Noona Movies' Top 15 Korean Horror Movies: A Guide to the Best of the Best

Korean horror movies have gained immense popularity worldwide, and for good reason. These films often blend terror with deep storytelling, psychological thrillers, and suspense, making them a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. In this article, we'll explore the top 15 Korean horror movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

1. Train to Busan (2016)

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, Train to Busan is a zombie thriller that takes place on a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan. The film follows a group of passengers who must band together to survive the outbreak of a deadly virus that turns people into bloodthirsty zombies.

2. I Saw the Devil (2010)

Directed by Kim Jee-woon, I Saw the Devil is a visceral exploration of vengeance that pushes the boundaries of what constitutes horror cinema. The film follows an NIS agent, Soo-hyun, on his quest for revenge against a psychopathic serial killer.

3. The Wailing (2016)

Directed by Na Hong-jin, The Wailing is a gory and gut-wrenching tale that combines traditional Korean shamanism with Biblical wrath for horrific results. The film takes place in a small mountain town where a mysterious infection is turning villagers into bloodthirsty and murderous killers.

4. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

Directed by Kim Jee-woon, A Tale of Two Sisters is a psychologically harrowing film about a pair of young girls who live in a handsome country home with their father. The film features a mix of supernatural horror and dark folklore, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

5. The Call (2020)

Directed by Lee Chung-hyun, The Call is a slow-creeping horror-drama that prioritizes character over cheap jump scares. The film follows a young woman who is pulled into the spirit realm through her bedroom closet and her widower father's desperate search for her.

6. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)

Directed by Jung Bum-shik, Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum is a found-footage horror movie that takes place inside a former psychiatric hospital known as "one of the most haunted places in South Korea." The film follows a crew of horror vloggers who are filming in the building for laughs, only to realize that the legends about Gonjiam are actually true.

7. The Closet (2020)

Directed by Kim Kwang-bin, The Closet is a slow-creeping horror-drama that uses a classic trope — the monster in the closet — to explore sticky themes of child neglect and absent parenting. The film follows a young girl who is pulled into the spirit realm through her bedroom closet and her widower father's desperate search for her.

8. Monstrum (2020)

Directed by Jung Seung-ho, Monstrum is a historical horror film set in the 16th century. The film plays with the audience's expectations by remaining coy about whether its monster is actually real or the byproduct of Joseon dynasty palace intrigue.

9. The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018)

Directed by Park Hoon-jung, The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion is a psychological horror film about a young girl who is raised by a group of women in a remote area. The film features a mix of supernatural horror and dark folklore, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

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10. Bedevilled (2005)

Directed by Jang Cheol-soo, Bedevilled is a black comedy so dark that it becomes a horror movie. The film follows a woman who returns to her childhood home on a remote island to care for her ailing mother, only to discover that her family is still trapped in a cycle of abuse and violence.

11. The Piper (2015)

Directed by Kim Hyun-seok, The Piper is a psychological horror film about a young man who is haunted by the ghost of his deceased mother. The film features a mix of supernatural horror and dark folklore, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

12. White: Melody of Death (2011)

Directed by Kim Gok and Kim Sun, White: Melody of Death is a horror film that combines elements of J-horror with a dark and twisted soundtrack. The film follows a young woman who is haunted by the ghost of her deceased sister and the dark secrets that surround her family.

13. Chaw (2009)

Directed by Kim Dong-bin, Chaw is a black comedy so dark that it becomes a horror movie. The film follows a family who opens a hunting lodge in the Korean countryside, only to discover that all their guests start dying by suicide, one after the other.

14. The 8th Night (2020)

Directed by Hwang Jung, The 8th Night is a supernatural horror film about a young woman who is haunted by the ghost of her deceased mother. The film features a mix of supernatural horror and dark folklore, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

15. Rampant (2018)

Directed by Kim Sung-hoon, Rampant is a historical horror film set in the 16th century. The film features a mix of supernatural horror and dark folklore, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Conclusion

Korean horror movies have gained immense popularity worldwide, and for good reason. These films often blend terror with deep storytelling, psychological thrillers, and suspense, making them a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. Whether you're a fan of zombies, vampires, or supernatural horror, there's something on this list for everyone. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to experience the best of Korean horror cinema.

What's your favorite Korean horror movie? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's keep the conversation going

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