
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... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 304 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | True CrimeHistory | |||

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Winter is cemetery season in Korea.
With the grass dead, snakes gone, and sightlines open, this is when Korea’s hillside cemeteries quietly reveal their stories. In this episode, Joe and Shawn talk about what they see every year whil... more
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South Korea became a super-aged society in 2025. The effects are showing up everywhere, but nowhere more visibly than on the roads.
In this episode, Joe and Shawn talk about the sharp rise in accidents involving elderly drivers, incl... more
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Our 300th episode!
Pojangmacha didn’t disappear by accident.
In Part 2 of Where Have All the Soju Tents Gone, Joe and Shawn trace how Seoul’s soju tents went from survival spaces to cultural nuisances, then to nostalgic props. From ... more
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There is no Waffle House in Korea.
For decades, the pojangmacha was the last line of defense against going home hungry, broke, or blackout drunk. It was cheap, social, messy, and human. And then it slowly disappeared.
In Part 1 of W... more
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I binged a bunch of episodes. They cover interesting topics and are knowledgeable and passionate. I am Korean American and have been living in Korea off and on for years. They know quite a lot about Korean folklore, history, and culture. They respect and embrace the culture and have valid criticisms.
One thing that bothers me is one of the hosts comes off as better-than-thou and pretentious like a hipster who doesn’t like anything popular. He is actually quite closed off in the opinions he form... more
Listen to this all time whenever I’m on the train or wandering seoul. Working through all the episodes! Thanks guys
I enjoy their contrasting personalities as well as interesting stories from modern and historic times and their discussions of the culture of South Korea. I love the new things I learn from these hosts! Can’t wait to do their ghost walk when I visit Korea.
I follow these awesome guys on all social media platforms so it was a given I was going to follow this podcast. Honestly, I’ve enjoyed every show, even though sometimes they approach difficult subjects, they do it sensitively. Some of the funnier stories will make you laugh out loud. I hope someday to get to Korea and enjoy their night walks around Seoul 🙏🏻 keep up the great work guys.
Sarah L Cookson UK 🇬🇧
Such a nice way to learn more about Korean culture!
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This show offers listeners an engaging exploration of Korea's darker historical narratives, encompassing ghost stories, folklore, and true crime. Episodes cover a variety of themes including the complex relationship between historical events and cultural identity, the personal experiences of expats, and contemporary societal issues. Unique to the content is the compelling mix of humor and heartfelt anecdotes that portray not only the spookier side of Korean culture but also its rich historical tapestry. Episodes investigate significant topics such as high-profile criminal cases, military ghost stories, and the often-overlooked tragedies of the past, making it an intriguing option for those interested in the intersection of culture, history,... more
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The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 304 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast include:
1. Jacco Zwetsloot
2. Thomas Duvernay
3. Bart van Genugteni
4. Ryan Berkabal
5. Pierce Conran
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