The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast - podcast cover

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

The Dark Side of K-Pop Fandom

Send us a text Guest: Sharon Kong-Perring PhD candidate in cultural media studies Does K-Pop fandom exhibit signs of psychopathy? What makes fans defend idols accused of heinous acts? When does fandom go from adoration to creepy? 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPh...

Nov 08, 20221 hr 17 minEp. 138

Itaewon Tragedy

Send us a text This is a short talk about the recent tragedy in Itaewon, including the following: The latest that we know and eyewitness stories that you're not hearing in the news Halloween's growth in Itaewon Some observations that contradict authorities' statements Simple inexpensive ways to improve safety What to do if you find yourself in a similar situation Made in Spain Whether you’re an expat chasing the dream, a traveller inspired by European elegance... Listen on: Apple ...

Oct 31, 202232 minEp. 137

Halloween in Korea

Send us a text This ancient Irish holiday has grown quickly in Korea. But has its essence been lost? (aka “Shawn Sh*ts on Korean Halloween”) 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson, Shawn Morrissey, and Mia Roncati Music by Soraksan Top tier Patrons Angel Earl Jo...

Oct 26, 20221 hrEp. 136

Korean SpOOky Tales

Send us a text We collect our favorite stories and some Patreon-only segments of “Weird Tales from Korean Lore” to chill your spooky. The Booze Ghost Jayuro Highway Trucker (told on the very same highway) High School Diary The Travelers (Weird Tales from Korean Lore) The Roommate Deal with the Demon Is Heaven in the Well? The Soldier and the Young Mother The Trial The Three Time Widower Rain Bubbles in the Mud The Fortune Teller Newlywed’s Dream Join our Patreon to get more stuff! https://patreo...

Oct 19, 202252 minEp. 135

Koryo Saram

Send us a text Olga Kim is a Koryo-Saram artist from Rome. Olga is joining us to discuss Koryo-saram, a unique group of Korean diaspora who migrated to Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Olga's Instagram 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson, Shawn Morri...

Oct 12, 20221 hrEp. 134

Hidden Myeong-dong

Send us a text Seoul’s popular tourist district hides dark stories of colonialism and commercial mischief. Myeongdong Cathedral, the Chinese Embassy, department stores, makeup shops, and even It’s Skin! Listen for some surprises. 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McP...

Oct 05, 20221 hr 21 minEp. 133

Caught a Predator

Send us a text 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! 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson, Shawn Morrissey, and Mia Roncati Music by Soraksan Top tier ...

Sep 28, 202246 minEp. 132

Tour Research and Rants

Send us a text Video episode! We research a gorgeous new tour in Paju and then talk about the problems with Korea’s tourism industry. If you’re visiting Korea, you should watch this. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjXPDkNFfi0 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits ...

Sep 21, 202252 minEp. 131

Land Mines

Send us a text The heavy rains this past summer lifted from the soil old remnants of the Korean War: landmines. And this wasn’t the first time. 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson, Shawn Morrissey, and Mia Roncati Music by Soraksan Top tier Patrons Angel Earl...

Sep 14, 202241 minEp. 130

Scandal at the House of Sharing

Send us a text A retirement home for comfort women has become the crux of scandals that ooze cancerous tumors of Korean culture that have diseased it for history. 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson, Shawn Morrissey, and Mia Roncati Music by Soraksan Top tier...

Sep 07, 202256 minEp. 129

Great Books

Send us a text There still aren’t as many books about Korean culture, lore, and history as other countries, but there are great ones available. Here are some recommendations. Shawn’s Horror Film Suggestions horror movies about books Evil Dead series The Beyond Tenebre Misery In the Mouth of Madness 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Fac...

Aug 31, 20221 hr 2 minEp. 128

Dark Tourism

Send us a text It’s said that visiting places of death, tragedy, or hauntings is a fast-growing modern tourism phenomenon. But is it? Shawn’s Horror Movie Recommendations Plenty of classic ‘lost/stranded traveller’ tales The Old Dark House (original) Lisa and the Devil And Soon the Darkness A Candle for the Devil (aka It Happened at Nightmare Inn) Dark Tourist (Netflix) Join our Patreon to get more stuff! https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk at htt...

Aug 24, 20221 hr 16 minEp. 127

Clubbing in Seoul

Send us a text What types of nightclubs are in Seoul? What’s in a “Business Club?” We give a rundown of Korea’s club types and why their reputation has been plummeting. Shawn’s Horror Movie Recommendations Beyond the Rave Vamp Succubus (aka Necronomicon; 1968) 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on a...

Aug 17, 20221 hr 23 minEp. 126

Things People Get Wrong about Korea

Send us a text Korea has been growing in popularity in the past couple of years, mostly through the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, this seems to have created a plethora of half- and untruths believed and perpetuated by those who don’t live in Korea. Lesson to all: don’t use television or K-pop to inform yourself on anything Korean. The goal isn’t to speak badly about Korea, but to highlight that misconceptions create potentially unsafe points of view for those looking to know more about ...

Aug 10, 20221 hr 27 minEp. 125

K-Guns

Send us a text Korea is well-known for low gun crime, but it isn’t completely absent. In the wake of recent events elsewhere in the world, we decided to dive into Korea’s own experiences with guns. 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson, Shawn Morrissey, and Mia...

Aug 03, 20221 hr 6 minEp. 124

Dreams

Send us a text How do Koreans interpret dreams? Do they even think they mean anything? Shawn has done some research and has the answers here. Shawn’s Movie Suggestions Of course Nightmare on Elm Street (only 1 and New Nightmare are worth a damn) Altered States (1980) Jacob’s Ladder The Company of Wolves 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram...

Jul 28, 20221 hr 12 minEp. 123

Imo Revolt

Send us a text The oft overlooked spark that tumbled the Joseon Dynasty’s rotting Jenga tower. You’ll notice striking parallels with some aspects of today’s society. 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson, Shawn Morrissey, and Mia Roncati Music by Soraksan Top t...

Jul 20, 20221 hr 5 minEp. 122

Noryangjin Fish Market

Send us a text Made in Spain Whether you’re an expat chasing the dream, a traveller inspired by European elegance... 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 ...

Jul 13, 20221 hr 9 minEp. 121

Lucky Charms

Send us a text Called bujeok, Korean talismans are similar in purpose to charms in other cultures’ folk traditions, religions, and beliefs. Media Amulet (2020) Talisman (short film) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-_gwgyF3c8 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPhers...

Jul 06, 20221 hr 12 minEp. 120

Prison Break 1988

Send us a text Prisoners escape and end up becoming folk heroes. How did this happen? This is a story that many have forgotten until now. Media “Holiday” (홀리데이) is a Korean movie from 2006 based on this escape Was recreated a few times for TV and was made into a one-act play Poet Ki Hyung-do “It’s Going to Rain” The popular drama Reply 1988, episode 3: The escape appears on the news The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) Prison (1987) Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofse...

Jun 29, 20221 hr 1 minEp. 119

The Bastard Prince

Send us a text The first “illegitimate” heir to the Joseon throne, Prince Gwanghae spent the kingdom’s shattered post-war coffers on building projects. Obsessed with the occult, he ended up being overthrown by a revolt. 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson, Sha...

Jun 22, 20221 hr 1 minEp. 118

The Most Haunted Palace

Send us a text Gyeonghuigung can be called “The Forgotten Palace.” Some say it is haunted with dark souls and secrets. 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson, Shawn Morrissey, and Mia Roncati Music by Soraksan Top tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Shaaron Cul...

Jun 15, 20221 hr 21 minEp. 117

Shawn Digs Graves

Send us a text Shawn takes us through the hills of Paju to show Korean grave sites. Learn about the traditions, folklore, and potential curses. We also check out abandoned military installations. This is a video episode that you can watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/pFwbOpD0uHM 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) an...

Jun 08, 202227 minEp. 116

The Bells

Send us a text Did people really throw a child into a furnace to forge the Emillé Bell? We answer this question in this episode. 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson, Shawn Morrissey, and Mia Roncati Music by Soraksan Top tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini S...

Jun 01, 20221 hr 15 minEp. 115

Divination

Send us a text Divination was a significant part of daily life in old Korea. For some, it still is. We predict you’ll get something out of this episode. Media: horror movies with fortune tellers - The Dead Zone Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors Don’t Look Now The Psychic Nightmare Alley (original and remake) 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram...

May 25, 20221 hr 26 minEp. 114

Gwangju Massacre

Send us a text May 18th, 1980, the South Korean military beat, jailed, raped, and murdered the citizens of Gwangju while the rest of the country didn’t know. The stories of this crime didn’t start going public until the 1990s, and more is being found. Do the world a favor and listen to this episode. Scene from a movie about May 18 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu6c2S-j9sw&t=122s Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Gho...

May 17, 202259 minEp. 113

Park Chung-hee vs. Vladimir Putin

Send us a text Is Vladimir Putin’s regime going the same way as Park Chung-hee’s in its final years? Let’s test this hypothesis. Authoritarian leaders tend to go through the same stages--eerily so. Can we predict what will happen with Putin by looking at what happened to Park? Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk www.darksideofseoul.com Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might rea...

May 11, 202257 minEp. 112

Park Chung-hee, part 2: The Fall

Send us a text After steering the Korean economy out of poverty, how did Park Chung-hee’s popularity decline to the point that he was assassinated by his own cohort? Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk www.darksideofseoul.com Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Music by Soraksan Top tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Shaaron Cullen Devon Hiphner Minseok Le...

May 04, 202241 minEp. 111

Park Chung-hee, part 1: The Rise

Send us a text Park Chung-hee’s legacy commands controversy. The President/Dictator oversaw Korea’s rapid economic rise, and he brutalized his people with his brass knuckle rule. In the first of three episodes, we discuss how his rise synced with South Korea’s rise. Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk [lightframe shortname="koreanfoodtours" fallback="simple" full_items="yes" flow=&qu...

Apr 27, 20221 hr 3 minEp. 110

Cheonggyecheon: The World's Longest Fountain

Send us a text The Cheonggyecheon Stream defines the history of Seoul. Ghosts still lurk its winding path. Learn the surprising stories behind the stream that Seoul never left well enough alone. Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk https://www.darksideofseoul.com Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Music by Soraksan Top tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Sh...

Apr 20, 20221 hr 7 minEp. 109