The Best Korean Horror Films

1. Whispering Corridors

   • Director: Park Ki-hyung
   • Writers: In Jung-ok, Park Ki-hyung
   • Cast: Choi Kang-hee, Kim Gyu-ri, Lee Mi-yeon
   • Release Year: 1998
   • Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
   • IMDB Rating: 5.9/10
   • Summary: This film is the beginning of a series of horror films set in high schools in South Korea. It addresses social issues, particularly the strict educational system and the psychological pressures on students. The story unfolds in a girls’ school where the mysterious death of a teacher leads to the discovery of a vengeful spirit.


2. Hansel and Gretel

   • Director: Yim Pil-sung
   • Writers: Kim Min-sook, Yim Pil-sung
   • Cast: Chun Jung-myung, Eun Won-jae, Shim Eun-kyung
   • Release Year: 2007
   • Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
   • IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
   • Summary: A man gets lost in a forest and finds a mysterious house inhabited by children with dark secrets. The film blends fairy tale elements with horror, creating a unique and eerie atmosphere.


3. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum

   • Director: Jung Bum-shik
   • Writers: Jung Bum-shik, Park Sang-min
   • Cast: Wi Ha-joon, Park Ji-hyun, Oh Ah-yeon
   • Release Year: 2018
   • Genres: Horror, Mystery
   • IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
   • Summary: A horror web series crew ventures into an abandoned asylum, hoping to capture paranormal activity. The film uses found footage style to create a realistic and terrifying experience.


4. Suddenly in the Dark

   • Director: Go Yeong-nam
   • Writer: Yoon Sam-yook
   • Cast: Kim Young-ae, Yoon Il-bong, Lee Ki-seon
   • Release Year: 1981
   • Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
   • IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
   • Summary: A housewife becomes increasingly paranoid after her husband brings home a mysterious young woman. The film explores themes of jealousy and madness, set against a backdrop of supernatural occurrences.


5. Sleep

   • Director: Jason Yu
   • Writer: Jason Yu
   • Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Jung Yu-mi
   • Release Year: 2023
   • Genres: Horror, Thriller
   • IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
   • Summary: A couple’s life turns into a nightmare when the husband starts experiencing terrifying sleepwalking episodes. The film delves into the psychological horror of sleep disorders and their impact on relationships.


6. Spider Forest

   • Director: Song Il-gon
   • Writer: Song Il-gon
   • Cast: Kam Woo-sung, Suh Jung, Jang Hyun-sung
   • Release Year: 2004
   • Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery
   • IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
   • Summary: A man discovers a series of gruesome murders in a forest and becomes entangled in a web of mystery and supernatural events. The film is known for its complex narrative and haunting visuals.


7. Alive

   • Directors: Cho Il-hyung
   • Writers: Cho Il-hyung, Matt Naylor
   • Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Park Shin-hye
   • Release Year: 2020
   • Genres: Action, Drama, Horror
   • IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
   • Summary: During a zombie apocalypse, a young man and woman struggle to survive while isolated in their apartments. The film focuses on themes of isolation and human resilience.


8. The Medium

   • Directors: Banjong Pisanthanakun
   • Writers: Na Hong-jin, Banjong Pisanthanakun
   • Cast: Narilya Gulmongkolpech, Sawanee Utoomma
   • Release Year: 2021
   • Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
   • IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
   • Summary: A documentary crew follows a shaman in Thailand, only to witness terrifying events as a family member becomes possessed. The film blends documentary style with supernatural horror.


9. The Call

   • Director: Lee Chung-hyun
   • Writers: Lee Chung-hyun, Sergio Casci
   • Cast: Park Shin-hye, Jeon Jong-seo
   • Release Year: 2020
   • Genres: Crime, Horror, Mystery
   • IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
   • Summary: Two women living in different times are connected through a mysterious phone call. The film explores the consequences of altering the past and the ensuing horror.


10. Bedevilled

    • Director: Jang Cheol-soo
    • Writer: Choi Kwang-young
    • Cast: Seo Young-hee, Ji Sung-won
    • Release Year: 2010
    • Genres: Crime, Drama, Horror
    • IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
    • Summary: A woman returns to her rural hometown and discovers the brutal treatment of her childhood friend. The film is a harrowing tale of revenge and social injustice.