Questions that come up watching Korean historical dramas!
When I watch Korean historical dramas, so many questions pop up! I’ve tried to find the answers to them. Here’s what I’ve discovered so far…
LIFE IN THE JOSEON PERIOD
How did people address each other in the Joseon period?
What do the titles mean in the historical drama Horse Doctor?
How did people tell the time in the Joseon period?
What can we learn about the status of women in the Joseon palace watching Jewel in the Palace?
What were the social classes in the Joseon period?
What can we learn about Joseon society through the paintings of Shin Yun Bok?
What was the Concubine Ranking System in the Joseon Palace?
What was the ranking system for Court Ladies ?
Was there really a Court Lady Investigation Bureau in the Joseon Palace?
Joseon tombs in Gangnam, Seoul
The Visitor Ghost of Death by Smallpox
Why Are Floors in Traditional Korean Hanok Houses Yellow?
What is the Korean Kye system?
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JOSEON ART
Are there any original portraits of King Sukjong or other kings?
What can we learn about Joseon society through the paintings of Shin Yun Bok?
‘What is the meaning behind the painting ‘Scenery on Dano Day‘ by Sin Yun Bok?
What Kind of Perfume Accessories did Joseon ladies carry?
What are some symbolic meanings in Minhwa Korean Folk Art?
‘Diamond Mountain’ a painting of the most famous mountain by Jeong Seon
Where can you find a monkey on Korean traditional architecture?
FICTION & NON-FICTION BOOKS & STORIES RELATING TO THE JOSEON PERIOD
The Confucian Kingship of Korea: Yongjo and the politics of Sagacity
The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyeong – wife of Prince Sado who died in the rice chest.
The Calligrapher’s Daughter – novel set during the Occupation
The Story of Chunhyang, a Korean literary classic romance from the reign of King Sukjong
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JOSEON KINGS & QUEENS
Chart of Joseon Kings and historical dramas.
China and Korea Ruling Dynasties and Relations Chart
EARLY JOSEON PERIOD (1392 – 1494)
Deep Rooted Tree (SBS 2011),
Jeonju – Home of King Taejo, the First King of the Joseon Dynasty
What information can we find in the Annals of King Taejo, first king of Joseon?
Where is the tomb of King Sejong the Great?
MID-JOSEON (1494-1649)
Mid Joseon Kings in Sageuk Drama (1494 – 1649) YEONSANGUN to KING INJO
some dramas set in the mid-Joseon period
Dae Jang Geum (MBC 2003), Mandate of Heaven: The Fugitive of Joseon (KBS 2013) Heojun (MBC 2000), Jung Yi: Goddess of Fire (MBC 2013) Saimdang Memoirs of Colours (SBS 2017)
Where is the tomb of the infamous Joseon king, Yeonsangun?
How is King Jungjong portrayed in Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum)?
What’s up with the Icy Queen Munjeong in Mandate of Heaven (KBS 2013)?
How is King Seonjo (r.1567-1608) presented in the drama Heo Jun?
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LATE JOSEON KINGS (1649 – 1910)
some dramas set in the late-Joseon period
Horse Doctor (MBC 2012), Dong Yi (MBC 2010), Jang Ok Jung Living by Love, (SBS 2013) Yi San (MBC 2008) Painter of the Wind (SBS 2008) Chuno (KBS2 2010) The Throne (2015)
How is King Sukjong portrayed in Dong Yi?
Are there any original portraits of King Sukjong or other kings?
Where are King Sukjong and Jang Hee Bin’s tombs?
Did Dong Yi and King Sukjong really have a romance?
Is Jang Hee Bin pure evil or does she act out of love?
Kingdom (Netflix 2019) OK, so this drama is not set in a specific period of Joseon and it’s about zombies – so not completely historically accurate…but what drama ever is? And it’s certainly entertaining!
My Love from the Star (SBS 2014). OK so technically this is not a sageuk drama! But I do like time travel and we can feel the difference in culture between Joseon and modern-day Korea!
Who are the top 10 Korean women in historical drama?
DRAMAS DIRECTED BY LEE BYEONG HOON
Most drama directors don’t become household names, but Lee Byeong Hoon became famous after he revamped the historical dramas with modern-day language, brighter wardrobe, and exciting scripts.
Heo Jun (MBC 2000)
Sangdo, Merchant (MBC 2002)
Jewel in the Palace (MBC 2004)
Yi San (2007)
Dong Yi (MBC 2010)
Horse Doctor (MBC 2012)
The Flower in Prison (MBC, 2016)
Korean Book Review: 꿈의 왕국을 세워라 Build a Kingdom of Dreams by Director Lee Byung Hoon
Director Lee Byung Hoon on filming Jewel in the Palace (MBC 2004)
Fusion Sageuk – How Lee Byung Hoon changed historical drama with Heojun
Notes from the book by Jewel in the Palace Director Lee Byung Hoon
STUDY KOREAN THROUGH DRAMA
Deep Rooted Tree Recaps
Deep Rooted Tree Ep 19 props blunder
Deep Rooted Tree Ep 1-8 Thoughts So Far
Study Korean Through Drama: Deep Rooted Tree ep01 형님 elder brotherStudy Korean Through Drama: Deep Rooted Tree ep02 상왕 Former King
Study Korean Through Drama: Deep Rooted Tree ep04 전하 Your Highness
Study Korean Through Drama: Deep Rooted Tree ep05 작은 소원 a small wish
Study Korean Through Drama: Deep Rooted Tree ep06 쇠팔찌 a metal bracelet
Study Korean Through Drama: Deep Rooted Tree ep07 재가가 없다 no permission
Study Korean Through Drama: DRT ep08 아바마마의 말이 옳았어 Father Was Right
Study Korean Through Drama: DRT ep09 역사를 거스르다 go against history
Study Korean Through Drama: DRT ep10 천륜 filial piety
Deep Rooted Tree: The Tombs of Scholars Park Paeng Nyeon, Song Sam Moon
Wow, awesome compilation!
Have you thought of doing a PhD on this?
maybe I should 🙂 ?