Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang-Geum in Korean) is an inspirational story of a girl that loses both of her parents at a young age. The last wish from the girl’s mother was to find a way into the royal palace, and become the head cook. There she would be able to find out truths hidden in a secret area that only the head cook has access to. The girl begs her way into the palace, and begins her training in cooking. Although she becomes very talented, a conspiracy has her exiled from the palace. She is left to work on an island, where she learns about medicines. After becoming a recognized doctor, she returns to the palace to become the first female royal physician. In the end, the truth comes out about generations of conspiracies. The girl requests three wishes from the king and is granted each. Happy ending overall 
Jewel in the palace is the longest drama I’ve seen (about 60 episodes). Still, it’s pretty addicting - although some parts are drawn out. Does lack the sometimes over dramatic-ness of a typical kdrama though.
Can watch it on Dailymotion, here’s the first part:
