Iqinews drama – If you’re a fan of horror movies, then you know that zombies are a popular subject that always manages to send chills down our spines. From slow-moving, moaning corpses to fast and agile predators, the zombie genre has given us some of the most iconic and thrilling moments in horror cinema.
Among the countries that have contributed significantly to this genre is South Korea, which has produced some of the most exciting and innovative zombie movies and series. Here’s a list of some of the best Korean zombie movies and series you should watch in 2023.
Top 30 Korean Zombie Movies
Korean zombie movies are not limited to just one subgenre. Filmmakers have experimented with different themes, such as action, comedy, and romance, to cater to a diverse audience. Some of the popular subgenres of Korean zombie movies are:
1. Gangnam Zombie
 | Release Date January 5, 2023 Director Soo Sung Lee Network - Runtime 1 hrs 21 min |
Gangnam Zombie is South Korean zombie comedy movie released in 2023. The movie is directed by Jung Woo-sung and stars Lee Sung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Joon. The story follows a group of survivors in Seoul’s Gangnam district, who are struggling to survive in the midst of a zombie outbreak.
- Cast: Il-Joo, JiJi-Yeon Park, Kyoung-Hoon Jo
2. All of Us Are Dead
 | Release Date January 28, 2022 Director Lee Jae-Kyu, Kim Nam-Soo Network Netflix Episodes 12 |
All of Us Are Dead is a South Korean Netflix original series that premiered in 2022. The series is directed by Lee JQ and stars Yoon Chan-young, Park Ji-hu, and Cho Yi-hyun. The story takes place in a high school where a group of students are trapped during a zombie outbreak. The series has received critical acclaim for its unique take on the zombie genre and its character-driven story.
- Cast: Park Ji-Hu, Yoon Chan-Young, Cho Yi-Hyun, Lomon
3. Happiness
 | Release Date November 5, 2021 Director Ahn Gil-Ho Network tvN, TVING Episodes 12 |
Happiness is a 2021 South Korean movie directed by Jo Sung-hee and stars Han Ye-ri, Chae Soo-bin, and Park Hyung-sik. The story follows a group of survivors who are stranded in a remote mountain cabin during a zombie outbreak. The movie has been praised for its stunning visuals, intense action scenes, and emotional storytelling.
- Cast: Han Hyo-Joo, Park Hyung-Sik, Jo Woo-Jin
4. Zombie Detective
 | Release Date September 21, 2020 Director Shim Jae-Hyun Network KBS2 Episodes 12 |
Zombie Detective is a South Korean television series that aired in 2020. The series is directed by Shim Jae-hyun and stars Choi Jin-hyuk and Park Joo-hyun. The story follows a zombie detective who solves crimes while trying to uncover the truth about his past life.
- Cast: Choi Jin-Hyuk, Park Ju-Hyun
5. Kingdom
 | Release Date January 25, 2019 Director Kim Sung-Hoon, Park Yoo-Young Network Netflix Episodes 6 |
Kingdom is a South Korean Netflix original series that premiered in 2019. The series is directed by Kim Seong-hun and stars Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Bae Doona. The story takes place during the Joseon era and follows a prince who discovers a mysterious plague that turns people into zombies. The series has been praised for its stunning production value, rich historical setting, and intense action scenes.
- Cast: Ju Ji-Hoon, Bae Doo-Na, Ryoo Seung-Ryong, Kim Hye-Jun, Kim Sang-Ho
6. Kingdom Season 2
 | Release Date March 13, 2020 Director Kim Sung-Hoon, Park In-Je Network Netflix Episodes 6 |
Kingdom Season 2 is the second season of the Netflix original series Kingdom. The series continues the story of the first season and sees the characters dealing with the aftermath of the zombie outbreak.
- Cast: Ju Ji-Hoon, Bae Doo-Na, Ryoo Seung-Ryong, Kim Hye-Jun, Kim Sang-Ho
7. Dark Hole
 | Release Date April 30, 2021 Director Kim Bong-Joo Network OCN, tvN Episodes 12 |
Dark Hole is a South Korean television series that premiered in 2021. The series is directed by Kim Bong-joo and stars Kim Ok-Vin, Lee Joon-hyuk, and Im Won-hee. The story follows a group of survivors who are trapped in a town overrun by mutants and zombies.
- Cast: Kim Ok-Vin, Lee Joon-Hyuk
8. Search
 | Release Date October 17, 2020 Director Lim Dae-Woong Network OCN Episodes 10 |
Search is a South Korean television series that aired in 2020. The series is directed by Lim Dae-won and stars Jang Dong-yoon and Krystal Jung. The story takes place in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea and follows a military search and rescue team that encounters a zombie outbreak.
- Cast: Jang Dong-Yoon, Krystal
9. Train to Busan
 | Release Date July 22, 2016 Director Sang-ho Yeon Distributor Next Entertainment World Runtime 1 hrs 58 min |
Train to Busan is a South Korean movie directed by Yeon Sang-ho and stars Gong Yoo. The story follows a father and his daughter who board a train from Seoul to Busan, unaware that a zombie outbreak has taken over the country. The movie is known for its intense action scenes and emotional storytelling, making it one of the most popular Korean zombie movies.
- Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok
10. Peninsula
 | Release Date July 15, 2020 Director Sang-ho Yeon Distributor Next Entertainment World Runtime 1 hrs 56 min |
Peninsula is a sequel to Train to Busan, directed by Yeon Sang-ho and released in 2020. The movie takes place four years after the events of the first film, where a soldier is sent back to a zombie-infested Korean peninsula to retrieve a truck filled with money. The movie has received mixed reviews but is still worth watching for fans of the first film.
- Cast: Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun, Re Lee
11. #Alive
 | Release Date June 24, 2020 Director Jo Il-Hyeong Distributor Lotte Cultureworks Runtime 1 hrs 38 min |
#Alive is a South Korean movie directed by Cho Il-hyung and stars Yoo Ah-in and Park Shin-hye. The story follows a young man who is trapped in his apartment during a zombie outbreak and must find a way to survive. The movie has received positive reviews for its unique take on the genre and its commentary on social media addiction.
- Cast: Yoo Ah-In, Park Shin-Hye, Jeon Bae-Su, Lee Hyun-Wook
12. Rampant
 | Release Date October 25, 2018 Director Kim Sung-Hoon Distributor Next Entertainment World Runtime 2 hrs 1 min |
Rampant is a 2018 South Korean movie directed by Kim Sung-hoon and stars Hyun Bin and Jang Dong-gun. The story takes place during the Joseon era, where a prince returns to the kingdom to find it overrun by zombies. The movie is known for its stunning action scenes and historical setting.
- Cast: Hyun-Bin Jang, Dong-Gun, Jo Woo-Jin, Jeong Man-Sik
13. The Odd Family: Zombie On Sale
 | Release Date February 14, 2019 Director Lee Min-Jae Distributor Megabox Plus M Runtime 1 hrs 52 min |
The Odd Family: Zombie On Sale is a 2019 South Korean movie directed by Lee Min-jae and stars Jung Jae-young and Kim Nam-gil. The story follows a family who discovers a zombie and decides to sell it to their neighbors as a servant. The movie has received positive reviews for its comedy and heartwarming moments.
- Cast: Jung Jae-Young, Kim Nam-Gil, Uhm Ji-Won
14. Seoul Station
 | Release Date August 18, 2016 Director Yeon Sang-Ho Distributor Finecut, Movic Comics Runtime 1 hrs 32 min |
Seoul Station is a 2016 South Korean animated movie directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The story takes place during a zombie outbreak in Seoul and follows a father who is searching for his daughter in the infected city. The movie has received positive reviews for its animation and intense storytelling.
- Voice: Seung-ryong Ryu, Shim Eun-kyung, Joon Lee
15. Zombie for Sale
 | Release Date February 13, 2019 Director Lee Min-jae Distributor Cinezo, Oscar 10 Studio Runtime 1 hrs 52 min |
Zombie for Sale is a 2019 South Korean movie directed by Lee Min-jae and stars Jung Jae-young and Kim Nam-gil. The story follows a family who discovers a zombie and decides to use it to help their struggling business. The movie has received positive reviews for its comedy and heartwarming moments.
- Cast: Jae-yeong Jeong, Nam-gil Kim, Uhm Ji-won
16. Monstrum
 | Release Date September 12, 2018 Director Huh Jong-Ho Distributor Lotte Entertainment, Kidari Ent Runtime 1 hrs 45 min |
Monstrum is a 2018 South Korean movie directed by Heo Jong-ho and stars Kim Myung-min and Hyeri. The story takes place during the Joseon era, where a monster is terrorizing the kingdom and a group of people must stop it. The movie has received positive reviews for its stunning visuals and thrilling action scenes.
- Cast: Kim Myung-Min, Kim In-Kwon, Hyeri, Choi Woo-Sik
17. The Divine Fury
 | Release Date July 31, 2019 Director Kim Joo-Hwan Distributor Lotte Entertainment Runtime 2 hrs 9 min |
The Divine Fury is a 2019 South Korean movie directed by Kim Joo-hwan and stars Park Seo-joon and Ahn Sung-ki. The story follows a MMA fighter who discovers he has the power to fight demons and must use it to save the world from a demonic invasion. The movie has received positive reviews for its action scenes and supernatural elements.
- Cast: Park Seo-Joon, Ahn Sung-Ki, Woo Do-Hwan, Park Ji-Hyun, Choi Woo-Sik
18. The Cursed
 | Release Date February 10, 2020 Director Kim Yong-Wan Network tvN Episodes 12 |
The Cursed is a 2018 South Korean TV series directed by Kim Yong-wan and starring Uhm Ji-won and Sung Dong-il. The story follows a reporter who investigates a mysterious curse that causes people to die in strange ways. The series has received positive reviews for its gripping storyline and well-developed characters.
- Cast: Uhm Ji-Won, Jung Ji-So, Sung Dong-Il, Jo Min-Soo
19. The Tunnel
 | Release Date August 10, 2016 Director Kim Sung-Hoon Distributor Showbox Runtime 2 hrs 6 min |
The Tunnel is a 2016 South Korean movie directed by Kim Seong-hun and starring Ha Jung-woo and Bae Doo-na. The story follows a man who is trapped in a collapsed tunnel during a zombie outbreak and must find a way to escape. The movie has received positive reviews for its intense suspense and thrilling action scenes.
- Cast: Ha Jung-Woo, Bae Doo-Na, Oh Dal-Su, Shin Jung-Keun, Nam Ji-Hyun
20. The Piper
 | Release Date July 9, 2015 Director Kim Gwang-Tae Distributor CJ Entertainment Runtime 1 hrs 47 min |
The Piper is a 2015 South Korean movie directed by Kim Kwang-tae and starring Ryu Seung-ryong and Lee Sung-min. The story takes place during the Joseon era, where a piper is hired to rid a village of rats but things take a dark turn. The movie has received positive reviews for its unique take on the zombie genre and its captivating storytelling.
- Cast: Ryoo Seung-Ryong, Chun Woo-Hee, Lee Joon, Jung Kyung-Ho
21. Hellbound
 | Release Date November 19, 2021 Director Yeon Sang-Ho Network Netflix Episodes 6 |
Hellbound is a 2021 South Korean TV series directed by Yeon Sang-ho and starring Yoo Ah-in and Park Jung-min. The story takes place in a world where supernatural beings are appearing to judge and punish humans. The series has received positive reviews for its intriguing premise and well-crafted storytelling.
- Cast: Yoo Ah-In, Kim Hyun-Joo, Park Jung-Min, Won Jin-A
22. Sweet Home
 | Release Date December 18, 2020 Director Lee Eung-Bok Network Netflix Episodes 10 |
Sweet Home is a 2020 South Korean TV series directed by Lee Eung-bok and starring Song Kang and Lee Jin-wook. The story follows a group of people who are trapped in a high-rise apartment building during a monster apocalypse. The series has received positive reviews for its impressive special effects and thrilling action scenes.
- Cast: Song Kang, Lee Jin-Uk, Lee Si-Young, Lee Do-Hyun, Kim Nam-Hee
23. The School Nurse Files
 | Release Date September 25, 2020 Director Lee Kyoung-Mi Network Netflix Episodes 6 |
The School Nurse Files is a 2020 South Korean TV series directed by Lee Kyoung-mi and starring Jung Yu-mi and Nam Joo-hyuk. The story follows a school nurse who can see supernatural creatures and must protect her school from them. The series has received positive reviews for its unique storyline and quirky characters.
- Cast: Jung Yu-Mi, Nam Joo-Hyuk
24. Kingdom: Ashin of the North
 | Release Date July 23, 2021 Director Kim Sung-Hoon Network Netflix Runtime 1 hrs 32 min |
Kingdom: Ashin of the North is a 2021 South Korean TV special directed by Kim Seong-hun and starring Jun Ji-hyun and Park Byung-eun. The story takes place before the events of the Kingdom series and follows a woman who seeks revenge for the death of her family. The special has received positive reviews for its stunning visuals and well-crafted storytelling.
- Cast: Gianna Jun, Kim Si-A, Kim Roe-Ha, Jeon Su-Ji, Kim Dam-Ho
25. Zombie School
 | Release Date September 25, 2014 Director Kim Seok-Jung Distributors BoXoo Entertainment Runtime 1 hrs 27 min |
Zombie School is a 2014 South Korean movie directed by Kim Seok-Jung and starring Kim Soo-ro and Jung So-min. The story follows a group of high school students who must survive a zombie outbreak in their school. The movie has received positive reviews for its comedic elements and thrilling action scenes.
- Cast: Eun-Seol Ha, Min Ji, Kyeong-ryong Kim
26. The Wrath
 | Release Date November 8, 2018 Director Yoo Young-Seon Distributors Smile Entertainment Runtime 1 hrs 34 min |
The Wrath is a 2018 South Korean movie directed by Yoo Young-seon. The story takes place during the Joseon era, where a family is haunted by the ghost of their late daughter-in-law. The movie has received mixed reviews but is still worth watching for its horror elements and stunning cinematography.
- Cast: Seo Young-Hee, Son Na-Eun, Lee Tae-Ri, Park Min-Ji
27. The Flu
 | Release Date August 14, 2013 Director Kim Sung-Su Distributors iFilm Corp. Runtime 2 hrs 1 min |
The Flu is a 2013 South Korean disaster movie directed by Kim Sung-su and starring Jang Hyuk and Soo Ae. The story follows the outbreak of a deadly virus that spreads rapidly and threatens to cause a pandemic. The movie has received positive reviews for its intense action scenes and realistic portrayal of a virus outbreak.
- Cast: Jang Hyuk, Soo-Ae, Park Min-Ha
28. The Wailing
 | Release Date May 12, 2016 Director Na Hong-Jin Distributors 20th Century Fox Runtime 2 hrs 36 min |
The Wailing is a South Korean supernatural horror film released in 2016. The movie was directed by Na Hong-jin and stars Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, and Chun Woo-hee. The Wailing tells the story of a small village in South Korea that experiences a series of mysterious deaths and illnesses after the arrival of a stranger.
- Cast: Jun Kunimura, Hwang Jung-min, Kwak Do-won, Chun Woo-Hee
29. Zombie Crush in Heyri
 | Release Date June 30, 2021 Director Jang Hyun-Sang Network Gate6 Runtime 1 hrs 59 min |
Director Jang Hyun-sang’s new film, Zombie Crush: Hey Lee, is a film about daily life in a tumult by a zombie suddenly appearing one day, and the struggles of a three-woman room to protect the village. Jinseon, Hyuna, and Gayeon, decided to face this crisis. And a novice YouTuber and a coffee factory president add it.
- Cast: Gong Min-Jung, Lee Min-Ji, Sojin
30. The Neighbor Zombie
 | Release Date February 18, 2010 Director Oh Young-Doo, Ryu Hoon Network - Runtime 1 hrs 26 min |
In 2010, a Zombie virus is spreading all over the world including the uneasy but peaceful city of Seoul, South Korea. The government in Seoul now declares martial law, as they search for people effected by the virus and rid themselves of those persons. On the other side, civilians risk infection to hide and feed those affected, while looking for a vaccine.
- Cast: Ji-hun Bae, Yong-geun Bae, Eun-Jung Ha
Why Korean Zombie Movies Are Worth Watching?
Korean zombie movies are known for their unique storytelling, exceptional cinematography, and impressive special effects. Unlike Hollywood, Korean filmmakers focus more on the human element rather than just blood and gore. These movies have a perfect blend of suspense, horror, and emotional depth that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a die-hard zombie fan or just looking for a good scare, these movies and TV shows are sure to deliver. From heart-pumping action to emotional drama, these stories will keep you on the edge of your seat. So grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready to face the apocalypse!
