Besides webtoons, novels have been among the most popular Korean drama and film adaptation sources. When period-themed novels get live adaptations, they bring a new layer that adds depth to the story. Imagine rich storytelling meets breathtaking visuals; it’s like stepping into another world! Further, these series explore diverse themes that captivate audiences, from royal romances to political intrigue. Many of these historical dramas (are inspired by popular Korean novels and works from other countries. Explore these amazing Korean historical drama series (sageuk) based on novels and find your favorite ones!
11 Popular Korean Historical Drama Series Inspired by Novels
1. “Dear Hongrang” (“탄금”) – 2025
- Novel: “Tangeum: Swallowing Gold”
- Author: Jang Da-hye
- Screenwriter: Kim Jin-ah
- Director: Kim Hong-sun
- Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Jo Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, Kim Jae-wook
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Episode: 11
2. “Pachinko” (“파친코”) – 2022 & 2024
- Novel: “Pachinko”
- Author: Min Jin-lee
- Screenwriter: Soo Hugh
- Director: Kogonada, Justin Chon, Leanne Welham, Arvin Chen, Sang-il Lee
- Cast: Kim Min-ha, Young Yuh-jung, Jin Ha, Lee Min-ho
- Where to Watch: Apple TV
- Episode: 8 episodes on Season 1 and Season 2, respectively.
3. “The Red Sleeve” (“옷소매 붉은 끝동”) – 2021
- Novel: “The Red Sleeve” (“옷소매 붉은 끝동”)
- Author: Kang Mi Kang
- Screenwriter: Jung Hae-ri
- Director: Jung Ji-in, Song Yeon-hwa
- Cast: Lee Jun-ho, Lee Se-young, Kag Hoon
- Where to Watch: Apple TV, Viki, VIU, Netflix
- Episode: 17
4. “Lovers of the Red Sky” (““홍천기”) – 2021
- Novel: “Hong Chun Ki” (“홍천기”)
- Author: Jung Eun-gwol
- Screenwriter: Kim Young Young
- Director: Jang Tae-yoo, Nam Tae-jin
- Cast: Kim Yoo Jung, Ahn Hyo Seop, Gyung Myung, Kwak Shi Yang
- Where to Watch: VIU, Viki
- Episode: 16
5. “River Where the Moon Rises” (“달이 뜨는 강”) – 2021
- Novel: “Princess Pyeonggang” (평강공주)
- Author: Choi Sa-gyu
- Screenwriter: Han Ji-hoon
- Director: Yoon Sang-ho
- Cast: Kim So-hyun, Na In-woo, Lee Ji-hoon, Choi Yu-hwa
- Where to Watch: Apple TV, Viki, VIU
- Episode: 20
6. “Mr. Queen” (“철인왕후”) – 2020
- Novel: “The Promotion Record of a Crown Princess” (太子妃升职记)
- Author: Xian Cheng (鲜橙)
- Screenwriter: Park Kye Ok, Cho Ah Il
- Director: Yoon Sung Shik
- Cast: Shin Hye Sun, Kim Jung Hyun
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki, Hulu, Prime Video, VIU
- Episode: 20
7. “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency” (“꽃파당: 조선혼담공작소”) – 2019
- Novel: “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency” (“조선혼담공작소 꽃파당”)
- Author: Kim Yi-rang
- Screenwriter: Kim Yi-rang
- Director: Kim Ga-ram
- Cast: Kim Min-jae, Gong Seung-yeon, Seo Ji-hoon, Park Ji-hoon, Byeon Woo-seok, Go Woon-hee
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Disney+, Viki, iQIYI, Kocowa, WeTV, Prime Video
- Episode: 16
8. “Love in the Moonlight” (“구르미 그린 달빛”) – 2016
- Novel: “Moonlight Drawn”
- Author: Clouds
- Screenwriter: Im Ye-jin, Kim Min-jung
- Director: Baek Sang-hoon, Kim Seong-yoon
- Cast: Park Bo-gum, Kim Yoo Jung, Jun Ji-young , Kwak Dong-yeon
- Where to Watch: Netflix, VIU, Apple TV, Viki, Kocowa, WeTV, iQIYI
- Episode: 18
9. “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (“달의 연인 – 보보경심 려”) – 2016
- Novel: “Bu Bu Jing Xin” (“步步惊心”)
- Author: Tong Hua (桐华)
- Screenwriter: Jo Yoon-young
- Director: Kim Kyu-tae
- Cast: Lee Joon-gi, IU, Kang Ha-neul
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, VIU, SBS VOD, Wavve, Viki
- Episode: 20
10. “The Moon Embracing the Sun” (“해를 품은 달”) – 2012
- Novel: “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” (“해를 품은 달”)
- Author: Jung Eun-gwol
- Screenwriter: Ji Soo-wan
- Director: Lee Sung-joon, Kim Do-hoon
- Cast: Han Ga-in, Kim Soo-hyun, Jung Il-woo, Kim Min-seo
- Where to Watch: Netflix, VIU, Viki, Prime Video, SBS VOD, Wavve, Apple TV
- Episode: 20
11. “Sungkyungwan Scandal” (“성균관 스캔들”) – 2010
- Novel: “Sungkyunkwan Scandal”
- Author: Jung Eun Gwol
- Screenwriter: Kim Tae-hee
- Director: Kim Won-suk, Hwang In-hyuk
- Cast: Park Yoo-chun, Park Min-young, Song Joong-ki, Yoo Ah-in
- Where to Watch: Viki, WeTV
- Episode: 20
Which one is your favorite Korean historical drama series (sageuk) based on novels? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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