The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

Send us Fan Mail We kick of Spooky Chills Summer 2025 with three fresh stories and more. Brace yourselves for three spine-tinglers in Spooky Chilly Summer Part 7: • The Hong Kong Grandma’s deadly Q&A—answer wrong, and you’re never seen again • The Forest Chair that traps souls in a vision of their own funeral • The Subway Ghost who still asks, “Can you take me home?” Shawn and Joe also unveil...

Send us Fan Mail Prince Sado’s life reads like a gothic horror: crowned heir, but driven mad by his father’s cold perfectionism, he slew palace servants and terrorized court ladies—then was locked in a rice chest by King Yeongjo, left to die over eight harrowing days. Drawing on Lady Hyegyeong’s 1805 memoir, we untangle Sado’s paranoia, rituals, and possible political frame-up, and reveal how his...

Send us Fan Mail POSCO helped forge modern South Korea, but at what cost? We trace the company’s origins under Park Chung-hee’s grand steel plan, its “Right-Turn Spirit” cult of willpower, and its risky “backward” build strategy. Then we peel back the polish to expose repeated fatal accidents, toxic pollution, sexual assault cover-ups, and corrosive “POSCO mentality” boondoggles—from F1 circuits t...

Send us Fan Mail  Seventy-five years after the Korean War began, North Korea still defines its identity by the conflict. NK News Podcast host Jacco Zwetsloot explains how Pyongyang marks the anniversary, what myths it perpetuates about victory over the U.S., and which historical flashpoints—from land reforms to the nuclear program—have shaped Kim Il Sung’s successor states. We’ll also hear Jacco’s...

Send us Fan Mail Featuring Thomas Duvernay, PhD | Sinmiyangyo: The 1871 Conflict Between the United States and Korea When American warships steamed into Korean waters in 1871, they ignited more than just cannon fire—they opened a chapter of resistance, cultural clash, and a legacy that still echoes today. This week, historian Dr. Thomas Duvernay guides us through the Shinmiyangyo (신미양요), the U...

Send us Fan Mail After the Noron and Soron slaughter of 1721–22, Joseon lay fractured. When Prince Yeoning ascended as King Yeongjo, he resolved to break the cycle. Through calculated pardons, strategic reshuffles, Confucian exhortations against in-group politics, and reforms of the powerful Ministry of Personnel and private schools, Yeongjo pursued an uneasy peace. Yet rival camps continued schem...

Send us Fan Mail You may find it hard to believe that two countries as different as Korea and Canada have shared folklore. Why is that? And just what do they share? In this episode, we have a listen to a presentation on the topic made at the invitation of Seoul City and the Canadian Embassy.  For the video version of this episode, watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0gUR7VdRRU Korea's...

Send us Fan Mail  Death is inevitable, but for many expats in Korea, the cause of death remains a mystery. In this episode, we delve into the unsettling number of unexplained deaths among foreign nationals living in Korea. From recent tragedies like the case of a Bangladeshi man who collapsed on the dance floor in Hongdae to the broader statistics of migrant workers and their untimely deaths, we e...

Send us Fan Mail King Sukjong's reign, beginning at just 13 years old, was a turbulent time for Joseon, marked by power struggles, love affairs, and the downfall of factions. His relationship with concubine Lady Jang became the focal point of one of the most dramatic political upheavals in Joseon history. When Sukjong named Lady Jang's son as Crown Prince, it sparked a fierce backlash from the Wes...

Send us Fan Mail What makes a ghost so moody, and why are some spirits bound to haunt the living with vengeance and sorrow? We explore the most tragic and unfulfilled spirits in Korean tradition, from wonhon —the ghosts of the forsaken, to yeommae and taejagwi —the spirits of those who died in anguish or sorrow. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these forlorn spirits and the folklore that s...

Send us Fan Mail What is something about Korea that’s overrated? Why is shamanism viewed so negatively? How has Korean changed since COVID? We took your questions and we answer them! Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Support the show Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of...

Send us Fan Mail Shawn gives us a preview of his upcoming book about Korean ghost stories, encounters, and folklore.  Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Support the show Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk at https://darksideofseoul.com...

Send us Fan Mail Gwangjang Market is a street food paradise… but what’s lurking behind the bindaetteok stalls and mayak gimbap counters? In this episode, we dig into the tangled history of Korea’s oldest covered market—from its rebellious beginnings and refugee-fueled food scene to whispered stories of political gangsters, sky-high stall rents, and tourist price traps. Whether you’re here for cris...

Send us Fan Mail South Korea's hosting of the Formula One Grand Prix in Yeongam (2010-2013) was supposed to bring global prestige, but instead became one of motorsport’s biggest flops. We dive deep into how mismanagement, cultural misunderstanding, construction disasters, and financial chaos turned Korea’s ambitious F1 dreams into an international embarrassment. Along the way, we explore Korea's l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast , we take a deep dive into the strange, unusual, and downright bizarre things we’ve found on Naver Maps. From mysterious statues and remote tombs to quirky landmarks like the Dokdo emoji, we explore the oddities that don't always make it into guidebooks. But it's not all fun and games — some of these discoveries also bring up quest...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Fall of Joseon , we dive into the political turmoil and military invasions that rocked Joseon Korea in the 17th century. Join us as we explore the first Qing invasion of 1627, the devastating effects of political factionalism, and the lasting consequences for Joseon’s political landscape. From King Injo’s chaotic rise to power and the internal conflicts of t...

Send us Fan Mail  What was Korea like for tourists in 1975? In this episode, we explore the unique travel experience of that time, based on a fascinating book from the era. From the government’s tourism promotions to the must-see sites of the day, discover what Korea looked like for international travelers half a century ago.  Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we explore the history of Tapgol Park, a significant landmark in Seoul. From its origins as a temple site to its role in pivotal events like the March 1st Movement, Tapgol Park is woven into the fabric of Korea's modern history. Learn about its transformation, struggles with urban development, and what the future holds for this beloved public space.  Korea's #1 ghost an...

Send us Fan Mail In The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast episode "Friendly Fire," we investigate a tragic mistake during a live-fire drill in Pocheon, South Korea. Joint ROK-USA military exercises led to accidental shelling of a civilian area, injuring over 25 people and causing significant damage. What went wrong? We discuss pilot errors, the lack of coordination, and what it reveals about the ongoing...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we explore the emotional and cultural significance of Korean funeral rites, as seen through the lens of a recent family funeral. From the preparation and altar arrangements to the mourning rituals and final burial, we cover the detailed process that many families experience. Whether you’re curious about the customs or looking for an etiquette guide for attending...

Send us Fan Mail In this somber episode, we discuss the tragic murder of elementary school student Kim Ha-neul, allegedly at the hands of a teacher, and the ongoing investigation into the case. This incident has shocked the nation and raised significant concerns about school safety in Korea. Was this murder an isolated case, or does it highlight systemic issues in the education system? We delve in...

Send us Fan Mail Explore the rising tide of conspiracy theories in Korea, from government cover-ups to ideological divides, and how these beliefs are shaping the nation’s political landscape. Media recommendation Classic Mr. Pizza ad: The True Origins of Pizza (한글자막) Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Support the sh...

Send us Fan Mail King Injo: Factionalism, Rebellion, Factionalism | Fall of Joseon, Part 12  delves into the turbulent reign of King Injo, who ascended to the throne following the downfall of Gwanghae-gun. Amidst the chaos of factional strife, his reign became defined by rebellion, power struggles, and intense political maneuvering. With Joseon deeply divided, Injo fought for legitimacy and contro...

Send us Fan Mail We’re taking a step back in time to the 15th century to uncover how ghosts were viewed in early Korean culture. From poltergeist activity to terrifying apparitions, this episode challenges today’s popular ghost stories and offers a look into the eerie events of ancient Korea. Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seo...

Send us Fan Mail  🚨 What Happens When Self-Defence Goes Wrong in Korea? 🚨 In this gripping episode, we examine the case of Choi Mal-ja, who defended herself from an attacker and received a prison sentence for it. Why did Korean law not recognize her self-defence? Tune in to hear how this case unfolds, the legal issues around self-defence in Korea, and the retrial that may finally bring justice....