Menu
English Русский

‘Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum’ – The Found Footage Horror That Redefines Fear

Stills from the film 'Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum'

A new review for the fans of Korean horror.

Horror fans, let me tell you — I’ve seen my fair share of found footage films. Some fizzle out in shaky cam nonsense, while others, like The Blair Witch Project and REC, redefine the genre. So when I pressed play on Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018), I expected either a predictable jump-scare fest or something genuinely bone-chilling. What I got? A nerve-wracking, paranoia-fueled nightmare that proves why South Korea continues to dominate the horror scene.

The Plot Without Spoilers: A Livestream Gone Horribly Wrong

A YouTube-style horror web show, Horror Times, sets out to explore Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital — an actual abandoned asylum in South Korea rumored to be one of the most haunted places in the world. The team, led by an ambitious but calculating host, ventures into the asylum armed with GoPros, night vision cameras, and a thirst for viral fame. But as the night unfolds, what starts as a staged stunt turns into a terrifying descent into madness. No scripts, no safety nets — just raw fear.

Director’s Vision: A Masterclass in Atmospheric Horror

Jung Bum-shik (Epitaph, 2007) isn’t new to horror, and his ability to turn Gonjiam’s dark corridors into a suffocating nightmare is masterful. He understands that true horror isn’t about excessive gore or relentless jump scares — it’s about dread. Unlike many found footage films that lose credibility with excessive screaming and irrational character choices, Gonjiam stays grounded. The improvised dialogue and naturalistic acting make the terror feel real.

Still from the film 'Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum'

The Performances: Fear That Feels Unscripted

Since the film utilizes lesser-known actors, their authenticity is undeniable. The camaraderie between the cast feels organic, which makes their eventual descent into hysteria all the more believable. Wi Ha-joon (Squid Game, Midnight) delivers a standout performance as the opportunistic leader of the group, balancing showmanship with an underlying tension that unravels as the horrors unfold. Park Ji-hyun and Oh Ah-yeon also deserve praise for delivering some of the film’s most chilling moments without ever feeling over-the-top.

Cinematography & Sound: Found Footage Done Right

Unlike the overly chaotic cinematography that plagues many found footage films, Gonjiam strikes a perfect balance. The handheld footage feels immersive yet controlled enough that we aren’t lost in motion sickness. The use of infrared and GoPro footage amplifies the realism, making every shadow, every distant sound, a source of unease. And let’s talk about the sound design — if you watch this with headphones, prepare for an auditory experience that will have you checking over your shoulder. The use of silence is as effective as the eerie whispers and sudden bursts of sound that break it.

The Real Horror: Is Gonjiam Actually Haunted?

While the film is fictional, the Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital itself is very real — and its history is just as unsettling. Urban legends surrounding the abandoned asylum claim that patients vanished, doctors mysteriously died, and the building is plagued by supernatural activity. The site is now permanently closed to the public, adding to its mystique. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the setting alone is enough to make your skin crawl.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Horror Fans

So, is Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum just another found footage movie? Absolutely not. It’s a masterclass in atmospheric horror that relies on tension rather than cheap thrills. Jung Bum-shik crafts an experience that lingers long after the credits roll, making you question every creak in your own home. If you’re a fan of Grave Encounters or Noroi: The Curse, this is a must-watch.

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

Budget: Estimated $2.2 million

Metacritic Score: N/A (widely praised by horror communities)

Pros & Cons

✔ Expert use of tension and atmosphere

✔ Believable performances and natural dialogue

✔ Effective sound design that amplifies the horror

✔ A genuinely creepy setting based on real-world lore

✘ Some predictable found footage tropes

✘ Slow build-up may not appeal to impatient viewers

Final Rating: 8.5/10 – A Found Footage Triumph!

Would you dare explore Gonjiam alone at night? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

'The Neon Demon': A Mesmerizing Descent into the Dark Side of Beauty 'The Neon Demon': A Mesmerizing Descent into the Dark Side of Beauty Read more 18 March 2025
'Priscilla': Unveiling the Enigma of Elvis's Muse — A Journey into the Heart of Fame 'Priscilla': Unveiling the Enigma of Elvis's Muse — A Journey into the Heart of Fame Read more 17 March 2025
'The Most Precious of Cargoes': From Desperation to Hope 'The Most Precious of Cargoes': From Desperation to Hope Read more 16 March 2025
Unholy Beginnings: The Chilling Descent into 'The First Omen' — Dare You Witness the Birth of Evil? Unholy Beginnings: The Chilling Descent into 'The First Omen' — Dare You Witness the Birth of Evil? Read more 16 March 2025
'The Conners': A Heartfelt Farewell to America's Beloved Blue-Collar Family 'The Conners': A Heartfelt Farewell to America's Beloved Blue-Collar Family Read more 17 March 2025
From Jeju's Shores to Your Screen: Why 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Is the Must-Watch Drama of the Year From Jeju's Shores to Your Screen: Why 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Is the Must-Watch Drama of the Year Read more 15 March 2025
'There's Still Tomorrow': From Shadows to Light — A Triumph of Italian Cinema 'There's Still Tomorrow': From Shadows to Light — A Triumph of Italian Cinema Read more 15 March 2025
'Perfect Strangers' (2016): What Secrets Lurk Beneath Your Phone Screen? 'Perfect Strangers' (2016): What Secrets Lurk Beneath Your Phone Screen? Read more 14 March 2025
Power Struggles, Betrayals, and Sudden Executions — This Series Is Just as Good as 'Game of Thrones', Only With a Lower Rating Power Struggles, Betrayals, and Sudden Executions — This Series Is Just as Good as 'Game of Thrones', Only With a Lower Rating Read more 14 March 2025
'Beauty in Black' Unveiled: A Daring Dive into Tyler Perry's Darkest Drama Yet 'Beauty in Black' Unveiled: A Daring Dive into Tyler Perry's Darkest Drama Yet Read more 13 March 2025
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Read more