Recently, a ranking of the top 10 most beautiful Gisaengs in Korean dramas went viral on social media, quickly attracting the attention of fans of historical and period dramas. The list spans generations, with iconic portrayals of gisaeng, from classic sageuk masterpieces to more modern, reinterpreted roles, all praised for their unforgettable imagery and emotional depth.
1. Ha Ji Won – Hwang Jin Yi
Hwang Jin Yi tells the story of the legendary gisaeng and poet of the Joseon era, celebrated not only for her beauty but also for her intellect and fearless spirit. Born into a lower social class, Hwang Jin Yi becomes a gisaeng master who demands the respect of nobles and challenges the rigid hierarchy of feudal society.
Ha Ji Won’s portrayal is widely considered to be the pinnacle of gisaeng portrayal in Korean dramas. With his sharp features, intense gaze and commanding presence, he embodies both pride and irresistible charm. Wrapped in an elaborate hanbok and performing traditional dances, she feels as if she has stepped straight out of a historical epic. Without excessive embellishment, Ha Ji Won transformed Hwang Jin Yi into a definitive gisaeng icon, earning her the undisputed first place.
In Sungkyunkwan Scandal, Park Min Young does not portray a real gisaeng but appears in a masked gisaeng appearance. Even so, her images in soft pink hanbok left a lasting impression on viewers.
Moving away from his familiar, intelligent and childish image as Kim Yoon Sik, Park Min Young’s gisaeng-inspired appearance highlighted a gentle and pure charm. Her delicate facial features, fair skin, and graceful aura made her stand out among beauties in period dramas, creating the image of a refined and modest gisaeng rather than a sharp and seductive gisaeng.
3. Song Hye Kyo – Hwang Jin Yi (movie version)
In the film Hwang Jin Yi, Song Hye Kyo presented a starkly different performance from the TV version. His gisaeng tended towards fragility and emotional depth rather than strength and authority.
Her performance emphasizes the vulnerability of a woman who loves deeply and suffers intensely from the cruel fate imposed on gisaeng during the Joseon era. Visually, Song Hye Kyo captivated with her fair complexion, pale skin, and classic beauty that perfectly suited the hanbok. Her elegance carried a melancholy and poetic quality, embodying the solitude of an artist tied to fate.
4. Moon Chae Won – Painter of the Wind
In Painter of the Wind, Moon Chae Won played Jung Hyang, a famous gisaeng admired for both her beauty and her artistic soul. He becomes a pivotal figure in Shin Yoon Bok’s emotional and artistic journey, offering a freer and more emotionally expressive perspective on gisaeng life.
Moon Chae Won’s images stood out for their delicate sophistication combined with a mature charm. His deep eyes, small face, and calm demeanor conveyed a quiet sadness that perfectly suited the artistic and romantic atmosphere of the drama, making Jung Hyang one of the most memorable gisaeng characters on screen.
5. Kim Min Seo – Sungkyunkwan Scandal
Kim Min Seo played Cho Sun, a high-class gisaeng known for her sharp beauty and aristocratic confidence. Although his screen time was limited, each appearance left a strong impression.
With classic features and piercing eyes, Kim Min Seo perfectly embodied the image of an elite gisaeng. Her luxurious hanbok style and composed elegance distinguish her from more innocent female protagonists, presenting a mature and confident form of beauty.
6. Lee Yoe – Come on
In Gu Family Book, Lee Yoo Bi played Dam Yeo Wool, a young gisaeng characterized by innocence and naivety. She represented the inexperienced side of gisaeng life, still full of dreams and unprepared for the harsh realities of the profession.
Her round face, pale skin and sweet expression gave her a fragile charm. Unlike the typical seductive portrayal, Lee Yoo Bi gave a pure and youthful performance that felt refreshingly different.
In The Magician, Jo Yoon Hee appears as a gisaeng in a mystical Joseon setting. His role added elegance and emotional depth to the film’s fantasy narrative.
Jo Yoon Hee’s soft features, light eyes and gentle demeanor made her particularly suitable for the historical style. Rather than edgy sensuality, she played a reserved and dignified gisaeng, enhancing the film’s lyrical tone.
8. Kim So Hyun – The Story of Nokdu
In The Tale of Nokdu, Kim So Hyun played Dong Dong Joo, a young woman connected to the gisaeng world through unusual circumstances. His character brought a fresh and emotionally delicate take on the gisaeng archetype.
With her pure imagery and age-appropriate innocence, Kim So Hyun conveyed vulnerability rather than seduction. His interpretation emphasized emotional softness, giving the gisaeng image a gentler, more heartfelt dimension.
9. Lee So Yeon – Doctor Jin
In Dr. Jin, Lee So Yeon played Chun Hong, a famous gisaeng burdened by tragedy and unfulfilled love. His character served as an emotional anchor in the time-slip narrative.
Lee So Yeon’s mature beauty, deep-set eyes and pained expression were perfectly suited to the role of an experienced gisaeng. His refined hanbok style enhanced his dignified yet disturbing charm.
10. Im Soo Hang – – New Tales Girds
In New Tales of Gisaeng, Im Soo Hyang played Dan Sa Ran, a young woman who enters the modern world of gisaeng amidst prejudice, emotional conflict and romantic tragedy.
With delicate features and a feminine aura, Im Soo Hyang expressed a soft beauty yet tinged with sadness. Her performance balanced kindness with a quiet resilience, allowing Dan Sa Ran to stand out among the drama’s female cast.
Sources: K14
