30 Best Korean Zombie Movies & Dramas You Must Watch

Image: Train to Busan (Asianwiki)

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!

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