South Korea offers a distinctive backdrop for filmmaking with its vibrant cityscapes, grand mountain ranges, and ancient villages. To experience Korean culture, history, and societal norms without leaving your house, consider watching these five movies as they transform your living room into an immersive journey through the country.

Eager to explore South Korea? Consider this: some pieces to assist you with planning out your trip:

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• What exactly is soju, the national beverage of South Korea?
• These 16 UNESCO-designated locations are truly remarkable cultural and natural treasures to explore in South Korea.
• The loveliest trails and walks to discover South Korea

Parasite (2019)

Parasite , which claimed four Academy Awards and the Palme d'Or at Cannes, offers a compelling dive into the urban landscape of Seoul. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this movie stands out for highlighting the stark social disparities within South Korea’s capital city. As we follow a struggling family trying to worm their way into the household of a privileged clan, we uncover two contrasting facets of Seoul: on one side, impoverished areas prone to flooding with minimal precipitation; on the other, the quiet opulence of an affluent class detached from societal issues faced by many Koreans.

The director masterfully portrays Korean society, revealing every aspect of this East Asian nation. Through impeccable artistry, the movie takes viewers on an immersive trip through Korea. true South Korea .

Burning (2018)

For an entirely distinct motif, Lee Chang-dong's Burning is a psychological thriller that provides a reflective and enigmatic ambiance as it moves from Seoul to plunge you deeply into the countryside of Korea.

The movie centers around a budding author who encounters a perplexing individual; this person’s affluence and unsettling actions spark numerous queries. Utilizing extensive views of desolate farmlands and entrancing twilight scenes, the filmmaker guides viewers through a realm wherein the quietude and expansiveness of the settings amplify the protagonists' feelings of isolation and doubt. Herein lies the essence of Korea’s pastoral region: tranquil country vistas enveloped in an aura both mystifying and personal.

Last Train to Busan (2016)

Last Train to Busan , helmed by Yeon Sang-ho, propels you through a chaotic journey from Seoul to the coastal city of Busan. This prominent success within South Korean film industry thrusts viewers into an apocalyptic landscape overrun by zombies, where travelers must fight for survival on a speeding train transformed into a gruesome battleground.

Apart from the stunning violent scenes, the movie offers an exploration of various aspects of the nation: bustling modern cities and quaint, old-fashioned railway hubs. This gripping film also provides a look at the coastal city of Busan, all while delving into weighty issues like social inequality and moral decay.

The Handmaiden (2016)

Park Chan-wook's masterpiece, The Handmaiden is an aesthetically driven voyage through time set in Japanese-occupied Korea during the 1930s. The storyline draws inspiration from Sarah Waters' British novel. Fingersmith is moved to an era where Japanese elements would interweave with the architecture, attire, and culture of Korea .

In the narrative involving a servant and an heiress entangled in a web of manipulation and longing, the movie highlights its lavish scenery, featuring well-maintained gardens and sophisticated interiors reminiscent of grand aristocratic abodes. Absolutely worth viewing!

Little Forest (2018)

Little Forest provides a refreshing escape from the fast-paced urban environment. The movie centers around a young lady who departs from Seoul to revisit her hometown. This serene film explores the straightforward lifestyle in rural Korea, where nature’s rhythm dictates activities like farming and preparing meals. Through gentle, lyrical shots, the cinematography depicts various seasonal changes—from snowy vistas in winter to lush, colorful scenes in spring and bountiful yields during late summer.

Beyond serving as an authentic tribute to the straightforward lifestyle, Little Forest offers an immersive experience into traditional Korean cuisine, where every meal is crafted with affection and attention. If you enjoy thoughtful movies, Little Forest is indeed an extraordinary filmic adventure.