Sageuk, or historical dramas, have always been one of the staple genres in K-Dramas. This genre is something uniquely Korean that you don’t really see it as much in other countries’ television series. So whenever you come across a photo of characters wearing traditional hanbok or set against old palaces, you can instantly tell it’s from Korea.
As fans of sageuk, we’ve seen so many stories set hundreds of years ago, from the Goryeo to the Joseon era. But aside from those classic settings, there are also K-Dramas set in the more recent past, like the 1900s or even the late 20th century. One popular ongoing K-Drama is Lee Jun Ho and Kim Min Ha’s period drama “Typhoon Family,” which is set during the 1997 economic crisis. Now, let’s take a look at must-watch period dramas available for streaming on KOCOWA+!
“Youth of May“
If you’re looking for a deeply emotional story and one of the most heartbreaking yet unforgettable romances in K-Drama, Lee Do Hyun and Go Min Si’s “Youth of May” is a must-watch. Set in 1980 during the Gwangju Uprising, one of the most significant events in modern Korean history, the drama follows Hwang Hee Tae, a passionate medical student who returns to Gwangju, and Kim Myung Hee, a hardworking nurse.
While it may look like a simple love story, “Youth of May” goes far beyond that. It uses its 1980s setting not just as a backdrop but as the emotional heart of its narrative. The drama beautifully balances the warmth of young love with the harsh realities of the time, portraying the struggles ordinary Koreans faced during a period of political unrest. It’s not just about romance, it’s about resilience, sacrifice, and the courage to keep living and loving amid chaos.
“My Perfect Stranger“
If you prefer romance mixed with mystery and time travel, then Kim Dong Wook and Jin Ki Joo’s “My Perfect Stranger” is the perfect pick. The story follows Yoon Hae Jun, a news anchor determined to uncover the truth behind a series of murders. While investigating, he finds a way to travel back to 1987, where he unexpectedly gets stuck with Baek Yoon Young, an editor who accidentally joins him on his journey.
This drama has it all from period, fantasy, romance, mystery, and even melodrama. It’s amazing how the story weaves together a time-travel mystery and emotional family drama since we saw Yoon Young’s desire to change her mother’s fate by not marrying her alcoholic father even if it means risking her own existence. The plot keeps you hooked as it explores both the suspense of solving a crime and the bittersweet emotions of seeing what it’s like to live in the year 1987!
“Road To Boston“
If you’re looking for a thrilling sports movie, Ha Jung Woo and Yim Si Wan’s “Road to Boston” is the perfect pick! Set in the 1930s during the Japanese occupation, it tells the true story of gold medalist Sohn Kee Chung, who competed in the Berlin Olympics and later mentored rising star Suh Yun Bok as they prepared to run in the Boston Marathon in the 1940s.
The movie gives us a powerful glimpse into the grueling training, personal hardships, and unwavering patriotism of these runners as they fight to represent Korea on the international stage despite political oppression and physical challenges. It’s the kind of movie that will make you love the characters even more knowing it’s based on a true story and as we watch their determination and pride showing just how far they were willing to go to bring honor to their country against all odds.
“Hot Young Bloods“
If you’re in the mood for a youthful period movie set in high school, Lee Jong Suk and Park Bo Young’s “Hot Young Bloods” is the one for you! Set in the 1980s, it follows the feared leader of a female gang who secretly has a crush on the school’s biggest playboy. The story centers on a group of high school students in a small rural town, highlighting their rivalries, friendships, mischievous pranks, and of course romance!
What makes this movie so charming is its mix of humor, misunderstandings, and the sweet tension of young love. The 1980s setting comes alive through the fashion, hairstyles, school uniforms, and nostalgic rural atmosphere, giving us a glimpse of what student life was like back then. It’s a lighthearted and entertaining movie that will make you laugh while bringing back the fluttering feeling of first love.
“Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission“
If you want a meaningful and educational historical movie, Yoo Hae Jin and Yoon Kye Sang’s “Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission” is a must-watch. Set during the Japanese occupation, it tells the inspiring story of a group of scholars and ordinary citizens who risk everything to preserve the Korean language. They secretly work to compile a Korean dictionary, defying the Japanese government’s ban on teaching or using Korean in schools. The story is a fictional retelling inspired by the real Korean Language Society and the 1942 Korean Language Society Incident.
What makes this movie truly special is how it’s both entertaining and educational. It highlights the importance of language, identity, and cultural pride during one of the darkest times in Korean history. The attention to detail from traditional clothing to the recreated streets and classrooms of occupied Korea makes it feel like stepping back in time. It’s a beautiful reminder of how preserving one’s language is preserving one’s soul.
Period K-Dramas are really something we would watch over and over again, and don’t worry where to watch these shows, as they are available for streaming on KOCOWA+
