Top 20 Most Terrifying, Thrilling, Gripping Korean Horror Movies of 2023

Alongside the gentle, romantic films, Korean horror movies are also beloved and highly praised for their meticulous investment in both content and compelling scripts. These films not only bring viewers horrifying, frightening sensations but also authentically reflect societal issues and human psychology in life. Through this article, Mytour Blog will share with you the list of the 20 most terrifying and gripping Korean horror movies of 2023. 

The Demon (2023) – Revenant – Latest Korean Horror Film

• Duration: 70 minutes/episode
• Cast: Oh Jung Se, Kim Tae Ri, Hong Kyung, Park Ji Young, Kim Hae Sook, Kim Won Hae
• Directors: Kim Jae Hong, Lee Jung Rim
• Genre: Drama, Mystery
• Watch Here: Updating

The Revenant is one of the latest Korean horror films premiered this year. The movie follows a woman named Goo San Young haunted by demons and Yeom Hae Sang, who can see evil spirits. Together, they uncover the truth behind mysterious deaths surrounding five souls.

Who Is the Murderer (2023) – Longing For You – Compelling Korean Psychological Crime Horror Film

• Duration: 70 minutes/episode
• Cast: Kim Ji Eun, Na In Woo, Kwon Yool, Lee Kyu Han, Bae Jong Ok, Jung Sang Hoon
• Directors: Kim Yong Min, Han Cheol Soo
• Genre: Horror Mystery
• Watch Here: Updating

Longing For You – Who Is the Murderer is a compelling Korean psychological crime horror film that debuted in 2023. The story revolves around inspector Jin Seong's tense investigations to uncover the real killer in a murder case involving his younger brother.

The Ghost Station (2023) – The Ghost Station

• Duration: 80 minutes
• Cast: Kim Jae Hyun, Kim Bo Ra
• Director: Jeong Yong Ki
• Genre: Horror
• Watch Here: Updating

If you're a fan of Korean horror films, don't miss out on The Ghost Station! This captivating movie draws viewers in with its intriguing stories centered around an abandoned train station named Oksu, along with unverified terrifying legends. Rumor has it that this place has witnessed dreadful accidents and horrifying crimes in the past, perhaps haunted by ghosts from its history.

All of Us Are Dead (2022) – All of us are dead – A captivating Korean zombie horror film

• Duration: 45 minutes/episode
• Cast: Yoon Chan Young, Park Ji Hoo, Jo Yi Hyun, Yoo In Soo, Park Solomon, Kim Byung Chul
• Director: Lee Jae Gyoo
• Genre: Psychological, horror, survival, zombie
• Watch Here: Updating

All of Us Are Dead – Ngôi Trường Xác Sống is a Korean zombie horror film premiered on Netflix in January 2022. The movie follows a group of high school students trapped in a school under zombie attack with the risk of spreading throughout the city. To survive, they must fight to escape this virus-infested school. It's not just a struggle against danger and fear but also depicts the challenges of facing human jealousy and greed.

The Witch – Sát Thủ Nhân Tạo

• Duration: 125 minutes
• Cast: Jo Min Soo, Kim Da Mi, Park Hee Soon, Go Min Si, Choi Woo Shik, Choi Jung Woo
• Director: Park Hoon Jung
• Genre: Action, Horror
• Watch Here: Here

The Witch – Sát Thủ Nhân Tạo is a Korean horror action film that has remained one of the most beloved since its release in 2018. The protagonist, Koo Ja-yoon, is a girl raised along with other children to become killing machines. After escaping from that terrifying organization, she loses her memory and is taken in by a couple.

Ten years later, as a high school student, Ja-yoon enters a music competition to support her family financially. However, she never expected that appearing on TV would completely disrupt her life. From then on, she faces the pursuit of strangers and horrifying events.

The Medium – Âm Hồn Nhập Xác

• Duration: 120 minutes
• Cast: Sawanee Utoomma, Yasaka Chaisorn, Sirani Yankittikan,...
• Directors: Banjong Pisanthanakun, Na Hong-jin
• Genre: Horror, Supernatural
• Watch the movie: Here

The Medium – Hồn Nhập Xác is a horror film produced by two directors from South Korea and Thailand. The film leaves a strong impression with its perfect blend of supernatural and horror elements. Set in a small village in northern Thailand, the story begins when Mrs. Nim – a famous medium in the village – is visited by a film crew to document the lives of the local people. From then on, unexpected events unfold as Mrs. Nim's house experiences a death, and her daughter's behavior becomes erratic as if possessed by evil spirits.

The Call (2020) – Phim kinh dị Hàn Quốc trên Netflix

• Duration: 112 minutes
• Cast: Park Shin-Hye, Kim Sung-ryung, Jeon Jong-seo, Lee EI, ...
• Director: Chung-Hyun Lee
• Genre: Horror, Mystery
• Watch the movie: Here

Ranked among the best Korean horror films exploring psychological and mystery themes, The Call cannot be overlooked. Released on Netflix in 2020, the film garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The story revolves around a time-crossed encounter between two women, Seo-yeon and Young-sook. Though living in different time periods, they are connected through mysterious phone calls. Through these calls, Seo-yeon unwittingly discovers a murder case from 20 years ago, with the caller on the other end needing her help.

Alive (2020) – A thrilling Korean horror film

• Duration: 98 minutes
• Cast: Yoo Ah In, Park Shin Hye, Lee Hyun Wook, So Hee Jung, Jeon Bae Soo, Kim Hak Seon
• Director: Cho Il Hyung
• Genre: Adventure – Action, Romance – Drama, Horror – Supernatural
• Watch the movie: Link coming soon

Alive is a thrilling Korean zombie horror film that has garnered much love and attention. The movie portrays the survival struggle of two main characters, Joon-woo and Yoo-bin, in an apartment complex as the city becomes infected by a mysterious virus turning people into zombies. They must find a way to survive as food and water run scarce while the zombie horde outside threatens to attack at any moment.

Okja (2017) - Okja 

• Duration: 119 minutes
• Cast: An Seo-hyun, Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Steven Yeun, Lily Collins, and Giancarlo Esposito
• Director: Bong Joon-ho 
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama
• Watch the movie: Here

Okja follows the adventure of Mija, a young girl from South Korea, and her best friend Okja, a giant pig. Okja is one of the super pigs raised by the multinational conglomerate Mirando Corporation. When Mirando Corporation wants to take Okja back for meat production, Mija is determined to rescue her friend. She meets and is aided by a group of animal rights activists but also faces greed and cruelty from the Mirando Corporation and their partners. The film is a touching story of friendship, a critique of the food industry, and an adventure worth watching.

Train to Busan (2016) – A must-watch Korean zombie horror film

• Duration: 118 minutes
• Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu Mi, Baek Jin Hee, Ma Dong Seok, Choi Woo-Sik
• Director: Yeon Sang Ho
• Genre: Horror, Action
• Watch the movie: Here

If you're a fan of Korean horror films, you can't miss Train To Busan – a must-watch zombie thriller on Netflix to date. The film depicts the struggle for survival of passengers on a train from Seoul to Busan as South Korea is hit by a zombie outbreak. Among them is Seok-woo, a banker trying to protect his daughter. They, along with all the passengers, must endure thrilling moments of struggle to safely return to Busan.

The Wailing (2016) – Must-watch Korean psychological horror films

• Duration: 156 minutes
• Cast: Jun Kunimura, Kwak Do-won, Woo-hee Chun, Hwang Jung-min, …
• Director: Na Hong-jin
• Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
• Watch the movie: Here

The Wailing is a South Korean horror film with strong psychological and action elements, considered an upgraded version of Train to Busan. The main character in the film is Jong Goo, a police officer investigating mysterious murders in a remote village called Gokseong. He gradually realizes that the cause of the killings is the intervention of evil spirits that have driven the villagers to madness and slaughter. What's even more terrifying is that his own daughter is infected with dark magic and is growing weaker. Can he save his daughter and his village from the tyranny of evil spirits? The Wailing is not just a thrilling, chilling, and surprising film but also keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, anxious about the fate of the characters.

The Piper (2015)

• Duration: 159 minutes
• Cast: Lee Joon, Ryu Seung Ryong, Chun Woo Hee, Lee Sung Min, Goo Seung Hyun
• Director: Kim Kwang Tae
• Genre: Horror, Mystery
• Watch the movie: Here

The Piper premiered in 2015 and consistently ranks among the top Korean horror films to watch. The story revolves around a father and son, Woo Ryong, who accidentally stumble upon a small mountain village and use their flute to help the villagers drive away rats. However, it is here that his son is killed by the village chief and others. Once again, Woo Ryong decides to return and use the rats to exact revenge on those who murdered his son.

The Silenced (2015) – The Silenced – Best Korean horror film

• Duration: 99 minutes
• Cast: Park Bo-young, Uhm Ji-won, Park So-dam, Kong Ye-ji, Shim Hee-sub
• Director: Lee Hae-young
• Genre: Horror, Mystery
• Watch the movie: Here

The Haunted School follows the character Cha Ju Ran, who is forced by her stepmother to transfer to a mysterious new school. Here, she only has one friend, the principal, while other students shun and despise her. One night, Ju Ran dreams that the entire school vanished on a trip to Tokyo, so she tries to warn and stop the trip, but no one believes her. She begins to suspect that a dark conspiracy is underway in the school, and she must uncover the truth before it's too late.

Flu (2013) – Flu – Best Korean horror film

• Duration: 112 minutes
• Cast: Soo Ae, Jang Hyuk
• Director: Kim Sung-Su
• Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
• Watch the movie: Here

Pandemic – Flu is a South Korean horror film released in 2013, but many consider it a foreshadowing of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Set in Budang – Seongnam, where the H5N1 virus strain breaks out. Infected individuals exhibit symptoms similar to COVID-19, including coughing, fever, and even fainting. The pandemic causes rapid deaths within 36 hours of infection, leading to panic and chaos among half a million residents of Budang. The government must isolate and quarantine the entire area to contain the outbreak. The film portrays the horror and fear of an epidemic that will leave audiences chilling.

Parasite (2019) – Parasite

• Duration: 132 minutes
• Cast: Song Kang-ho, Choi Woo-shik, Lee Sun-kyun, Jang Hye-jin,…
• Director: Bong Joon Ho
• Genre: Drama, Thriller
• Watch the movie: Here

Parasite is a South Korean horror film that made waves worldwide, winning 4 Oscars. The film was released in 2019 and is now available on Netflix. It revolves around the Kim family's life in a cramped basement. One day, by chance, Ki-woo – the eldest son of the family – is introduced as a tutor to the wealthy Park family's daughter. From there, Ki-woo uses cunning tactics to get other family members hired by the Parks, infiltrating their luxurious life. But their lives are turned upside down as secrets and conflicts within the Park family are brought to light.

Death Bell (2008) – Hồi Chuông Tử Thần

• Duration: 85 minutes
• Director: Yoon Hong-Seung
• Cast: In Sook Choi, Da Geon, Sung Jin
• Genre: Horror, Thriller
• Watch the movie: Here

Death Bell – Hồi chuông tử thần is a thrilling horror film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Set in a classroom, all students are forced to participate in a deadly game organized by an anonymous figure. He kidnaps each student and poses challenging riddles to the remaining ones. If they fail to solve the riddle, the hostage will be brutally killed. Can they uncover the identity of the perpetrator and save their friends?

The Host (2006) – Quái Vật Sông Hàn – A must-watch Korean horror movie

• Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
• Duration: 120 minutes
• Director: Bong Joon Ho
• Cast: Song Kang-ho, Bae Doona, Byun Hee-Bong, Park Hae-il,…
• Watch the movie: Here

The Host is a famous Korean horror film known as 'The Monster from the Han River'. It tells the story of a family confronting a giant creature emerging from the Han River after a chemical spill from a military facility. This creature attacks and captures Hyun-seo, the daughter of Gang-du, a riverside food vendor.

Together with other family members, Gang-du endeavors to rescue his daughter while uncovering the sinister plots and cruel experiments of the military related to the creature and a mysterious virus. The Host is a gripping, humorous, and touching film that evokes sympathy and admiration for Gang-du's courage and love for his family.

The Doll Master (2004)

• Duration:  90 minutes
• Cast:  Kim Yoo-mi, Shim Hyung-tak,…
• Director:   Jeong Yong-ki
• Genre: Horror
• Watch the movie: Here

The Doll Master is a chilling horror film that leaves viewers on edge. The story revolves around four talented sculptors, famous for being invited to a peculiar and secluded museum to serve as models. However, they soon discover it's a deadly trap when they find out that the dolls they're modeling have disturbing secrets hidden within. One of them is found dead by hanging, while the others are hunted down by terrifying dolls. This film is filled with gripping, suspenseful, and terrifying moments that will make viewers gasp in fear and uncertainty.

A Tale of Two Sisters (2003) –  A Korean horror masterpiece

• Duration: 114 minutes
• Cast: Lim Soo-jung, Moon Geun-young, Kim Kap-su, Yum Jung-ah
• Director: Kim Jee-woon
• Genre: Horror, Drama, Mystery
• Watch the movie: Here

A Tale of Two Sisters is a haunting and heartbreaking horror film. It depicts the lives of two sisters, Soo Yeon and Soo Mi, who suffer from the cruelty and bullying of their wicked stepmother. In the eerie house, malevolent spirits always lurk, terrifying the two sisters. Meanwhile, the stepmother frequently punishes Soo Yeon by locking her in a closet despite Soo Mi's screams and pleas. The film unfolds a journey to uncover the truth behind the mysteries and dark memories of the two sisters. A Tale of Two Sisters is a film that will send shivers down viewers' spines and leave them feeling sorrowful.

Whispering Corridors (1998) – A Korean horror masterpiece

• Duration: 103 minutes
• Cast: Choi Kang Hee, Kim Gyu Ri, Kim Min Jung
• Director: Park Ki Hyung 
• Genre: Horror, Drama
• Watch the movie: Here

Whispering Corridors kicks off the renowned Korean horror film series consisting of 5 parts, all revolving around the theme of schools in Korea. The film not only sends shivers down the audience's spine with its ghostly scenes but also reflects the shortcomings in the Korean education system, attracting many horror film enthusiasts.

Above are the detailed and comprehensive information about the top 20 Korean horror movies of 2023 that movie enthusiasts should not miss. Remember to save the list of movie titles introduced here to enjoy with your loved ones! Don't forget to visit the reputable e-commerce platform Mytour to stay updated on the latest movies as well as to shop for quality, essential equipment and supplies for yourself and your family at discounted prices.