10 Korean Dramas Like The East Palace That Every Fantasy & Mystery Fan Must Watch

Finished watching The East Palace and already missing its mysterious world? You’re definitely not the only one. The mix of haunted palaces, chilling supernatural secrets, ancient curses, and breathtaking visuals makes it the kind of K-Drama that’s hard to replace.

The good news is that there are a few Korean dramas that capture a similar feeling. Some take you back to haunted royal palaces filled with dangerous secrets, while others explore ghost stories, powerful magic, dark fantasy, and unforgettable characters. Each one offers something special, but they all share the same thrilling atmosphere that made perfect Korean drama like The East Palace so addictive.

For this list, I didn’t just pick the most popular titles. I looked for dramas that genuinely deliver the same blend of historical fantasy, supernatural mystery, royal intrigue, and cinematic storytelling. That’s why you’ll also find a FilmiSnap Similarity Rating with every recommendation, so you can quickly see how closely each drama matches the experience of watching The East Palace.

So, if you’re wondering what to watch next, here’s a carefully selected list of 10 Korean dramas like The East Palace that are absolutely worth adding to your watchlist.

10. Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015)

FilmiSnap Similarity Rating ⭐ 8.8/10

What if the biggest threat to a kingdom wasn’t a political rival, but a powerful vampire hiding in the shadows? Scholar Who Walks the Night takes place during the Joseon era and follows Kim Sung-yeol, a noble scholar who has secretly lived as a vampire for more than 120 years. After crossing paths with a young bookseller, he begins investigating a dangerous conspiracy that has controlled the royal palace for generations. As hidden enemies emerge and ancient secrets come to light, every step brings him closer to a deadly battle that could change the fate of the kingdom.

👻 Why It’s Similar to The East Palace: Historical Palace • Supernatural Mystery • Ancient Evil • Royal Conspiracy • Dark Fantasy

📺 Where to Watch: Viki, Prime Video

If your favorite part of The East Palace was its eerie palace atmosphere and supernatural mystery, this drama offers a similar experience with a fresh twist. Instead of ghosts and curses, the story revolves around vampires, secret societies, and a long-hidden evil that threatens the royal family. The gothic visuals and suspenseful storytelling make it an easy recommendation for fantasy fans.

9. Arang and the Magistrate (2012)

FilmiSnap Similarity Rating⭐ 9.0/10

If The East Palace pulled you in with its ghostly mysteries and eerie atmosphere, Arang and the Magistrate offers a similar feeling from a different angle. Instead of focusing on a haunted palace, the drama builds its suspense around wandering spirits, ancient legends, and an investigation that keeps revealing new surprises. It balances mystery with humor and heartfelt moments, making it an easy binge-watch.

👻 Why It’s Similar to The East Palace: Restless Spirits • Historical Setting • Supernatural Mystery • Ancient Secrets • Korean Folklore

📺 Where to Watch: Viki

The story follows Eun-oh, a young magistrate blessed—or perhaps cursed—with the ability to see spirits. His quiet life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Arang, a fearless ghost who has no memory of how she died. Instead of moving on to the afterlife, she asks Eun-oh to uncover the truth behind her mysterious death.

The drama is inspired by the famous Korean folktale of Arang, a legendary ghost whose story has been passed down for generations. That folklore-inspired foundation gives the series a unique atmosphere that’s still appreciated by fantasy K-Drama fans today.

Also Read: 10 Best Detective Korean Dramas Ever Made for Mystery and Thriller Fans

8. Lovers of the Red Sky (2021)

FilmiSnap Similarity Rating⭐ 9.2/10

What if a single painting had the power to seal an evil demon—or unleash chaos across an entire kingdom? Set during the Joseon Dynasty, Lovers of the Red Sky follows Hong Cheon-gi, a gifted painter who becomes entangled in a centuries-old battle involving a powerful demon, mysterious rituals, and the royal family. As dark forces begin to awaken, she joins hands with Ha Ram, a blind astrologer blessed with extraordinary abilities, to stop an ancient evil before it destroys the kingdom.

👻 Why It’s Similar to The East Palace: Royal Palace • Demons & Evil Spirits • Historical Fantasy • Ancient Curse • Supernatural Mystery

📺 Where to Watch: Viki

The drama is inspired by the novel Hong Chun Gi by bestselling Korean author Jung Eun-gwol, whose works have also been adapted into popular historical dramas like The Moon Embracing the Sun.

I was surprised by how naturally this drama balances fantasy with emotional storytelling. The supernatural moments never feel forced, and the palace mystery keeps getting more interesting as the story moves forward. If you’re looking for a visually stunning historical fantasy after The East Palace, this is one of the easiest recommendations on this list.

7. The Guest (2018)

FilmiSnap Similarity Rating⭐ 9.2/10

The Guest is one of those rare K-Dramas that pulls you into its terrifying world from the very first episode. The story follows a psychic, a Catholic priest, and a determined detective who join forces to stop a powerful evil spirit responsible for a series of brutal and mysterious deaths. As they investigate each case, they discover that every clue leads back to a terrifying entity that has haunted innocent lives for years.

👻 Why It’s Similar: Evil Spirits • Supernatural Mystery • Psychological Horror • Exorcism • Dark Atmosphere

📺 Where to Watch: Prime Video

If the ghostly mysteries and eerie moments in The East Palace were your favorite part, The Guest takes those elements to another level. The supernatural investigations feel intense, the horror is genuinely creepy, and the mystery keeps getting more fascinating with every episode. It’s the kind of drama that’s difficult to stop watching once you begin.

Among all the dramas on this list, The Guest is probably the scariest. I loved how it focuses on atmosphere instead of constant horror scenes. Every episode leaves you with new questions, and the chemistry between the three main characters makes the investigation even more compelling.

6. Revenant (2023)

FilmiSnap Similarity Rating⭐ 9.3/10

For me, Revenant is one of the smartest supernatural K-Dramas in recent years. Rather than depending on constant horror scenes, it builds suspense through strong writing and unpredictable twists.

👻 Why It’s Similar: Evil Spirit • Korean Folklore • Supernatural Mystery • Dark Atmosphere • Hidden Secrets

📺 Where to Watch: Disney Plus (Selected Region)

The story follows Gu San-young, an ordinary young woman whose life takes a frightening turn after she comes into contact with a mysterious relic left behind by her late father. Strange deaths begin to occur around her, and she slowly realizes that an evil spirit has attached itself to her.

Determined to uncover the truth, she teams up with Yeom Hae-sang, a folklore professor who has spent years studying supernatural phenomena. Together, they unravel a chilling mystery filled with ancient legends, forgotten rituals, and shocking secrets that connect the past with the present.

Revenant was written by acclaimed screenwriter Kim Eun-hee, the creative mind behind Kingdom: Ashin of the North and Signal. Her signature style of blending mystery with emotional storytelling is one of the biggest reasons the drama received widespread praise.

5. Arthdal Chronicles (2019–2023)

FilmiSnap Similarity Rating⭐ 9.6/10

If you loved The East Palace because it transported you to a completely different world, Arthdal Chronicles takes that experience to an even bigger scale.

Set in the mythical land of Arth, the story follows Eun-seom, a young man born with a fate that could change the future of an entire civilization. As kingdoms fight for power and ancient prophecies begin to unfold, warriors, tribal leaders, and ambitious rulers become trapped in a battle where trust is rare and survival comes at a heavy price.

👻 Why It’s Similar: Ancient Kingdom • Epic Fantasy • Power Struggles • Mythology • Grand Adventure

📺 Where to Watch: Netflix, Disney Plus (Selected Region)

Creating Arthdal Chronicles was one of the biggest television productions in Korean drama history. Massive outdoor sets were specially built, and the production team spent months designing the fictional world to make it feel completely original.

One of my favorite things about Arthdal Chronicles is the chemistry between Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won. Even in the middle of political conflicts, epic battles, and fantasy elements, their emotional moments feel genuine and memorable. Their performances add real heart to the story, making it much easier to connect with the characters.

Also Read: 15 Best Enemies to Lovers KDrama on Netflix (2026) – Top Rated

4. Bulgasal: Immortal Souls (2021)

FilmiSnap Similarity Rating⭐ 9.6/10

Bulgasal: Immortal Souls is one of those dramas that stayed with me even after I finished watching it. I really enjoyed how it slowly connects every mystery instead of revealing everything at once. The emotional performances by Lee Jin-wook and Kwon Nara make the story even more engaging, and the stunning cinematography gives every episode a cinematic feel.

👻 Why It’s Similar: Ancient Curse • Dark Fantasy • Supernatural Mystery

📺 Where to Watch: Netflix

The Story follows Dan Hwal, a man who is transformed into an immortal monster after a tragic betrayal. For centuries, he wanders through time searching for the woman he believes holds the key to ending his curse. As forgotten memories return and hidden truths begin to surface, the line between hero and villain slowly starts to disappear.

Blending historical fantasy with modern-day mystery, the drama tells an emotional story filled with reincarnation, revenge, mythical creatures, and shocking revelations. Every episode uncovers another piece of a centuries-old puzzle, making the story more addictive as it progresses.

3. Alchemy of Souls (2022)

FilmiSnap Similarity Rating⭐ 9.8/10

Written by the famous Hong Sisters, Alchemy of Souls became one of the biggest fantasy K-Dramas of its generation. Its impressive visual effects, memorable characters, and unique magic system earned praise from fans around the world.

👻 Why It’s Similar: Supernatural Mystery • Historical Fantasy • Hidden Secrets • Ancient Destiny

📺 Where to Watch: Netflix

Set in the fictional nation of Daeho, Alchemy of Souls follows a legendary assassin whose soul becomes trapped inside the body of a weak young woman after a forbidden spell goes wrong. Her path soon crosses with Jang Uk, a nobleman carrying secrets of his own. As they grow stronger together, they become caught in a dangerous battle involving forbidden magic, powerful mages, ancient relics, and a conspiracy that threatens the entire kingdom.

If you loved The East Palace because of its supernatural world and mysterious storytelling, Alchemy of Souls is an easy next watch. It replaces ghosts with powerful magic but delivers the same sense of adventure, suspense, emotional moments, and unforgettable world-building. The beautiful visuals and fast-paced story make it one of the most addictive fantasy K-Dramas ever made.

2. The Haunted Palace (2025)

FilmiSnap Similarity Rating⭐ 9.8/10

Out of every drama on this list, The Haunted Palace gave me the strongest The East Palace vibes. I loved how every episode slowly reveals another piece of the mystery instead of rushing the story. The balance between supernatural horror, emotional moments, and palace intrigue kept me invested from start to finish. If you’re searching for the closest experience after finishing The East Palace, this should be your very first watch.

👻 Why It’s Similar: Haunted Palace • Evil Spirits • Supernatural Mystery • Royal Conspiracy • Historical Fantasy

📺 Where to Watch: Viki

The story follows Yeo-ri, a talented shaman who becomes entangled in a terrifying mystery after an evil spirit begins haunting the royal palace. As unexplained deaths and strange incidents spread fear across the kingdom, she joins forces with Yoon Gap to uncover the truth behind an ancient curse that threatens the royal family. The deeper they investigate, the more dangerous the palace becomes, revealing long-buried secrets and powerful supernatural forces.

1. Kingdom (2019)

FilmiSnap Similarity Rating⭐ 10/10

If The East Palace kept you hooked with its palace intrigue, dark secrets, and supernatural atmosphere, Kingdom delivers all of that while adding one unforgettable twist—zombies. The eerie palace setting, constant suspense, and high-stakes political drama create an experience that feels both thrilling and emotionally powerful. It’s the perfect next watch for anyone craving another intense historical mystery.

👻 Why It’s Similar: Royal Palace • Supernatural Mystery • Political Conspiracy • Historical Survival

📺 Where to Watch: Netflix

Story begins with Crown Prince Lee Chang investigating a strange illness spreading through the royal palace. What first appears to be a political conspiracy soon turns into a terrifying fight for survival as the dead begin to rise. With the kingdom collapsing into chaos, the prince must uncover the truth behind the deadly plague while protecting his people from both ruthless enemies and flesh-eating zombies.

Kingdom is widely recognized as the world’s first major historical zombie K-Drama. After premiering on Netflix, it quickly entered the platform’s trending charts in multiple countries and introduced countless international viewers to Korean historical thrillers. Even today, it’s considered one of Netflix’s most influential Korean originals.

Also Read: Top 10 Korean Zombie Series Where Humans Turn into Monsters

For me, Kingdom isn’t just the best recommendation after The East Palace—it’s one of the greatest Historical Korean dramas ever made. I still remember how every episode ended with a cliffhanger that made me hit “Next Episode” immediately.

The Perfect Watch After The East Palace

Finding a drama that truly captures the magic of The East Palace isn’t easy, but these 10 Korean dramas come surprisingly close in their own unique ways. Some will pull you into haunted palaces filled with ancient secrets, while others will take you through magical worlds, chilling ghost stories, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re here for supernatural mysteries, historical settings, or emotionally rich storytelling, there’s something on this list that deserves a spot on your watchlist.

If you ask me to recommend just one, Kingdom would still be my first choice. It delivers everything I love about historical K-Dramas—powerful performances, breathtaking cinematography, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and a story that keeps getting better with every episode. Right behind it, The Haunted Palace and Alchemy of Souls offer two completely different experiences, yet both perfectly capture the mysterious and fantasy-filled atmosphere that made The East Palace so memorable.

Now it’s your turn! Which drama are you planning to watch after The East Palace? Have you already seen any of the titles on this list, or do you have another hidden gem that deserves a recommendation? Share your favorite in the comments below—I always enjoy discovering Best K-Dramas from fellow fans, and your suggestion might even help another reader find their next binge-worthy series.