“Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” is a South Korean horror movie released in 2018. It tells the story of a group of YouTubers who explore an abandoned psychiatric hospital, only to encounter terrifying supernatural events. The film gained popularity for its found-footage style, realistic scares, and eerie atmosphere. But is Gonjiam Asylum real? And is the story in the movie based on true events? In this article, we will explore the history of Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, the myths surrounding it, and whether the events in the movie are based on facts.
The Real Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital
Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital was an actual hospital located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The building became one of the most famous abandoned places in the country and was often called one of Korea’s most haunted locations. Many urban explorers and thrill-seekers visited the site to experience its eerie atmosphere.
The hospital was rumored to have closed suddenly in the 1990s. Many legends claim that mysterious deaths of patients and staff led to its shutdown. Some say the hospital director disappeared without a trace, leaving the institution abandoned. Others believe patients died under strange circumstances, and their spirits still haunt the building. These stories made Gonjiam a popular site for ghost hunters.
However, the truth about Gonjiam’s closure is less mysterious. According to reports, the hospital closed due to financial problems and poor conditions. The owner of the hospital moved to the United States, and without proper management, the building was abandoned. Over time, it became a decayed and eerie-looking structure, which fueled ghost stories and urban legends.
The Myths and Legends of Gonjiam
Although the official reason for the hospital’s closure is financial issues, many myths continue to surround the site. Some of the most famous urban legends about Gonjiam include:
1. Mysterious Deaths of Patients
One of the most common myths claims that patients in the hospital died mysteriously. Some believe they were victims of cruel experiments by doctors. Others say patients started dying one by one for unknown reasons, leading to fear and panic inside the facility. However, no official records confirm these deaths.
2. The Haunted Room 402
Visitors often mention Room 402 as the most haunted place in the hospital. According to stories, the door to Room 402 would not open, as if supernatural forces were preventing anyone from entering. People claimed to hear strange noises from inside the room, such as whispers and footsteps. However, there is no confirmed evidence of paranormal activity.
3. The Missing Director
Some legends say that the hospital director disappeared mysteriously. Some versions claim he committed suicide inside the hospital, while others suggest he fled after performing illegal experiments on patients. In reality, the owner of the hospital simply left the country, and there is no proof of any strange disappearance.
4. Ghost Sightings and Paranormal Activity
Many urban explorers who visited Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing eerie voices, and experiencing sudden cold spots. Some claimed to feel an invisible force pushing them or preventing them from entering certain areas. While these accounts are chilling, they are mostly anecdotal and lack scientific verification.
The Movie: Fiction or Reality?
“Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” is a fictional horror film inspired by the real-life abandoned hospital and the urban legends surrounding it. However, the movie does not depict actual events. The story follows a group of online broadcasters who visit the asylum to livestream their exploration. As they investigate, they encounter supernatural forces that trap them inside.
The film uses a found-footage style, similar to “The Blair Witch Project” and “Paranormal Activity.” This technique makes the movie feel realistic and immersive, adding to the fear factor. The actors improvised many of their lines, making their reactions appear more genuine. While the movie is scary, it does not portray real occurrences.
Controversy Surrounding the Movie
After the release of “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum,” the real-life hospital’s owner took legal action against the film’s production company. The owner argued that the movie damaged the site’s reputation and led to increased trespassing by curious visitors. Due to safety concerns and legal issues, the government eventually demolished the abandoned hospital in 2018.
What Happened to the Real Gonjiam Hospital?
Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital no longer exists. After years of being a hotspot for urban explorers and ghost hunters, the building was demolished in May 2018. The site is now an empty lot, and no official plans have been made to rebuild anything in its place.
Despite its demolition, Gonjiam remains one of South Korea’s most famous haunted locations. The legends continue to spread online, and the movie keeps the mystery alive for horror fans worldwide.
Conclusion
While “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” is a terrifying movie, it is not based on a true story. The real Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital was abandoned due to financial difficulties, not supernatural events. However, the myths and urban legends surrounding the place helped inspire one of South Korea’s scariest horror films. Although the hospital no longer exists, its ghostly reputation lives on through stories and media. If you love horror, “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” is a must-watch, but rest assured, it is purely fictional.
