Bulgasari
Lost 1962 South Korean kaiju film, first monster movie.
Bulgasari at the End of Songdo, commonly shortened to Bulgasari, is a 1962 South Korean kaiju film that has since been lost. Directed and edited by Kim Myeong-je, it was produced by Kwang Seong Films. This movie holds the distinction of being South Korea’s first monster film and the first Korean production to incorporate special effects. It follows Nam Hyeong, a martial artist played by Choi Moo-ryong, who is killed by traitors and resurrects as the iron-eating Bulgasari to exact revenge.
Production reportedly began on November 26, 1961. The creature was drawn from Korean legend, while the film itself was heavily inspired by the 1954 Japanese film *Godzilla*. Principal photography ran from February 28 to March 24, 1962, on a budget of about ₩3.5 million. Two special-effects sequences stood out: a witchcraft scene featuring the “White Lady” and her ascent into heaven.
The film was promoted as the first in Korea’s 40-year film history to use special effects. It premiered at Seoul’s Myungbo Theater on December 1, 1962. A document dated March 26, 1963, held by the Korean Film Archive, suggests a print was made for possible North Korean screenings, though it is unclear if this ever occurred.
Critics panned *Bulgasari* upon release, citing unconvincing special effects, outdated direction, and poor acting. One reviewer for *The Chosun Ilbo* noted that strings were visible hanging from a dragon’s head in a scene, and described the film as “third-rate entertainment.” At the time, historical films dominated Korean cinema, leaving little room for such fare.
The film is believed to have disappeared shortly after its theatrical run, with only contemporary articles and posters surviving. It has become a highly sought-after lost kaiju film, alongside titles like *Wasei Kingu Kongu* and *The Great Buddha Arrival*. The original screenplay is preserved at the Korean Film Archive but is not accessible to the public. In 1985, during his abduction in North Korea, filmmaker Shin Sang-ok directed a remake titled *Pulgasari*.
- Release year
- 1962
- Director
- Kim Myeong-je
- Country
- South Korea
- Genre
- Kaiju
- Budget
- Approximately ₩3.5 million
- Production company
- Kwang Seong Films
- Status
- Lost film
Lore & Background
Bulgasari was reported to have begun production on November 26, 1961. It was inspired by the legendary Korean monster of the same name and heavily influenced by Godzilla (1954). Principal photography began on February 28, 1962, and wrapped on March 24, on a budget of roughly ₩3.5 million. The film stars Choi Moo-ryong as Nam Hyeong, a martial artist who is resurrected as the iron-eating monster Bulgasari to have revenge on his murderers. The plot is set in Songdo (present-day Kaesong) during the late Goryeo dynasty.
Reader's Guide
Bulgasari holds a unique place in South Korean cinema as the nation's first monster movie and first film to employ special effects. Despite being widely panned upon its release for unconvincing special effects, antiquated direction, and poor acting, it has gained notoriety as a lost film. Believed to have disappeared shortly after its release, only contemporary news articles, posters, and the original screenplay (preserved at the Korean Film Archive but not accessible by the public) remain. The film's legacy is further marked by a 1985 remake directed by Shin Sang-ok during his abduction in North Korea, titled Pulgasari. Its status as a sought-after lost kaiju film places it alongside other vanished genre entries like Wasei Kingu Kongu and The Great Buddha Arrival.
Did You Know?
- Bulgasari was the first South Korean film to use special effects.
- The film's budget was approximately ₩3.5 million.
- The original screenplay is preserved at the Korean Film Archive but is not accessible by the public.
- A 1985 remake was directed by Shin Sang-ok during his abduction in North Korea.
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