If you’re a fan of horror movies that leave you with chills and make you glance at dark corners a little more often, Korean horror films are a must-watch. South Korea has mastered the art of mixing psychological tension, supernatural scares, and intense emotional depth. Let me walk you through a few incredible titles — some you may know and some that might just become your next obsession. Grab your blanket and turn off the lights (or not).
1. Midnight (2021)
Genre: Thriller, Horror
Imagine being stuck in a deadly game of hide-and-seek with a serial killer — sounds terrifying, right? Well, Midnight takes this nightmare scenario and makes it ten times scarier. The story follows Kyung-mi, a young woman who is deaf, as she unintentionally crosses paths with a vicious killer. When Kyung-mi becomes a target, her inability to hear or speak adds a unique layer of tension to the chase.
The killer, played chillingly by Wi Ha-jun (Squid Game fans, you’ll recognize him), is relentless and sadistic. What sets Midnight apart is how it keeps you on edge without relying on jump scares. The chase scenes are pure adrenaline, and you’ll find yourself holding your breath as Kyung-mi fights to outsmart her predator.
This film is a blend of raw tension and survival horror. If you’re looking for a heart-racing experience, Midnight is it.
2. The Call (2020)
Genre: Thriller, Supernatural Horror
What would you do if you could change the past… or worse, if the past could change you? The Call is a brilliant mix of horror and time-travel elements that’ll leave your mind blown.
The story centers on Seo-yeon, who discovers an old phone in her childhood home. When she answers a call, she finds herself talking to Young-sook, a girl who lived in the same house 20 years earlier. The two form an eerie connection through the phone, but things spiral into chaos when Young-sook’s dark, twisted nature comes to light.
What starts as an innocent chance to rewrite history turns into a chilling nightmare. This movie is so smartly crafted that it’ll have you questioning what’s real. The performances, especially by Jeon Jong-seo as Young-sook, are absolutely terrifying. If you’re into psychological thrillers with shocking twists, The Call is your call.
3. The Mimic (2017)
Genre: Supernatural, Folklore Horror
If you love creepy folklore stories, The Mimic is right up your alley. Inspired by the legend of the Jangsan Tiger, a mythical creature that mimics human voices to lure victims, this movie is both unsettling and heartbreaking.
The story revolves around Hee-yeon, a grieving mother who moves to the countryside with her family after a tragic loss. Things take a dark turn when they find a lost little girl in the woods. At first, the girl seems innocent, but soon she starts imitating the voices of Hee-yeon’s loved ones. The line between reality and supernatural blurs as the family descends into terror.
The use of sound in The Mimic is incredibly haunting. The idea that someone you know and trust could be something else is enough to send shivers down your spine. This one is perfect if you’re looking for a slow-burn horror movie with spine-chilling scares.
4. Take Me Home (2016)
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Horror
This movie may not be as well-known, but it’s a hidden gem for horror fans. Take Me Home tells the story of a man who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of who he is. When he’s told he has a twin sister waiting for him at home, he decides to go with her.
Once he arrives at the house, things feel … off. The family seems strange, and the house itself hides dark secrets. Slowly, he begins to uncover the horrifying truth about his identity and the sinister forces at play.
Take Me Home creates a chilling atmosphere with a blend of mystery and psychological horror. It’s one of those films where nothing is what it seems, and every revelation makes the story darker and scarier. If you enjoy eerie, mind-bending thrillers, give this one a watch.
5. The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller with Horror Elements
Okay, so The Witch isn’t your typical horror movie — it’s more of a sci-fi thriller, but it’s packed with enough brutal action and dark moments to belong on this list.
The story follows Ja-yoon, a seemingly ordinary high school girl with a mysterious past. After escaping from a secret facility as a child, she grows up with no memory of what happened. But when people from her past resurface, Ja-yoon starts to uncover her terrifying abilities.
The horror here comes from the disturbing experiments, intense violence, and the question of what makes someone truly monstrous. The action sequences are jaw-dropping, and Kim Da-mi’s performance as Ja-yoon is both haunting and powerful.
If you love movies that mix genres and keep you guessing until the end, The Witch: Part 1 is a must-watch. And yes, there’s a sequel that ramps up the stakes even further!
6. Memories of Tomorrow (2015)
Genre: Drama, Horror
This lesser-known Korean film is one of those slow, quiet horror stories that creep up on you. The movie follows a man named Soo-hyun, who moves into a new apartment after losing his wife. He begins to experience strange occurrences, like eerie noises and ghostly visions.
As Soo-hyun digs deeper, he realizes that the building has a dark history and that the events happening to him might be connected to his own past. The film focuses heavily on themes of grief and guilt, using supernatural horror as a metaphor for emotional trauma.
While not filled with jump scares, Memories of Tomorrow creates a deeply unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s perfect for those who enjoy horror with emotional weight.
Final Thoughts
Korean horror movies are a treasure trove of scares, emotions, and stories that leave a mark. From supernatural folklore in The Mimic to the psychological twists of The Call, these films prove that horror can be so much more than just cheap thrills.
Whether you’re new to Korean horror or a seasoned fan, these movies are guaranteed to give you goosebumps. So, which one are you watching first? Or maybe you’ve already seen a few — let me know your thoughts!