Let’s be real—K-dramas are usually all about heart-fluttering romances, tearjerking moments, and second-lead syndrome heartbreaks. But sometimes, we need a little thrill, a few spine-chilling moments, and maybe even a ghostly romance. Lucky for us, Korean dramas don’t just excel in rom-coms—they also serve up some of the most unforgettable horror stories that keep us hooked from episode one.
If you’re in the mood for something spooky but still packed with gripping plots, lovable characters, and just the right amount of drama, these four horror-themed K-dramas are perfect for your next binge-watch session.
1. Bring It On, Ghost – A Ghostly Love Story You Didn’t Know You Needed
Ghosts? Check. Comedy? Check. Unexpected romance? Double check!
Released in 2016, Bring It On, Ghost is a fun mix of horror, action, and heartwarming romance starring TaecYeon (from 2PM) and Kim So Hyun. The story follows Park Bong Pal, a college student who has a rather… unique side hustle—exorcising ghosts!
Sounds cool, right? Well, it gets even better when he meets Hyun Ji, a wandering spirit who’s been stuck on Earth for years. What starts as a love-hate relationship quickly turns into an unexpected partnership, with Bong Pal helping restless spirits move on while uncovering Hyun Ji’s mysterious past.
✨ Why you’ll love it:
- It’s a perfect mix of spooky and sweet.
- TaecYeon and Kim So Hyun’s chemistry is super fun to watch!
- There’s plenty of action, but also some emotional moments that will catch you off guard.
📺 Where to watch: Available on Netflix and Viu.
2. Hotel del Luna – Ghostly Guests and a Love That Defies Time
Imagine a hotel that only serves ghosts. Sounds eerie? Well, Hotel del Luna makes it look stunningly beautiful!
This 2019 drama features the iconic IU as Jang Man Wol, a cursed woman who has been running a mystical hotel for centuries. By day, the building appears abandoned, but by night, it transforms into a luxurious resting place for wandering spirits.
Enter Go Chan Sung (Yeo Jin Goo), a logical, no-nonsense hotel manager who somehow gets roped into working at Hotel del Luna. As he starts to uncover the tragic past behind Man Wol’s curse, their relationship grows in unexpected ways.
✨ Why you’ll love it:
- Visually stunning. Every scene looks like a painting!
- IU’s wardrobe is straight-up fashion goals.
- The mix of romance, mystery, and ghostly encounters will keep you hooked.
📺 Where to watch: Available on Viu and iQIYI.
3. Kingdom – Zombies, Betrayal, and a Fight for Survival
If you think zombies are terrifying, wait until you see them in sageuk (historical drama) fashion. Kingdom is easily one of the most intense K-dramas out there, blending political drama with full-blown zombie horror.
Set in Korea’s Joseon era, the story follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji Hoon), who discovers that his supposedly sick father, the King, has turned into a flesh-eating monster. As the mysterious plague spreads across the land, Lee Chang must fight both the undead and corrupt politicians trying to seize the throne.
✨ Why you’ll love it:
- The zombies are fast. Like, terrifyingly fast.
- The political intrigue adds so much depth to the horror.
- The cinematography is breathtaking—epic battle scenes, eerie landscapes, and stunning costumes.
📺 Where to watch: Available on Netflix.
4. Light Shop – A Mystery That Will Keep You Guessing
If you’re looking for something new and seriously eerie, Light Shop should be on your radar. Released in late 2024, this drama takes horror storytelling to another level.
The story centers around Jung Won Young (Ju Ji Hoon), a mysterious man who runs a small lamp shop in a hidden alleyway. But there’s a twist—the shop only appears to people who are on the brink of death. As lost souls come seeking light, each episode reveals a chilling story behind their fates.
✨ Why you’ll love it:
- Every episode is packed with emotional, thought-provoking horror.
- The setting is dark, mysterious, and visually stunning.
- It’s not just scary—it’s deeply moving.
📺 Where to watch: Stay tuned for streaming platform availability.
Which One Will You Watch First?
Whether you love supernatural romance, historical horror, or psychological thrillers, these K-dramas offer the perfect mix of chills and thrills. So grab your snacks, turn off the lights (or maybe keep them on 😆), and get ready for some seriously haunting storytelling.
Which one are you most excited to watch? Let’s talk in the comments! 👻🎬