5 Fantasy Historical K-Dramas You'll Want To Check Out ASAP

Make room for magic in your life with fantasy historical K-dramas! From sorcery to gumihos, K-dramas excel in feeding viewers’ appetite for fantasy with some of the best productions. Combining fantasy elements with historical settings can make for a perfect fantasy K-drama creation! Take a look at some of the most intriguing fantasy historical titles now.

“Alchemy of Souls”

Set in the fictional nation of Daeho, souls find a new home with the power of awe-inspiring sorcery. Naksu (Go Yoon Jung) is a powerful sorceress and assassin, and her soul enters the weak body of a servant named Mu Deok (Jung So Min). She begins working for Jang Wook (Lee Jae Wook), who is the troublemaking son of a nobleman’s family. As she teaches him her fighting techniques, Mu Deok and Jang Wook start falling in love.

“Alchemy of Souls” boasts an incredible cast and great show. The spectacular computer graphics and special visual effects in the magic and fight scenes don’t overshadow the natural acting abilities of Jung So Min and Lee Jae Wook. They make you believe that their characters are polar opposites in the beginning and hopelessly in love at the end. The K-drama is set entirely in a fictional location, but it’s inspired by the Joseon dynasty. Viewers can’t help but love the great acting, special effects, and unique scenery. “Alchemy of Souls” is a remarkable journey to an unknown world, and there’s also a Season 2 starring Lee Jae Wook with Go Yoon Jung as the leads!

“The Moon Embracing the Sun”

A late shaman’s daughter named Yeon Woo (Han Ga In) becomes Crown Princess of Joseon after Crown Prince Lee Hwon (Kim Soo Hyun) falls in love and marries her. The queen doesn’t approve of the marriage and orders her head shaman to curse the new princess. As a result, Yeon Woo allegedly dies from a mysterious illness only to reappear in Lee Hwon’s life years later as Shaman Wol. Lee Hwon sets out to uncover the truth.

“The Moon Embracing the Sun” perfectly blends the fantasy and historical genres! The fantasy is evident in the shamans’ powers, Yeon Woo’s mysterious death, and her rebirth. Even though she isn’t a superhero or supernatural being, Yeon Woo literally comes back to life after being buried. The historical genre is tied in with the setting as well as the queen’s desire for her son to ascend the throne and marry a woman of her choosing. It resembles our idea of what life was probably like for many in history: power and arranged marriages ruled the land. Also, Han Ga In and Kim Soo Hyun’s onscreen chemistry is impossible to beat! They are acting royalty in this series with their affectionate romance. “The Moon Embracing the Sun” is a classic K-drama you can’t miss!

Watch “The Moon Embracing the Sun” here:

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“Mirror of the Witch”

Set in the Joseon dynasty, “Mirror of the Witch” follows the story of cursed Princess Seo Ri (Kim Sae Ron), who was abandoned and left for dead by her mother. She, along with her twin, was born to the king and queen. While her brother rises to his proper place in the royal family, Princess Seo Ri lives in hiding and becomes a witch. It is up to royal physician Heo Jun (Yoon Shi Yoon) to help her lift the curse, which makes everyone around her die a terrible death. “Mirror of the Witch” is inspired by the classic book “Mirror of Eastern Medicine” by royal physician Heo Jun.

“Mirror of the Witch” is full of fantastic scenes—from the magical conception of the queen to Heo Jun’s curse elimination attempts, you will be entertained every step of the way! Despite the 14-year age gap between Kim Sae Ron and Yoon Shi Yoon, their professional on-screen chemistry proves their expertise as actors. They know how to give each production their all. While watching this series, you’ll find yourself rooting for Princess Seo Ri’s freedom until the very last episode.

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“Gu Family Book”

Born to a human and gumiho during the Joseon Dynasty, Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi) grows up to be a troublemaker and is unaware of his supernatural roots. After his adopted family is attacked, Kang Chi is on a mission to protect the family’s siblings and uncover the truth about his own superhuman strength and ability to become fully human. Along the way, he meets Dam Yeo Wool (Suzy), a swordswoman disguised as a swordsman, and they embark on an action-packed journey together. This fantasy is a martial arts masterpiece!

“Gu Family Book” is a fantasy roller coaster from start to finish. Lee Seung Gi does a great job making viewers believe that he truly possesses superhuman strength. His powers during fight scenes protecting his adopted family are jaw-dropping. “Gu Family Book” will keep you glued to the screen as you’ll be spellbound by Kang Chi’s biological parents’ romance, entranced by his adopted family life, shocked by the attack that leads him to discover his supernatural roots, and charmed by his love story with Yeo Wool. If you love fantasy historical K-dramas, you don’t want to miss this series!

Watch “Gu Family Book” here:

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“Scarlet Heart: Ryeo”

During a total solar eclipse, a modern-day woman named Hae Soo (IU) magically transports to the Goryeo Dynasty. She meets Prince Wang So (Lee Joon Gi) and his fellow princes, who are all fighting to be King. Hae Soo and the troubled Prince Wang So fall in love.

Based on the hit C-drama “Scarlet Heart,” “Scarlet Heart: Ryeo” expertly blends the past and present in the most magical way. It uses a total solar eclipse to allow Hae Soo to time travel, while the series plays with history and the events surrounding the real King Wang So. IU and Lee Joon Gi did such a great job playing historical lovers that many viewers are still waiting for them to reprise their roles for a second season. Hae Soo’s fight for modern women’s rights and Wang So’s fight for his family’s love mirror each other, making “Scarlet Heart: Ryeo” an unforgettable drama. The acting, gorgeous costumes, and trendy K-pop music make this show a must see.

Which fantasy historical K-drama is your favorite? What incredible titles would you add to this list?

KMoody is a Soompi writer who is a longtime Korean drama fan. Her favorite dramas include “Boys Over Flowers,” “Dream High,” and “Love Alarm”! For more information about her personal and professional writing journey, follow her on Instagram at BTSCelebs.