The Best Korean Horror Movies for Viewers to Watch in Japan [Updated 2024]

Fellow fans of Korean cinema, if you’re on the hunt for the best Korean horror movies, you’re in for a treat! I have gathered a list that promises spine-chilling terror and unforgettable scares. Get ready to experience horror like never before.

These films stand out with their masterful storytelling and eerie visuals. You’ll find terrifying plots, haunting atmospheres, and performances that send shivers down your spine. Trust me, these movies will keep you up at night.

For a truly terrifying experience, broaden your horizons beyond American-made films. These Korean horror masterpieces promise to shake your expectations and deliver unforgettable scares. Join me in exploring the best of what Korean horror has to offer.

1. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

Fans of psychological horror, buckle up! A Tale of Two Sisters (2003) is a chilling Korean film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Su-mi, a teenager recently released from a mental hospital, returns home with her sister, Su-yeon.

Their reunion is strained, and strange events plague their childhood home. As the sisters navigate their tense family dynamic, the line between reality and nightmare blurs, leading to a shocking revelation.

2. The Wailing (2016)

The Wailing follows the story of a rural village plagued by a mysterious illness and a series of gruesome murders. The chaos begins when a stranger arrives in the town, and suspicion quickly falls on him.

As the protagonist, Officer Jong-goo, investigates the occurrences, his daughter starts showing symptoms of the affliction. His desperate quest to save her leads him to confront potentially supernatural forces, revealing a sinister depth to the horrors tormenting the village. It is one of the best horror thriller movie.

Lesser known fact: Director Na Hong-jin dedicated six years to bringing this masterpiece to life!

3. Train to Busan (2016)

The film follows Seok-woo and his young daughter, Su-an, boarding a train to Busan to visit her mother. Their journey turns into a nightmare when an infected woman on the train triggers a zombie outbreak.

Trapped and fighting for survival, the passengers must band together to navigate the difficult journey. As they struggle against the relentless zombie horde, they face moral dilemmas and uncover their true strengths and weaknesses. This film is known for its intense action, emotional depth, and unique take on the zombie genre, making it one of the best korean horror movies to watch in Japan.

4. Thirst (2009)

Thirst follows Sang-hyun, a dedicated priest who volunteers for a medical experiment to find a cure for a deadly virus. Instead, he becomes infected but miraculously survives due to an accidental infusion of vampire blood.

Now a vampire, he struggles with his newfound urges and the moral dilemmas they bring. The film uniquely blends horror, humor, and eroticism, standing out among the best Korean horror movies for its innovative take on vampire mythology.

5. I Saw the Devil (2010)

Revenge seekers, prepare to be disturbed! “I Saw the Devil” (2010) is a South Korean thriller that will take you on a dark and violent ride. When a sadistic psychopath brutally murders a detective’s fiancée, his world crumbles.

Consumed by rage, he abandons the law to become a vigilante, determined to make the killer suffer as much as he did. A twisted game of cat and mouse ensues, blurring the lines between justice and vengeance. This gripping narrative is just one example of the intense stories among the best Korean horror movies.

6. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum centers on a horror web series crew that visits a deserted mental hospital for a live broadcast. As they venture deeper into the eerie structure, they encounter far more terror than expected.

With its superb blend of reality and fiction, this film stands out among the scariest Korean horror movies, delivering chills through its atmospheric settings and convincing performances.

7. The Host (2006)

The Host (2006), directed by Bong Joon-ho, tells the story of a dysfunctional family’s struggle after a monstrous sea creature, created by toxic waste dumped into Seoul’s Han River by a US military official, abducts their young daughter, Hyun-seo. As they unite to rescue her, their journey exposes government failures and highlights their resilience.

This tragic yet thrilling film, rich with humor and depth, stands out among Korean horror movies on Netflix, offering both chills and a poignant social critique.

8. Bedevilled (2010)

Bedevilled (2010) follows Yeon-hee, a woman who returns to her remote island home with her daughter, only for her daughter to be brutally murdered. The film delves into dark and disturbing themes, exploring severe discrimination and societal issues.

Known for its intense and unrelenting gore, this film stands out among Korean horror movies by tying its violence to a deeply emotional and compelling storyline, making it a haunting and unforgettable experience.

9. Monstrum (2018)

“Monstrum” (2018) is set in the 16th century during the Joseon Dynasty and follows the kingdom’s struggle against a terrifying creature causing chaos and panic. King Jungjong tasks his trusted royal guard with capturing or killing the beast, but the mission becomes more dangerous due to political conspiracies and internal power struggles.

For fans of historical dramas with elements of suspense and creature encounters, Monstrum stands out among Korean horror movies, offering a thrilling blend of fear, character development, and rich historical context.

10. The Medium (2021)

The Medium is a supernatural horror film co-produced by Thailand and South Korea, following a documentary team that travels to Thailand’s Isan region to interview Nim, a shaman claiming to be possessed by a local goddess.

As the team delves deeper into Nim’s story, they uncover disturbing and eerie events that suggest the entity possessing her may be far more evil than initially believed. This film masterfully combines documentary style with intense horror, creating a chilling atmosphere that captivates and terrifies viewers.

11. The Witch 2: The Other One (2022)

Action fans in Japan, get ready for a punch! The Witch: Part 2. The Other One is a Korean film packed with thrilling fight scenes. The story follows a mysterious girl with superhuman abilities who awakens in a secret lab. Escaping with the help of a kind stranger, she’s thrust into a fight for survival.

Chased by a powerful organization and a vengeful gang, the girl must unravel the secrets of her past while unleashing her incredible power. This gripping plot twist makes it among the most popular Korean horror movies 2022, blending intense action with spine-chilling suspense.

12. The Mimic (2017)

The Mimic follows Hee-yeon, a grieving mother whose toddler, Jun-seo, vanished five years ago. Seeking solace, her family relocates to the countryside, where legends speak of a creature that mimics human voices. Hee-yeon discovers a lost girl in the forest who resembles her missing son.

As Hee-yeon grows attached to the girl, unsettling similarities raise questions about her true nature. This haunting film explores themes of loss and the supernatural, delivering a chilling and emotional narrative.

13. The Closet (2020)

The Closet follows a widower who moves into a new house with his daughter, hoping to rebuild their lives. However, eerie noises from a closet soon disturb their peace, and the situation escalates when his daughter suddenly disappears.

This haunting tale stands out among Korean horror movies for its blend of psychological suspense and emotional storytelling, delivering a compelling and terrifying experience.

14. The Call (2020)

The Call follows a young woman who returns to her abandoned childhood home and receives a mysterious phone call from a woman claiming to have been tortured in the same house—20 years in the past. This chilling film masterfully blends elements of fantasy, horror, and drama, creating an atmosphere of intense psychological dread.

With its unique plot and compelling performances, The Call is regarded as one of the best Korean horror movies, offering a gripping and eerie viewing experience.

15. Exhuma (2024)

Supernatural horror fans in the USA, prepare to be chilled! Exhuma (2024) is a Korean film that will unearth your deepest fears. A wealthy Korean American family seeks help from a renowned shaman and her team after bizarre events plague their home.

As they investigate, they uncover a vengeful ancestor buried with a dark secret, leading to a terrifying struggle to break the curse before it claims more victims. It will be available to stream from 25 November 2024 on HBO Max.

16. Metamorphosis (2019)

Attention, horror fans in Japan! Brace yourselves for Metamorphosis. This disturbing Korean film will play tricks on your mind. A young man, yearning for a new life, undergoes an experimental plastic surgery procedure with unexpected consequences.

His body begins to contort and transform grotesquely, blurring the lines between human and something… else entirely. Trapped in his own mutating flesh, he must find a way to stop the horrifying metamorphosis before it consumes him completely.

17. The Piper (2015)

The Piper is a dark retelling of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, set after the Korean War. It follows Woo-ryong, a flute player, and his 10-year-old son as they arrive in a village plagued by flesh-eating rats.

Woo-ryong makes a deal with the village chief to rid them of the rats, but despite fulfilling his promise, the chief betrays him. The story portrays how a loving father is transformed into a vengeful man, highlighting the horrors of human inhumanity.

18. The Wrath (2018)

The Wrath is set during the Joseon Dynasty and follows Ok-bun, a noblewoman who becomes a concubine in a prestigious family. Moving into their luxurious countryside mansion, she soon encounters unsettling events.

As Ok-bun delves deeper into these occurrences, she discovers dark secrets and an evil spirit haunting the estate. The film stands out with its high production values and eerie atmosphere, transcending typical genre clichés and delivering a compelling horror experience.

19. Killer Toon (2013)

A popular webcomic artist’s life becomes a terrifying nightmare in Killer Toon. When her publisher is found murdered in a way eerily similar to her latest comic, Ji-Yoon, the artist, is thrust into a world where fiction bleeds into reality.

As a series of murders unfold, mirroring her gruesome drawings, Ji-Yoon must race against time to decipher the chilling connection and uncover the true killer before she becomes the next victim.

20. The Divine Fury (2019)

Fueled by anger over his father’s death, a disillusioned MMA fighter in The Divine Fury discovers a mysterious wound on his hand. This stigmata mark leads him to a seasoned priest battling demonic forces.

Together, they uncover a powerful evil and the fighter must channel his rage for a purpose he never expected, becoming a divine warrior against a growing darkness.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a thrilling movie marathon, the best korean horror movies are a must-watch. These films deliver spine-chilling suspense, gripping plots, and unforgettable performances.

I recommend exploring this curated list for an unparalleled horror experience. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and prepare for a night of fear and excitement.