The Great Doctor
Drama guideEnded

The Great Doctor

신의
Air date: 2012-08-13
Episodes: 24 ep
Network: SBS
Rating: 7.2 / 10
Cast entries
17
Episodes
24
Locations
5
Food stops
Not available for this drama
Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

In the K-drama "The Great Doctor," viewers are taken on a thrilling journey that blends elements of historical drama with fantasy. The story revolves around Admiral Choi Young, a formidable warrior from Korea's Goryeo Dynasty, who finds himself in an extraordinary predicament. He abducts Dr. Eun Soo, a modern-day physician, and inadvertently transports her 700 years into the past. As they navigate the complexities of time and a world foreign to her, a romantic bond begins to develop between them.

This unique narrative juxtaposes the fierce nature of Choi Young, a character rooted in a tumultuous historical era, with the contemporary sensibilities of Dr. Eun Soo. Their relationship unfolds against a backdrop rich with adventure, conflict, and the challenge of reconciling their vastly different worlds. The series not only explores themes of love and sacrifice but also delves into the impact of time travel on personal connections and the evolution of its characters.

"The Great Doctor" offers a captivating mix of romance and suspense, drawing audiences into a tale where the past and present collide, and love transcends the boundaries of time. As the characters confront their destinies, the drama reveals how true encounters can change lives forever.

Why The Great Doctor still captivates audiences

The Great Doctor offers a unique twist on time travel and romance that’s hard not to appreciate. At its heart, the series explores the unlikely relationship between Choi Young, played by the ever-charismatic Lee Min-ho, and Yoo Eun Soo, portrayed by the talented Kim Hee-seon. Their chemistry is palpable, making every interaction between them compelling, whether they’re clashing over their vastly different backgrounds or slowly finding common ground.

What really stands out is how this drama cleverly weaves together historical elements with contemporary themes. The world of the Goryeo Dynasty is visually stunning, and the costumes and settings create a vivid backdrop that appeals to history enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Dr. Eun Soo's modern-day perspective brings humor and relatability into a time fraught with danger and intrigue. It's fascinating to see her adapt to life 700 years in the past, using her medical knowledge to navigate various challenges.

The central tension of the show lies in the collision of their worlds. Choi Young is a warrior bound by duty, while Eun Soo is a doctor caught in a time she doesn’t belong. The stakes are high, and as they face external threats, including Ki Chul, played by Yu Oh-seong, and various political intrigues, the personal stakes within their evolving relationship add layers to the narrative. I keep coming back to the moments when they confront their feelings, set against the backdrop of impending conflict, which heightens the drama. This tension feels timeless: love today can be as fraught as it was centuries ago.

The supporting characters, including King Gongmin (Ryu Deok-hwan) and Queen Noguk (Park Se-young), add depth to the storyline. Their struggles and ambitions resonate, enriching the historical context and enhancing the main plotline. Each character feels integral to the unfolding drama, and their arcs are thoughtfully developed.

The mood of The Great Doctor fluctuates between suspenseful and romantic, allowing viewers to experience a rollercoaster of emotions. It doesn’t shy away from darker themes, such as sacrifice and loss, making the lighter moments stand out even more. The blend of comedy in otherwise serious situations keeps the show engaging, and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that contrast with the heavy themes.

Fans of historical dramas that blend romance with fantasy will find a lot to love here. The Great Doctor is more than just a love story; it's a captivating exploration of what it means to connect across time. So, if you’re in the mood for a series that challenges the boundaries of love and time, this drama is definitely worth your time.

Final verdict: a unique blend of history and romance worth exploring

The Great Doctor is a fascinating K-drama that takes viewers on an adventurous journey through time and love. With 24 episodes, each offering a mix of historical drama and fantasy elements, it succeeds in creating a captivating narrative. At the center of it all is the intriguing relationship between Choi Young, portrayed by Lee Min-ho, and Dr. Eun Soo, played by Kim Hee-seon.

What sets this series apart is how it juxtaposes Choi Young’s fierce warrior persona with Eun Soo’s modern sensibilities. Their evolving romance brings depth to the plot, and the writers do an admirable job weaving in themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of time travel. Though the pacing can lag at times, the character development shines through, especially as they confront the challenges of their vastly different worlds.

However, it's worth mentioning that the absence of verified filming locations or food spots may limit some viewers’ connection to the setting, which is often a rich element in K-dramas. Still, those who enjoy a blend of historical intrigue with romantic undertones will find this series appealing. With a TMDB rating of 7.2, it’s a solid choice for fans looking to explore something that transcends typical genre boundaries. If you're in the mood for a drama that explores love across time, give this one a watch.

Filming locations

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

  1. 01

    Capitoline Hill

    캄피돌리오 언덕
    Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

    Capitoline Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and is home to important historical buildings and monuments, including the famous statue of Marcus Aurelius.

    On this hill, there is the Rome City Hall and Square, rebuilt by Michelangelo.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    St. Peter's Basilica

    베드로대성당
    Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

    St. Peter's Basilica is one of the largest and most renowned churches in the world, famous for its Renaissance architecture and significant religious importance.

    I originally intended to take snaps against the backdrop of Seongcheonsa, but there were a lot of people on the bridge, so I moved to a spot with as few people as possible.
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03

    Hangpaduri Historic Site

    항파두리 항몽유적지
    50 Hangpaduri-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 제주시 애월읍 항파두리로 50

    The Hangpaduri Historic Site is a significant historical location related to the Mongol invasions during the Goryeo Dynasty. It features remnants of the fortifications built by the Goryeo's special forces, the Samgyeolcho.

    Our first destination in Jeju was the Jeju Hangpaduri Hangmong Site. First of all, it's a historical site that aligns with my interests, and it's not far from Jeju Airport.
    blog.naver.com
  4. 04

    Ondal Tourist Site

    온달관광지
    Ondal-ro 23, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungbuk충북 단양군 영춘면 온달로 23

    This location served as a filming set for the drama 'The Great Doctor'. It features various attractions including the Ondal Cave and the Ondal Mountain Fortress.

    Many dramas have been filmed here. I haven't seen them all, but they are well-known by name. SBS's "The Legend," "Yeon Gaesomun," KBS's "Queen Seondeok," "Hwarang," and MBC's "The Legend" were filmed at the Ondal Drama Set.
    blog.naver.com
  5. 05

    Vatican City

    바티칸시국
    00120, Vatican City

    Vatican City is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.

    It took about 20 minutes of walking to arrive at Vatican City.
    blog.naver.com
Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Episode runtime
64 min
Spoken languages
Korean
Production companies
  • KIMJONGHAK PRODUCTIONKIMJONGHAK PRODUCTION
Creators
Kim Jong-hak김종학
Song Ji-na
Directors
Shin Yong Hwi
Kim Jong-hak김종학
Kang Sook강숙
Writers
Song Ji-na

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Lee Min-ho

Lee Min-hoas Choi Young

이민호
1987-06-22 · Seoul, South Korea

Lee Min-ho, a prominent South Korean actor, singer, and model, is celebrated for his dynamic performances and widespread influence in the entertainment industry. Born on June 22, 1987, he rose to fame with his iconic role as Gu Jun-pyo in the hit television series Boys Over Flowers in 2009. This performance not only earned him critical acclaim but also the prestigious Best New Actor award at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards, marking the beginning of his ascent as a leading man in Korean drama. Following his breakout role, Lee continued to solidify his status with notable performances in popular series such as City Hunter (2011) and The Heirs (2013). His film debut in Gangnam Blues (2015) showcased his versatility, while his later works, including The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016) and The King: Eternal Monarch (2020), further established him as a top Hallyu star. In 2022, he took on a new challenge by starring in the Apple TV+ drama Pachinko, which is based on the acclaimed novel of the same name. In addition to his acting career, Lee released two albums, My Everything (2013) and Song For You (2014), primarily for his fans, expressing his preference for acting over a full-fledged music career. His popularity is underscored by unique milestones, such as becoming the first Korean celebrity to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds, with figures unveiled in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Lee Min-ho's enduring appeal continues to captivate audiences across the globe.

Kim Hee-seon

Kim Hee-seonas Yoo Eun Soo

김희선
1977-06-11 · Daegu, South Korea

Kim Hee-seon is a prominent South Korean actress, born on June 11, 1977. She first captured the public's attention in the 1990s with her leading roles in popular television series such as Men of the Bath House, Propose, and Wedding Dress. Her ability to portray a wide range of characters contributed to her rapid rise in the industry, making her a household name by the end of the decade. In addition to her television success, Kim has made significant contributions to film, starring in notable martial arts movies like Bichunmoo and The Myth. She has also showcased her versatility in various genres, including the historical medical drama Faith, the teen series Angry Mom, and the melodrama The Lady in Dignity. More recently, she has starred in the fantasy series Tomorrow, further solidifying her status as a leading actress in South Korea. Kim Hee-seon's impressive body of work and enduring popularity reflect her talent and adaptability in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

Yu Oh-seong

Yu Oh-seongas Ki Chul

유오성
1968-09-11 · Kangwon, South Korea

Yu Oh-seong is a prominent South Korean actor, born on September 11, 1966, in Gangwon. With a career that spans several decades, he has become well-known for his versatile performances in both film and television. Yu gained significant recognition for his roles in popular films such as "Beat" (1997), "Attack the Gas Station" (1999), "Friend" (2001), and "Champion" (2002), each contributing to his reputation as a talented actor in the Korean entertainment industry. Throughout his career, Yu Oh-seong has demonstrated a remarkable ability to portray complex characters, earning him a loyal fan base. His contributions have not only shaped his own career but also influenced the landscape of Korean cinema. As he continues to work on various projects, Yu remains a respected figure in the industry, celebrated for his dedication and artistry.

Notable credits on this site
Sung Hoon

Sung Hoonas Chun Eum-ja

성훈
1983-02-14 · Daegu, South Korea

Sung Hoon is a South Korean actor born in 1983, who initially gained recognition as an Olympic swimmer before transitioning to acting. His athletic background has contributed to his on-screen presence, where he often embodies strong and charismatic characters. Throughout his acting career, Sung Hoon has appeared in various television dramas and films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He has captivated audiences with his performances, earning a loyal fan base both in South Korea and internationally. His journey from sports to entertainment highlights his dynamic talent and dedication to his craft.

Streaming

Where to watch

Availability is grouped by country and provider type.

Subscribe
  • NetflixNetflix
  • Netflix Standard with AdsNetflix Standard with Ads
United StatesView on TMDB
Subscribe
  • NetflixNetflix
  • Rakuten VikiRakuten Viki
  • OnDemandKoreaOnDemandKorea
  • Netflix Standard with AdsNetflix Standard with Ads
  • Kocowa Amazon ChannelKocowa Amazon Channel
  • KocowaKocowa

Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. Ep 1Episode 1
    2012-08-13 · 63 min

    Princess Nogoog gets injured but there is no doctor in Goryeo that can save her from dying. So King Gongmin orders General Choi Young to go through "heaven's door" and find God's doctor.

  2. Ep 2Episode 2
    2012-08-14 · 64 min

    Now that the Princess is out of danger, General Choi Young wants to return Doctor Yoo Eun Soo to where she belongs as he promised her. But King Gongmin has other plans for her and wants to keep her in Goryeo.

  3. Ep 3Episode 3
    2012-08-20 · 63 min

    After the king's order forces him to renege on his word of honor, Choi Young impales himself on his sword, Eun-soo steps in, intent on saving his life. Choi Young wakes in the morning, he issues instructions for immediate departure. The party arrives in the capital and enters the palace grounds.Yet they find the courtyard completely empty but for a few guards stationed at their posts, which seems odd. No statesmen to greet them after all.

  4. Ep 4Episode 4
    2012-08-21 · 64 min

    Doctor Yoo Eun Soo is still trying to assimilate the fact that she is hundreds of years in the past. The King asks Doctor Yoo Eun Soo to be the Royal Doctor of the Palace. Rumors spread throughout town, that the Doctor/God from heaven can bring the dead back to life and forsee the future. General Choi Young finally reveals to the king why he wants to leave the palace. He was part of Red Crescent Moon Warriors and was forced/sworn to guard the former King.

  5. Ep 5Episode 5
    2012-08-27 · 63 min

    Prince Cheol tries to ridicule the king, saying that General Choi Young has made up everything about the Doctor coming from heaven. General's wound gets infected/heart stops beating, Doctor does CPR brings him back to life. Prince Cheol confesses he killed the traitors that were poisoned, to protect the king. King decides to accept Prince's request to take the Doctor(Eun Soo) with him. Doctor is dragged away. Disobeying King's orders General Choi goes to save the Doctor.

  6. Ep 6Episode 6
    2012-08-28 · 65 min

    General Choi Young goes to save the High Doctor from Prince Gi Cheol. Prince Gi Cheol tells them that the High Doctor must go and heal Prince Kyeong Chang (who was supposed to be King but is dying from an illness). If High Doctor is unable to heal the Prince she will be killed for deceiving everyone that she came from the heavens. Prince Gi Choel sets the General a trap; he tells the King that General has kidnapped the High Doctor to heal Prince Kyeong Chang, with plans to dethrone him.

  7. Ep 7Episode 7
    2012-09-03 · 64 min

    General Choi Young and Doctor Eun Soo escape, and take the young Prince Kyeong Chang to a safe place. Woodalchi Warriors are all arrested and accused of betraying the King, for secretly keeping in contact with General Choi Young. In order to save General Choi Young's life, Prince Kyeong Chang drinks poison given to him by Prince Gi Cheol. Choi Young ends his suffering by stabbing him with a knife.

  8. Ep 8Episode 8
    2012-09-04 · 66 min

    General Choi Young is arrested and charged for treason. High Doctor is taken away by Prince Gi Choel. High Doctor asks Prince Gi Choel to save Choi Young, he tells her that she must give him her heart in order to save Choi Young. King personally interrogates Choi Young; Choi Young's actions were only to carry out the King's mission. King and Queen remove their Yuan attire and put on the Gorgeo one.

  9. Ep 9Episode 9
    2012-09-10 · 63 min

    King summons General Choi Young and the Woodalchi Warriors, charges against Choi Young are lifted and Woodalchi Warriors given a special right where no one is to interfere with them. Queen pretends to be ill in order to bring Doctor Eun Soo back to the palace. Royal questioning is held and Governor of Ganghwa is charged for plotting treason against the King. Doctor Eun Soo being his accomplice must stay in the palace as the Royal Doctor.

  10. Ep 10Episode 10
    2012-09-11 · 63 min

    With the help of the Woodalchi Warriors, the King tries to mobilize supporters but things doesn't go as planned when Prince Gi Choel gets a hold of the list, which contains the names of the potential supporters. Meanwhile, tension is high between Choi Young and Eun Soo and Eun Soo is trying to figure out what her present and her decisions in Gorgeo effects the course of history and how it effects the life of Choi Young.

  11. Ep 11Episode 11
    2012-09-17 · 64 min

    Ki Chul threatens King Gong Min with people's lives, and Choi Young counterattacks and manages to save Eun Soo.

  12. Ep 12Episode 12
    2012-09-18 · 64 min

    Ready to die, Choi Young throws himself in a one-on-one battle with Ki Chul. Eun Soo goes back to save Choi Young and offers to be his partner.

  13. Ep 13Episode 13
    2012-09-24 · 64 min

    Thanks to Eun Soo, Choi Young finds happiness again, but Ki Chul plots to name Duk Heung-gun as the new king. No Guk worries about King Gong Min.

  14. Ep 14Episode 14
    2012-09-25 · 64 min

    Choi Young confessed that he was bribed and the king sentenced him to one year of hard labor, but he escapes and run away with the High Doctor..meanwhile the king's uncle, who is trying to become king, announces to Court Lady Choi(choi young's aunt) that the papers which High Doctor used for copying her notebook were filled with poison and that after some days without an antidote she will die.

  15. Ep 15Episode 15
    2012-10-01 · 67 min

    Eun Soo is in and out of consciousness, and Jang Bin warns that she may not survive the day. Choi Young finds Duk Heung-gun to ask for the antidote.

  16. Ep 16Episode 16
    2012-10-02 · 65 min

    With Cho Il Shin's rebellion, Gong Min has no choice but to flee the palace, while Duk Heung continues his dangerous deal with the throne at stake.

  17. Ep 17Episode 17
    2012-10-08 · 65 min

    Choi Young find out Eun Soo's part in why he was kept alive and sets out to save her. Meanwhile, the King, staying in his own palace in the village, recive Goryeo's new seal and have to deal with the consequences of what Eun Soo's and Prince Deok Heung's deal can mean for his and the Queen's future.

  18. Ep 18Episode 18
    2012-10-09 · 63 min

    Choi Young stops Eun Soo's wedding and waits for Gong Min while laying out recapture plans. Duk Heung is cornered and threatens Eun Soo.

  19. Ep 19Episode 19
    2012-10-15 · 65 min

    The envoy from Won says he will give the throne to whoever is willing to give up sovereignty. Choi Young takes on a journey to let Eun Soo go.

  20. Ep 20Episode 20
    2012-10-16 · 64 min

    No Guk's kidnapping turns the palace upside down, and Gong Min starts to waiver. Choi Young and Eun Soo both return to devise a plan to save No Guk.

  21. Ep 21Episode 21
    2012-10-22 · 63 min

    Eun Soo is a member of Woo Dal Chi and accompanies Choi Young. Ki Chul is furious about the betrayal and plans to attack the palace with Duk Heung.

  22. Ep 22Episode 22
    2012-10-23 · 63 min

    Gong Min brings an attack against all those in favor of Won. Choi Young wants to keep Eun Soo by his side and gets more and more nervous.

  23. Ep 23Episode 23
    2012-10-29 · 60 min

    Choi Young is unwilling to let go of Eun Soo even for one moment. Eun Soo hasn't given hope on the antidote and examines Choi Young's hand.

  24. Ep 24Episode 24
    2012-10-30 · 61 min

    Eun Soo, who has been suffering from fever all night long, is kidnapped by Ki Chul, and Ki Chul wants to go to the heavens with her.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

Trailers, OST, interviews, making clips, reviews, and recommendations.

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube

Discovery

Similar dramas

Related titles to continue browsing.

Source: TMDB