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If you’re hunting for chilling suspense, terrifying legends, and unforgettable visuals, you’re about to discover a goldmine. Korean cinema has mastered horror over the last decade—balancing supernatural tales, zombie chaos, and psychological nightmares like no other. In this article, we’ll take you through the Top 10 Korean horror films, selected for their critical acclaim, popularity, and eerie brilliance.
Whether you love modern Korean zombie movies, famous sci-fi horror films, or just want the best Korean horror movies to add to your list, this guide is your horror compass.
🔥 Top 10 Korean Horror Films (Detailed Overview) 🎞️
🧟 1. Train to Busan (2016)
Title: Train to Busan
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Zombie – Action – Drama
Directed by: Yeon Sang-ho
Main Cast: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Su-an
Available on: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Summary:
“Train to Busan” isn’t just one of the best Korean horror movies, it’s also a global icon in modern Korean zombie movies. Set during a zombie outbreak aboard a high-speed train, this film combines thrilling action with emotional depth. As society collapses around them, a father and daughter struggle to survive while confronting fear, sacrifice, and humanity.
Why you should watch it: It redefined zombie cinema with Korean emotional storytelling and intense visuals.
🌫️ 2. The Wailing (2016)
Title: The Wailing
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Psychological Horror – Mystery – Supernatural
Directed by: Na Hong-jin
Main Cast: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min
Available on: Prime Video, Shudder
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Summary:
“The Wailing” stands tall among the top 10 Korean horror films, weaving religion, folklore, and fear into a mystifying plot. When a village is cursed with mysterious deaths, a policeman investigates an outsider—only to question his own sanity. This is a perfect example of a famous sci-fi horror film that terrifies through its ambiguity.
Why you should watch it: Dark, immersive, and emotionally disturbing.
🕯️ 3. The Medium (2021)
Title: The Medium
Release Year: 2021
Genre: Supernatural Horror – Mockumentary
Directed by: Banjong Pisanthanakun
Main Cast: Narilya Gulmongkolpech
Available on: Shudder
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Summary:
“The Medium” is a spiritual descent into madness, documenting a shaman’s battle against inherited possession. As demonic forces grow stronger, the boundaries between documentary and horror dissolve. One of the best Korean horror movies showcasing regional mythology and religious dread.
Why you should watch it: It’s raw, disturbing, and deeply cultural—ideal for fans of modern Korean horror movies.
☎️ 4. The Call (2020)
Title: The Call
Release Year: 2020
Genre: Sci-Fi Horror – Psychological Thriller
Directed by: Lee Chung-hyun
Main Cast: Park Shin-hye, Jeon Jong-seo
Available on: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Summary:
Time and fate intertwine in “The Call,” one of the most famous sci-fi horror films in Korea. A phone connects two women living in different eras, and what begins as curiosity turns into a deadly struggle for control.
Why you should watch it: A mind-bending horror thriller that proves why modern Korean horror movies are unmatched in storytelling.
🏚️ 5. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)
Title: Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum
Release Year: 2018
Genre: Found Footage – Ghost Horror
Directed by: Jung Bum-shik
Main Cast: Wi Ha-joon, Park Ji-hyun
Available on: Tubi, Rakuten TV
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Summary:
Exploring a real-life asylum turns deadly in “Gonjiam,” one of the most immersive modern Korean horror movies. As a group of livestreamers venture inside, their broadcast turns into a terrifying experience.
Why you should watch it: If you like found footage and ghosts, this is a top choice in the top 10 Korean horror films.
💻 6. #Alive (2020)
Title: #Alive
Release Year: 2020
Genre: Zombie – Survival – Thriller
Directed by: Cho Il-hyung
Main Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Park Shin-hye
Available on: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Summary:
“#Alive” explores loneliness and survival in a high-rise during a zombie apocalypse. A young gamer’s battle to stay alive without communication or escape makes it a standout among modern Korean zombie movies.
Why you should watch it: Simple yet gripping survival horror at its finest.
🚪 7. The Closet (2020)
Title: The Closet
Release Year: 2020
Genre: Supernatural Horror – Family Drama
Directed by: Kim Kwang-bin
Main Cast: Ha Jung-woo, Heo Yool
Available on: Apple TV, Viki
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
Summary:
“The Closet” tells the story of a missing girl and a grieving father. As secrets spill from behind a haunted wardrobe, family trauma unfolds into supernatural horror.
Why you should watch it: Emotionally intense and visually haunting—among the best Korean horror movies with psychological depth.
💀 8. The Cursed: Dead Man’s Prey (2021)
Title: The Cursed: Dead Man’s Prey
Release Year: 2021
Genre: Ritual Horror – Supernatural – Crime
Directed by: Kim Yong-wan
Main Cast: Uhm Ji-won, Jung Ji-so
Available on: TVING
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Summary:
In “The Cursed,” murder victims rise from the dead under mysterious black magic. As journalists unravel the dark secrets, the line between life and death fades. A lesser-known gem in modern Korean horror movies.
Why you should watch it: Gripping and gruesome with a powerful ritual theme.
🔮 9. Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman (2023)
Title: Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman
Release Year: 2023
Genre: Fantasy Horror – Exorcism
Directed by: Kim Seong-sik
Main Cast: Gang Dong-won, Heo Jun-ho
Available on: CGV
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Summary:
“Dr. Cheon” is a fake exorcist who discovers real evil. Packed with action and eerie moments, it’s one of the best Korean horror movies that successfully fuses fantasy and fear.
Why you should watch it: Refreshingly fun yet unsettling—worth every minute.
⚰️ 10. Exhuma (2024)
Title: Exhuma
Release Year: 2024
Genre: Ritual Horror – Supernatural Mystery
Directed by: Jang Jae-hyun
Main Cast: Kim Go-eun, Choi Min-sik
Available on: Cinemas (TBD)
IMDb Rating: Anticipated – Critically acclaimed
Summary:
“Exhuma” explores the terrifying spiritual fallout from unearthing cursed graves. With ancient rituals, slow-burning horror, and visual splendor, it’s among the famous sci-fi horror films of the year.
Why you should watch it: A dark masterpiece rooted in Korean mysticism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best Korean horror movie?
“Train to Busan” remains the best Korean horror movie with unforgettable emotion and high-speed zombie terror.
What are the top 10 Korean horror films to watch?
From “The Wailing” to “Exhuma,” these top 10 Korean horror films are modern horror at its best.
Are there any famous sci-fi horror films in Korea?
Yes! Both “The Call” and “The Cursed” are famous sci-fi horror films that mix technology, time travel, and dark magic.
Which modern Korean zombie movies are the most popular?
“#Alive” and “Train to Busan” lead the wave of modern Korean zombie movies with style and intensity.
Where can I watch the best Korean horror movies?
Many of the best Korean horror movies are streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Shudder, Viki, and more.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to zombies, rituals, or psychological dread, this list of the best 10 modern Korean horror movies gives you a terrifying variety of cinematic experiences. From spiritual folklore to viral apocalypses, Korean horror has something for every fear.
Tag your friends, save the list, and comment below: Which of these top 10 Korean horror films gave you chills?
