10 Korean Horror Movies To Make Your Heart Race Faster Than Your Valentine Will

By Karmen on 07 Feb 2020

Digital Editor

Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

A unique thing about Korean horror is how it commonly includes multiple layers and themes. Despair, terror and melodrama contrasts against comedy and light romance while societal or political commentary give the films more depth beyond horror.

The Korean horror scene is thriving and we have 10 movies to recommend!

Keep reading to check them out!

#1 The Wailing (2016)

Photo from Side Mirror

In this supernatural horror film, a policeman investigates a mysterious disease and series of killings in a remote county in Korea in order to save his daughter.

Although the movie is on the longer side with a running time of over two hours, it holds your attention with a tense atmosphere, unexpected comedic moments and a plot that keeps you feeling a sense of paranoia.

#2 A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

Photo from B.O.M. Film Productions Co.

This critically acclaimed film centres around a teenage girl's life with her sister, mother and new stepmother after returning home from a mental institution. Revelations about their dysfunctional family's dark past unfold and the story evokes just as much heartbreak as terror.

#3 Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)

Photo from Hive Mediacorp

If you love haunted houses and movies like Paranormal Activity, you'll love this film! A horror web series crew head to an abandoned asylum to film a live broadcast. They seem to be prepared but as expected, things go very wrong.

The film is based on and filmed in the actual Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, one of the most well-known haunted places in Korea.

#4 Train to Busan (2016)

Photo from Next Entertainment World

Probably the most famous film on this list, you should definitely give this a watch if you haven't!

Compared to the sluggish western zombies, these Korean zombies sprint and pounce with such zeal that it'll keep you clutching onto your movie companion. Besides being terror stricken, the film also tugs on your heartstrings with melodramatic moments and makes you reflect with social commentary.

#5 The Host (2006)

Photo from Chungeorahm Film Sego Entertainment

If you prefer monsters over ghosts and demons, The Host is a highly acclaimed monster film that you'll love!

The film follows the main character, Park Gang-du, and his attempts to rescue his daughter who has been kidnapped by a monster. His clumsy and comedic nature makes him an unexpected leading man for a horror film. With well-directed scenes by Bong Joon-ho, emotional moments, good laughs and political satire, it's no wonder that this riveting film is in many list of top horror movies.

#6 The Silenced (2015)

Photo from The Secret Garden Generation Blue Films

This quiet film is less well-known than the others on the list but is definitely worth a watch!

Set in Manila, Philippines, during the Japanese occupation, the film has plenty of Korean history in addition to the horror. A sickly young girl is transferred to a girls' boarding school and starts investigating when students start disappearing. This haunting film has gorgeous cinematography and employs more of an eerie atmosphere than direct spooks.

#7 Whispering Corridors (1998)

Photo from Cinema Service

The first in a series of films, Whispering Corridors makes a social commentary on the South Korean education system, portraying a critique of authoritarianism and conformity. This film is shot in an old Korean horror style that's an interesting change from modern horror films.

#8 Death Bell (2008)

Photo from MBK Entertainment

This is another film that is set in a Korean high school. If you're a fan of western-style horror, the shocks and gore in this grisly film will resonate with you!

#9 Thirst (2009)

Photo from Moho Film

This film is unique in that it's also an erotic film with a love story. The film follows a Catholic priest who turns into a vampire after a medical experiment gone wrong. Stylishly shot and offering plenty of blood as expected from a vampire film, this film deserves a watch when you're in the mood for a passionate and erotic horror story.

#10 Bedevilled (2010)

Photo from Sponge ENT

This violent psychological horror film is about a woman who is mentally, physically, and sexually abused on a remote island.

More than just a horror film, it also covers themes of violence against women and challenges the societal expectation of women being passive and resigned to it in a patriarchal society. The film and its talented lead actors have won multiple awards.

Grab your significant other or besties and get ready to get spooked by these horror films!