‘Train to Busan’ Gets 4K Rerelease for 10th Anniversary

As of July 21, 2026, the zombie disaster film 'Train to Busan' is returning to theaters overseas in a 4K remaster next month to mark its 10th anniversary. The rerelease kicks off in the Philippines, followed by North America, Japan, and Italy, with North American screen counts more than 10 times higher than at the film's 2016 debut, topping 500 theaters.

11.57 millionCumulative domestic admissions after the film's 2016 release

500+ theatersConfirmed North American screen count for this rerelease

138 billion won (~$93.5M)Combined domestic and international box office revenue

Key points

Distributor NEW announced the international rerelease schedule for the 4K remaster of 'Train to Busan' on July 21.
The rerelease begins August 5 in the Philippines, followed by North America on August 14, Japan on August 21, and Italy on September 2.
Additional releases are being planned in Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Spain, Chile, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
The film drew 11.57 million admissions in Korea after its 2016 release and screened in a Midnight Screenings section at the Cannes Film Festival.

Director Yeon Sang-ho's zombie disaster film 'Train to Busan' is heading back to overseas theaters next month to mark its 10th anniversary. Distributor NEW announced on July 21 that the newly remastered 4K version will open first in the Philippines on August 5. North America follows on August 14, Japan on August 21, and Italy on September 2.

The scale of the North American rerelease stands out. The film had only limited screenings in select markets during its original 2016 run, but this time it's confirmed for more than 500 screens — over 10 times the reach a decade ago. NEW says it also plans to expand into Latin American markets including Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Spain, Chile, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

The film follows passengers fighting to survive aboard a KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Busan as a mysterious virus spreads. Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, and Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) star, and the film became the launchpad for what's since grown into Yeon's so-called "Yeonniverse" of interconnected projects.

Before its official 2016 release, 'Train to Busan' earned early buzz by screening in a Midnight Screenings section at the Cannes Film Festival. It went on to draw 11.57 million admissions in Korea, with combined domestic and international box office revenue reaching roughly $93.5 million — about 138 billion won.

Lee Jung-ha, CEO of Contents Panda, which is handling the overseas distribution, said the film is finally getting a full wide release in North America a decade after its limited 2016 debut there. He added that since the film was what first put Korean-style zombie movies on the map globally, he hopes this rerelease brings new audiences fresh enjoyment.

In Korea right nowIn Korea, 'Train to Busan' is widely regarded as the film that kicked off the K-zombie genre, setting the template for the wave of Korean zombie titles that followed. Ten years after its release, news of a major overseas rerelease has Korean film fans pointing to it as fresh proof of K-content's staying power abroad.

FAQ

What is 'Train to Busan' about?

It's a 2016 Korean zombie disaster film about passengers on a KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Busan fighting to survive after a mysterious virus breaks out.

When and where can international audiences see it again?

The 4K remaster opens August 5 in the Philippines, then rolls out August 14 in North America, August 21 in Japan, and September 2 in Italy, with additional releases planned across Latin America and in Spain.

Why is it being rereleased now?

This year marks the 10th anniversary of its 2016 debut, so the distributor remastered the film in 4K to mark the occasion with a fresh overseas run.