Unless you were on a retreat to the Mariana Trench, you’ll know that in 2019, Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite took the world by storm. Not only did its genre-blending social commentary win unanimous plaudits from cinema-goers and critics alike, but it’s also made history at the Oscars, scooping up Best Picture, Best Director, International Feature Film and Original Screenplay.

Cut to September 2021, and the first season of Squid Game, written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, was all anyone could talk about. Now Netflix’s most-watched show, Squid Game drew audiences in with its darkly comic application of traditional Korean children’s games and brutally thrilling critique of capitalism and consumer debt. There’s sure to be more of that one the way with the second season.

Whether you’ve long dabbled in the world of Asian cinema or have recently leapt the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles with Parasite and Squid Game, there’s a whole stack of Korean classics out there to catch up on. Korean cinema is rich and diverse, loaded with fine examples of severe piercing horrors, volatile philosophical thrillers, and heartbreaking dramas.

If you’re looking into getting to know South Korean cinema a little better, here’s our selection of essential movies to get stuck into.