5 Korean Movies You Should Watch on Netflix

Sometimes you just need those lazy days, where you can sit in bed all day and put on a movie while stuffing your face with snacks. Whether you are in the mood for something heartfelt, thrilling, or coming of age, Korean cinema on Netflix has you covered. Here is a short list of films for anyone who is not quite sure what to watch yet.

Train to Busan

Widely known and recognized far beyond Korean audiences, Train to Busan became a global hit on Netflix and remains one of the most accessible entry points to Korean cinema. Featuring Gong Yoo, the film takes the zombie story to a whole new level as a group of strangers and family members on a KTX train fight to escape an infected country. Through losses and unexpected bonds, new connections are forged in the carriages. Full of tension yet surprisingly tender, it is perfect for viewers who enjoy thrillers with real emotional weight.

Seoul Searching

Perfect for anyone who loves a good coming of age story, Seoul Searching follows the story of Korean teenagers trying to find themselves and their roots. All born outside of Korea, these teens meet up for a summer camp that is supposed to help them connect to their heritage. Along the way they find love, friendship, and learn things about their culture they did not realize mattered to them. Set in 1986 and inspired by director Benson Lee's own experience, the film captures the messy, funny, bittersweet side of diaspora identity.

The Tunnel

What would you do if you got trapped in a collapsing tunnel? In The Tunnel, Lee Jung-soo is on his way home for his daughter's birthday when the tunnel he is driving through collapses. His car gets buried under concrete and debris, and he is left trying to survive with only a birthday cake, a couple of bottles of water, and a cellphone with a fading signal. He connects with the rescue team leader on the outside and tries to hold on as days drag into weeks. It is a tense disaster drama that also turns into a quiet critique of media circus culture.

Okja

Okja is a good movie for anyone who loves animals, or anyone who just loves Bong Joon-ho. The film follows the story of a young girl, Mija, who has formed a deep bond with a breed of super pig raised by a corporation in the Korean mountains. When the company comes to take her beloved Okja away, Mija realizes she loves her too much to let it happen, and she sets off on a journey from rural Korea all the way to New York to bring her home. It is funny, action packed, and quietly devastating. Keep a box of tissues nearby for this one.

How to Steal a Dog

Young kids can do a lot of things that may trouble their parents, but at least they usually have the best intentions. How to Steal a Dog is the story of a homeless girl named Ji-so who is living in a van with her mom and little brother and desperately wants a real home. Hoping to help her family afford a place to live, she comes up with a plan to steal a wealthy woman's dog and collect the reward. Of course, the plan ends up being much bigger than she bargained for, but the journey turns out to be worth it in the end.

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These are just a few of the most accessible Korean films to dip into on Netflix. There are plenty more to explore, but this is a great place to start. With all five streaming in one place, it is a perfect way to begin a relaxing break from real life. What Korean movies would you recommend to someone who just wants to spend a whole day in bed? Drop your favorites in the comments and help build out the list.

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