The Korean horror film "Salmokji," directed by Lee Sang-min, has become the second highest-grossing horror film in South Korean history [1].

This achievement marks a significant shift in the domestic horror market, demonstrating a renewed appetite for high-tension genre cinema among South Korean audiences. The film's success suggests that word-of-mouth and strong audience interest can still propel local horror titles to massive commercial heights.

According to data from the Korean Film Council, the film reached a major milestone on April 27, 2026 [2]. While early reports indicated the movie had surpassed 2 million moviegoers [2], more recent figures show the film has surpassed 3 million admissions [3].

By crossing this threshold, "Salmokji" has overtaken "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" to claim the second-place spot for the highest-grossing Korean horror film [1]. The rise in ticket sales is attributed to positive word-of-mouth and a general trend of strong interest in the horror genre [1, 2].

The film's trajectory highlights the volatility and potential of the local box office, where niche genres can occasionally achieve mainstream dominance. As it continues its run, industry observers are monitoring whether it can climb further in the all-time rankings for the genre [1].

“"Salmokji" has become the second highest-grossing horror film in South Korean history”

The commercial success of "Salmokji" indicates a strong recovery and growth for the South Korean horror genre. By surpassing the 3 million admission mark and overtaking a previous staple like "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum," the film proves that local audiences are increasingly receptive to high-concept horror, potentially encouraging studios to invest more heavily in the genre.