Top 17 Highest Rated Korean Horror Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

17 Novels

Korean horror novels draw on both Western and East Asian horror traditions while developing their own style. There's often more emphasis on survival horror scenarios, with protagonists facing supernatural threats in contained settings like towers, dungeons, or games. System elements sometimes appear even in horror contexts.

The 4+ rating filter ensures these novels successfully created fear or tension. Korean horror web novels blend the genre with action or survival elements more often than pure atmospheric horror. If you want horror that includes protagonist agency and possible escape routes, this category often delivers that.

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
How a Nuisance Character Survives in a Horror Game
4.4
(67 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
Unfortunately, I was reincarnated as a nuisance character in a horror game. I have one goal.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into "How a Nuisance Character Survives in a Horror Game." I've been following this one for a bit, and it's definitely a wild ride. The premise alone grabbed my attention, and after reading a good chunk of it, I have some thoughts. The initial hook is strong. Our female lead, Evelin, gets thrust into a horror game she remembers from a past life, "A Child's Secret," and it's notorious for being ridiculously difficult. The system that pops up, forbidding her from revealing the truth, immediately sets the stage for a tense and often hilarious struggle. Her desperate attempts t...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
My Possession Became a Ghost Story
4.4
(103 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, horror
‘Anyhow … I think I transmigrated into a romance fantasy novel. ’ The problem is—I opened my eyes in a wake room.
First Impressions
"My Possession Became a Ghost Story" is one of those stories that grabs you from the very first chapter with its unique blend of comedy, horror, and mystery. The premise alone is enough to pique anyone's interest: a protagonist who wakes up in a coffin, convinced she's been transmigrated into a romance fantasy novel. What could possibly go wrong? Honestly, my first impression was, "This is bonkers, and I'm here for it!" The contrast between the MC's internal monologue and the reactions of those around her is pure comedic gold. She's busy assigning everyone roles in her imagined romance plot, w...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
I Became A Ghost In A Horror Game.
4.6
(200 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I became a ghost in the horror game [Mystery Exploration Club ~Summer Vacation Nightmare~]. Give me back my body.
First Impressions
This web novel, "I Became A Ghost In A Horror Game," has been quite the ride! With a solid 4.6/5 rating, I was eager to dive in, and I wasn't disappointed. It blends action, adventure, comedy, and horror in a way that feels surprisingly fresh, even with the well-trodden transmigration premise. The initial hook is strong. We're thrown into a horror game with a male protagonist who's become a female ghost. It's a gender-bending body swap with a twist of the supernatural. I appreciated how quickly the story deviated from the typical "I won't change the plot" trope. The MC's conscience kicks in ea...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Seoul Object Story
4.5
(251 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Humans, once the masters of Earth, were losing their place to the inexplicable phenomena known as Objects. And this is a story about becoming an Object and living worry-free in the Seoul of such a world.
First Impressions
"Seoul Object Story" is a wild ride. It's a blend of genres that I wasn't sure would work together, but somehow, it really does. It's got action, adventure, comedy, fantasy, and a healthy dose of the supernatural, all wrapped up in a unique package. The premise alone is enough to grab your attention: a researcher, caught in a terrorist attack, wishes to be reborn as one of the mysterious "Objects" that now dominate the world. And she gets her wish. The initial chapters can be a bit disorienting, as you're thrown headfirst into a world with its own established rules and hierarchies. It's a bit ...
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8
#8 PICK
Suddenly, I Became a Slime
4.4
(142 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
ACCESS DENIED: You do not have permission to view this level of information One office worker finds himself in the wrong at the wrong time and fuses with one such anomaly. When he wakes up, he finds himself in the sewers transformed into a slime girl.
First Impressions
"Suddenly, I Became a Slime" definitely grabbed my attention with its quirky premise. A gender-bender, SCP-inspired tale with a slime protagonist? I was intrigued, to say the least. After diving in, I can see why it has a dedicated following, but also where some readers might find themselves bouncing off. The initial chapters definitely set a unique tone. We're thrown into the perspective of an office worker who becomes... well, a slime girl. The story has elements of mystery with the SCP-like foundation that feels reminiscent of Lobotomy Corporation. It feels a bit bizarre, and the MC's initi...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
I Couldn’t Tell You Who It Was
4.2
(62 ratings)
Genre: adult, drama, horror
Inspired by the rumored house from the urban legends, the goal of the TV show is to find the “true exit” and escape the house in seven days. To film this, eight celebrity guests were gathered in this strange mansion on a deserted island.
First Impressions
"I Couldn’t Tell You Who It Was" is a novel that truly took me by surprise. Going in, I expected a fairly standard horror romance, but what I found was a much deeper, psychologically complex story that explores the darker side of love and obsession. It's not a light read by any means, but it's a compelling one that has stuck with me long after finishing. Initially, I was drawn in by the mystery surrounding the MC and his past. The story quickly establishes a creepy atmosphere, and I found myself eager to uncover the secrets of the mansion and the strange events that plague the protagonist. The...
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10
#10 PICK
Rise of the Othergod Apostle: Not a Cult Leader, but a Serf?!
4.4
(134 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
Ah, why did I waste my life on this game? Why didn’t I actually quit when I kept saying I would, day after day, because the game was so frustrating?
First Impressions
This web novel has been quite the ride, and my feelings are definitely mixed. "Rise of the Othergod Apostle" throws you into a world brimming with dark fantasy, gods both benevolent and malevolent, and a protagonist who's about as far from a typical hero as you can get. It's a story that definitely keeps you on your toes, but it's also one that demands patience. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of an apostle of an "Othergod" who isn't leading a cult, but is instead stuck as a serf, is intriguing. The early chapters promise a blend of adventure, comedy, and a touch of horror, wi...
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Conclusion

Korean horror offers its own approach to the genre, often blending horror with survival and action elements. These 17 earned high ratings from readers who found them effectively scary or tense. If you want horror where the protagonist can fight back rather than just flee, this list has options.

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

How a Nuisance Character Survives in a Horror Game

First Impressions

My Possession Became a Ghost Story

First Impressions

I Became A Ghost In A Horror Game.

First Impressions

Seoul Object Story

First Impressions

Suddenly, I Became a Slime

First Impressions