30 historical Korean and Chinese TV series worth watching: part 3

As soon as you get to China, Korea, or Japan, you can feel at home if you are a fan of historical gifts. These fascinating series show not only the life and customs of past eras, but also modern traditions and customs. The creators of the dramas boldly take their compatriots from the 21st century to the ancient times, where they are forced to adapt, fall in love and live a life full of adventures. Viewers also empathize with the characters and immerse themselves in an attractive bygone era, as well as learn a lot about the culture of Asian countries.

Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016 – 2017)

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This drama represents historical times and is a light comedy series for evening viewing. The story is set in the sixth century, when Jinhin, the powerful emperor of Silla, ascended to the throne. Having received the title of “Great”, the noble king dreams of the country’s prosperity, but in the world of politics it is difficult to remain true to oneself to the end. Jinhin is assisted in his struggle for independence by young warriors from a special elite unit. They are just beginning to experience the feeling of first love in their lives and understand the value of male friendship.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

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Fans of exciting stories about time travel will appreciate this full-length fantasy series. The protagonist, Ko Ha-jin, a Korean woman from the 21st century, accidentally saves a drowning child and undergoes strange changes. Now she is in the body of Hae-su, who lives in the distant past of Korea under the tutelage of the king’s wife, and a fierce struggle for the throne is raging around her.

Nirvana in Fire (2015 – 2018)

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General Lin Xie led the Chiyan Army, which was completely defeated due to a false accusation of treason. The leader’s only son miraculously managed to survive, and now, 12 years later, the man is facing a fateful challenge as he prepares to go down in history. The two heirs are fighting for the right to take the royal throne, and in order to win a crushing victory over the enemy, they are looking for an experienced strategist. Information about suitable candidates is kept in the Lanyu Pavilion, and the mysterious Mei Changsu is at the top of the list. The princes do not suspect that this unknown name hides the son of a dead general.

The Emperor’s Cook (2015)

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The first time Tokuzo Akiyama tasted a cutlet, he felt an exciting inspiration that prompted him to dive deeper into European culinary art. The young man set out from his Japanese province to Paris, where he could learn from the best chefs. On the way to his cherished goal, Tokuzo faces racial prejudice, ridicule, and envy. But he does not give up and overcomes all difficulties, relying on the support of his family, who stand behind him thousands of kilometers away.

The Empress of China (2014 – 2015)

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Jieqian first stepped onto the stage of the royal palace as a concubine of the Tang Dynasty emperor. After his passing, she became part of the harem and the lawful wife of Emperor Gao-zong. Starting her career as a gray cardinal, Zetian actually ruled the country on behalf of her sons, but soon ascended the throne herself. This amazing woman became the first and only ruler in the history of ancient China to reach such a remarkable height.

The Empress Ki (2013 – 2014)

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Ki Sung Yang faced the tragic loss of her parents at a young age, and to survive in a harsh world, she had to pretend to be a boy. Political intrigue and military pressure led to Goryeo being absorbed by Yuan, and the king of this subordinate state was sent into exile. Fate brings Ki Sung-yang into contact with Togon Temur, a young man destined to become the last emperor of the victorious kingdom.

The Great Doctor (2012)

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The talented Yoo In-soo successfully performs plastic surgery, is respected by her colleagues and leads a quiet life. But somehow her life changes dramatically after she meets a mysterious man in old clothes. He opens a magical portal that takes Yoon-soo to the distant past. There is a wounded princess in need of urgent medical attention. The doctor from the future is promised to be freed and brought back after the princess recovers. Yoon-soo agrees to help and treat the girl, but when the princess recovers, the portal suddenly disappears, closing the door to the familiar world for Yoon-soo.

The King 2 Hearts (2012)

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In the parallel reality of South Korea, there is a constitutional monarchy. Prince Lee Jae Ha holds a high position in the state, and the attractive Kim Han Ah is a military instructor from North Korea. They live in different worlds, but fate brings them together. Initially, their marriage was conceived as a cunning political ploy, but no one expected real feelings to arise between them.

Startling by Each Step (2011 – 2012)

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Zhang Xiao is involved in a car accident and suddenly finds herself in the Qing Dynasty. She regains consciousness in the body of a young aristocrat, Maertai Jo Xi, who is destined to live a sad fate. People around her attribute the changes in the girl’s behavior to the effects of her head injury, as Zhang Xiao makes every effort to change the course of history. However, every attempt to prevent the tragedy seems futile and only accelerates the inevitable events.

Tempest (2011)

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During the Ryukyu dynasty, the birth of a girl was considered a great misfortune, so Mazura’s father decides to adopt a boy. He hopes that the heir will continue the family line and bring glory to the family. But fate has other plans. It quickly becomes clear that Mazura’s daughter shows a great interest in education, although in the nineteenth century girls were forbidden to receive it. Despite the strict prohibition, Mazura decides not to give in and takes the official exam under the name of her half-brother.

Read more:

• 30 historical Korean and Chinese TV series worth watching: part 1
• 30 historical Korean and Chinese TV series worth watching: part 2