Korean horror movies and web series have become increasingly popular among audiences worldwide due to their unique blend of horror, suspense, and drama. South Korea has become a hub of horror in recent years, producing some of the most bone-chilling movies and web series. Korean horror has its own unique flavor, often blending elements of psychological terror, suspense, and gore to create a truly frightening experience.
With the increasing popularity of OTT platforms, it has become easier than ever to access these thrilling titles. In this article, we bring you a curated list of 12 must-watch Korean horror movies and web series that will leave you gripping the edge of your seat.
Here are some of the best Korean horror movies and web series to watch on OTT platforms:
1) Train to Busan (2016): MX Player
Train to Busan is a South Korean zombie apocalypse movie that is directed by Yeon Sang-ho. This zombie thriller is perhaps the most well-known Korean horror movie, and for good reason. It follows a group of passengers on a train to Busan who must fight for their lives when a zombie outbreak occurs. With intense action, emotional depth, and plenty of scares, Train to Busan is a must-watch for horror fans.
2) Kingdom (2019-2022): Netflix
Kingdom is a Korean historical horror drama web series that follows the story of a crown prince of Joseon who investigates the mysterious outbreak of a deadly plague that turns the infected into zombies. The show is set in the Joseon period and is a unique blend of horror, action, and drama. The series has received critical acclaim for its excellent storytelling, production value, and outstanding performances by the cast.
3) The 8th Night (2021): Netflix
The 8th Night is a South Korean horror movie that was released in 2021 on Netflix. The film is directed by Kim Tae-Hyung and stars Lee Sung-min, Park Hae-Joon, and Kim Yoo-Jung in lead roles. The plot revolves around a 1000-year-old demon that is about to break free from its captivity on the 8th day of a sacred ritual. The demon must be stopped before it wreaks havoc on the world. Overall, The 8th Night is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre. One of the highlights of The 8th Night is its use of Korean mythology and folklore, which makes the movie unique and different from other horror films.
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4) Svaha: The Sixth Finger (2019): Netflix
Svaha: The Sixth Finger is a 2019 South Korean horror-thriller movie directed by Jang Jae-hyun. The movie revolves around Pastor Park, who is the founder of a religious cult known as “Deer Mount”. He claims to be a prophet and can perform miracles. A private investigator named Geum-hwa is hired to investigate the cult and expose their sinister practices. Geum-hwa’s investigation leads him to a mysterious girl named Young-sun, who has supernatural abilities and is believed to be the “sixth finger” of the cult. It is a must-watch for fans of Korean horror and thriller movies. The movie can be streamed on Netflix, making it easily accessible for viewers all around the world.
5) Cello (2005): Netflix
Cello is a South Korean horror movie directed by Lee Woo-cheol. The movie revolves around a family of three – Mi-ju, her husband Hee-jin, and their daughter Ho-kyung. Mi-ju is a successful cellist who has been feeling a sense of emptiness in her life despite her achievements. One day, while practicing her cello, she discovers a mysterious photograph that leads her to her childhood home. She decides to visit the house with her family in order to confront her troubled past. Overall, Cello is a must-watch for horror movie fans. It has all the elements of a great horror film, including a gripping plot, excellent acting, and plenty of scares.
6) The Cursed (2020): Netflix
The Cursed is a Korean horror-thriller series that premiered on tvN in 2020. Directed by Kim Yong-wan, the series follows the story of reporter Im Jin-hee, who investigates the mysterious deaths of people who were affected by a supernatural curse. As Im Jin-hee delves deeper into the story, she discovers that Jin Kyung is not only a false religious leader but also a witch who is using black magic to control her followers and eliminate those who pose a threat to her. Im Jin-hee’s investigation leads her to meet a young shaman named So-jin, who has the ability to see spirits and can help her uncover the truth about the curse. Overall, The Cursed is a must-watch for fans of Korean horror and thriller genres.
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7) The Wailing (2016): Amazon Prime Video
The Wailing is a South Korean horror movie that is directed by Na Hong-jin. The movie is about a police officer who investigates a string of mysterious murders happening in his small village. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he starts encountering bizarre happenings that lead him to confront a demonic entity that is the source of all the evil in the village.
8) Sweet Home (2020): Netflix
Sweet Home is a supernatural horror series that follows the residents of an apartment complex who must fight for their survival when the world is overrun by monsters. The show is based on a popular webtoon and has received critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling, excellent special effects, and outstanding performances by the cast. Sweet Home is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good horror series with a unique twist.
9) The Host (2006): MX Player
This monster movie, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a classic of the Korean horror genre. It follows a dysfunctional family who must band together to save their youngest member from a creature that emerges from the Han River. With its blend of humor, social commentary, and scares, The Host is a must-watch for fans of monster movies.
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10) The Call (2020): Netflix
The Call is a supernatural horror film that tells the story of a woman who receives a phone call from the past and ends up changing her life forever. The movie explores the theme of time travel and the consequences that come with altering the past. The Call is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good horror-thriller with a unique twist.
11) A Tale of Two Sisters (2003): Amazon Prime Video
This psychological horror movie, directed by Kim Jee-woon, follows two sisters who return home from a mental institution and must confront their troubled past and a sinister presence in the house. With its intricate plot, atmospheric visuals, and haunting performances, A Tale of Two Sisters is a classic of the Korean horror genre.
12) Hellbound (2021): Netflix
Another Netflix original series, Hellbound is a supernatural thriller that follows a society that is thrown into chaos when people start receiving visitations from angels who condemn them to hell. With its high-concept premise, intense action, and strong performances, Hellbound is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre.
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In conclusion, Korean horror movies and web series have gained immense popularity among horror fans due to their unique storytelling, cinematography, and the ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. From supernatural creatures to psychological horror, Korean horror has something to offer to every horror enthusiast. The above list of 12 must-watch Korean horror movies and web series available on OTT platforms is a perfect guide for those looking to experience the best of Korean horror. So, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready to be scared out of your wits!