The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

By ZenKimchi

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 Jo... more

4.7

3737 ratings

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FAQs about The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast:

How many episodes does The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 253 episodes available.

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast episodes:

January 15, 2025 Squid Game 2: Korean Culture Elements You Missed, Part 2
Send us a text
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
Produced by Ron Chang, Joe McPherson, and Shawn Morrissey
Music by Soraksan
Top Tier Patrons
Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon

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

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Facebook Page |
Instagram
...more
1h 42min
January 08, 2025 Squid Game 2: Korean Culture Elements You Missed, Part 1
Send us a text
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 https://darksideofseoul.com

Credits
Produced by Ron Chang, Joe McPherson, and Shawn Morrissey
Music by Soraksan

Top Tier Patrons
Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon

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

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Facebook Page |
Instagram
...more
1h 8min
January 01, 2025 Did She Really Murder Her Father?
Send us a text
🚨 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-depth look at the case, the statistics behind parricide, and the ongoing fight for justice.
Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon

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

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Facebook Page |
Instagram
...more
36min
December 25, 2024 Ask Us Anything: From Hiking to Han Kang, We’re Answering It All
Send us a text
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?
What are your MBTIs?
Can you recommend some not Korean ghost stories books? (I’m Korean)
Have you ever had tour clients who didn’t like Korea?
Thoughts on Han Kang winning the Nobel?
Thing you’re most worried about in Korea?
Are you guys worried about NK?
Do you guys have goals in 2025?
Thoughts on city gov’t making ‘aurora green’ Seoul 2025 colour.

Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon

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

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Facebook Page |
Instagram
...more
1h 31min
December 18, 2024 The Courageous Rooster: Lessons from Korean Folklore and Culture
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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 beginnings and protection.
We explore legendary figures like Master Doseon, whose celestial helpers, the bicheon, worked until the rooster crowed at dawn. The I Ching links roosters to auspiciousness and sunlight, further deepening their cultural significance. In this episode, we also discuss the 2024 predictions for those born in the year of the rooster, including career opportunities, romance, and financial advice. Tune in for fascinating insights into one of Korea’s most powerful and enduring zodiac animals!

Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon

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

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Facebook Page |
Instagram
...more
1h 1min
December 12, 2024 Mountains: Gods, Ghosts, & Killers (Re-release)
Send us a text
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.
In this episode, we explore Korea’s deep connection with its mountains, starting with the legend of Dangun, the legendary founder of Korea. His story is tied to Baekdusan, one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. We dive into the Baekdu Daegan mountain range, the main system running along the peninsula’s east coast, and how it has shaped the cultural landscape of the country.
The central figure in Korean mountain culture is sanshin, the mountain gods. These deities are often depicted as wise old men, but female representations, called yeo-sanshin, also exist. We discuss the tradition of communing with sanshin, a practice that has brought together Korean shamanism and Buddhist traditions. We highlight some of Korea’s most notable sacred mountains, such as Gyerongsan and Inwangsan, where shamans hold sanshinje rituals to honor these deities.
As much as mountains are associated with spirituality, they also harbor ghostly legends. From the infamous Dalgyal gwishin—a faceless and limbless ghost said to haunt the mountains—to the tragic ghost stories passed down through generations, the mountains of Korea are steeped in eerie tales. One such story is from Seoraksan, where a mother’s undying love for her child is immortalized in the Daeseung Falls.
But the mountains aren't just home to spirits—they have also been sites of violence and murder. From the Frog Boys to the tragic case of a 16-year-old girl found dead on a mountain, the mountains have witnessed dark chapters in Korea’s history. We also delve into the chilling story of a murder on Eodeungsan in April 2016, where a man, struggling with mental health, killed an elderly hiker.
In this episode, we also discuss personal encounters with ghosts in the mountains, as well as the cultural and spiritual significance of these sacred sites.
Tune in to hear the full stories of Korea’s mountain
Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon

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

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Facebook Page |
Instagram
...more
1h 17min
December 04, 2024 Yoon's Martial Law: History Repeats Itself in South Korea?
Send us a text
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!
Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon

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

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Facebook Page |
Instagram
...more
1h 12min
November 27, 2024 Korean Hospitals: Tales of Good Healthcare, Bad Treatment
Send us a text
Discover the realities of Korea's healthcare system—great services, but bad treatment. We share personal experiences and discuss the challenges faced by patients.
Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon

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

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Facebook Page |
Instagram
...more
1h 40min
November 20, 2024 Korea's Forced Eviction Industry
Send us a text
Korea's "Yongyeok Ggangpae" thugs play a violent role in forced evictions, redevelopment projects, and the broader impact on South Korea’s urban transformation.
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
Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey
Music by Soraksan
Top Tier Patrons
Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon

Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com

Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.com
Persons of Interest
From murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Facebook Page |
Instagram
...more
44min
November 13, 2024K-Wordiness
Send us a text
We look at all the variety of Korean words that are related to each other through their Chinese and pure Korean roots. Great for beginners and even native speakers.
Handbook of Korean Vocabulary: A Resource for Word Recognition and Comprehension by Miho Choo & William O’Grady
We receive a commission on sales of this book if you click the link.
Chinese
마 (horse)
계 (chicken)
모 (mother)
미 (beautiful, beauty, America)
미 (taste)
Pure Korean
가루 (powder)
가방 (bag)
개 (thing used for)
벌레 (worm)
나다 (come out)
Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon

Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com

Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.com
Persons of Interest
From murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

Facebook Page |
Instagram
...more
52min

FAQs about The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast:

How many episodes does The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 253 episodes available.

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