Youth of May? These Top Best Korean Historical Romance Series!

Some dramas don’t just make you cry — they leave something behind.

Youth of May was one of those.

It wasn’t just about love. It was about timing, choices, and the cost of living through history.

If you’re still thinking about Hee-tae and Myung-hee, you’re not alone.

The pain, the sweetness, the slow heartbreak — it all lingers.

Korean dramas have a way of mixing love with tragedy, especially in historical settings.

Here are 12 of the top best Korean historical romance series that will give you that same ache.

Beautiful stories. Unforgettable couples. And moments that stay with you.

1. Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Genre: Historical, Romance, War Drama

Set during the late Joseon era, this story follows a Korean boy who grows up in the U.S.

He returns as an American soldier and falls for a noblewoman fighting for her country.

It’s a tragic, sweeping romance — full of sacrifice and silence.

2. Lovers of the Red Sky (2021)

Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance

A blind painter and a demon-possessed scholar fall in love during the Joseon Dynasty.

It’s not just about love — it's about fate and destiny.

The visuals are stunning. The pain is quiet.

3. The Red Sleeve (2021)

Genre: Historical, Romance, Tragedy

Based on real history, this drama tells the story of King Jeongjo and his court lady.

She wanted freedom. He wanted her.

Their love was tender, but it came at a high price.

Every moment feels heavy with what could’ve been.

4. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Genre: Historical, Time Travel, Romance

A woman from the future wakes up in the Goryeo Dynasty.

She finds herself caught between princes, power, and heartbreak.

It's bold, emotional, and full of tragic love.

Perfect if you cried during Youth of May.

5. Snowdrop (2021)

Genre: Historical, Melodrama, Political Romance

Set in 1987 during a time of protests and political chaos.

A North Korean agent and a college student fall in love.

Their relationship is doomed — but beautiful.

It shares Youth of May’s themes: love during unrest, and fate too cruel to change.

6. Bloody Heart (2022)

Genre: Historical, Political, Romance

A king fights against corrupt forces while holding onto a love that could ruin everything.

It’s political, layered, and romantic in a slow-burning way.

Painful choices define the story.

7. Love in the Moonlight (2016)

Genre: Historical, Youth Romance, Comedy-Drama

A crown prince falls for a girl pretending to be a eunuch.

It starts light and sweet but grows into something deeper.

Less tragic, but still full of longing and impossible love.

8. The Hymn of Death (2018)

Genre: Historical, Tragedy, Romance

Based on a true story of Korea’s first soprano and her doomed lover.

Their relationship is passionate, but they’re trapped by their time.

Only three episodes — but it hurts more than most long series.

9. Chicago Typewriter (2017)

Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Reincarnation, Romance

Writers in the present begin to remember their past lives as freedom fighters in the 1930s.

A love that died once might have a second chance — or not.

The past story will haunt you.

10. Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (2019)

Genre: Historical, Feminist, Romance

A female historian falls for a prince who’s also a secret romance writer.

There’s humor, growth, and real heart.

More hopeful than Youth of May, but still deep and meaningful.

11. Bridal Mask (Gaksital) (2012)

Genre: Historical, Action, Political Romance

Set during the Japanese occupation, this one’s about revenge, loyalty, and love under pressure.

The romance is strong, but painful.

If you want more history with weight — this is it.

12. Tree with Deep Roots (2011)

Genre: Historical, Mystery, Romance

A secret group threatens King Sejong’s efforts to create Hangul.

There’s political tension and romance beneath the surface.

Not purely a love story — but the emotions run deep.