12 Extraordinary Movies Set In South Korea That Will Inspire You To Visit!

South Korea has a lot to offer to both national and international filmmakers. The country has both modern cityscapes, along with spectacular history and ancient architecture. It is also well known for its stunning landscapes, delicious food, and rich culture. So it will come as no surprise that there are so many wonderful movies set in South Korea.

South Korea is a small but mighty country located in East Asia. From its bustling cities to its stunning natural landscapes, South Korea has something to offer everyone. Its rich culture and history make it a unique and fascinating destination that is definitely worth a visit.

One of the things that make South Korean culture so special is its rich film industry. The country has produced some of the most innovative and exciting films in recent years and has given rise to many talented directors who have managed to capture the essence of South Korean life and culture on screen.

Some of the best directors in South Korea include Bong Joon-ho, Park Chan-wook, and Kim Ki-duk, all of whom have achieved international acclaim for their thought-provoking and visually stunning films. From psychological thrillers to heartwarming dramas, these directors have created a diverse range of films that showcase the many facets of South Korean life and culture.

If you’re looking to get a taste of South Korea from the comfort of your own home, these films are a great way to do it. Shortly to follow is a list of the best films set in South Korea that will transport you to this fascinating country and give you a glimpse into its captivating culture.

These films often rely on the setting as much as the main characters, giving viewers an authentic and unique perspective of the location. This concept of cinematic travel can be applied to other destinations as well. For example, by watching movies that were shot in the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Barcelona, Central America, or even the USA, you can gain insight into the culture, history, and landscapes of these places, and get ideas for your future travel plans.

Wondering where to watch? It depends on where you live in the world and which streaming services you have. We link to the streaming service we watch on in each case - be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, or elsewhere.

You can get one month free of Amazon Prime (or a 6-month trial for students) of Amazon Prime and also get immediate access to FREE Two Day shipping, Amazon Video, and Music. While you won't be charged for your free trial, you'll be upgraded to a paid membership plan automatically at the end of the trial period - though if you have already binged all these, you could just cancel before the trial ends.

Apple TV+ also has a one-week trial, and Hulu has a one-month trial (which can be bundled with Disney!). Another option might be using a VPN to access Netflix titles locked to other regions. Netflix is now available in more than 190 countries worldwide and each country has a different library and availability. US Netflix is (understandably) one of the best. 

While we wish everything could just be in one place - for now, it seems these are the best streaming platforms to watch on.

Oldboy [올드보이] (2003)

Oldboy is a South Korean psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Choi Min-sik. The film tells the story of Oh Dae-su, who is abducted and imprisoned in a shabby hotel room for 15 years without any explanation.

When he is suddenly released, he embarks on a mission to find out who imprisoned him and why. The film is set in Seoul, South Korea, and features several iconic landmarks, including the Namsan Tower, which is shown prominently in the film. 

Oldboy received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and is considered by many to be one of the best South Korean films of all time. The film won the Grand Prize at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and has since gained a cult following.

Critics praised the film’s plot, which is full of twists and turns, as well as the acting by Choi Min-sik and the direction by Park Chan-wook. The film’s cinematography, art direction, and use of music were also praised.

Many critics also praised the film’s themes, which explore the nature of revenge, identity, and the psychological effects of isolation. The film’s intense and violent scenes also contributed to its overall dark and disturbing tone.

Oldboy is a compelling and thought-provoking film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its audience. It is considered to be a classic of South Korean cinema and is highly regarded by both critics and audiences alike.

The Handmaiden [아가씨] (2016)

The Handmaiden is a South Korean psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Kim Min-hee and Ha Jung-woo. The film is set in a beautiful and lavish mansion in the countryside of Korea and features several iconic landmarks, such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. 

Set in 1930s Korea during the Japanese occupation, the film tells the story of Sook-hee, a pickpocket who is hired to serve as the handmaiden to a wealthy Japanese heiress named Lady Hideko. The film is set in a beautiful and lavish mansion in the countryside of Korea and features several iconic landmarks, such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. 

However, Sook-hee is secretly working with a con man named Count Fujiwara, who is trying to marry Lady Hideko to gain access to her fortune. As Sook-hee begins to develop feelings for Lady Hideko, she becomes torn between her loyalty to the count and her growing love for her mistress. 

The film received critical acclaim upon its release and has since gained a cult following. The film’s plot is full of twists and turns, and the acting by Kim Min-hee and Ha Jung-woo is exceptional. The film also features some steamy and controversial scenes, which contribute to its overall sensual and provocative tone.

The Handmaiden is a stylish and sexually charged film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its audience. It is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and foreign cinema.

Memories of Murder [살인의 추억] (2003)

Memories of Murder is a highly acclaimed South Korean crime drama film directed by Bong Joon-ho, known for his critically acclaimed films such as Parasite and Snowpiercer. The film stars Song Kang-ho, a renowned actor in South Korean cinema, who delivers an outstanding performance as detective Park Doo-man.

The film is based on the true story of the first serial killer case in South Korea and follows detective Park as he investigates a series of murders in a small village in the countryside. As the investigation progresses, Park and his team struggle to solve the case due to a lack of leads and of modern forensic techniques. The film also explores themes of corruption and the impact of the rapidly modernizing society on rural life.

In addition to its engaging plot and strong performances, the film boasts impressive cinematography and a tense and suspenseful score. The film’s intense and violent scenes contribute to its overall dark and disturbing tone.

Memories of Murder is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and foreign cinema. Its compelling plot and strong performances make it a standout film in the genre. Don’t miss this opportunity to watch one of Bong Joon-ho’s earliest works and see the director’s style and themes in their formative stages.

Parasite [기생충] (2019)

Parasite is a critically acclaimed South Korean film directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film follows the story of the impoverished Kim family, who hatch a plan to infiltrate the wealthy Park family by posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals. The Kim family members gradually take over various roles within the Park household, including tutoring, art therapy, and chauffeuring, while keeping their true identities hidden.

As the two families’ lives become intertwined, a series of unexpected events and revelations threaten to expose the Kims’ deception and unravel their carefully constructed facade. The film explores themes of class struggle, greed, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Parasite was a massive success both commercially and critically, winning numerous awards including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and becoming the first South Korean film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. The film also won awards for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.

The film was shot in various locations around South Korea, including the capital city of Seoul. The Park family’s luxurious modernist home, which plays a prominent role in the film, was filmed at a real-life residence in the affluent Gangnam District.

The film features a talented cast, including Song Kang-ho as the patriarch of the Kim family and Lee Sun-kyun as the head of the Park family. Parasite is a unique and thought-provoking film that has captured the attention of audiences around the world and solidified Bong Joon-ho’s reputation as a master filmmaker.

I Saw the Devil [악마를 보았다] (2010)

I Saw the Devil is a South Korean psychological thriller directed by Kim Jee-woon. The film follows the story of Kim Soo-hyeon (Lee Byung-hun), a special agent whose pregnant fiancée is brutally murdered by a serial killer. Determined to track down and exact revenge on the perpetrator, Kim embarks on a violent and relentless pursuit of the killer, Jang Kyung-chul (Choi Min-sik).

As the two men engage in a brutal cat-and-mouse game, the line between hunter and prey begins to blur, and Kim becomes increasingly consumed by his own thirst for vengeance. The film explores themes of justice, morality, and the destructive nature of grief and hatred.

I Saw the Devil was a commercial and critical success in South Korea and received numerous awards, including Best Film at the 2010 Asian Film Awards and Best Director at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. The film also received praise for its intense and graphic action scenes, as well as the performances of its lead actors.

The film was shot in various locations around South Korea, including the capital city of Seoul and the city of Gyeongju. The film features a talented cast, including Lee Byung-hun as the vengeful special agent and Choi Min-sik as the ruthless serial killer. I Saw the Devil is a gripping and suspenseful film that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The Wailing [곡성] (2016)

The Wailing is a South Korean horror film directed by Na Hong-jin. The film follows the story of Jong-goo (Kwak Do-won), a rural police officer whose daughter becomes infected by a mysterious illness that causes her to behave violently and exhibit bizarre physical symptoms.

As Jong-goo investigates the source of the illness, he uncovers a series of strange occurrences and a possible connection to a Japanese man who has recently arrived in the village.

As Jong-goo delves deeper into the mystery, he becomes caught in a web of supernatural forces and ancient curses that threaten the safety of his family and the entire village. The film explores themes of faith, tradition, and the dangers of superstition.

The Wailing was a critical and commercial success in South Korea and received numerous awards, including Best Film at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Best Director at the Grand Bell Awards. The film also received praise for its atmosphere of creeping dread and its evocative use of imagery and folklore.

The film was shot in the village of Hwaam-dong in the province of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The film features a talented cast, including Kwak Do-won as the desperate father and Hwang Jung-min as the mysterious Japanese man. The Wailing is a suspenseful and atmospheric film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on horror fans.

Train to Busan [부산행] (2016)

Train to Busan is a 2016 South Korean horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The film follows the story of Seok-woo (Gong Yoo), a workaholic father who is taking his young daughter Su-an (Kim Su-an) to visit her mother in the city of Busan on a high-speed train. As the train makes its way across the country, a zombie outbreak occurs and the passengers are forced to fight for their lives against hordes of the undead.

As Seok-woo and Su-an struggle to survive and find a way off the train, they encounter a diverse group of fellow travelers, including a baseball player, a homeless man, and a pregnant woman, who must rely on each other and their own resourcefulness to stay alive. The film explores themes of family, survival, and the bonds of humanity in the face of crisis.

Train to Busan was a massive commercial and critical success in South Korea and received numerous awards, including the Award for Best Film at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Award for Best Actor at the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards for Gong Yoo’s performance. The film also received praise for its intense action scenes and its effective use of zombie tropes.

The film was shot on location in various cities and towns in South Korea, including the capital city of Seoul and the city of Busan. Train to Busan is a thrilling and suspenseful film that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring [봄 여름 가을 겨울 그리고 봄] (2004)

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring is a South Korean drama film directed by Kim Ki-duk. The film follows the story of a young monk and his mentor who live in a small floating temple on a lake in the mountains of South Korea. The film is structured around the five seasons of the year and depicts the monk’s life as he progresses through different stages of enlightenment, from childhood to old age.

Throughout the film, the monk grapples with his own desires and temptations as he strives to live a life of purity and compassion. The film explores themes of solitude, spirituality, and the cyclical nature of life.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring was a critical and commercial success in South Korea and received numerous awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the Deauville Asian Film Festival. The film also received praise for its beautiful cinematography and its meditative and philosophical themes.

The film was shot on location at the beautiful Jusan Pond in the province of Gangwon-do, South Korea. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring is a contemplative and moving film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Peppermint Candy [박하사탕] (2000)

Peppermint Candy is a South Korean drama film directed by Lee Chang-dong. The film tells the story of Young-ho (Sol Kyung-gu), a middle-aged man who is haunted by the events of his past and struggles to come to terms with his own guilt and regrets.

The film is structured as a series of flashbacks that trace Young-ho’s life from his youth to the present day, revealing the series of events that shaped him into the troubled and troubled man he is today. Throughout the film, Young-ho grapples with his own demons and tries to find redemption for his past mistakes. The film explores themes of regret, forgiveness, and the destructive power of guilt.

Peppermint Candy was a critical and commercial success in South Korea and received numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Busan International Film Festival and the Award for Best Actor at the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards. The film also received praise for its emotionally powerful performances and its poignant portrayal of one man’s journey toward redemption.

The film was shot in various locations around South Korea, including the capital city of Seoul and the city of Incheon. The film features a talented cast, including Sol Kyung-gu as the troubled Young-ho and Moon So-ri as his long-suffering wife. Peppermint Candy is a moving and thought-provoking film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Secret Sunshine [밀양] (2007)

Secret Sunshine is a South Korean drama film directed by Lee Chang-dong. The film tells the story of Shin-ae (Jeon Do-yeon), a widowed woman who moves to the small town of Miryang with her young son in an attempt to start a new life.

As Shin-ae struggles to adjust to her new surroundings and cope with her grief, she becomes embroiled in a series of complex and emotionally charged relationships with the people around her, including a former piano prodigy turned mechanic and a charismatic pastor.

The film explores themes of grief, faith, and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Secret Sunshine was a critical and commercial success in South Korea and received numerous awards, including the Award for Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for Jeon Do-yeon’s powerful performance. The film also received praise for its nuanced portrayal of complex and fully realized characters.

The film was shot in the small town of Miryang in the province of Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. Secret Sunshine is a poignant and emotionally powerful film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

The Day He Arrives [북촌 방향] (2011)

The Day He Arrives is a South Korean drama film directed by Hong Sang-soo. The film tells the story of Young-ho (Yu Jun-sang), a filmmaker who returns to Seoul after a long absence and reconnects with old friends and colleagues. As Young-ho wanders the city and revisits familiar places, he becomes caught in a series of seemingly endless repetitions and encounters with the same people and events.

The film explores themes of memory, identity, and the cyclical nature of life. The Day He Arrives was a critical and commercial success in South Korea and received numerous awards, including the New Currents Award at the Busan International Film Festival and the Award for Best Actor at the Korean Association of Film Critics’ Awards for Yu Jun-sang’s performance. The film also received praise for its clever and unconventional structure and its thoughtful exploration of the human experience.

The film was shot in various locations around Seoul, South Korea, including the neighborhoods of Seodaemun and Mapo. The Day He Arrives is a unique and thought-provoking film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Our Sunhi [우리 선희] (2015)

Our Sunhi is a 2015 South Korean drama film directed by Hong Sang-soo. The film tells the story of Sunhi (Jung Yumi), a young woman who returns to her hometown of Seoul after completing her studies abroad. As Sunhi reconnects with old friends and mentors, she becomes caught in a complex web of romantic entanglements and conflicting feelings.

The film explores themes of love, identity, and the search for meaning in life. Our Sunhi was a critical and commercial success in South Korea and received numerous awards, including the Award for Best Actress at the Korean Association of Film Critics’ Awards for Jung Yumi’s performance. The film also received praise for its realistic portrayal of relationships and its nuanced exploration of human emotions.

The film was shot in various locations around Seoul, South Korea, including the neighborhoods of Seodaemun and Mapo. The film features a talented cast, including Jung Yumi as the protagonist Sunhi and Lee Sun-kyun as one of her former mentors. Our Sunhi is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.