All 28 Hong Sang-soo Movies
Dive into the world of director Hong Sang-soo as we present a roundup of his critically acclaimed films. From emotional drama to thought-provoking narratives, this Korean auteur’s works have captured the hearts of movie enthusiasts worldwide.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well (1996)
“The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well” is a captivating South Korean drama, directed by acclaimed auteur Hong Sang-soo, and written by Hyo-seo Koo, Hong Sang-soo, and Shin-hye Suh. Released in 1996, the movie explores the desires, lives, and relationships of four characters from diverse backgrounds.
2. The Power of Kangwon Province (1998)
Experience the powerful allure of Kangwon Province in Hong Sang-soo’s gripping drama, “The Power of Kangwon Province. “ Reunite with college friends, embrace the thrilling nightlife of Seoul, and uncover the enigmatic bond between former lovers, Sangkwon and Jisook. As fate conspires to bring them together, the film’s unique blend of drama and mystery captivates audiences worldwide, earning accolades and critical acclaim.
3. Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors (2000)
“Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, “ directed by Hong Sang-soo, is an insightful, provocative film that tackles the intricacies of modern courtship. The story revolves around a pleasant female video producer named Soo-jung, who finds herself embroiled in a complex relationship with a gallery owner. Together, they navigate their self-spun web of illusions, ultimately leading to a bitter-sweet serenade of love and heartbreak.
4. On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate (2002)
On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate is a poignant drama directed by Hong Sang-soo and set in South Korea. The film follows Actor Kyung Soo, who embarks on a journey from Seoul to reconnect with an old classmate. During his trip, Kyung Soo encounters two women, one being a young college student he parted ways with without a second thought.
5. Woman Is the Future of Man (2004)
“Woman Is the Future of Man” is a thought-provoking drama directed by Hong Sang-soo and written by himself. The 2004 film, available in Korean, stars Yoo Ji-tae, Kim Tae-woo, and Sung Hyun-ah. Mirashin Korea produced and distributed it, and it has a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.
6. Tale of Cinema (2005)
“Tale of Cinema” is a captivating drama that was released in 2005. This intriguing film is set in Seoul, South Korea, where we witness a suicidal young man who meets a young woman, who inadvertently joins him in his fatal act. As the story unfolds, we find ourselves drawn into the world of Tongsu, an unsuccessful filmmaker, who encounters a captivating young woman — only to discover that she is the lead actress in the film he had just watched.
7. Woman on the Beach (2006)
Woman on the Beach, originally titled Haebyeonui yeoin, is a 2006 South Korean romantic drama with a gripping plot. Directed by Hong Sang-soo and written by the same talent, the film features the talents of Seung-woo Kim, Go Hyun-jung, and Song Seon-mi. Set in South Korea, the story follows a young woman who finds herself on the beach, initially under the pretext of scriptwriting, but soon finds herself entangled in a complex web of relationships.
8. Night and Day (2008)
In the mesmerizing drama “Night and Day, “ a midlife crisis unfolds as a painter in his forties abandons his mundane life in Korea for the vibrant streets of Paris. The film follows his enigmatic journey in search of a new beginning, which leads him to meet an ex-girlfriend and immerse himself in a tight-knit community of Korean artists. This intimate look at the joys, struggles, and uncertainties that arise when the lines between reality and fantasy blur challenges our perception of life, love, and the art that defines them.
9. Visitors (2009)
Experience an unforgettable cinematic journey with “Visitors, “ a captivating drama released in 2009 as part of the Jeonju Digital Project. This groundbreaking film showcases three short films, directed by the talented trio of Hong Sang-soo, Naomi Kawase, and Lav Diaz. Each director brings their unique vision and style to the story, exploring themes of loss, spirituality, and human connection.
10. Like You Know It All (2009)
“Like You Know It All, “ a captivating film by Hong Sang-soo, weaves an intricate tale that delves into the world of an art-house film director. Delving into the emotional and social landscape of the director’s life, the story unfolds in a delightfully comedic manner. Exploring themes of infidelity and the complexities of human relationships, this thought-provoking drama captures the essence of a life lived through the lens of art. Featuring an ensemble cast including Kim Tae-woo, Uhm Ji-won, and Go Hyun-jung, “Like You Know It All” promises an exhilarating cinematic experience that will leave you pondering the intricacies of the human heart. Join Hong Sang-soo on his journey of self-discovery as he reveals the secrets hidden within the seemingly mundane lives of ordinary people. Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into a world that will challenge your perceptions and leave you wondering: Who do we really know?
11. Oki’s Movie (2010)
Experience a unique and heartwarming love story in “Oki’s Movie”. From Hong Sang-soo, a brilliant South Korean filmmaker renowned for his poetic and enigmatic creations, comes this wonderfully nuanced film that weaves together themes of love, comedy, and drama.
12. Hahaha (2010)
Hahaha, a 2010 film by Hong Sang-soo, is a heartfelt comedy-drama that explores the intricacies of friendship, love, and memory. The narrative revolves around two friends reminiscing about their past adventures at the seaside resort of Tongyeong, as they enjoy drinks together. The film masterfully delves into their shared experiences, highlighting the hilarity and heartache that life and love can bring.
13. The Day He Arrives (2011)
Experience the enchanting world of “The Day He Arrives” (2011), a captivating cinematic journey by renowned director Hong Sang-soo that explores the complexities of human relationships and the art of storytelling. Set in the bustling city of Seoul, South Korea, the film masterfully weaves together a tale of a professor from a provincial university who visits his senior, a renowned film critic, in the city. As the professor stays in a quaint northern Seoul village for three days, he encounters a series of unexpected occurrences that challenge his understanding of the world and the people around him.
14. In Another Country (2012)
In another country, three intertwined stories unfold in a picturesque seaside resort. French tourists navigate their relationships and inner struggles as they interact with the local community.
15. Our Sunhi (2013)
“Our Sunhi” is a charming and thought-provoking South Korean film released in 2013. Written and directed by Hong Sang-soo, the movie follows the story of a young woman who returns to her old school to visit her professor. During her visit, she reconnects with her old boyfriend and meets her senior, each of whom has a complex past with her. As the characters navigate through their relationships and inner turmoil, the film explores themes of existential loneliness, love triangles, and teacher-student romance in a witty and touching manner.
16. Venice 70: Future Reloaded (2013)
Venice 70: Future Reloaded is a unique documentary-drama that captures the essence and future of cinema through 70 groundbreaking short films. Directed by illustrious individuals such as Hala Abdallah, John Akomfrah, and Wang Bing, the film explores the realm of possibility while celebrating the past and present of filmmaking. With a diverse range of genres from drama and documentary to comedy, this cinematic celebration features a host of talented writers and stars from around the globe. The film was released on August 31, 2013, and boasts a runtime of 2 hours. The language barriers are merely a testament to the international influence of the genre, with films in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Italian, German, and many more languages. Both critics and viewers alike have praised the intriguing and thought-provoking nature of Venice 70: Future Reloaded. With its powerful message and impressive ensemble of filmmakers, this documentary-drama serves as an ode to the transformative and innovative power of cinema in the modern age. Despite the absence of a specific tagline, the film’s focus on cinema’s future has undoubtedly grabbed the attention of fans and critics alike. As the world of cinema continues to evolve and expand, Venice 70: Future Reloaded serves as a timely and thought-provoking exploration of the cinematic landscape.
17. Nobody’s Daughter Haewon (2013)
“Nobody’s Daughter Haewon” is a captivating drama-romance film that explores the boundaries of love and morality. Set in South Korea, it revolves around the secret relationship between a passionate student, Haewon, and her charismatic but older teacher. As the story unfolds, we witness the intensity of their love and the challenges they face due to societal norms and expectations. This heart-wrenching tale, helmed by critically acclaimed director Hong Sang-soo, offers a unique perspective on love and its impact on people’s lives. With an impressive IMDb rating of 6.7 and 8 wins and 8 nominations in various awards, “Nobody’s Daughter Haewon” is not to be missed by fans of drama, romance, and thought-provoking films.
18. Right Now, Wrong Then (2015)
“Right Now, Wrong Then” is a captivating and unique exploration of love, regret, and second chances, set amidst the serene backdrop of winter in South Korea. Award-winning director Hong Sang-soo masterfully weaves together two parallel timelines, each telling the tale of a film director named Kang who becomes infatuated with a young painter named Joo.
19. Yourself and Yours (2016)
“Yourself and Yours” is a thought-provoking film by South Korean director Hong Sang-soo that blends elements of dark comedy and drama. The movie delves into the surreal with a unique spin on Luis Buñuel’s “That Obscure Object of Desire. “
20. The Day After (2017)
“The Day After” is a captivating cinematic experience, masterfully directed by Hong Sang-soo. This drama-romance film, set in 2017, captures the essence of a man’s heartbreak as Bongwan, a married man, leaves for work each day, haunted by the memories of the woman who left him. Bongwan’s wife misinterprets a love note, assuming it’s from a new workplace colleague, Areum. But the story isn’t all despair — it also explores themes like envy, deception, and infidelity in a unique manner. The backdrop of a publishing house and restaurant adds a layer of complexity to the already intriguing plot.
21. On the Beach at Night Alone (2017)
“On the Beach at Night Alone” is an emotionally raw and thought-provoking drama film written and directed by Hong Sang-soo. The movie follows an actress as she wanders through a seaside town, contemplating her relationship with a married man. Exploring themes of love, infidelity, and self-reflection, the film masterfully delves into the complexities of interpersonal relationships.
22. Hotel by the River (2018)
Hotel by the River, the latest film from South Korean director Hong Sang-soo, is a poignant drama that unfolds over a single winter’s day. As the poet Sang-woo invites his estranged son and a former love interest to meet him at a remote hotel, the layers of their complex relationships are revealed, creating a poignant narrative of loss, love, and forgiveness.
23. The Woman Who Ran (2020)
“The Woman Who Ran” is a captivating drama film that reunites the acclaimed director Hong Sang-soo with actress Kim Min-hee. Set in the bustling city of Seoul, Gamhee, played by Min-hee, embarks on a journey of self-discovery while her husband is away on business.
24. In Front of Your Face (2021)
In Front of Your Face, directed by Hong Sang-soo, follows the story of a woman who manages her daily life with a sense of mindfulness while keeping a grave secret hidden deep within. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets a younger director who has asked her to join his project. After their encounter, they find themselves in the midst of sudden rainfall and thunder, further enigmatizing the story.
25. The Novelist’s Film (2022)
“The Novelist’s Film” is a captivating drama film, released in 2022, by director Hong Sang-soo. The movie follows the story of a novelist who visits a bookstore run by her young colleague, who’s been out of touch. She then goes on a walk with a film director and his wife, leading to an intriguing series of encounters.
26. Walk Up (2022)
In “Walk Up, “ renowned film director Byungsoo and his daughter Jeongsu visit an intriguing property overseen by Byungsoo’s old friend, a successful interior designer. As they explore the building’s various spaces, such as a restaurant and cooking studio, a residence, and an artist’s studio, they discover secrets and unresolved feelings lurking beneath the surface. Acclaimed director Hong Sang-soo masterfully crafts this engaging drama, exploring themes of ambition, relationships, and the complexities of life with a star-studded Korean cast.
27. In Our Day (2023)
“In Our Day”, a 2023 drama film directed by Hong Sang-soo, delves into the lives of two individuals who find solace in each other’s company amidst their busy schedules. The film follows the story of a woman in her 40s, played by Kim Min-hee, who visits the home of her friends and a man in his 70s, played by Gi Ju-bong, who resides alone.
28. A Traveler’s Needs (2024)
In the captivating drama film, “A Traveler’s Needs” (2024), a French woman, played by Isabelle Huppert, finds her journey through life taking an unexpected turn after losing her source of income. Her serendipitous encounter with Korean culture brings her to South Korea, where she discovers a passion for teaching French to two young Korean women.
