Korean Horror Movies: Top 10 Movies and The Reasons To Watch

South Korean horror cinema, like other productions from Korean entertainment, has become a part of the global entertainment landscape. Korean horror movies are not just known for their ability to scare people but also their ability to tell complex stories that are rooted in reality. The themes include tales of vengeful female ghosts to haunting explorations of economic inequality, colonialism, xenophobia, geopolitics, and gender dynamics. Many Korean Horror movies have contributed to the growing global popularity of Korean horror cinema. 

One such movie that has significantly contributed to the growing popularity of Korean horror movies is Exhuma (2024). This movie is popular among international audiences for several reasons. 

The first reason is that it is a critically acclaimed movie and was successful internationally (outside Korea). Internationally, it earned $91,580,518 at the box office. Further, the movies received positive reviews for their atmospheric tension, strong storytelling, and chilling visuals.

Secondly, with the continuous success of Korean horror/thriller films over the past few years at the international stage, global audiences are more receptive to high-quality horror from Korea.

Top 10 Korean Horror Movies

I Saw the TV Glow

I Saw the TV Glow is a movie that revolves around a group of teenagers who become disturbingly obsessed with a TV show that seems to speak directly to them. What starts as harmless fascination turns into something darker as reality begins to blur.

The film uses a combination of eerie visuals and unsettling sound design to pull viewers into the same confusion and terror that the characters experience.

Director Jane Schoenbrun said in interviews that the idea came from growing up with TV shows that left lasting impressions on their mind. They wanted to explore how the media can influence and sometimes warp perception.

Reasons To Watch 

The movie was filmed over just six weeks but had a year-long post-production process to perfect the haunting soundscapes and special effects. Jane Schoenbrun worked closely with the cast to create a genuine sense of paranoia, often encouraging improvisation to keep the performances raw and unpredictable.

Abigail

Abigail tells the story of a young woman who moves into an old, abandoned house in the countryside. She quickly realizes that she is not alone, as strange events begin to unfold.

As Abigail explores the house, she uncovers dark secrets about its former occupants, leading her to confront the supernatural forces that still linger.

The film’s atmosphere shifts from scary to downright horrifying. This transition takes place gradually as Abigail’s sense of isolation grows, and the haunting presence in the house becomes more aggressive.

The story draws you in slowly, but the escalating tension keeps viewers on edge. The balance of supernatural elements with psychological horror adds depth to the narrative, making Abigail’s journey not just about external threats but her internal struggle as well.

Reasons To Watch 

One of the main reasons to watch this movie is that the film doesn’t rely on special effects, CGI, and editing. The movie was filmed in a remote area of South Korea, where the isolation of the setting added to the actors’ as well as the audience’s experience.  Further, the cinematograph, such as the lingering shots of the house’s dark corridors and shadowy rooms, adds to the haunting visuals of the movie, which is complemented by slow, methodical storytelling. 

Exhuma (2024)

Exhuma centers on a grieving mother who begins seeing visions of her deceased son. As the mother dives deeper into her grief, she encounters unsettling occurrences that make her question the line between reality and the supernatural.

The deeper she searches for answers, the more she becomes trapped between the living world and the afterlife. The film slowly builds tension, allowing viewers to feel the character’s internal conflict while keeping them on edge with eerie supernatural elements.

Immaculate

Immaculate follows a young woman who seeks peace at a remote convent, hoping to escape a traumatic past. But unsettling events begin to shake her faith and grip her with fear. As the strange occurrences become harder to ignore, she struggles to distinguish between the supernatural and her own mental state.

Reasons To Watch 

The film has been shot at an actual abandoned convent, adding to the film’s authenticity. Further, it is packed with Kim Tae-ri and Gong Yoo’s memorable performances in the movie. The movie watchers appreciated how the story explored themes of faith, guilt, and fear.

The Wailing (2016)  

The movie is set in a small and quiet village in South Korea where a mysterious illness starts spreading. This mysterious disease is causing mysterious and violent deaths among villagers.   

In a quiet rural village in South Korea, a mysterious illness starts spreading, causing violent and bizarre deaths. The police suspect a strange Japanese man who recently moved to the village. As the local officer Jong-goo investigates, his own daughter begins showing signs of possession. Desperate to save her, he turns to a shaman for help, but the truth is far more terrifying than he ever imagined.  

Why To Watch This Movie 

There are three main reasons why this movie is recommended. According to many people who watch horror movies regularly, this movie is an example of a supernatural horror movie done right. Secondly, the visuals and slow-build tension make it unforgettable.  The third reason is the ending of the movie, the film leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew.  

Whispering Corridors (1998)  

This movie is a must-watch for anyone who is developing an interest in Korean Horror movies. This movie has helped shape the Korean horror movie Genre. The Whispering Corridors movie is a school-based horror film. Many Korean movie watchers find this movie quite relatable. 

R-Point (2004) 

The movie is set during the Vietnam War. In fact, this setting of the movie is one of the reasons why it is popular. It is a rare movie that is a combination that is a mix of war drama and supernatural horror.  Besides this, it is popular for a few more reasons. It is popular because of its cinematography, and it is inspired by urban legends and real ghost stories told by soldiers.   

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)  

Gonjiam is often compared to The Blair Witch Project. The live streaming concept of the movie helped it connect with the younger audience. Further, it is inspired by the real-life abandoned Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, which is one of Korea’s most infamous haunted places.  

Thirst (2009) 

The movie Thirst is directed by Park Chan-wook, who is well-known for movies such as Oldboy and The Handmaiden. This movie contains the director’s signature mix of dark humor, intense emotions, and striking visuals. In 2009, the movie won the Jury Prize at Cannes and became one of the most horror films of its time. Secondly, the movie has taken a unique stand away from its Western counterparts. Besides this, it is a bold movie that is packed with powerful performances.

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