Korean Dictionary
How to say "Historical drama" in Korean
“Historical drama” in Korean is 사극 (pronounced "Sageuk").
사극
Sageuk
Usage & Context
Korean historical dramas set in the Joseon Dynasty or earlier periods. Famous sageuk include 이산 (Yi San), 해를 품은 달 (The Moon That Embraces the Sun), and 킹덤 (Kingdom). Sageuk are noted for elaborate costumes (한복), palace settings, and themes of power, loyalty, and romance in historical contexts.
Example Sentence
사극은 한국 역사를 배우면서 즐길 수 있어서 좋아요.
Historical dramas are good because you can learn Korean history while enjoying them.
How to use 사극 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Historical drama” is 사극, romanized as Sageuk.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 사극.
Pronunciation Guide
"Sa-geuk" is pronounced "SAH-geuk." "Sah" sounds like the "sa" in "sad," and "geuk" is like "gook" but with a slightly softer 'g' and a shorter 'oo' sound, almost like "guck" with a 'u' as in "put." The stress is generally even, or slightly on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Asking a friend for K-drama recommendations.
요즘 어떤 사극이 제일 인기 많아요?
Which historical drama is most popular these days?
Commenting on the impressive scale of a sageuk set.
사극 촬영장은 항상 웅장하고 멋있어요.
Historical drama filming sets are always grand and cool.
Expressing appreciation for traditional Korean clothing seen in sageuk.
저는 사극에서 나오는 한복이 정말 예쁘다고 생각해요.
I think the hanbok that appear in historical dramas are really beautiful.
Cultural Context
Sageuk are a beloved genre in Korea, offering a window into the nation's rich history, from the Three Kingdoms period to the Joseon Dynasty. They are known for their stunning cinematography, elaborate traditional costumes (hanbok), and often complex political plots alongside romantic storylines. Many Koreans learn about their history through these dramas, and they often spark renewed interest in historical figures or events. Popular sageuk like "Kingdom" have also gained international acclaim, showcasing Korean history and culture to a global audience.
Editorial note
We review entries like 사극 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
사극을 보다
To watch a historical drama
사극에 나오다
To appear in a historical drama
사극 팬
Historical drama fan
Related Expressions
시대극
Sidaeguk
Period drama (broader term, can include modern history)
퓨전 사극
Pyujeon sageuk
Fusion historical drama (blends historical facts with fictional elements or modern interpretations)
역사 드라마
Yeoksa deurama
History drama (more literal translation)
궁중 암투
Gungjung amtu
Palace power struggles (common theme in sageuk)
More Culture Words
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