Train to Busan (2016)

Train to Busan is a South Korean action-horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho, widely praised for blending zombie apocalypse thrills with emotional depth and social commentary. It takes a familiar genre and breathes new life into it—on a speeding train, no less.

Here’s everything you need to know about this modern classic of horror cinema.

Detailed Summary

A Fragile Beginning: Seok-woo and Su-an

The story starts with Seok-woo, a busy and emotionally distant fund manager in Seoul, who is struggling as a single father. For his daughter Su-an’s birthday, he reluctantly agrees to take her on the KTX bullet train to Busan so she can see her mother.

From the beginning, we get hints that something is off—news broadcasts mention disturbances, and military movements are spotted, but Seok-woo is too distracted by work to care.

Boarding the KTX: Enter the Apocalypse

As the train departs, an infected woman manages to sneak on board. She quickly turns into a zombie, setting off a terrifying chain reaction. Panic erupts as passengers get bitten and turn rapidly. The infection spreads car by car, and the survivors must move fast to stay alive.

Seok-woo, Su-an, and a ragtag group including:

• Sang-hwa (a strong working-class man)
• Seong-kyeong (his pregnant wife)
• Yon-suk (a selfish businessman)
• A baseball team and cheerleader

…must navigate the confined, chaotic environment of the train as the outside world descends into chaos.

Divided Cars, Divided Society

The survivors initially manage to isolate themselves in a few train cars. However, division and selfishness begin to rear their heads. Yon-suk, the ruthless COO, convinces others that Seok-woo and his group might be infected, forcing them out and directly contributing to multiple deaths.

This section of the movie explores themes of classism, selfishness vs. sacrifice, and the cost of survival.

The Train Falls Apart

As the train must stop due to blocked tracks and damaged railways, the survivors attempt to continue on foot through dangerous zones swarming with the undead. Several characters die heroic deaths—including Sang-hwa, who sacrifices himself to save the group.

Seok-woo begins to evolve. Once a self-centered man, he becomes a protector willing to risk everything for his daughter and others.

Movie Ending: A Heartbreaking, Heroic Finale

The train eventually becomes decoupled, leaving only the engine and a few cars. Just when it seems they’ve found safety, Yon-suk—now a zombie—attacks Seok-woo. A brutal fight ensues. Seok-woo is bitten during the struggle but manages to throw Yon-suk off the train, saving Su-an and Seong-kyeong.

Knowing he is infected, Seok-woo takes a final moment to remember Su-an as a baby—his face softens, and with tears in his eyes, he throws himself off the back of the train before he can turn into a zombie. It’s a devastating yet powerful moment of redemption.

Su-an and Seong-kyeong reach Busan, where soldiers prepare to shoot them—mistaking them for infected. However, Su-an begins to sing the song she had practiced for her father, proving her humanity. The film ends as the soldiers stand down, and the two survivors step into uncertain safety.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, there are no post-credits scenes in Train to Busan. Once the movie ends, that’s it. However, the film’s universe is expanded through related works like:

• Seoul Station (2016) – an animated prequel
• Peninsula (2020) – a loose sequel set four years after the events of Train to Busan

Type of Movie

Train to Busan is a horror-action thriller with strong drama elements. While it is a zombie movie at its core, it’s equally a character-driven survival story, steeped in emotional arcs and moral dilemmas.

Cast

• Gong Yoo as Seok-woo
• Kim Su-an as Su-an
• Ma Dong-seok as Sang-hwa
• Jung Yu-mi as Seong-kyeong
• Choi Woo-shik as Yong-guk (the baseball player)
• Sohee as Jin-hee (the cheerleader)
• Kim Eui-sung as Yon-suk

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Jang Young-gyu, known for his intense and moody compositions. His music in Train to Busan emphasizes both the high-stakes action and the tender emotional beats, particularly in scenes of sacrifice and loss.

Filming Locations

• Daejeon Station
• Busan Station
• East Daegu Station
• Interior scenes were filmed on custom-built train sets to accommodate action choreography.

These locations reflect real KTX routes, grounding the apocalyptic events in familiar Korean geography, adding to the realism for domestic audiences.

Awards and Nominations

Train to Busan was a massive critical and commercial success. Some of its honors include:

• Best Supporting Actor (Ma Dong-seok) – Blue Dragon Film Awards
• Best New Actress (Kim Su-an) – Korean Association of Film Critics
• Best Director – Fantasia International Film Festival
• Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film – Saturn Awards

It was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received standing ovations.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Director Yeon Sang-ho had never directed a live-action film before; he was previously known for animation.
• Gong Yoo was hesitant to join a zombie film but was drawn to the emotional core of the story.
• Ma Dong-seok did many of his own stunts and became a breakout star due to his charismatic role.
• The film used both practical makeup effects and CG enhancements to portray the terrifying zombies.

Inspirations and References

• The film draws inspiration from classic zombie films like 28 Days Later and World War Z, but gives them a Korean social lens.
• Director Yeon Sang-ho cited real-life class divides and panic behavior during disasters (like MERS) as influences on the story’s societal themes.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No official alternate ending was ever revealed, but:

• A few extended dialogue scenes between Seok-woo and Su-an were trimmed for pacing.
• Some sequences on the train platform involved more infected passengers but were scaled back in post-production.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Train to Busan is not based on a book, but it does tie into Yeon Sang-ho’s animated prequel, Seoul Station. That film explores the beginning of the outbreak and sets the tone for the universe, but it features different characters.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The infected woman turning in the bathroom stall, with limbs twisting unnaturally.
• Sang-hwa punching zombies left and right like a tank.
• The heartbreaking moment when Su-an begs her father to stay with her.
• Seok-woo’s final goodbye and slow transformation before his fall from the train.

Iconic Quotes

• “Dad… you only care about yourself. That’s why mom left.”
• “You’ve got to help others, not just yourself.”
• “At a time like this, only the selfish survive.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• In the first scene, the roadkill deer reanimates, hinting that the infection has already spread to animals.
• News on the train quietly broadcasts contradictory government reports, critiquing misinformation.
• The song Su-an sings at the end was meant to be performed for her father, completing her emotional arc.

Trivia

• The film was released in over 160 countries, a record for a Korean movie at the time.
• It broke box office records in South Korea, becoming one of the highest-grossing Korean films ever.
• It inspired several remake projects, including a planned American adaptation produced by James Wan.
• Zombies were played by trained dancers and contortionists to create unnatural, jerky movements.

Why Watch?

If you’re a fan of character-driven horror, Train to Busan is essential. It’s more than just zombies—it’s about what people become under pressure, and how love and sacrifice endure even at the end of the world. It’s gripping, terrifying, and deeply human.

Director’s Other Movies

• Seoul Station (2016)
• Psychokinesis (2018)
• Peninsula (2020)
• JUNG_E (2023)

Recommended Films for Fans

• 28 Days Later (2002)
• World War Z (2013)
• The Host (2006)
• I Am a Hero (2015)
• Peninsula (2020)