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 your new addiction.Subscribe, sit back, and enjoy.
Episodes
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 to Olympic bids. Steel may be POSCO’s c...
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 takes on everyday life under sanction...
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 United States’ ill-fated “punitive expeditio...
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.” ...
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
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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 o...
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 ...
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.
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!
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Top Tier Patrons
Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mitchy Brewer
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
George Irion
Kw...
Shawn gives us a preview of his upcoming book about Korean ghost stories, encounters, and folklore.
https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul
Top Tier Patrons
Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mitchy Brewer
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
George Irion
Kwang Ja Moon
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
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, thi...
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 ambit...
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, censorshi...
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 ...
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.
https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul
Top Tier Patrons
Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Pa...
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.
https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul
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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 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 provi...
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, ...
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)
https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul
Top Tier Patrons
Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
M...
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