Salmokji: Whispering Water becomes South Korea's all-time most-watched horror film, surpassing 3 million viewers

Salmokji: Whispering Water, a supernatural horror film, has officially recorded a new landmark as South Korea’s most-watched horror film of all time, reaching 3.17 million admissions. According to data from the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) as of 20 May 2026, the achievement overtakes the long-standing record held for 23 years. The film added 90,972 viewers over the past weekend, bringing its total to 3.17 million and surpassing A Tale of Two Sisters (2003), which had accumulated 3.14 million viewers, as well as passing Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum.

The film stars Kim Hye-yoon as Soo-in, the leader of a film crew. The story follows the crew’s struggle as they become trapped in a mysterious swamp terror at a remote location. Notably, filming took place on location at Salmokji Dam in Yesan County, South Chungcheong Province, an area locals regard as haunted.

Director Lee Sang-min expressed heartfelt emotion and gratitude for the success of his feature debut. He admitted feeling pressured and afraid when the film was first released to the public. “There were so many concerns after release about how audiences would receive it, and to be honest I was very afraid. Even when Salmokji: Whispering Water received a lot of love after release, I remained tense,” said Lee Sang-min. He added that the sense of relief only emerged in the second week of screening. “Now I feel more than simply relieved; I feel incredibly grateful,” he concluded.

Critics view Salmokji’s success as a marker of a new generation’s revival in South Korean horror, capable of blending local urban legends with strong acting synergy.