Korean dramas are known for their captivating storytelling and intriguing plots. Many of them are inspired by real-life events and figures. These dramas bring the realities that not only entertain but also educate, present challenges, and inspire the viewers. Check out six must-watch Korean medical dramas based on real-life events and figures below.
6 Korean Medical Dramas Inspired Real-Life Events and Figures
1. “Heo Joon” (“허준”)
- Director: Lee Byung Hoon
- Screenwriter: Choi Wan Kyu
- Main Cast: Jun Kwang Ryul, Hwang Soo Jung
- Network: MBC
- Year: 1999-2000
The historical K-drama “Heo Joon” tells the story of Heo Joon, a famous doctor from the Joseon Dynasty. He is recognized for his work Dongui Bogam, a medical knowledge that covers internal and external medicine, acupuncture, and various illnesses.
Heo Joon is the son of a concubine and the governor of the Pyongyang region in Northern Korea, who led smuggling activities. After being caught in illegal activities, his father sent him and his mother to the Gyeongsang region in Southern Korea.
In his new place, he met Dr. Yoo, who made him interested in healing people. He was also the one who recognized Heo Joon’s talent in medicine. With Dr. Yoo’s guidance, his life changed drastically from a troubled past to the physician of King Seonjo and King Gwanghaegun.
2. “Jewel in the Palace” (“대장금”)
- Director: Lee Byung Hoon
- Screenwriter: Kim Young Hun
- Main Cast: Lee Young Ae, Jin Ji Hee, Hong Ri Na, Im Ho
- Network: MBC
- Year: 2003-2004
The classic historical drama “Jewel in the Palace” captivates audiences in Korea and abroad with its compelling story. The story follows Jang Geum, the first woman who is recognized as the ultimate royal physician.
The drama centers on Jang Geum’s tumultuous life, exploring her struggles and achievements in a male-dominated society.
Jang Geum comes from a low-class family and often faces significant social discrimination. She works as a cook in the royal kitchen before being exiled to Jeju and learning about medicine. Through determination, she becomes the royal physician in charge of the King. For her accomplishments, the King gives her the title “The Great Jang Geum.”
3. “Jejungwon” (“제중원”)
- Director: Hong Chang Wook
- Screenwriter: Lee Ki Won
- Main Cast: Han Hye Jin, Park Yong Woo, Yeon Jung Hoon
- Network: SBS
- Year: 2010
“Jejungwon” took place in the final years of the Joseon Dynasty, which is from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. It depicts the founding and early years of the Joseon Dynasty’s first modern Western hospital, Jejungwon. King Gojong founded Jejungwon in 1885 at the suggestion of Dr. Horace Newton Allen, an American missionary.
The narrative follows the journey of Hwang Jeong, who grew up in a poor economic background and later became a freedom fighter and Korea’s first surgeon.
4. “Guam Heo Joon” (“구암 허준”)
- Director: Kim Keun Hong, Kwon Sung Chang
- Screenwriter: Choi Wan Kyu
- Main Cast: Kim Joo Hyuk, Park Jin Hee, Namkoong Min, Park Eun Bin
- Network: MBC
- Year: 2013
“Guam Heo Joon,” also known as “Hur Jun, the Original Story,” tells the story of Korea’s important figure, Heo Joon.
Guam is Heo Joon’s pen name. He wrote the popular book of Dongui Bogam, “Hur Jun, the Original Story” book, about traditional Korean medicine, which is still an ultimate guidebook for oriental doctors to heal people in this 21st century. This book is registered as a UNESCO Memory of the World.
5. “Daily Dose of Sunshine” (“정신병동에도 아침이 와요”)
- Director: Lee Jae Gyoo
- Screenwriter: Lee Nam Gyu, Kim Da Hee
- Main Cast: Park Bo Young, Yeon Woo Jin, Jang Dong Yoon, Lee Jung Eun
- Network: Netflix
- Year: 2023
One of Time’s best K-dramas in 2023, “Daily Dose of Sunshine,” is different from other medical K-dramas. Adapted from a popular webtoon, “Morning Comes to Psychiatric Wards Too,” the story of the medical K-drama focuses on psychiatry as it emphasizes mental and emotional health, based on a real psychiatric nurse’s real experiences.
The story follows Jung Da Eun, a nurse who is transferred to the neuropsychiatry department. She aims to help the patients and offer positivity to people around her. However, she faces unexpected challenges.
6. “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” (“중증외상센터”)
- Director: Lee Do Yoon
- Screenwriter: Choi Tae Kang
- Main Cast: Ju Ji Hoon, Choo Young Woo, Ha Young, Yoon Kyung Ho, Jung Jae Kwang
- Network: Netflix
- Year: 2025
“The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” is the latest Korean medical drama in 2025. The Netflix series is a live adaptation of the popular webtoon “Severe Trauma Center: Golden Hour,” by Hansan Lee Ga (Dr. Lee Nak Joon). The web novel was inspired by Professor Lee Kuk Jong’s autobiographical essay “Golden Hour.”
The story follows Baek Gang Hyeok, a genius trauma surgeon with extensive experience in conflict zones, who was appointed as the new chief of the severe trauma team at the university hospital. He teams up with Yang Jae Won, his first pupil, Cheon Jang Mi, a nurse, and Park Gyeong Won, an anesthesiology resident. However, his efforts to recover the severe trauma team and save more lives were obstructed by the hospital’s financial limitations.
That’s a wrap! Which one of the six Korean medical dramas based on real life above is your favorite? Please share with us in the comments below!
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