Train to Busan (2016 Film)

Train to Busan (Korean: 부산행; RR: Busanhaeng) is a 2016 South Korean action-horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The narrative centers on a group of passengers trapped on a KTX high-speed train traveling from Seoul to Busan during a sudden and catastrophic zombie outbreak.

Promotional poster for Train to Busan — Promotional poster for the 2016 film Train to Busan.

Plot

Seok-woo, a cynical fund manager living in Seoul, is estranged from his young daughter, Soo-an. On the eve of her birthday, Soo-an expresses a desire to visit her mother in Busan. Seok-woo reluctantly agrees to accompany her on a KTX train. Shortly before departure, an infected girl boards the train, triggering a rapid spread of a virus that turns passengers into aggressive, zombie-like creatures. As the train speeds toward Busan, the survivors must navigate the confined space to survive the escalating threat.

Production

The film was directed by Yeon Sang-ho, with a screenplay written by Park Joo-suk and Yeon. Principal photography commenced on April 26, 2015, and concluded on August 19, 2015. The film is narratively linked to Yeon's animated feature Seoul Station (2016), with Train to Busan set one day after the events depicted in the animation.

Gong Yoo as Seok-woo — Gong Yoo portrays the lead character, Seok-woo.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast, including:

Gong Yoo as Seok-woo
Jung Yu-mi as Sung-gyeong
Ma Dong-seok as Sang-hwa
Kim Soo-ahn as Soo-an
Kim Eui-sung as Yong-suk
Choi Woo-sik as Young-gook
Ahn So-hee as Jin-hee

Jung Yu-mi as Sung-gyeong — Jung Yu-mi plays the role of Sung-gyeong.

Ma Dong-seok as Sang-hwa — Ma Dong-seok plays the role of Sang-hwa.

Kim Soo-ahn as Soo-an — Kim Soo-ahn plays the role of Soo-an.

Choi Woo-sik as Young-gook — Choi Woo-sik plays the role of Young-gook.

Ahn So-hee as Jin-hee — Ahn So-hee plays the role of Jin-hee.

Jang Hyuk-jin as Ki-chul — Jang Hyuk-jin plays the role of Ki-chul.

Shim Eun-kyung as the stowaway — Shim Eun-kyung appears as a stowaway.

Reception and Awards

The film held its world premiere at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in May 2016. It received several accolades, including the Best Technical Award at the 37th Blue Dragon Film Awards for Kwak Tae-yong and Hwang Hyo-gyun. At the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards in 2017, Kim Eui-sung won Best Supporting Actor, and Yeon Sang-ho received the award for Best New Director.

Scene from the film — A scene from the film showing the intense atmosphere on the train.