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Artwork for The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

ZenKimchi
Korea
Dragons
Korean Language
Lunar New Year
Folklore
Korean Folklore
Year Of the Dragon
Etymology
Nakwon Arcade
Seoul Tower
Pandemic Noise Complaints
Chinese Language
Live Music Scene
Counterculture
Human Sacrifice
Social Pandemic
Violent Confrontations In Housing
Sound Proofing Issues
Han River
Ghost Stories

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes287Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryTrue Crime

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Artwork for The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

Latest Episodes

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 We tour Korea’s “cursed landmarks,” from the Blue House to Jongno Tower, the National Assembly, Cheonggyecheon, and beyond. These sites carry dark folklore, bad feng shui, ghost stories, and political baggage. What makes a landmark “... more

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 Our follow-up to Cruel Summer shows Korea’s August crimes were just as horrific. A shaman murdered her niece in a ritual. Couples turned their homes into crime scenes. Babies were abandoned for cash. Convenience store clerks were sta... more

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Summer in Korea sucks. This was a record-breaking year for temps. Floods were awful again. Crime was pretty damn bad, too. Big one, little details: headless body found in Taebaeksan; wearing winter clothing - so been there a while.

S... more

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K-Pop Demon Hunters looks flashy on the surface, but it hides a lot of Korean folklore inside the glitter. We talk about mudang rituals, dokkaebi, tiger and magpie tricksters, and why the movie is both a tribute to K-Pop and a satire ... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Jacco Zwetsloot
Host of the NK News Podcast and senior advisor at the Australian Chamber of Commerce
NK News Podcast
Episode: North Korea 75 Years Later with Jacco Zwetsloot (NK News Podcast)
Thomas Duvernay
PhD, historian and expert on Korean history
Episode: Unwelcome Guests: The 1871 US Incident in Korea
Bart van Genugteni
Travel YouTuber known for the series 'Welcome to My Dong', which explores lesser-known neighborhoods in Seoul
YouTube Channel 'I Go Bart'
Episode: Welcome to Bart’s Dong
Ryan Berkabal
Urban exploration enthusiast and guest provider for episodes
Episode: The Lost Urban Exploration Video
Pierce Conran
Film critic and expert on Korean cinema
South China Morning Post
Episode: K-Horror: Best of 2023

Hosts

Joe McPherson
Host of the podcast, bringing a background in history and storytelling to explore Korea's dark narratives. He blends humor with serious discussions about historical events and cultural reflections.
Shawn Morrissey
Co-host alongside Joe, specializing in Korean folklore and storytelling, leading discussions that often weave in humor and personal anecdotes.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 213 ratings
  • My favorite podcast

    Listen to this all time whenever I’m on the train or wandering seoul. Working through all the episodes! Thanks guys

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    joe92526251
    United States4 months ago
  • Informational

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    canDi :) sugga
    United States8 months ago
  • Top show

    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 🇬🇧

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sezi46
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Interesting and Engaging

    Such a nice way to learn more about Korean culture!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marydy
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Good way to discover Korea

    I know very little about Korea, I was directed to Dark Side of Seoul through another podcast about Asia. I don’t even follow K-Pop. But this is a wonderful podcast about the history of, folklore from and the more darker side of Korea. The hosts also introduce the Korean language, which is an absolute treat for a language nerd like me. Great podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SNP1915
    Australia2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The podcast is praised for its informative content, particularly around unusual Korean history and ghost stories, making it an enjoyable listen for both newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Listeners appreciate the engaging banter and in-depth storytelling provided by the hosts, often reflecting on their contrasting personalities.
Audience feedback emphasizes the blend of humor and dark themes, making potentially heavy topics feel accessible and entertaining.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#101
Philippines/History
Apple Podcasts
#161
South Korea/History
Apple Podcasts
#166
Singapore/History
Apple Podcasts
#242
Chile/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

North Korea 75 Years Later with Jacco Zwetsloot (NK News Podcast)
Q: Are you worried about North Korea as a resident here?
Generally no, but I worry about the people in North Korea and their quality of life. While there's a risk of conflict, the probability seems low based on historical context.
North Korea 75 Years Later with Jacco Zwetsloot (NK News Podcast)
Q: What sparked the Korean War in the first place?
The war began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea launched a full-scale attack across the 38th parallel, but tensions had been building since Japan's surrender in 1945 due to competing political factions.
Unwelcome Guests: The 1871 US Incident in Korea
Q: How does the term 'conflict' apply to the Sinmiyangyo?
Conflict is an academically neutral term that reflects the undeclared nature of the skirmish, capturing the essence of the unplanned violence that occurred.
Unwelcome Guests: The 1871 US Incident in Korea
Q: Can you tell us about the historical context leading up to the Sinmiyangyo?
The United States wanted to establish trade relations with Korea, which was a politically sensitive area between Japan and China. It involved a cultural misunderstanding and the firings upon American ships as they entered Korean waters.
Ask Us. We Dare You!
Q: What is one thing that has dramatically changed in South Korea since before COVID?
The attitude towards dogs has shifted from seeing them as livestock to treating them as pampered pets, often seen in strollers and dressed up.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

What is The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the darker aspects of Korean history, this podcast explores an array of topics including true crime, ghost stories, and folklore, providing an engaging entrance into the country's rich narrative. The hosts share chilling tales of historical massacres, betrayal, and serial killers, often drawing comparisons to popular themes found in shows like 'Game of Thrones.' Episodes are marked by a blend of humor and depth, making the complex and haunting stories accessible to a wide audience. Unique in its approach, the podcast invites listeners to explore not only the gruesome past of Korea but also cultural reflections, making it a compelling resource for both enthusiasts of Korean culture and newcomers alike.

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How many listeners does The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast have?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast:

1. Dark Asia with Megan
2. After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
3. Noble Blood
4. Dan Snow's History Hit
5. You're Dead to Me

How many episodes of The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast are there?

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 287 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast?

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

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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