Top 13 Highest Rated Korean Horror Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

13 Novels

Horror ratings reflect how effectively novels create tension and dread. Korean horror webnovels approach fear differently than western horror, often incorporating supernatural elements drawn from Asian folklore and mythology.

Horror preferences are personal. What terrifies one reader might bore another. High ratings indicate effective horror for many readers, but check what specific elements reviewers found scary to see if they match what frightens you.

1
TOP PICK
Dungeon Defense
4.5
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: action, drama, ecchi
Do you know how this world ends? Become the hero and defeat the 72 Demon Lords.
First Impressions
Dungeon Defense is a web novel that certainly sparked a lot of strong opinions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a story about a protagonist who transmigrates into a game he's beaten, becoming the weakest demon lord, Dantalian. He has to use his wits and cunning to survive and rise in a world filled with scheming nobles and powerful enemies. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of an intelligent, manipulative main character in a fantasy setting is always appealing. The first volume seemed to set up a fascinating world of political intrigue and strategic battles, and I found...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work
4.8
(706 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
NOW HIRING — URGENT — Ghost Story Specialist Corporation Daydream Inc. (Ltd.
First Impressions
Okay, let's dive into "Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work." This web novel has been quite the ride, blending horror, comedy, and a healthy dose of office satire. I went in expecting a spooky adventure, and I definitely got that, but it was the unique blend of genres and the intriguing protagonist that really hooked me. Initially, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The premise seemed interesting enough – a guy gets thrown into ghost stories but still has to deal with the daily grind. It felt a bit like a supernatural SCP Foundation meets Dilbert, which is a weird combo, but it...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Necromancer Survival
4.3
(350 ratings)
Genre: adventure, drama, fantasy
Sometime after ‘Gates’ appeared in this world, humanity was divided into two: [User] and [ordinary human beings] . Lee-kyung was able to awaken into a user and choose a [Class] …but, in momentary misjudgement, chose to be a [Necromancer] , the worst of all classes.
First Impressions
I've been diving into the world of "Necromancer Survival," and I have to say, it's been quite a ride. With a solid 4.3/5 rating from a good number of voters, I was curious to see what all the buzz was about. It's definitely a web novel that carves out its own niche, and whether you love it or hate it seems to depend on what you're looking for in a story. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise: a seemingly ordinary guy, Choi Yikyung, thrust into a dangerous world of dungeons and rankers with the less-than-stellar class of Necromancer. The early chapters focus heavily on world-building, estab...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Villainous Husband, the One You’re Obsessed With is Over There
4.0
(194 ratings)
Genre: fantasy, horror, mature
I possessed the wife of the Emperor, the mad villain of a tragic novel. After a while, when the evil Emperor looks to be obsessed with the saint who appears, I will vanish as if I was never here at all.
First Impressions
"Villainous Husband, the One You’re Obsessed With is Over There" is a wild ride, to say the least. This novel plunges you into a world of arranged marriage, aristocracy, and a hefty dose of psychological thrills, seasoned with mature themes that definitely aren't for the faint of heart. It's a story that immediately grabs your attention, leaving you eager to see what kind of chaos unfolds. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a strong-willed female lead navigating a marriage with a truly unhinged villain. The intensity is palpable from the get-go, and I appreciated the sense of urgency ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
I Became The Necromancer Of The Academy
4.1
(244 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
Scream out. Awake and pour out the grudge left in you onto me.
First Impressions
"I Became The Necromancer Of The Academy" initially struck me as another run-of-the-mill academy novel, but I quickly realized it's something far more unique. It's a blend of genres, weaving together fantasy, horror, and mystery with a surprisingly thoughtful approach to its themes. The title and even the cover art might be misleading. I went in expecting a power fantasy, but what I found was a cerebral story focused on exorcism and helping spirits find peace. The protagonist isn't just raising the dead; he's more like a shaman, listening to their stories and easing their suffering. This immed...
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6
#6 PICK
Surviving as an Idiot in a Horror Game
4.1
(36 ratings)
Genre: adventure, drama, fantasy
I ended up getting possessed in the horror game I used to play with my brother. And not just any character, but April, a young lady who’s pretty-faced but has a pure, airheaded brain!
First Impressions
"Surviving as an Idiot in a Horror Game" is a title that definitely grabbed my attention, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered a decent following. The premise is intriguing: a protagonist, seemingly naive, transmigrates into a horror game world. Let's break down my experience. Initially, I was a bit skeptical about the "idiot" aspect. Often, these types of characters become frustrating. However, I quickly realized that while the MC acts oblivious, there's a definite intelligence at play. This duality is what makes the story so interesting. The European setting adds a layer of gothi...
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7
#7 PICK
Surviving Among the Entities
4.1
(51 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, harem
City’s extinction. Nation’s extinction.
First Impressions
"Surviving Among the Entities" is a wild ride, to say the least. It's a blend of SCP-esque horror, comedy, and a protagonist who's either profoundly enlightened or delightfully insane—maybe both. The premise, where the MC finds his world turned into a real-life SCP game, is immediately intriguing, and the story definitely leans into the weirdness. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise. The idea of a modern world colliding with SCP-like entities had me hooked, and I was eager to see how the protagonist would navigate this bizarre reality. The early chapters do a good job of setting th...
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8
#8 PICK
Ghost Story Club
4.3
(106 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
During the entrance ceremony, he was caught up in a strange phenomenon and died. 『Welcome to Nakseong High School that is full of mysteries and secrets.
First Impressions
"Ghost Story Club" is a wild ride of a web novel, blending genres like a caffeinated bartender mixes cocktails. It's got action, comedy, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, psychological elements, a dash of romance, school life shenanigans, and a whole lotta supernatural weirdness. Buckle up, because it's a packed house! Initially, I was intrigued by the premise – a high schooler chosen by a bizarre system to lead a "Ghost Story Club" and defeat a Demon King by completing quests based on ghost stories. It’s definitely a unique spin on the popular "system" genre. I can see why some readers might f...
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Conclusion

Horror is subjective. High ratings mean many readers found these scary, not that you will. Check what kind of horror each entry delivers before expecting specific scares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Dungeon Defense

First Impressions

Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work

First Impressions

Necromancer Survival

First Impressions

Villainous Husband, the One You’re Obsessed With is Over There

First Impressions

I Became The Necromancer Of The Academy

First Impressions

Surviving as an Idiot in a Horror Game

First Impressions