19 Best Korean Zombie Movies That Will Keep You Up All Night!

Are you ready for a thrilling journey into the world of Korean zombie cinema? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the 19 best Korean zombie movies that will have you on the edge of your seat! From heart-pounding action to emotional storytelling, these films showcase the unique blend of horror and drama that Korean filmmakers have mastered. Let’s explore these undead masterpieces that have taken the world by storm!

1. Train to Busan (2016)

Train to Busan is the crown jewel of Korean zombie movies, setting a new standard for the genre worldwide. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, this high-octane thriller follows a group of passengers fighting for survival on a train from Seoul to Busan during a zombie outbreak. The film stars Gong Yoo as Seok-woo, a workaholic father trying to protect his young daughter Soo-an (Kim Su-an) amidst the chaos.

What sets Train to Busan apart is its perfect blend of heart-stopping action, emotional depth, and social commentary. The confined setting of the train creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that ratchets up the tension with each passing minute. The zombies are fast, ferocious, and terrifyingly realistic, making every encounter a pulse-pounding experience.

The film’s strength lies not just in its scares, but in its well-developed characters and their relationships. From the selfless Sang-hwa (Ma Dong-seok) to the despicable Yon-suk (Kim Eui-sung), each character feels fully realized, making their fates all the more impactful. Train to Busan is a masterclass in zombie cinema, proving that the genre can be both thrilling and thought-provoking.

2. #Alive (2020)

#Alive brings the zombie apocalypse into the digital age, offering a fresh take on the genre. Directed by Il Cho, this survival thriller stars Yoo Ah-in as Oh Joon-woo, a gamer who finds himself trapped in his apartment as a zombie outbreak ravages the city. As he struggles to stay alive with dwindling supplies, he discovers another survivor, Kim Yoo-bin (Park Shin-hye), in a nearby apartment.

The film’s unique premise explores the isolation and desperation of surviving alone in a connected world. Joon-woo’s reliance on technology for both survival and human connection adds a modern twist to the zombie narrative. The zombies themselves are fast and aggressive, creating intense chase sequences and nail-biting moments of tension.

#Alive shines in its portrayal of human resilience and the importance of hope in dire circumstances. The chemistry between Yoo Ah-in and Park Shin-hye is palpable, making their struggle for survival all the more engaging. With its tight pacing, creative use of limited settings, and emotional depth, #Alive proves that there’s still plenty of life left in the zombie genre.

3. Kingdom (2019-2020)

While not a movie, Kingdom deserves a spot on this list for its groundbreaking approach to the zombie genre. This Netflix original series, set in Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, blends historical drama with zombie horror to create a unique and captivating narrative. Created by Kim Eun-hee and directed by Kim Seong-hun, the series stars Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Lee Chang, who must navigate political intrigue and a mysterious plague that turns people into the undead.

Kingdom stands out for its stunning period setting, which adds a new dimension to the zombie genre. The contrast between the traditional Korean society and the modern concept of zombies creates a fascinating dynamic. The series explores themes of class struggle, political corruption, and the nature of power, all while delivering heart-pounding zombie action.

The production values are top-notch, with beautiful cinematography showcasing the Korean landscape and intricate historical costumes. The zombies themselves are uniquely terrifying, with their behavior influenced by the show’s historical setting. With its compelling storyline, complex characters, and high-stakes drama, Kingdom proves that the zombie genre can successfully transcend both time periods and media formats.

4. The Wailing (2016)

The Wailing, directed by Na Hong-jin, is a masterful blend of horror, mystery, and Korean folklore that defies easy categorization. While not strictly a zombie movie, it features elements of the genre that earn it a place on this list. Set in a small village, the film follows police officer Jong-goo (Kwak Do-won) as he investigates a series of brutal murders and strange occurrences linked to the arrival of a mysterious Japanese stranger.

What sets The Wailing apart is its atmospheric dread and slow-burning tension. The film expertly weaves together various horror elements, including possession, shamanic rituals, and yes, zombie-like infected individuals. The gradual unraveling of the mystery keeps viewers on edge, questioning what’s real and what’s supernatural.

The film’s strength lies in its exploration of fear, doubt, and the unknown. Jong-goo’s desperate attempts to protect his daughter from the spreading evil create a deeply emotional core to the story. With stunning cinematography capturing the misty Korean countryside and a haunting score, The Wailing creates an immersive and unforgettable horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

5. Peninsula (2020)

Peninsula, also known as Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula, is the ambitious sequel to the hit film Train to Busan. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, this post-apocalyptic action thriller is set four years after the events of the first movie. The film follows Jung-seok (Gang Dong-won), a former soldier who returns to the zombie-infested Korean peninsula on a dangerous mission.

While Peninsula takes a different approach from its predecessor, focusing more on large-scale action set pieces, it still delivers plenty of zombie thrills. The film expands the world established in Train to Busan, showing us a devastated Korea where survivors have formed their own brutal societies. The zombies are as ferocious as ever, with impressive CGI bringing massive hordes to life.

What makes Peninsula stand out is its exploration of human nature in a world without rules. The film delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the struggle to maintain humanity in inhuman conditions. While it may not reach the emotional heights of Train to Busan, Peninsula offers a visually stunning and action-packed continuation of the story that fans of the first film will appreciate.

6. Rampant (2018)

Rampant offers a unique twist on the zombie genre by setting its undead outbreak in Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Directed by Kim Sung-hoon, this period action-horror film stars Hyun Bin as Prince Lee Chung, who returns from political exile to find his kingdom overrun by mysterious “night demons” – essentially, zombies in historical garb.

What sets Rampant apart is its seamless blend of traditional Korean historical drama with zombie horror elements. The film’s production design is stunning, with elaborate costumes and set pieces that bring the Joseon era to life. This historical setting adds a fresh dimension to familiar zombie tropes, as characters must battle the undead with swords and arrows rather than guns.

The film delivers on both action and horror fronts, with well-choreographed sword fights and tense encounters with the night demons. Hyun Bin’s charismatic performance as the reluctant hero adds depth to the story, as his character grapples with political intrigue and the responsibility of saving his people. While Rampant may not reach the emotional depths of some other entries on this list, it offers a visually spectacular and entertaining take on the zombie genre that history buffs and horror fans alike can enjoy.

7. The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale (2019)

The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale takes a refreshingly comedic approach to the zombie genre. Directed by Lee Min-jae, this quirky film follows the Park family, who discover a zombie in their rural village and decide to use it for their own financial gain. The ensemble cast, including Jung Jae-young, Kim Nam-gil, and Uhm Ji-won, brings a delightful energy to this offbeat zombie tale.

What makes The Odd Family stand out is its perfect balance of humor and heart. The film pokes fun at zombie movie tropes while also delivering genuine laughs through its eccentric characters and absurd situations. The zombie, played by Jung Ga-ram, becomes an unexpectedly endearing character as the family grows attached to him.

While the film doesn’t shy away from zombie violence, it’s more focused on the family dynamics and the chaos that ensues from their harebrained schemes. The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale offers a welcome breath of fresh air in the often grim zombie genre, proving that even the undead can be a source of laughter and warmth.

8. Doomsday Book (2012)

Doomsday Book is an ambitious anthology film that explores different apocalyptic scenarios, one of which involves zombies. Directed by Kim Jee-woon and Yim Pil-sung, the film is divided into three segments, with the zombie story, titled “The New Generation,” sandwiched between two other sci-fi tales.

In “The New Generation,” a young man working at a recycling plant inadvertently triggers a zombie outbreak through contaminated food. What sets this segment apart is its satirical take on consumerism and media sensationalism. The zombies here are portrayed as mindless consumers, literally and figuratively devouring everything in their path.

The film’s anthology format allows it to explore various themes and styles, with the zombie segment offering a unique blend of horror and dark comedy. While Doomsday Book may not be a traditional zombie movie, its innovative approach to the genre and thought-provoking commentary make it a worthy addition to this list.

9. Seoul Station (2016)

Seoul Station serves as an animated prequel to the hit film Train to Busan, both directed by Yeon Sang-ho. Set in and around Seoul’s central train station, the film follows several characters as they struggle to survive the initial outbreak of the zombie virus. The main storyline centers on a runaway teenager, her boyfriend, and her father as they navigate the chaos of the infected city.

What makes Seoul Station unique is its use of animation to tell a gritty, adult-oriented zombie story. The animation style allows for more graphic depictions of violence and larger-scale scenes of zombie hordes overtaking the city. The film doesn’t pull any punches in its social commentary, addressing issues of homelessness, social inequality, and government incompetence.

While it may lack the star power of its live-action counterpart, Seoul Station offers a compelling and often heartbreaking look at how society’s most vulnerable fare in a crisis. The film’s ending ties directly into the beginning of Train to Busan, making it an essential watch for fans of the series.

10. Zombie Detective (2020)

Zombie Detective takes a unique approach to the zombie genre by blending it with comedy and detective noir elements. This Korean drama series, created by Shim Jae-hoon, stars Choi Jin-hyuk as Kim Moo-young, a zombie who wakes up with no memory of his past life and decides to become a private detective to uncover the truth about himself.

What sets Zombie Detective apart is its clever subversion of zombie tropes. Moo-young must learn to pass as human, leading to both comedic and poignant moments as he navigates human society. The series balances its humor with genuine mystery, as Moo-young investigates various cases while trying to piece together his own past.

The show’s strength lies in its character development and the chemistry between the cast. Choi Jin-hyuk’s deadpan delivery as the zombie detective plays perfectly off the more animated human characters. While Zombie Detective may not offer traditional zombie horror, its fresh take on the genre provides a fun and engaging watch for those looking for something different in their undead entertainment.

11. The Neighbor Zombie (2010)

The Neighbor Zombie is an indie anthology film that offers a unique perspective on the zombie apocalypse. Directed by a team of four filmmakers – Oh Young-doo, Ryu Hoon, Hong Young-geun, and Jang Yoon-jung – the film presents six interconnected stories set in the same apartment complex during a zombie outbreak.

What makes The Neighbor Zombie stand out is its focus on the human element of a zombie apocalypse. Each segment explores different aspects of survival and human nature, from a couple dealing with one partner’s infection to a group of survivors facing moral dilemmas. The low-budget nature of the film lends it a raw, realistic feel that adds to the tension.

While it may not have the polished look of bigger-budget zombie films, The Neighbor Zombie compensates with its creativity and emotional depth. The anthology format allows for a variety of tones and perspectives, making it a thought-provoking entry in the Korean zombie genre.

12. Happiness (2021)

Happiness is a Korean drama series that puts a fresh spin on the zombie genre by setting it in a near-future urban environment. Created by Han Sang-woo and Ahn Gil-ho, the series stars Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik as residents of a high-rise apartment building that becomes ground zero for a new type of infectious disease.

What sets Happiness apart is its exploration of human behavior and social dynamics in a crisis. The infected in this series aren’t traditional zombies but rather victims of a disease that causes extreme aggression and a thirst for blood. The show cleverly uses the apartment building setting to create a microcosm of society, examining how different people react to the threat.

The series balances tense action sequences with character-driven drama, as the protagonists navigate not just the infected but also the sometimes equally dangerous uninfected residents. Happiness offers a compelling blend of zombie horror, thriller elements, and social commentary that keeps viewers engaged throughout its run.

13. I Am a Hero (2015)

While technically a Japanese production, I Am a Hero deserves a mention for its impact on Asian zombie cinema. Directed by Shinsuke Sato and based on the manga by Kengo Hanazawa, the film follows Hideo Suzuki, a struggling manga artist who finds himself caught in a zombie apocalypse.

What sets I Am a Hero apart is its unique protagonist and its faithful adaptation of the source material. Hideo is not your typical action hero, but rather an everyman who must find his courage in the face of unimaginable horror. The film’s zombies, called “ZQN,” are particularly terrifying, retaining some of their past memories and abilities.

The film delivers intense action sequences and genuinely scary moments, balanced with character development and even some dark humor. While not Korean, I Am a Hero has had a significant influence on the Asian zombie genre and is worth watching for any fan of zombie cinema.

14. The Host (2006)

While not strictly a zombie movie, The Host deserves a mention for its significant impact on Korean monster cinema and its influence on later zombie films. Directed by Bong Joon-ho (of Parasite fame), this monster thriller follows a family’s struggle to rescue their daughter from a mutant creature that emerges from Seoul’s Han River.

What makes The Host relevant to our zombie discussion is its portrayal of a city in crisis and its exploration of how ordinary people react to extraordinary threats. The film’s creature, while not undead, shares some characteristics with zombies in its relentless pursuit of humans and its origin as a result of human negligence.

The Host brilliantly blends horror, comedy, and social commentary, elements that would become hallmarks of Korean zombie cinema. Its success paved the way for more ambitious genre films in Korea, including many of the zombie movies on this list. The film’s focus on family dynamics and its critique of government incompetence are themes that frequently appear in Korean zombie narratives.

15. Flu (2013)

Flu, directed by Kim Sung-su, is another film that, while not about zombies, shares many elements with zombie apocalypse movies. The film depicts the outbreak of a deadly strain of H5N1 that causes its victims to die within 36 hours. As the disease spreads rapidly through Bundang, a suburb of Seoul, the government takes increasingly drastic measures to contain it.

What makes Flu relevant to zombie movie fans is its portrayal of a society collapsing under the weight of a rapidly spreading infection. The panic, the breakdown of order, and the desperate attempts at containment all mirror common zombie movie tropes. The infected in Flu, while not undead, become social outcasts feared by the healthy, much like zombies.

The film’s strength lies in its intense pacing and its exploration of how different people – from medical professionals to government officials to ordinary citizens – react in a crisis. Flu serves as an excellent precursor to the zombie films that would follow, establishing many of the themes and storytelling techniques that have become staples of the genre in Korean cinema.

16. Doomsday: The Zombie Virus (2022)

Doomsday: The Zombie Virus is a Korean web series that offers a unique blend of zombie horror and medical thriller. Created by Lee Hyun-joo, the series follows a team of medical professionals racing against time to find a cure for a rapidly spreading zombie virus.

What makes Doomsday: The Zombie Virus stand out is its focus on the scientific aspects of a zombie outbreak. The series delves into virology, epidemiology, and the process of developing a vaccine, adding a layer of realism to the zombie genre. This scientific approach creates tension not just through zombie encounters, but through the race against the virus’s spread.

The series also explores the ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals and government officials during a crisis. With its blend of science, horror, and human drama, Doomsday: The Zombie Virus offers a fresh take on the zombie apocalypse narrative.

17. Zombie Crush in Heyri (2020)

Zombie Crush in Heyri is a quirky romantic comedy with a zombie twist. Directed by Cho Kyung-hun, this web series follows a group of young artists living in Heyri Art Valley, a real-life cultural village in South Korea, as they deal with a zombie outbreak.

What sets Zombie Crush in Heyri apart is its lighthearted approach to the zombie genre. The series focuses more on the budding romances and friendships among the characters than on the horror elements, using the zombie outbreak as a backdrop for character development and comedic situations.

The show’s unique setting in an artists’ village allows for creative zombie encounters and solutions. While it may not satisfy hardcore horror fans, Zombie Crush in Heyri offers a fun, romantic spin on the zombie genre that showcases the versatility of zombie narratives in Korean media.

18. The Chase (2017)

While not strictly a zombie movie, The Chase deserves a mention for its unique blend of thriller and horror elements that share some similarities with zombie narratives. Directed by Kim Hong-sun, the film follows a grumpy landlord and a former detective as they investigate a series of murders in their small town, uncovering dark secrets from the past.

What makes The Chase relevant to our discussion is its portrayal of a relentless, almost zombie-like killer and the atmosphere of dread it creates. The film’s exploration of how past sins can come back to haunt a community is a theme often found in zombie narratives. The way the protagonists must piece together clues to survive mirrors the problem-solving aspects of many zombie survival stories.

The Chase offers tense chase sequences, unexpected twists, and a gritty portrayal of small-town life that will appeal to fans of horror and thriller genres. While it may not feature the undead, its suspenseful storytelling and themes of survival against a seemingly unstoppable force make it a worthy watch for zombie movie enthusiasts.

19. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum may not be a traditional zombie movie, but it earns a place on this list for its innovative approach to horror and its influence on Korean genre filmmaking. Directed by Jung Bum-shik, this found-footage style film follows a team of online horror show hosts as they investigate a supposedly haunted asylum.

What sets Gonjiam apart is its masterful build-up of tension and its effective use of the found-footage format. While the “monsters” in this film are more ghostly than zombie-like, the way they move and attack shares some similarities with the undead. The film creates a palpable sense of dread that rivals many zombie movies.

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum showcases the versatility of Korean horror cinema and its ability to create intense scares with minimal resources. Its success paved the way for more experimental approaches to horror in Korean cinema, influencing the zombie genre as well. For fans of zombie movies looking to expand their horror horizons, Gonjiam offers a terrifying experience that shares many elements with the best of zombie cinema.

In conclusion, Korean cinema has made significant contributions to the zombie genre, offering fresh perspectives, innovative storytelling, and a perfect blend of horror, action, and social commentary. From the high-octane thrills of Train to Busan to the historical zombies of Kingdom, and the comedic approach of The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale, there’s a Korean zombie movie for every taste. These films not only entertain but also often serve as mirrors to society, exploring themes of class struggle, government incompetence, and human nature in crisis.

Whether you’re a die-hard zombie fan or new to the genre, these 19 Korean zombie movies offer a diverse range of undead experiences that are sure to keep you entertained, scared, and thinking long after the credits roll. So grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare to be thrilled by the best that Korean zombie cinema has to offer!

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