The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

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....

Send us Fan Mail We dive into as many Korean cultural nuances we could find that may have had you scratching your head while watching Squid Game 2. Also, get out your maps because we track down almost every single filming location in Seoul. 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 Credits...

Send us Fan Mail We dive into as many Korean cultural nuances we could find that may have had you scratching your head while watching Squid Game 2. Also, get out your maps because we track down almost every single filming location in Seoul. Guest: Ron Chang SPOILERS AHEAD Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk at http...

Send us Fan Mail 🚨 Parricide Case Revisited 🚨 In this gripping episode, we cover the strange and convoluted case of Kim Shin-hye, a woman convicted of killing her father in 2000. What started as a confession of revenge for sexual abuse later spirals into claims of coercion and police misconduct. This chilling case has captivated headlines again with a retrial set for 2025. Tune in for an in-dept...

Send us Fan Mail In this special year-end episode, we answer your questions on hiking, Han Kang, living in Korea, and more! Tune in for fun insights and personal thoughts.  Do you think that hiking is getting more popular with tourists? Why don’t you create more content? You could have 10s of 1000s of followers! (I posted this) What’s something about living in Korea that travellers don’t know? Wha...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into the rich symbolism of the rooster in Korean culture, or dak-ddi (닭띠). Known for their courage, honesty, and strong personality traits, roosters play a significant role in Korean mythology and folklore. From their association with the dawn and their role in warding off evil, to their connection with Dangun’s founding myth, roosters embody new beginni...

Send us Fan Mail Join The Seoul Hike to learn more about Korea's mountain myths and legends. Mountains have always played a significant role in Korea's culture, folklore, and religion. From providing the backdrop for Korea's founding myth to being central to shamanic practices, the mountains are more than just natural landmarks—they are spiritual hubs, filled with gods, ghosts, and tragic tales. I...

Send us Fan Mail We break down President Yoon Seok-yeol’s shocking 2024 martial law declaration, its ties to Korea's authoritarian past, and the political fallout. Don’t miss the McCarthy-style red-baiting and what it means for South Korea’s democracy! 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...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the realities of Korea's healthcare system—great services, but bad treatment. We share personal experiences and discuss the challenges faced by patients. 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...