Park Ji-hu, left, in a scene from 'All Of Us Are Dead.' Photo courtesy of NetflixThe zombie horror genre has been around for decades, but in recent years, it has found fresh energy in South Korea. This wave in Korean zombie media can be traced back to the box office success of the 2016 film “Train to Busan,” which centers on the survival of passengers aboard a high-speed train from Seoul to the southern city of Busan during a zombie apocalypse.

Since then, Korean zombie narratives have flourished in both the big and small screens, captivating even international audiences with not only intense, fast-moving undead but also heartwarming stories woven into the chaos. If you’re planning to take a thrilling dive into the genre, we’ve assembled a list of must-watch Korean zombie titles.

Train to Busan (2016)

Starring: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), Kim Su-an, Choi Woo-shik, Ahn So-hee

Often regarded as the title that ignited a wave of Korean zombie horror, Yeon Sang-ho’s “Train to Busan” combines an emotional narrative of family and human connection with social commentary and edge-of-your-seat thrills. The film follows a group of passengers fighting for survival during a zombie apocalypse aboard a high-speed train — a setting that creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere.

Seoul Station (2016)

Starring: Ryu Seung-ryong, Shim Eun-kyung, Lee Joon

The second installment in the “Train to Busan” series, this animated prequel, also written and directed by Yeon explores the beginnings of the zombie outbreak in Korea, focusing on several people fighting to survive the initial wave of chaos as the outbreak spreads through downtown Seoul.

Rampant (2018)

Starring: Hyun Bin, Jang Dong-gun, Seo Ji-hye

In a fresh approach that takes the zombie genre back to Korea’s Joseon dynasty, “Rampant” follows an exiled prince, portrayed by “Crash Landing On You” star Hyun Bin, who returns to his kingdom only to discover it overrun by deadly creatures.

Kingdom (2019)

Starring: Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong    

Blending political drama and horror, “Kingdom” is set in the Joseon era and revolves around a crown prince, played by Ju Ji-hoon, as he investigates a mysterious illness. His quest leads him to confront a devastating zombie plague that threatens to engulf the entire kingdom. 

Peninsula (2020)

Starring: Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun, Kwon Hae-hyo

Serving as a sequel to “Train to Busan” and the third installment to its series, “Peninsula” follows a soldier and his team as they return to the zombie-ravaged Korean peninsula to retrieve a stash of money.

#Alive (2020)

Starring: Yoo Ah-in, Park Shin-hye

Happiness (2021)

Starring: Han Hyo-joo, Park Hyung-sik, Jo Woo-jin

In this thriller series, a high-rise apartment is locked down after a deadly infectious disease outbreak transforms the infected into bloodthirsty zombies. The residents must fight to survive while grappling with fear and mistrust within their own walls.

All of Us Are Dead (2022)

Starring: Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon

Touching on themes of bullying and youth pressures, “All of Us Are Dead” is set in the fictional city of Hyosan, where a high school becomes ground zero for a zombie virus outbreak, triggered by a science teacher’s experiment.

READ: How ‘All Of Us Are Dead’ is different from other zombie content

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