Ancient Korean Kingdoms in K-Dramas: Historical Series Watch List

The 2007 Korean drama titled “The Legend” (also known by the title “The Story of the First King’s Four Gods”) explores Korean myth and history and mentions Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, Malgal, and the Khitan. These places were called “the scattered lands of ancient Jyushin”.

 

The Legend ~ The Story of the First King’s Four Gods

Likely Jyushin is another spelling for Gojoseon, which was the earliest known Korean state and the cultural starting point of Korean civilization. The tradition says it was founded in 2333 BCE by the legendary figure Dangun.

While the founding story is mythological (like Romulus and Remus and the founding of Rome), historians agree that Gojoseon existed as a real political entity by at least the 4th century BCE. Gojoseon fell in 108 BCE after a conflict with the Han dynasty. Nevertheless, its legacy remains central to Korean identity today. The name “Joseon” derives from it; the “Go” (meaning “ancient”) distinguishes it from the later Joseon dynasty.

Korean historical period dramas have covered the ancient Korean kingdoms extensively. Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla are covered, while Malgal and the Khitan tend to appear as supporting cultures or rival states rather than being the sole focus of the K-drama. If interested in watching Korean dramas for each kingdom or political entity, below is a quick list.

♦ Goguryeo (37 BCE – 668 CE)

Goguryeo is by far the most frequently dramatized of the Three Kingdoms.

Jumong (2006-2007)

• 81 episodes
• Follows the life of Jumong, founder of Goguryeo.
• One of South Korea’s most famous historical dramas.

The Kingdom of the Winds

• Sequel of sorts to Jumong.
• Centers on King Yuri and King Daemusin.

♦ Baekje (18 BCE – 660 CE)

Baekje has fewer K-dramas but some excellent ones.

King Geunchogo

• Probably the definitive Baekje drama.
• Focuses on Geunchogo of Baekje and Baekje’s golden age.

The King’s Daughter, Soo Baek-hyang

• Court intrigue and succession struggles in Baekje.
• Set during the reign of Muryeong of Baekje.

♦ Silla (57 BCE – 935 CE)

Silla is very popular, particularly dramas about the Hwarang warriors.

HISTORY NOTES: Unified Silla lasted until 935 CE, when it was replaced by Goryeo. NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH Goguryeo.

• Goguryeo (고구려) – 37 BCE – 668 CE – is one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea (with Baekje and Silla).
• Goryeo (고려) – 918 – 1392 CE – Founded by Wang Geon after the Later Three Kingdoms period. The English name “Korea” comes from Goryeo.

The Great Queen Seondeok

• Widely regarded as one of the best Korean historical dramas.
• Chronicles Queen Seondeok.
• Features the famous villain Mishil.

Hwarang

• About the elite Hwarang youth warriors of Silla.
• More youthful and romantic than strictly historical.

♦♦ Malgal (Mohe Tribe)

The Malgal (often called Mohe in Chinese sources) are much less represented.

Dae Jo Yeong

• Probably your best option.
• Features Malgal/Mohe tribes extensively.
• Shows alliances and conflicts among Goguryeo remnants, Mohe tribes, and Tang forces.

The Blade and Petal (aka The Sword and the Flower)

• Set in late Goguryeo.
• Includes frontier tribes and political tensions involving northern peoples.

♦♦ Khitan (Liao)

The Khitan are usually portrayed as foreign rivals during the Goryeo period.

Goryeo-Khitan War

• The most significant Khitan-focused Korean drama.
• Depicts the wars between Goryeo and the Khitan-led Liao Empire.
• Highly recommended if you’re interested in Khitan history.

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Hope this watch list whets your appetite and inspires you to dive deeper into Korean history. The Korean dramas are quite fascinating, rich with history, culture, traditions, myths, folklore, and gorgeous fashion!

• (Featured image credit: The Ancient Map of the Three Kingdoms of Korea | Portasa Cristian, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Korean with Miss Vicky. “History of Korea – Part 1 | Gojoseon, Three Kingdoms and Goryeo.” YouTube, 2 Feb. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvYO-b_k71Q.

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