mystery without letting any one element overpower the others.
Where to watch: Netflix
Ancient gods, royal succession battles and dark magic collide in a battle for the control of the kingdom in this 2021 period fantasy. We follow gifted painter Hong Cheon-gi (Kim Yoo-jung) reunites with astrologer Ha Ram (Ahn Hyo-seop), who lost his eyesight after becoming possessed by a powerful demon. Its mix of mythology, romance and palace politics makes it a rewarding watch for viewers who enjoyed the supernatural atmosphere of The East Palace.
Where to watch: Viki
When a mysterious plague begins resurrecting the dead, Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) sets out to uncover its source while fighting officials who are exploiting the chaos to seize power. As the infection spreads across Joseon, survival becomes inseparable from the battle for the throne. Rather than treating zombies as the only attraction, Kingdom uses the outbreak to tell a gripping political thriller, making it one of the most acclaimed historical K-dramas ever made.
Where to watch: Netflix