According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing network, the film’s cumulative audience topped 2.6 million on Saturday. That moved it past the 2002 release 'Phone' (estimated 2.6 million) into third place on the all-time domestic horror list.
'Salmokji' reached 2.4 million admissions — three times its break-even point — and crossed 2.6 million just a day later, maintaining strong momentum. Observers credited word-of-mouth driven by what has been described as “experiential horror,” bucking the usual notion that the genre performs best in summer. Attention is now on whether it can overtake the No. 2 record held by 'Gonjiam' (2.68 million).
The film has also held up against new competition, including 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' and 'Super Mario Galaxy,' staying near the top in seat sales. It posted seat-occupancy rates of 42.8% on May 1 and 31.5% on May 2, signaling sustained demand during the holiday period.
Earlier, 'Salmokji' led the overall box office for 21 consecutive days from its release through April 28, the longest opening-to-No.-1 run among films released in 2026. It later slipped to third once, but reclaimed the top spot the next day by drawing 102,166 viewers on April 30. Its fourth-week Thursday tally also exceeded its opening-day figure of 90,000, an unusual result.
The film has drawn audiences despite having fewer screens and seats than rivals. On May 1, it accounted for about 12% of total seats but recorded a 37% seat-occupancy rate. Analysts said repeat business has been supported by moviegoers in their teens and 20s, often attending with friends.
'Salmokji' follows a film crew that heads to a reservoir for reshoots after an unidentified figure appears on a road-view image, only to encounter something in the dark, deep water. The film is directed by newcomer Lee Sang-min and stars Kim Hye-yoon, Lee Jong-won, Kim Jun-han, Kim Young-sung, Oh Dong-min, Yoon Jae-chan and Jang Da-a.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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