Looking for a good laugh? South Korean cinema has a treasure trove of comedy films that will tickle your funny bone and provide plenty of entertainment. From quirky rom-coms to satirical takes on everyday life, these movies offer something for everyone. Here’s a guide to 25 standout South Korean comedy films, organized by genre to help you find your next favorite movie.
Key Takeaway
South Korean comedy films blend humor with unique storytelling, offering fresh perspectives and laughs that are both universal and distinctly Korean. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy, a crime caper, or a quirky satire, there’s something here for you.
Romantic Comedies
- Cheongchun-manhwa (2006)
Ji-hwan, a taekwondo student and stuntman, and Dal-rae, a shy drama student, navigate their ambitions and budding romance.
Rating: 6.4 - My Dear Desperado (2010)
A tough thug and a bookish IT consultant find an unexpected romance despite their differences.
Rating: 6.8 - Girls, Girls, Girls (2014)
Three friends with very different lives come together to celebrate their friendship in a hotel room.
Rating: 4.6 - I Am a King (2012)
A mix-up leads to a slave becoming a king and a king becoming a slave, with humorous consequences.
Rating: 5.8 - The Gossip (2021)
A comedic examination of truth and rumors in a dramatic exhibition of characters.
Rating: 6.4
Crime and Action Comedies
- Marrying the Mafia 2: Enemy-in-Law (2005)
A mafia family struggles with romance and danger when their son falls for a prosecutor.
Rating: 5.8 - Attack the Gas Station! 2 (2010)
Ten years after a gas station heist, old conflicts resurface with a comedic twist.
Rating: 6.1 - Kidnapping Granny K (2007)
A wealthy grandmother turns the tables on her inept kidnappers in a hilarious plot.
Rating: 6.0 - Running Turtle (2009)
A rural detective’s gambling problems lead to a comical series of unfortunate events.
Rating: 6.6 - Beomjweui jaeguseong (2004)
Five thieves with their own agendas team up for a massive bank heist.
Rating: 6.5
Satirical and Dark Comedy
- Babo seoneon (1983)
A satirical look at South Korean societal issues through humor.
Rating: 6.4 - The Weird Missing Case of Mr. J (2009)
A bumbling fund manager’s disappearance leads to a nationwide manhunt with comedic twists.
Rating: 5.3 - Life Risking Romance (2016)
A detective fiction author mixes romance and crime in her quest to track down a serial killer.
Rating: 5.3 - Dachimawa Lee (2008)
A super-spy embarks on a mission to recover a stolen national treasure.
Rating: 5.2 - Go to Kill (2021)
A woman becomes a hitman to support her family, leading to darkly humorous situations.
Rating: 7.9
Quirky and Unique Comedies
- Shin Suk-ki Blues (2004)
A cold-hearted lawyer wakes up in someone else’s body, leading to a series of comedic events.
Rating: 6.2 - Art Museum by the Zoo (1998)
Two strangers with little in common end up living together, leading to unexpected humor.
Rating: 7.0 - Poom-haeong-je-ro (2002)
A tough guy’s encounter with a feisty girl leads to comedic challenges and romance.
Rating: 6.5 - Futureless Things (2014)
A snapshot of youth and various characters interacting in a convenience store over 12 hours.
Rating: 6.0 - Tu gaijeu (2004)
A credit shark and a cab driver’s journey with a mysterious suitcase leads to comic misadventures.
Rating: 6.7
Miscellaneous and Eclectic
- Invasion of Alien Bikini (2011)
A city hero gets involved with an alien who needs his help for reproduction.
Rating: 4.5 - Playboy Bong (2013)
A film director disrupts a movie set with demands for more risqué scenes, causing chaos.
Rating: 7.6 - Who Are You? (2002)
A game programmer working on a dating game faces humorous challenges.
Rating: 6.2 - Sing-geul-jeu (2003)
Friends navigate their turbulent single lives and a surprising turn of events.
Rating: 6.4 - Do You Like Spring Bear? (2003)
A woman obsessed with love notes searches for their author, finding unexpected romance.
Rating: 5.8
These films offer a glimpse into the diverse world of South Korean comedy, from heartfelt romances to zany capers. Whether you’re looking to laugh out loud or enjoy a light-hearted escape, this list has you covered. Enjoy your movie night!