Best tv shows like Gunman in Joseon
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
It’s the 19th Century and as western influences spread across Asia, Korea’s Joseon dynasty is experiencing great upheaval and rapid modernization. As the son of the last great swordsman, Park Yoon Kang is caught between two worlds, but the sudden murder of his father and sister catapult him into the new era as he takes up the gun to avenge their deaths. However, it’s not just his family who needs his protection, but his people as well. Is Park Yoon Kang cut out to be the hero of an era?.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 408
Genere: Action, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: sageuk, suspense, heartbreaking, political, suspenseful, disturbing, period drama
Best tv shows and movies like Gunman in Joseon (2014):
Similar in 80%
Painter of the Wind (2008)
Plot Summary:
Painter of the Wind is a 2008 South Korean historical television series starring Moon Geun-young and Park Shin-yang. Based on the bestselling historical fiction novel by Lee Jung-myung that took artistic license with the premise that perhaps the Joseon painter Shin Yun-bok had really been a woman, it centers on Yun-bok, a talented young painter who disguises herself as a boy to search for her father's murderer. She meets Kim Hong-do, a master painter who guides her into becoming a great artist, and they develop a strong friendship of mentor and disciple. The drama has won numerous awards, including the Asian TV Series Special Award at the 2010 Shanghai Television Festival and the silver award at the 2010 Houston International Film Festival, while actress Moon Geun-young received the grand prize at the 2008 SBS Drama Awards, as well as Best TV Actress at the 2009 Baeksang Arts Awards and 2008 Grimae Awards for her role.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 230
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 65 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, disturbing, period drama
Similar in 88%
River Where the Moon Rises (2021)
Plot Summary:
Born a princess and raised a soldier, Pyeong Gang is a woman with big dreams and limitless ambition. Determined to become the first Empress of Goguryeo, Pyeong Gang will stop at nothing to make her dream come true. Clever and level headed, Pyeong Gang is well aware of the obstacles that stand in her way and she’s more than capable of taking them on. With meticulous planning, she sets out to make her dream come true. But things take an unexpected turn, the day she meets On Dal.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 538
Genere: History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: tense, captivating, suspense, disturbing, historical drama
Similar in 83%
Splash Splash Love (2015)
Plot Summary:
Danbi, a senior in high school, is whisked back in time to the Joseon Era. There she is mistaken for a servant and begins her life anew as the confidante of King Lee Do; her knowledge of mathematics and sciences, however, begins to cause controversies to arise.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Fantasy, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 70 min
Plot tags: dorama, romantic, captivating, novela, entertaining, period drama
Similar in 81%
Seven Day Queen (2017)
Plot Summary:
In the Joseon period, a noblewoman from a powerful clan marries the Crown Prince but is deposed after only seven days as queen when he becomes king.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 688
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, suspense, disturbing, political
Similar in 77%
The Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015)
Plot Summary:
When Jo Yang Sun is driven out of house and home after her father is framed for a crime, she is forced to crossdress in order to make ends meet as a bookseller, where she meets Kim Sung Yeol, a handsome, but mysterious scholar who is actually a vampire. Meanwhile, an evil presence at the royal palace stops at nothing to keep the Crown Prince from claiming his rightful throne.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Action, Fantasy, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: dorama, sageuk, captivating, exciting, tense, sincere
Similar in 90%
The Tale of Nokdu (2019)
Plot Summary:
While on the run for his life, a young man discovers that the best place to lie low is in a village of widows — disguised as a woman.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Action, Comedy, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 30 min
Plot tags: dorama, romantic, exciting, sweet, epic, romantic comedy, historical romance, period drama
Similar in 75%
Iljimae (2008)
Plot Summary:
Iljimae is a 2008 South Korean historical action television drama series, starring Lee Joon-gi in the title role of Iljimae, Han Hyo-joo, Lee Young-ah and Park Si-hoo. It is loosely based on a comic strip Iljimae, published between 1975 and 1977, by Ko Woo-yung that was based on a Chinese folklore from the Ming dynasty about a masked Robin Hood-esque character during the Joseon era. It was directed by Lee Yong-suk and produced by Chorokbaem Media. It aired on Seoul Broadcasting System from May 21 to July 24, 2008 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 20 episodes.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Action, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: exciting, touching, captivating, suspenseful, sageuk, anime, historical drama, period drama
Similar in 81%
Maids (2014)
Plot Summary:
Set in the Joseon Dynasty, three women learn what love means as they try to navigate through the class system and survive. In Yup (Jung Yoo Mi) is a beautiful noblewoman who becomes a servant overnight when her father is framed and labeled a traitor. She ends up falling in love with a fellow servant, Moo Myung (Oh Ji Ho), while working for the royal family, and becomes friends with her own handmaiden Sa Wol thanks to their shared experiences. Meanwhile Ga Hee is the most famous gisaeng of the city but with her own aspirations for romance. She falls in love with Moo Myung, but what can she do when his heart lies elsewhere?.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 95
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: suspenseful
Similar in 77%
The Great Seer (2012)
Plot Summary:
The Great Seer is a 2012 South Korean historical television series, starring Ji Sung, Ji Jin-hee, Song Chang-eui, Kim So-yeon and Lee Yoon-ji. Set during the turbulent decline of Goryeo, it is about practicers of divination and the power that they hold over the fate of the country. It aired on SBS from October 10, 2012 to February 7, 2013 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 35 episodes.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 85
Genere: Action, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: exciting, captivating, tense, touching, family saga, crying
Similar in 89%
Splendid Politics (2015)
Plot Summary:
Fair Princess Jungmyung lives a life of the highest privilege, until her half-brother Prince Gwanghae executes the rightful crown prince and usurps the throne. Exiled from court, Jungmyung goes under disguise as a man and learns to adapt to life as a commoner — never forgetting Gwanghae's wrongdoing. But amidst rampant corruption throughout the kingdom, can Jyungmyung exact her vengeance, restore order and take back her rightful place in the palace?.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 128
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: captivating, suspense, disturbing
Similar in 86%
King Maker: The Change of Destiny (2020)
Plot Summary:
In the late 19th century, the Joseon Dynasty is in peril because the Kim Family abuses power. The king's power has already weakened, and the people are suffering famine and hardship. Choi Chon-joong is Joseon's best fortune teller and physiognomist, who lost people he loves to Kim Family. He swore to overthrow the Kims and reform the country. He read the hunger to power in Lee Ha-eung, a humble-looking member of the royal family, and decides to help him to set his son on the throne. Meanwhile, the Kims also find the heir to the throne, using Bong-ryun's special gift. Bong-ryun, the daughter of the current king, has the power of psychometry. While the royals and powerful politicians are making and breaking alliances to get ahold of the thrones, Chon-joong focuses on kingmaking that can bring Chosun a new era.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 92
Genere: Drama, Fantasy, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 87%
The Goddess of Fire (2013)
Plot Summary:
Goddess of Fire is a 2013 South Korean television series starring Moon Geun-young, Lee Sang-yoon, Kim Bum, Park Gun-hyung, Seo Hyun-jin, Jun Kwang-ryul, Jeong Bo-seok, Byun Hee-bong, Han Go-eun, and Lee Kwang-soo. It airs on MBC on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:55 for 32 episodes beginning July 1, 2013. The historical drama depicts the life and love of Yoo Jung, who is based on real-life 16th century historical figure Baek Pa-sun, renowned as the first female potter and porcelain artist in the Joseon Dynasty. Baek's glazing skills were so prized, she was appointed as a china maker for the royal family. But her fame also attracted the attention of foreign invaders, and during the Japanese invasion in 1592, she was among the Korean artisans captured and forcibly taken to Japan and made to continue their craft there. Under Toyotomi Hideyoshi's orders to enrich Japanese arts and culture, Baek helped the advancement of many new types of pottery that would be claimed as Japanese works of art. She became well-respected in Japan, and there exists a shrine in the city of Arita dedicated to her.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 130
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: psychological, tense, romantic, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 86%
Bridal Mask (2012)
Plot Summary:
Bridal Mask is a 2012 KBS2 period drama based on the popular Korean manhwa by Huh Young-man. The setting takes place in Seoul, Korea during the 1930s Japanese colonial era. The plot of the TV drama is slightly modified from the original graphic novel. The story follows a man named Lee Kang-to, a Korean police officer commissioned by the Japanese Police to betray his own country and aid the Japanese in the annihilation of the Korean rebellion. During his mission, he encounters a notorious masked man who dons a traditional Korean bridal mask to fight for Korea's independence by assassinating Japanese key officers. As the detective's hunt for "Gaksital" unravels, his eyes are slowly opened to the treacherous deeds he has committed towards his own countrymen. It stars Joo Won and Jin Se-yeon as the leads and with Shin Hyun-joon as the notorious masked hero of the Korean rebellion and brother to the main character.
IMDB Rating: 8.2
IMDB Votes: 712
Genere: Action, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: dorama, exciting, serious, captivating, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 88%
Swords of Legends (2014)
Plot Summary:
Set during the Tang Dynasty, a young and quiet swordsman name Baili Tusu is infected by the aura of an ancient demonic sword known as the Sword of Burning Solitude. Living with the dark energy, he grew up without family. Until one day, he meets a friendly girl Feng Qingxue along with a group of heroes, and together they wander the land to seek out destiny and bring balance to the world.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 153
Genere: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, History, Romance
Country: China
Duration:
Plot tags: captivating, suspense, suspenseful, disturbing, romantic, scenic, xianxia, costume drama, romantic comedy, period drama
Similar in 88%
The Rebel (2017)
Plot Summary:
Drama series depicts the life of Hong Gil-Dong who is the the first revolutionist and dissident activist in Joseon.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 429
Genere: Action, Drama, History, Romance, Thriller
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: sageuk, exciting, captivating, tense, suspense, disturbing
Similar in 76%
The Duo (2011)
Plot Summary:
In a story of two men switched at birth, noble-born Chun Doong lives as a slave and becomes a heroic outlaw, while beggar-born Gwi Dong lives as a nobleman and police chief; then each falls in love with the same girl, Dong Nyeo.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 38
Genere: Action, Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: historical drama
Similar in 87%
Damo (2003)
Plot Summary:
Damo is a 2003 South Korean fusion historical drama, starring Ha Ji-won, Lee Seo-jin, and Kim Min-joon. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, it tells the story of Chae-ok, a damo relegated to the low-status job of a female police detective who investigates crimes involving women of the upper class. Chae-ok shares a forbidden love with her mentor and superior Hwangbo Yoon, but while working undercover on a counterfeit ring case, she finds herself drawn to Jang Sung-baek, the mysterious leader of the rebel army she has infiltrated. It aired on MBC from July 28 to September 9, 2003 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:55 for 14 episodes.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 252
Genere: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 840 min
Plot tags: tense, captivating, suspense, disturbing, detective, period drama
Similar in 90%
Giant (2010)
Plot Summary:
Giant is a 2010 South Korean television series starring Lee Beom-soo, Park Jin-hee, Joo Sang-wook, Hwang Jung-eum, Park Sang-min, and Jeong Bo-seok. It aired on SBS from May 10 to December 7, 2010 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:55 for 60 episodes. Giant is a sprawling period drama about three siblings' quest for revenge during the economic boom of 1970-80s Korea. Tragically separated during childhood, the three reunite as adults and set out to avenge their parents' deaths, their fates playing out against a larger tide of power, money, politics, and the growth of a city.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 158
Genere: Action, Drama, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: suspense, tense, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 82%
Legend of Awakening (2020)
Plot Summary:
In the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era, young Lu Ping escapes the wicked forces of Shanhai Tower and discovers his spiritual identity in a moment of enlightenment – or rather, his spiritual identities, as he becomes aware of six distinct souls revolving through his being. When Lu later begins to train and grow under his teacher’s masterful guidance, he meets eternal brethren and earns the affection of the young miss Qin along the way. All is going well until a vision reveals his relationship to an unresolved crime in the martial arts world of a decade earlier.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 79
Genere: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, History, Romance
Country: China
Duration: 45 min
Plot tags: tense, captivating, suspense, disturbing
Similar in 81%
Warrior Baek Dong Soo (2011)
Plot Summary:
Warrior Baek Dong-soo is a 2011 South Korean fusion historical/action television series starring Ji Chang-wook, Yoo Seung-ho, Yoon So-yi, Shin Hyun-bin, Choi Min-soo and Jun Kwang-ryul. It aired on SBS from July 4 to October 10, 2011 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:55 for 29 episodes. Based on the 2010 comic Honorable Baek Dong-soo by Lee Jae-heon, the series is about how Joseon historical figure Baek Dong-soo grew to become a swordsman and folk hero. Baek was one of the three authors of Muyedobotongji, a pivotal martial arts work commissioned by King Jeongjo. Set against the backdrop of political maneuverings in Joseon between different factions, namely those led by King Jeongjo, by the Qing ambassador, by the Japanese swordsman Kenzo, and the assassin's guild Heuksa Chorong, at its core the series is a coming-of-age drama about brotherhood, friendship, loyalty and honor.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 633
Genere: Action
Country: South Korea
Duration: 65 min
Plot tags: dorama, sageuk, tense, captivating, suspense, disturbing, scenic
Similar in 88%
The King's Face (2014)
Plot Summary:
Since Kwanghae was born from a concubine and only appointed as Crown Prince in a desperate measure, many dissatisfied officials from Northerner faction often plotted for his assassination and dethronement for 16 years. He also often quarreled with his father, King Seonjo, especially regarding Kim Ga Hee. Both son and father will fight against each other in favor of her. However, he eventually managed to overcome the obstacles by the help of Physiognomist, Kim Do Chi and become the next king. Meanwhile, Gwiin Kim is King Seonjo’s royal concubine.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 148
Genere: Action, Drama, Romance, Thriller
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: tense, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 85%
City Hunter (2011)
Plot Summary:
City Hunter is a 2011 South Korean television drama series starring Lee Min-ho, Park Min-young, Lee Joon-hyuk, Kim Sang-joong, Kim Sang-ho, Hwang Sun-hee, Goo Ha-ra, Chun Ho-jin and Lee Kwang-soo. It premiered on May 25, 2011 on SBS and finished broadcasting on July 28, 2011. It is based on the Japanese manga series City Hunter written and illustrated by Tsukasa Hojo.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Action, Romance, Thriller
Country: South Korea
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: exciting, tense, romantic, dorama, captivating, suspense, disturbing, scenic, detective, anime
Similar in 82%
The Princess and the Matchmaker (2018)
Plot Summary:
The film will follow Princess Songhwa, who refuses her fate to marry one of four suitors. While Seo Do-yoon, skilled at interpreting marital harmony signs is selected as the person to ascertain her best match.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 665
Genere: Comedy, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: captivating, disturbing, semi serious, historical romance, sageuk
Similar in 88%
Arang and the Magistrate (2012)
Plot Summary:
Arang and the Magistrate is a 2012 South Korean historical television drama, starring Lee Joon-gi, Shin Min-ah and Yeon Woo-jin. The period horror-romance is based on the folklore of Arang, who died unjustly and returns as a ghost in order to reveal the circumstances surrounding her death. It aired on MBC from August 15 to October 18, 2012 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 20 episodes.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 899
Genere: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, History, Mystery, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: exciting, captivating, tense, humorous, dorama, sageuk, epic fantasy, period drama
Similar in 75%
My Country: The New Age (2019)
Plot Summary:
Set during the turbulent time of the fall of Goryeo and the founding of Joseon, two former friends face-off against one another over a woman and the future shape of the nation.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 80 min
Plot tags: exciting, tense, sincere, disturbing, sad, sageuk, historical drama
Similar in 82%
Horse Doctor (2012)
Plot Summary:
The King's Doctor is a 2012 South Korean television series, starring Jo Seung-woo and Lee Yo-won. It aired on Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation from October 1, 2012 to March 25, 2013 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:55 for 50 episodes. The drama commemorated MBC's 51st anniversary. The historical/period epic was directed by Lee Byung-hoon, known for his previous works Hur Jun, Jewel in the Palace, Yi San and Dong Yi. This marked the first television drama for actor Jo Seung-woo in his 13-year film and stage career.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 184
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 70 min
Plot tags: romantic, captivating, suspenseful, semi serious
Similar in 83%
The Crowned Clown (2019)
Plot Summary:
The story takes place at a time in Joseon history, when upheaval and power struggles surrounding the throne had reached extreme levels. In order to escape those who plan to assassinate him, the king puts a clown, who looks exactly like him, on the throne.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 80 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, suspense, realistic, suspenseful, romantic, epic, romantic drama, political
Similar in 80%
The Slave Hunters (2010)
Plot Summary:
The Slave Hunters is a 2010 South Korean action historical drama set in the Joseon Dynasty about a slave hunter who is tracking down a general-turned-runaway slave as well as searching for the woman he loves. It aired on KBS2 from January 6 to March 25, 2010 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 24 episodes. An adequate display of muscular brawn, intricate yet gritty fight scenes, bawdy humor and eloquent moments of pathos and humanity made the series both visually and intellectually appealing to audiences. Critics gave special mention to director Kwak Jung-hwan's lush cinematography, the use of a Red One camera giving each shot its theater-worthy luster. The hit series topped the ratings chart for 7 consecutive weeks, averaging 31.7% and reaching a peak of 35.9%. The series was honored at the Seoul International Drama Awards, and the KBS Drama Awards. Jang also received a best actor nomination from the 2011 International Emmy Awards for his performance.
IMDB Rating: 8.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: sageuk, tense, captivating, psychological, exciting
Similar in 83%
Haechi (2019)
Plot Summary:
Set during the Joseon Dynasty period, the series follows three people from different walks of life who came together to help Prince Lee Geum claim the throne and reform the Saheonbu.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 341
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 35 min
Plot tags: political, dorama, sageuk, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 90%
Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency (2019)
Plot Summary:
When he becomes king, Lee Soo hires the Flower Crew matchmaking agency to make a noble woman out of his first love, Gae-Ddong. Ma Hoon, Young-soo and Do Joon try to fulfill their client's request.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 553
Genere: Comedy, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 70 min
Plot tags: romantic, captivating, disturbing, semi serious