Is Gonjiam Haunted Asylum True Story? Plot, Cast, Release Date, Where to Watch, Trailer and More
by M Nishali | Updated Dec 15, 2023
Gonjiam Haunted Asylum
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum is a South Korean found footage horror film directed by Jung Bum-shik, released in 2018 with a budget of US$2.2 million and achieving a box office success of US$21 million. The movie stars Wi Ha-joon, Park Ji-hyun, Oh Ah-yeon, Moon Ye-won, Park Sung-hoon, Yoo Je-yoon, and Lee Seung-wook.
The plot follows a horror web series crew as they venture into the abandoned Gonjiam psychiatric hospital for a live broadcast, aiming to generate views and publicity by exploring the eerie premises. The film, initially released in South Korea on March 28, 2018, and later in the United States on April 13, 2018, received acclaim for its chilling storyline and effective use of the found footage technique.
It secured the position of the third most-watched horror film in South Korea, trailing behind the success of "A Tale of Two Sisters" and "Phone," and was showcased at the 20th Udine Far East Film Festival.
Is Gonjiam Haunted Asylum True Story?
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum is not based on a true story but is inspired by the legend surrounding the real Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital. The film incorporates the urban myth that the hospital's director, who was a fan of ping pong, went missing after allegedly killing all the patients. This legend, combined with the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned asylum, serves as the backdrop for the horror movie.
While the movie takes creative liberties to deliver a chilling narrative, it's important to note that the events depicted in the film are fictional, and there's no evidence to support the supernatural occurrences portrayed in the story.In reality, Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital did exist, but it was a functioning medical facility until its closure.
The myth and horror elements associated with the hospital are purely fictional and serve as the foundation for the movie's suspenseful plot. The film cleverly weaves together elements of folklore and horror to create an entertaining and spooky cinematic experience, but viewers should understand that it is a work of fiction rather than a retelling of actual events.
Gonjiam Haunted Asylum Plot
In the horror film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, the story centers on two boys exploring the notorious Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, known for its dark history and chilling rumors. The duo ventures into the abandoned asylum, aiming to uncover its mysteries and document paranormal activities for their online audience.
However, as they reach Room 402, the intensive care unit with an ominous reputation, their live broadcast takes a terrifying turn. A sudden encounter with a ghostly presence disrupts their plans, setting the stage for Ha-Joon, the owner of the "Horror Times" YouTube channel, to assemble a larger group for another live exploration.
Little do they know that scripted scares will transform into genuine supernatural encounters, plunging the group into a nightmarish descent filled with unexplainable phenomena, ghostly apparitions, and a haunting climax that challenges the boundaries between scripted horror and real paranormal activity.
Gonjiam Haunted Asylum Cast
Wi Ha-joon
Ha-Joon
Park Ji-hyun
Ji-Hyun
Oh Ah-yeon
Ah-Yeon
Moon Ye-won
Charlotte
Park Sung-hoon
Sung-Hoon
Yoo Je-yoon
Je-Yoon
Lee Seung-wook
Seung-Wook
Park Ji-a
Hospital Director / Director’s Ghost
Actor/Actress
Character
Gonjiam Haunted Asylum Release Date
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, a South Korean found footage horror film, was released theatrically on March 28, 2018, in its home country, South Korea. Directed by Jung Bum-shik and featuring a cast that includes Wi Ha-joon, Park Ji-hyun, Oh Ah-yeon, Moon Ye-won, Park Sung-hoon, Yoo Je-yoon, Lee Seung-wook, and Park Ji-a, the movie centers around a horror web series crew exploring the real-life Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital.
This abandoned asylum becomes the eerie setting for a live broadcast, as the characters delve into the mysterious and haunted environment to capture attention and viewership. The film's release marked its entry into the horror genre and quickly gained popularity, becoming the third most-watched horror film in South Korea after titles like A Tale of Two Sisters and Phone. And the film was also released in the United States on April 13, 2018.
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Gonjiam Haunted Asylum Where to Watch?
Viewers interested in watching Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum have multiple options to catch the suspenseful horror film. The movie is currently available for streaming on Peacock. For those who prefer to rent or purchase, popular platforms like Google Play, Amazon, Netflix and Vudu offer the movie in both standard and high definition. Make sure you check if Gonjiam Haunted Asylum is available in your country.
Additionally, viewers can enjoy Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum for free on streaming services like Plex or Tubi. With a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes, the movie takes the audience on a thrilling journey through an abandoned insane asylum, blurring the lines between scripted scares and genuine paranormal encounters.
Gonjiam Haunted Asylum Trailer
Is Gonjiam Haunted Asylum True Story - FAQs
No, the movie is not based on a true story. It draws inspiration from the legend of the real Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, combining fiction with the hospital's eerie atmosphere and urban myths.
Yes, Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital was a real medical facility, but it closed down. The horror elements and myths associated with the hospital in the movie are fictional.
The movie follows a group exploring the infamous Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital for a live web series. Initially scripted scares turn into genuine paranormal encounters, leading the group into a nightmarish descent.
The movie was theatrically released in South Korea on March 28, 2018, and in the United States on April 13, 2018.
The movie is available for streaming on Peacock and can be rented or purchased on Google Play, Amazon, and Vudu. It is also accessible for free on streaming platforms like Plex or Tubi.