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PODCAST

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

Korean dark history, ghost tales, folklore, serial killers, true crime, and more. You are about to discover why Korea has the spookiest stories and darkest history.Folklorist Shawn and history buff Joe delve into Korea"s gruesome stories of massacres, betrayals, and blood. It"s like "Game of Thrones" in Asia. We share our passion for Korea and its struggles throughout time. If you enjoy shows like "Kingdom," this is the podcast for you. Even if you know nothing about Korea, its history will become

history places & travel

All Episodes

47:29

Yeongjo’s Quest for Balance: Ending Factional Fury |...

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/06/11

Send us a text 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 scheming even as he sought “Impartiality.” This episode unpacks Yeongjo’s high-stakes gambit to tame fac...

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55:08

Korea and Canada Share Folklore?

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/06/04

Send us a text 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 https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Top Tier PatronsAngel EarlJoel BonominiDevon HiphnerGabi PalominoS...

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51:59

Unexplained Deaths of Expats in Korea

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/05/28

Send us a text 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 explore the lack of answers, the lack of government response, and the issues surrounding the tr...

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28:18

When Love Meets Politics | Fall of Joseon, part 14

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/05/21

Send us a text 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 West Faction, leading to their eventual purge from the court. The episode also explores the rapid rise...

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54:06

Tragic Ghosts

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/05/14

Send us a text 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 surrounds them. Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Ge...

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73:44

Ask Us. We Dare You!

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/05/07

Send us a text 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 The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk at https://darksideofseoul.com Pitch your idea here. https:/...

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60:52

Ghost Book Sneak Peek

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/04/30

Send us a text 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 Pitch your idea here. https://www.darksideofseoul.com/expats-of-the-wild-east/ Credits ...

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62:33

Gwangjang Market: Secrets, Snacks, and the Shady Side...

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/04/23

Send us a text 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 crispy pancakes or hidden power plays, this tour of Gwangjang’s back alleys might just change the way y...

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66:49

Boondoggles: Korean Grand Prix

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/04/16

Send us a text 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 long history of hosting ambitious global events primarily for image, without genuinely understanding...

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67:20

Strange Things Found on Naver Maps

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/04/09

Send us a text 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 questions about privacy, censorship, and the hidden world beneath Korea’s digital surface. Join us as we ...

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41:36

Joseon Korea vs. Qing China: A Kingdom Caught Between...

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/04/02

Send us a text 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 the West Faction to the tragic death of Crown Prince Sohyeon, we uncover the bitter struggles that sh...

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109:01

Korean Tourism 50 Years Ago

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/03/26

Send us a text 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. Top Tier PatronsAngel EarlJoel BonominiDevon HiphnerGabi PalominoSteve MarshEva SikoraRon ChangMitchy BrewerMackenzie MooreMinseok LeeHunter WinterCecilia Löfgr...

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68:31

Tapgol Park

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/03/19

Send us a text 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. Top Tier PatronsAngel EarlJoel BonominiDevon HiphnerGabi PalominoSteve MarshEva SikoraRon ChangMitchy BrewerMacke...

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51:12

Friendly Fire

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/03/13

Send us a text 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 risks of military exercises in populated areas. Plus, we take a historical look at other infamous f...

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69:08

Korean Funerals

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/03/08

Send us a text 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 a funeral in Korea, this episode provides valuable insights into how Korean society honors the...

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96:38

School Murder

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/02/26

Send us a text 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 into the complexities of mental health, violence in schools, and the failure of safety measures. We a...

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105:55

Korean Conspiracy Theories

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/02/12

Send us a text 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) Top Tier PatronsAngel EarlJoel BonominiDevon HiphnerGabi PalominoSteve MarshEva SikoraRon ChangMitchy BrewerMackenzie MooreMinseok LeeHunter WinterCecilia Löfgren DumasAshley WrightGeorge IrionKwang Ja MoonEdward Bradford Starti...

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39:18

King Injo: Factionalism, Rebellion, Factionalism |...

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/02/05

Send us a text 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 control over the court, leading to bloody purges and widespread opposition. This episode explores Inj...

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51:09

Korean Ghosts of the 15th Century: Poltergeists,...

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/01/29

Send us a textWe’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 stuffhttps://patreon.com/darksideofseoulBook a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk at https://darksideofseoul.comCreditsProduced by Joe McPherson and Shawn MorrisseyMusic b...

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63:39

Murder! Or Self Defense?

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast ·

2025/01/22

Send us a text 🚨 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.This is crucial listening for anyone living in or visiting Korea. Starting at just $5/month, g...

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292 results

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