Bulgasari

Bulgasari at the End of Songdo, or simply Bulgasari, is a lost 1962 South Korean kaiju film directed and edited by Kim Myeong-je. Produced by Kwang Seong Films, it was the first monster movie to be made in South Korea, as well as the first Korean film to use special effects. It 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.

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). On an approximately ₩3.5 million budget, Bulgasari began principal photography on February 28, 1962, and wrapped on March 24.

Bulgasari was released theatrically in South Korea on December 1, 1962. The film received negative reviews from critics, especially because of its unconvincing special effects, direction, and acting. Believed to have disappeared shortly after its release, the film is considered a significant feature in the history of South Korean cinema and one of the most sought-after lost kaiju films. Shin Sang-ok directed a 1985 remake of the film during his abduction in North Korea.