2026: The year of Korean Horror movies: From The Shrine to Salmokji - All you need to know

2026 has quickly become the year when Korean horror reigns supreme across the globe! Filmmakers have made sure to venture deep into occult frights, psychological thrillers, and supernatural chaos. With haunted shrines, cursed reservoirs, infection-ridden quarantine areas, and disturbing necromancy rites, Korean movies are taking over the big screens.


While several movies have already released, others have been scheduled to come out later this eyar. Among the genre's new offerings are those based on Korean mythology and shamanism, as well as urban legends and survival horror films. Let's have a look at the horror year of 2026.

Release date: April 2026 (Currently in theaters)

Plot: One of the biggest Korean horror hits of the year, Salmokji: Whispering Water revolves around a film crew shooting near a reservoir after a mysterious figure is spotted on Street View. What begins as a chilling mystery soon spirals into horrifying supernatural encounters, turning the atmospheric occult thriller into a breakout box-office success.

Release date: June 17, 2026

Plot: Directed by Kazuyoshi Kumakiri, this supernatural occult horror film follows three Korean college students who mysteriously vanish while exploring an abandoned shrine in Kobe, Japan. The story centers on Myung-jin, an enigmatic male shaman played by Kim Jae-joong, who travels to Kobe alongside former classmate Yoo-mi, played by Kong Sung-ha, to rescue the missing students from a terrifying evil spirit haunting the shrine.

Release date: August 6, 2026

Plot: After premiering at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival,The Ghost Gameofficially arrived in theaters with a terrifying premise. The film follows a group of students who stage a necromancy ritual to locate a missing girl, only to accidentally summon real supernatural horrors.


Release date: Spring 2026

Plot: This terrifying eight-episode supernatural horror series has rapidly become one of the most-watched Korean streaming titles worldwide. Packed with dark supernatural themes and psychological terror, the series has dominated online conversations throughout 2026.

Release date: Upcoming

Plot: One of the most anticipated fantasy-horror projects currently in development, Revenge Ghost tells the story of a vengeful spirit who joins forces with a 400-year-old goblin to save her brother. The project blends emotional fantasy with supernatural horror elements, making it one of the most unique upcoming Korean releases.

Release Date: 2026

Plot: Continuing the popular franchise's dark mythology, The Witch: Part 3 blends science-fiction horror with supernatural lore as it follows the journey of Shin Si-ah’s character. The film remains one of the most anticipated Korean horror releases of the year.

Release date: 2026

Plot: Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, this action-horror thriller stars Jun Ji-hyun and Koo Kyo-hwan. The story follows isolated survivors trapped inside a quarantine building while fighting against a rapidly evolving infection. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival ahead of its theatrical release.


Release date: January 28, 2026

Plot: Starring Jung Ji-so, Lee Soo-hyuk, and Cha Joo-young, Sister explores psychological terror through a dark thriller packed with suspense, emotional trauma, and chilling twists.

Release date: February 17, 2026

Plot: This urban-legend horror film follows a YouTuber desperate for content who investigates a terrifying subway myth. However, the search for viral fame soon turns deadly as the haunting begins to feel horrifyingly real.