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| Loved The East Palace? Here Are 19 Dark Fantasy Dramas Worth Bingeing. (Photo: Netflix) |
Fans have been sharing different recommendations ever since The East Palace started gaining attention. Some argue that Alchemy of Souls is the closest modern equivalent thanks to its fantasy world and layered mythology, while others insist Kingdom deserves the crown because nothing raises palace tension quite like mysterious deaths spreading through the royal family.
Another group points towards Chinese fantasy dramas packed with spirits and ancient conspiracies. Meanwhile, some viewers simply admit they came for the ghosts but stayed for the palace politics. Honestly, haunted royalty has become a surprisingly effective recipe.
Shows Like THE EAST PALACE
1. Alchemy of Souls (2022–2023)
If there is one drama that captures the magical atmosphere of The East Palace, it is Alchemy of Souls. Set in the fictional kingdom of Daeho, the story follows powerful mages whose destinies become intertwined after forbidden soul-swapping magic changes everything.
Like Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang, the central characters uncover hidden secrets while battling supernatural forces far greater than themselves. It balances mystery, fantasy, romance and political intrigue without ever losing its dark edge.
2. Kingdom (2019–2021)
Royal succession, mysterious deaths and an ancient threat hidden beneath the kingdom immediately make Kingdom feel familiar. Crown Prince Lee Chang investigates a deadly outbreak threatening Joseon while uncovering corruption inside the palace.
Although its supernatural danger takes a different form, the eerie atmosphere, desperate royal family and constant political tension strongly resemble the mood of The East Palace. Also, palace meetings become much shorter when monsters arrive.
3. Bulgasal: Immortal Souls (2021–2022)
This fantasy thriller explores curses, reincarnation and revenge across centuries. Dan Hwal, once human, becomes an immortal creature searching for the woman connected to his tragic fate.
Similar to The East Palace, ancient secrets slowly reveal themselves while supernatural beings shape every decision. The haunting cinematography and emotional storytelling make it an excellent follow-up.
4. The Haunted Palace (2025)
Viewers who enjoy haunted royal residences should not overlook The Haunted Palace. Set within a palace plagued by restless spirits, the drama follows royal officials attempting to uncover why supernatural events continue to threaten the kingdom.
Like The East Palace, every hallway hides another mystery, and sleeping peacefully appears to be completely optional.
5. The Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015)
Mixing Joseon politics with dark fantasy, this drama follows a mysterious scholar who secretly battles supernatural creatures while protecting the kingdom.
Hidden identities, royal conspiracies and ancient legends all mirror the core appeal of The East Palace, while its gothic atmosphere keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
6. Arthdal Chronicles (2019–2023)
Although set in an ancient fictional civilisation rather than a traditional palace, Arthdal Chronicles shares the same epic scale, mythical lore and political struggles.
Powerful leaders, hidden prophecies and supernatural elements drive the narrative, creating a fantasy world where nobody's ambition comes without consequences.
7. Lovers of the Red Sky (2021)
A gifted painter born with extraordinary abilities becomes caught in a battle involving demons, royal power and forgotten curses.
The drama combines romance with supernatural mystery while exploring how ancient spirits continue influencing the kingdom. Like The East Palace, destiny refuses to leave anyone alone.
8. Mirror of the Witch (2016)
A cursed princess raised in isolation struggles against dark magic threatening the kingdom. Filled with palace politics, ancient spells and emotional sacrifices, the drama delivers the same blend of fantasy and historical storytelling. It proves that royal life comes with considerably more curses than fairy tales ever admitted.
9. The Guest (2018)
While it moves away from royal settings, The Guest excels in supernatural investigation. A psychic, a detective and a priest work together against an ancient evil responsible for terrifying deaths.
Like Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang, the protagonists combine unique abilities to uncover hidden truths before more lives are lost.
10. Revenant (2023)
One of Korea's strongest supernatural thrillers, Revenant follows a young woman possessed by an ancient spirit while a folklore professor investigates mysterious deaths linked to forgotten legends.
The dark atmosphere, ghost mythology and investigative storytelling make it feel remarkably close to The East Palace, only with fewer royal robes and just as many sleepless nights.
11. Hotel Del Luna (2019)
Ghosts, ancient curses and unresolved pasts define this fantasy favourite. Although centred around a supernatural hotel rather than a palace, the emotional journey, rich mythology and haunting visuals appeal to viewers who enjoy spirits carrying centuries of regret. Turns out ghosts really do struggle with moving on.
12. The Untamed (2019)
This Chinese fantasy phenomenon follows two cultivators investigating mysterious events linked to dark magic and forgotten conspiracies.
Rich world-building, supernatural battles and emotional storytelling create an experience very similar to The East Palace, especially for viewers who enjoy hidden histories gradually unfolding.
13. Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022)
Beneath its romance lies an impressive fantasy world filled with immortal realms, ancient conflicts and dangerous curses. Like The East Palace, appearances often deceive, while every revelation changes how characters understand their past and future.
14. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin) (2016–2017)
Immortality, fate and supernatural beings shape this beloved Korean drama. Although lighter in tone at times, its exploration of ancient curses, spirits and emotional destinies makes it another excellent recommendation. Besides, very few immortal guardians expected romance to complicate eternity quite this much.
15. Till the End of the Moon (2023)
This Chinese fantasy epic follows a woman travelling back in time to prevent a future ruler from becoming a devastating force.
Combining royal politics, powerful magic and emotional tragedy, it shares the same dramatic scale and supernatural storytelling that make The East Palace so compelling.
16. Ashes of Love (2018)
Set among heavenly realms filled with immortals, prophecies and forbidden love, Ashes of Love builds an intricate fantasy world driven by destiny and hidden truths.
While more romantic, its mythology and emotional conflicts will satisfy viewers craving another beautifully crafted supernatural drama.
17. The Longest Promise (2023)
Royal succession, magical powers and ancient prophecies collide in this visually stunning Chinese fantasy. As mentor and student navigate political upheaval and supernatural dangers, they uncover secrets capable of reshaping their world. Like The East Palace, every answer only seems to create two new questions.
18. Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace (2018)
This historical Chinese drama focuses more on palace politics than fantasy, yet the intricate royal intrigue, betrayals and emotional tension feel strikingly familiar.
If your favourite part of The East Palace was watching dangerous secrets spread through the royal court, this drama delivers them in abundance.
19. The Legend of Shen Li (2024)
Fantasy adventure, powerful deities and hidden identities come together in The Legend of Shen Li, where ancient forces shape the destinies of kingdoms and their rulers. It offers breathtaking mythology, emotional storytelling and large-scale supernatural conflicts that echo the same mysterious atmosphere found throughout The East Palace.
Whether you were captivated by The East Palace because of its haunted palace corridors, terrifying spirits, royal conspiracies or the chemistry between Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang, these 19 K-dramas deliver many of the same ingredients in different ways. Some lean further into horror, others embrace romance or high fantasy, but each offers compelling mysteries, unforgettable worlds and characters forced to face dangers far beyond ordinary human understanding. Have you already watched any of these, or do you think another hidden gem deserves a place on this list?