The Great Merchant

2010·Show
30Episodes in1Season
65
GoodGoodWatch score

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Great Merchant fingerprint

Big heart, strong craft, a touch of humor.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension7
  • Spectacle5
  • Adrenaline4

Heart

Deeply moving and uplifting

Much of it is about family.

  • Pathos9
  • Hopefulness9
  • Catharsis9

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Situational Comedy2
  • Physical Comedy1

World

History, a real life story, and society

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion9
  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances, characters, and direction

  • Acting9
  • Character Depth9
  • Direction8

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want fast pacing

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.

About

This drama is based on a real life figure Kim Man-deuk who was living in Jeju Island. She goes through a lot of changes in her life; at first she becomes a Gisaeng but turned herself into a merchant, and then becomes one of the biggest philanthropists in Joseon Dynasty. Man-deuk gets adopted by Granny at a young age. With great efforts, she becomes a Gisaeng who has outstanding talents in various areas. However, she gives up everything and runs away with her lover Jeong Hong-soo. She gets caught and sends to the transitory wards for epidemics for one year. When she came out from the wards, she starts to take care of the Gisaengs who are suffering from illness. Man-deuk goes into a business and restores the business ethics in Jeju. Meanwhile, Moon-sun, who used to be a friend of Man-deuk, feels a sense of inferiority and competes with Man-deuk’s business.
Historical DramaBiographical JourneyRags-to-Riches StoryPhilanthropic ThemesFemale EmpowermentSocial CommentaryJoseon DynastyBusiness EthicsOvercoming AdversityCharacter-Driven

Crew

Directed by:

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Great Merchant

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Great Merchant legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Great Merchant in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is The Great Merchant worth watching?

65
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 6.7). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

How many seasons does The Great Merchant have?

1 season

It has 1 season with 30 episodes.

Is The Great Merchant based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

When did The Great Merchant air?

It ran from 2010 to 2010 and has ended.

What language is The Great Merchant in?

Korean

It was made in Korean. Produced in South Korea.

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