Salmokji: Whispering Water Makes History as First Korean Horror Film in 23 Years to Cross 3 Million Viewers

Korean horror is having a historic moment.
Salmokji: Whispering Water has officially crossed 3 million moviegoers, making it the first Korean horror film in 23 years to reach this major box office milestone.

According to the Korean Film Council, the film passed the 3 million mark on May 10, 2026, less than 33 days after its release on April 8.

The movie has already overtaken the 2018 hit Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, which recorded 2.68 million admissions, making Salmokji: Whispering Water the second most-watched Korean horror film in box office history.
The only film still ahead of it is the 2003 classic A Tale of Two Sisters, which attracted 3.14 million moviegoers during its theatrical run.

Salmokji: Whispering Water follows a production crew sent to a mysterious reservoir called Salmokji after a strange figure appears in their original road-view footage. But when they return to reshoot, they discover something terrifying hiding beneath the dark water.

With its growing popularity, Salmokji: Whispering Water may soon become the highest-grossing Korean horror film of all time.