It is without a doubt one of the best historical dramas I've ever seen. I definetely recommend it for those who enjoy a highly political drama. It's certainly not for the romance seeking fellow drama addicts.

When it first aired I dropped it because the introduction was really bad but nothing surprising since I usually don't enjoy introductions in historical dramas (or introdutions in general), but I'm SOOOO glad I decided to give it another try even if it was just because I'd recently became a fan of Jang Hyuk but I skipped the introduction part and suddenly, when Bong Sam becomes a fully grown man, the story becomes really interesting and addicting to the point I never got bored once. It's actually hard to let go of this drama T-T

There are lots of interesting characters in this drama, specially Shin Seok Ju (believe it or not, I love him so much! He's an adorable villain!), Gil So Gae (another adorable villain with so much charisma) and of course Cheon Bong Sam (I love, love love him!). These three made confused as to whom I should cheer for LOL.  

The story is about the merchant class and one merchant who will go through all obstacles following his principles and going against anything and anyone to do what he has to do to survive and also what is right.  For fairness (and to survive), he goes against the powerful head merchant, the nobles and the palace if he has to.

Cheon Bom Sam's journey is definetely worth it. The story has a perfect pace, it's intriguing and keeps you curious through all the 41 episodes and I can't stress enough how amazing acting is.

The only con I can think of (and it is a weak one) is that it should've ended a little sooner so that the ending would've been stronger.