Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than by watching Korean horror films? Korean cinema has a knack for delivering heart-pounding moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, if you’re in search of Korean film recommendations, you’ve come to the right place because these films are perfect to watch this season with your friends and loved ones. And don’t worry; this list is completely spoiler-free!
“The Wailing”
“The Wailing” takes the number one spot on this list, and you definitely shouldn’t miss it! The film immerses us in the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of a small village and revolves around Jong Goo (Kwak Do Won), a police officer entangled in a series of gruesome murders and bizarre incidents plaguing his community. As the body count rises and a mysterious illness spreads, Jong-Goo becomes increasingly desperate to uncover the truth and save his daughter.
Why it’s a must-watch: This film is a cinematic masterpiece that pushes the horror genre to new heights. It engrosses us in its dark narrative, thanks to the exceptional performances of the actors, especially Kwak Do Won and Jun Kunimura, the mysterious Japanese man. What I love most about this film is that it isn’t just a simple horror story filled with jump scares; it also prompts us to question the nature of good and evil. It’s the kind of film that will linger in our minds for a long time due to its thought-provoking experience.
It’s also worth mentioning that this film has been a commercial and critical success. It’s a box office hit not only in South Korea but all over the world. Director Na Hong Jin and actors Kwak Do Won and Jun Kunimura have been nominated for and won numerous awards thanks to their performances in this film!
“Train To Busan“
If you haven’t watched this zombie thriller, the question is, why not? The film takes us into the chaos of a fast-spreading zombie outbreak and focuses on Seok Woo (Gong Yoo), a workaholic father who decides to take his daughter on a train journey to Busan to visit her mother. Little did they know that a deadly virus outbreak would unleash hordes of bloodthirsty zombies upon the entire country. As they draw closer to Busan, the problem isn’t just the zombies but also the desperate passengers fighting for survival.
Why it’s a must-watch: “Train To Busan” is the perfect film to satisfy your craving for an adrenaline-pumping, heart-racing experience coupled with heartfelt storytelling. Who would have expected to find tear-jerker stories among the passengers on board a zombie apocalypse film? I also appreciate how the film provides the backstories of each character, allowing us to understand their actions. This remains my favorite zombie film because of its perfect pacing, character development, surprising twists, outstanding acting, and the heart-wrenching conclusion it delivers.
“Rampant“
This horror film transports us back in time, set during the 16th-century Joseon Dynasty. “Rampant” follows the story of Crown Prince Lee Chung (Hyun Bin), who returns to the kingdom after a prolonged absence only to discover a mysterious plague that transforms people into bloodthirsty creatures at night. The crown prince must lead the fight against these monsters while navigating the power struggle for the throne.
Why it’s a must-watch: What distinguishes “Rampant” from other horror films is its historical setting, fresh perspective on the undead genre, and epic swordfight battles that we can’t see anywhere else. It creates an eerie tension that captures our full attention, making it an exceptionally engaging watch. “Rampant” also introduces a character we can’t help but root for as we witness Lee Chung’s transformation into a trusted and fearless leader.
“Insane“
Now, let’s delve into a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. “Insane” follows the story of Soo A (Kang Ye-won), a young woman who becomes entangled in a mysterious and terrifying series of events. Her life takes a dark turn when she moves to a remote mental institution to become a caregiver for a patient. As she settles into her new role, she begins to uncover disturbing secrets about the facility and its staff, blurring the line between sanity and madness.
Why it’s a must-watch: The experience of watching a psychological thriller is something I always seek, as I enjoy films with intricate storytelling, psychological suspense, and unpredictable plot twists. “Insane” masterfully creates an atmosphere where we struggle to distinguish between reality and the delusions of the characters. Kang Ye Won delivers a perfect portrayal of the main character, who grapples with maintaining her sanity, making this film even more captivating to watch!
“The Mimic“
Now, let’s explore a supernatural horror thriller that delves into dark folklore: “The Mimic.” This chilling tale unfolds in a remote mountainous region, where mysterious events have gripped the local villagers with fear. When Hee Yeon (Yum Jung Ah) and her family relocate to a secluded cabin in the area, they become entangled in a mystery centered around a legendary creature known as the Jangsan Tiger. Hee Yeon discovers a mute young girl with an eerie ability to mimic the voices of those she encounters. She embarks on a quest to unravel the secrets of the girl’s past and the unsettling occurrences in the forest.
Why it’s a must-watch: “The Mimic” strikes a perfect balance between suspense, supernatural elements, superstition, ancient legends, and spine-tingling revelations. The film boasts strong performances, especially from Yum Jung Ah, which imbue the characters with depth and contribute to an overall sense of unease. “The Mimic“” delves into themes of loss, grief, and the supernatural, making it an amazing cinematic experience!
“Office“
Another interesting psychological intense thriller is the “Office” which is set in the corporate world! The film centers around a group of ambitious employees who strive to climb the corporate ladder. Among them is Kim Byeong Gook (Bae Sung Woo), who becomes the prime suspect in a gruesome murder case that shocks the company. As the police investigate the brutal crime, they uncover a complex web of jealousy, rivalry, and personal vendettas among the employees. The film follows the perspectives of various characters, including Mi Rye (Go Ah Sung), who seeks to uncover the truth behind the murder!
Why it’s a must-watch: The “Office” is an essential Korean film that delves deep into the dark and cutthroat world of office politics. This thriller exposes the intricacies of office life, the personal struggles of its characters, hidden agendas, and the lengths to which people will go to achieve success. With an ensemble cast featuring Go Ah Sung, Park Sung Woong, and Bae Sung Woo, you can anticipate nothing less than powerful performances!
“Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum”
If you’re truly seeking a Korean horror film that will really scare the hell out of you, “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” is the perfect choice due to its vlog-style concept. The story revolves around a group of young individuals determined to investigate the eerie and infamous Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, known to be haunted and abandoned for decades. As they are a team of vloggers, they set up cameras and broadcasting equipment throughout the asylum to live-stream their exploration. The deeper they venture into the asylum, the more they encounter unexplainable and terrifying supernatural horrors beyond their imagination.
Why it’s a must-watch: What sets this film apart is its vlog-style concept, which makes it feel as if you’re watching the vloggers through the camera lens, much like the content we see in YouTube videos. The found footage format adds a sense of realism that intensifies the chilling horror elements, and it’s packed with jump scares, so it’s advisable to watch it with someone by your side!
So after reaching this part, I hope you know what you’ll film you’ll watch this Halloween season on KOCOWA+!
