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 deceased...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 257
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 also...
Feb 26, 2025•2 hr 37 min•Ep. 256
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 Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Devon Hiphner Gabi Palomino Steve Marsh Eva Sikora Ron Chang Mitchy Brewer Mackenzie Moore Minseok Lee Hunter Winter Cecilia Löfgren Dumas Ashley Wright George Irion Kwang Ja Moon Edward Bradf...
Feb 12, 2025•2 hr 47 min•Ep. 255
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 Injo’s effo...
Feb 05, 2025•40 min•Ep. 254
Send us a text 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 Seoul Ghost Walk at https://darksideofseoul.com Credits Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey Mus...
Jan 29, 2025•52 min•Ep. 253
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. Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bono...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 252
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 Ear...
Jan 15, 2025•2 hr 43 min•Ep. 251
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 Sor...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 250
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. Top Tier Patro...
Jan 01, 2025•36 min•Ep. 249
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...
Dec 25, 2024•2 hr 31 min•Ep. 248
Send us a text 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 bicheo...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 247
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 th...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 246
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! Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Devon Hiphner Gabi Palomino Steve Marsh Eva Sikora Ron Chang Mitchy Brewer Mackenzie Moore Minseok Lee Hunter Winter Cecilia Löfgren Dumas Ashley Wright George Irion Kwang Ja Moon Edward Bradford Starti...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 245
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. Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Devon Hiphner Gabi Palomino Steve Marsh Eva Sikora Ron Chang Mitchy Brewer Mackenzie Moore Minseok Lee Hunter Winter Cecilia Löfgren Dumas Ashley Wright George Irion Kwang Ja Moon Edward Bradford Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Pat...
Nov 27, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Ep. 244
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 ...
Nov 20, 2024•43 min•Ep. 243
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) 벌...
Nov 13, 2024•52 min•Ep. 242
Send us a text Watch your step! That sinkhole is a doozy. We explore the growing concerns of sinkholes in Korea, what causes them, and how to spot one before it collapses. Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Devon Hiphner Gabi Palomino Steve Marsh Eva Sikora Ron Chang Mitchy Brewer Mackenzie Moore Minseok Lee Hunter Winter Cecilia Löfgren Dumas Ashley Wright George Irion Kwang Ja Moon Edward Bradford Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon Korea'...
Nov 06, 2024•50 min•Ep. 241
Send us a text Explore the role of monkeys in Korean folklore and culture in relation to the Chinese zodiac. Discover their symbolism, myths, and modern interpretations in this episode! Media recommendations Monkey Shines The Monkey’s Paw (WW Jacobs story; Alfred Hitchcock Hour episode) Tales from the Crypt, ‘Last Respects ’ 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 Jo...
Oct 30, 2024•50 min•Ep. 240
Send us a text Shawn and Joe have more traditional Korean ghost stories and urban legends for this year. 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 Josep...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 239
Send us a text Guest: Bart van Genugten iGoBart (YouTube) Welcome to My Dong (YouTube) iGoBart (Instagram) Bart van Genugten of YouTube’s “Welcome to My Dong” discusses some of the darker experiences he’s had creating his praised series about exploring every neighborhood of Seoul. My Map of Seoul Was Vandalized: What Really Happened Videos with both Joe and Shawn Why Foreigners are Fascinated by Korea's Abandoned Neighborhoods Videos with Joe A Korean Market that even Gangsters keep their h...
Oct 16, 2024•48 min•Ep. 238
Send us a text Guest: Bart van Genugten iGoBart (YouTube) Welcome to My Dong (YouTube) iGoBart (Instagram) Bart van Genugten of YouTube’s “Welcome to My Dong” discusses the genesis of his acclaimed series and how it’s become a valuable time capsule of the changing city. My Map of Seoul Was Vandalized: What Really Happened Videos with both Joe and Shawn Why Foreigners are Fascinated by Korea's Abandoned Neighborhoods Videos with Joe A Korean Market that even Gangsters keep their hands off I ...
Oct 09, 2024•53 min•Ep. 237
Send us a text What is the oldest mention of ghosts in Korea? Korean food without spicy peppers? And more. You sent us questions, we send you answers! 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...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 236
Send us a text The Emmy Award winning TV series and novel Shogun took place right after the Imjin Wars. What was happening in Korea and Japan during this period? 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 Mo...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 235
Send us a text Build it and they will come. Until you build it again. We explore the Korean government’s sometimes harmful fascination with redevelopment, gentrification, and fake heritage. 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 Shaaron Cullen Devon Hiphner Gabi Palomino St...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 234
Send us a text The growth of AI has its advantages, but like all new technology, it isn’t always used in benevolent ways. From blackmail to porn, we explore growing issues of deepfakes and adversarial AI in Korea. 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 Shaaron Cullen Devon ...
Sep 13, 2024•52 min•Ep. 233
Send us a text Summer 2024 was one of the hottest on record in Korea. It wasn’t only the temperatures that were heating up, crime was sizzling, too. Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Devon Hiphner Gabi Palomino Steve Marsh Eva Sikora Ron Chang Mitchy Brewer Mackenzie Moore Minseok Lee Hunter Winter Cecilia Löfgren Dumas Ashley Wright George Irion Kwang Ja Moon Edward Bradford Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon Korea's #1 ghost and dark his...
Sep 04, 2024•56 min•Ep. 232
Send us a text Welcome to True Crime Summer, our best true crime episodes. Reuters dubbed Korea “The Global Epicentre of Spy Cams.” How bad is it? Why is it so bad? And what can you do to fight this? Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Devon Hiphner Gabi Palomino Steve Marsh Eva Sikora Ron Chang Mitchy Brewer Mackenzie Moore Minseok Lee Hunter Winter Cecilia Löfgren Dumas Ashley Wright George Irion Kwang Ja Moon Edward Bradford Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by...
Aug 28, 2024•2 hr 34 min•Ep. 231
Send us a text Welcome to True Crime Summer, our best true crime episodes. What was true about Yoo Young-Chul and what was urban myth? How badly did the authorities mess this up? Have things changed? We analyze what the psych and criminology experts have written about this case. Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Devon Hiphner Gabi Palomino Steve Marsh Eva Sikora Ron Chang Mitchy Brewer Mackenzie Moore Minseok Lee Hunter Winter Cecilia Löfgren Dumas Ashley Wright George Irion Kwang Ja Moo...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 230
Send us a text Welcome to True Crime Summer, our best true crime episodes. What do you do when you feel your child is being targeted by a sexual predator? We talk to a parent who relates his harrowing ordeal. Must listen! Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Devon Hiphner Gabi Palomino Steve Marsh Eva Sikora Ron Chang Mitchy Brewer Mackenzie Moore Minseok Lee Hunter Winter Cecilia Löfgren Dumas Ashley Wright George Irion Kwang Ja Moon Edward Bradford Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of ...
Aug 24, 2024•49 min•Ep. 229
Send us a text Welcome to True Crime Summer, our best true crime episodes. In the mid-1980s, people were randomly collapsing and dying around Seoul. Or was it random? Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Devon Hiphner Gabi Palomino Steve Marsh Eva Sikora Ron Chang Mitchy Brewer Mackenzie Moore Minseok Lee Hunter Winter Cecilia Löfgren Dumas Ashley Wright George Irion Kwang Ja Moon Edward Bradford Starting at just $5/month, get a lot of great extra content by going to our Patreon Korea's #1 ...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 228
