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If you think Hollywood makes the best horror movies, wait until you dive into the world of Korean horror movies!
From spine-chilling zombie outbreaks to supernatural nightmares, Korean filmmakers know exactly how to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Whether it's the heart-pounding action of Train to Busan, the eerie mystery of Kingdom, or the psychological terror of Sleep, these movies take horror to a whole new level. What makes them so special?
It’s not just the jump scares—it's the gripping storytelling, deep emotions, and unexpected twists that will haunt you long after the credits roll.
So, if you're ready for some sleepless nights, let's explore some of the best Korean horror movies you absolutely need to watch!
1. All of Us Are Dead
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Where to watch: Netflix
Hyosan High School transforms into a battlefield against the living dead in this thrilling series, where students struggle to survive as a zombie virus starts to propagate. The confined teenagers need to safeguard each other while attempting to escape unharmed, or face the danger of becoming one of the infected.
Being a teenager is challenging as it is, but the students also face challenges of survival and loss — even if their world seems to be collapsing, they remain teens, with crushes to pursue and bullies to overcome. And since no decent zombie remains dead for too long, one of the Korean horror movies is returning for Season 2.
2. The Glory
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Where to watch: Netflix
If you’re seeking some revenge-driven entertainment, your search ends here. The Glory, one of the Korean horror movies centers on a woman (Song Hye-kyo from Descendants of the Sun) who endured severe mistreatment from bullies in high school and subsequently dedicates years to devising a complex scheme to take revenge on them. Once she starts teaching at the school where one of the bullies’ children goes, she begins to confront those who hurt her.
3. #Alive
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Where to watch: Netflix
A gamer (Yoo Ah-in from Hellbound) becomes estranged from his family during a zombie apocalypse in Seoul, relying solely on a cup of ramen, a bottle of water, and his ingenuity to endure. However, when that depletes and despair appears to prevail, Kim Yoo-bin (Park Shin-hye), another survivor, emerges as his salvation.
Together, they venture beyond their comfort zones and ultimately encounter their neighbors... but likely regret it. These are the types of neighbors who would prefer to devour you rather than share a cup of sugar.
Audiences may find it intriguing to see how technology—such as drones, selfie sticks, and hashtags—plays a role in surviving a zombie apocalypse. Now that they’ve joined forces, will the pair escape the danger zone #alive?
4. Kingdom
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Where to watch: Netflix
Although many zombie series are set in contemporary times, Kingdom transports viewers to the past — specifically to the Joseon dynasty in the 1600s. Kingdom, one of the korean horror movies centers on the king's illegitimate son (Ju Ji-hoon), whose claim to the throne is in jeopardy, his trusty bodyguard (Kim Sang-ho), and a physician's assistant (Bae Doona), who join forces to uncover the mystery of a disease that has swept through the kingdom.
While political machinations unfold in the shadows, the characters seek to comprehend the outbreak while simultaneously evading swarms of zombies. It’s a gradual progression in contrast to the typical action-packed zombie movie, yet there is ample suspense and historical elements incorporated to maintain intrigue.
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5. Sweet Home
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Where to watch: Netflix
Sweet Home belongs to the monster-horror category but distinguishes itself by playfully engaging with its spirits — be they human or supernatural. As a mysterious illness sweeps through society, transforming people into unusual beings, residents of a dilapidated apartment building unite to survive in the evolving environment.
Disturbed, self-centered, and isolated, these misfits must discover their humanity and empathy to survive. This task could be challenging since news articles indicate that the illness stems from intense feelings of longing.
For instance, if your only desire was to be muscular, that level of dedication might transform you into the Protein Monster (a creature from the show). The ensemble features Song Kang from Love Alarm, who reveals a significantly different aspect of himself in this role, both in appearance and performance.
6. Train to Busan
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
One of the largest and most impactful Korean horror movies to emerge in the last ten years, this zombie thriller has led to numerous spinoffs — such as our No. 19 choice, the animated prequel Seoul Station. The key to its success is found in its exhilarating, confined action scenes.
The narrative unfolds mainly on a fast train traveling from Seoul to Busan, where distant father Seok-woo (Gong Yoo) tries to connect with his daughter Su-an (Kim Su-an). However, they quickly come to understand that the entire nation of Korea, not merely their route, has been overrun by ravenous, incredibly swift zombies.
7. Sleep
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Where to watch: Netflix / Prime Video
Jason Yu's first feature film became successful in South Korea during the autumn of 2023. It debuted at the Cannes Film Festival that summer, receiving glowing reviews from critics who praised the tale of a woman whose sleeplessness challenges her marriage — and her mental stability.
A significant portion of the film balances on a fine line between humor and terror, which renders its twists and turns even more unexpected. Include a stunning closing, and you've created an immediate Korean horror masterpiece.
Korean horror movies are more than just scares—they deliver gripping stories, intense emotions, and unforgettable thrills. If you're a fan of spine-chilling cinema, these movies are a must-watch for an unforgettable horror experience!
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