When it comes to horror Kdramas and Kmovies are in a league of their own.
My first experience with Korean horror dramas or movies was Train to Busan which was absolutely terrifying. After that, I was hooked!
If you’re in the mood for chilling horror, here are the best horror Kdramas you won’t want to miss:
10 Chilling Horror Kdramas to Watch
1. Kingdom (2019-2020)
Genre: Historical, Zombie
Cast: Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong
Plot: Set in Korea’s Joseon period, Kingdom follows the story of a crown prince who uncovers a horrifying plague that brings the dead back to life. Not only does he have to protect his people from zombies, but he also has to navigate a political conspiracy. With its brilliant cinematography and fast-paced action, Kingdom is a must-watch for any horror fan.
2. Sweet Home (2020)
Genre: Apocalyptic, Monster
Cast: Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young
Plot: Based on the popular webtoon, Sweet Home tells the story of a young man who, after losing his family, moves into an apartment complex that suddenly becomes ground zero for monstrous transformations. As residents start to turn into terrifying creatures, those left must band together to survive. With its gruesome visuals and suspenseful plot, this drama is sure to keep you up at night.
> To find more supernatural Korean dramas, click here!
3. The Guest (2018)
Genre: Supernatural, Thriller
Cast: Kim Dong-wook, Kim Jae-wook, Jung Eun-chae
Plot: The Guest follows the story of a psychic, a priest, and a detective who join forces to battle against a powerful demon responsible for a series of horrifying murders. The show skillfully combines elements of horror, thriller, and mystery, creating an intense atmosphere that makes it one of the best supernatural horror K-dramas out there.
4. Strangers from Hell (2019)
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Horror
Cast: Im Si-wan, Lee Dong-wook
Plot: Moving to Seoul for a new job, a young man finds himself in a cheap, rundown apartment building where strange, unsettling neighbors surround him. What starts as mild discomfort quickly escalates into paranoia and horror as he realizes that the residents may be hiding sinister secrets. Strangers from Hell is a dark, psychological thriller that digs deep into the fear of the unknown.
5. Hellbound (2021)
Genre: Supernatural, Thriller
Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Park Jeong-min, Kim Hyun-joo
Plot: In Hellbound, supernatural entities begin to appear in Seoul, condemning individuals to hell in terrifyingly violent demonstrations. The drama raises chilling questions about morality and human nature in the face of fear and judgment. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan), Hellbound is filled with unexpected twists that make it one of the most intense K-dramas in recent years.
6. Save Me (2017)
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Horror
Cast: Seo Ye-ji, Ok Taec-yeon, Jo Sung-ha
Plot: For Seo Ye Ji fans, this horror Kdrama is a staple. Save Me centers on a young woman who becomes trapped in a religious cult. When her family becomes deeply involved, she struggles to escape and survive. With its suspenseful storytelling and disturbing look at cult mentality, Save Me is a haunting drama that explores psychological horror.
7. Bring It On, Ghost (2016)
Genre: Horror, Romance, Comedy
Cast: Taecyeon, Kim So-hyun
Plot: For a lighter horror experience, Bring It On, Ghost combines spookiness with romance. The drama follows a high school girl who has been a ghost for years and a young man who can see and fight ghosts. Together, they form a paranormal-fighting duo with unexpected chemistry, making this series a fun and spooky watch.
> Find more Kdramas with ghosts by clicking here!
8. The Cursed (2020)
Genre: Supernatural, Thriller
Cast: Uhm Ji-won, Jung Ji-so, Sung Dong-il
Plot: The Cursed centers around a reporter investigating a powerful IT company with dark supernatural connections. She uncovers a world of shamanism, spirits, and curses that push her to the edge of reality. With its mix of horror and investigative drama, The Cursed is both thrilling and chilling.
9. Priest (2018)
Genre: Supernatural, Medical, Horror
Cast: Yeon Woo-jin, Jung Yoo-mi, Park Yong-woo
Plot: When a young doctor starts witnessing supernatural occurrences in her hospital, she enlists the help of a priest with a dark past in exorcism. Together, they try to rid the hospital of evil spirits, leading to suspenseful encounters with the supernatural. Priest is perfect for those who enjoy horror with a blend of medical and spiritual elements.
> To find more medical Korean dramas, click here!
10. Goedam (2020)
Genre: Anthology, Horror
Plot: Goedam is an anthology series that tells different ghost stories in each short episode. Set in urban Seoul, the stories explore Korean urban legends and myths, giving viewers a taste of traditional and modern horror. It’s ideal for quick scares and short, intense horror experiences.
