The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

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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 ambitious global events primarily for image, without genuinely understanding their meaning or planning properly. 

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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, censorship, and the hidden world beneath Korea’s digital surface. Join us as we uncover the weird, the wacky, and the mysterious spots that N...

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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 Crown Prince Sohyeon, we uncover the bitter struggles that shaped Korea’s history. Tune in for a gripping look at how these invasi...

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 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. 

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Angel Earl
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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. 

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Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
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Eva Sikora

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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 populated areas. Plus, we take a historical look at other infamous friendly fire incidents, from the Korean War to more recent events in Ukraine. 

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 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 and supports grieving families. 

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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 examine the role of government and media in addressing these growing concerns. Is Korean...

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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)

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Ashley Wrig...

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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 efforts to stabilize his rule, the growing influence of the West Faction, and the public unrest that culminated in the 1631 student strike, a def...

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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.

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Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk at https://darksideofseoul.com

Credits

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shaw...

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 🚨 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. 

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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.

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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

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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

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<...

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🚨 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.

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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...

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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 bicheon, worked until the rooster crowed at dawn. The I Ching links roosters to auspiciousness and sunlight, furthe...

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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 the legend of Dangun, the legendary founder of Korea. His story is tied to Baek...

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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!

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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
Kwang Ja Moon
Edward Bradfor...

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Discover the realities of Korea's healthcare system—great services, but bad treatment. We share personal experiences and discuss the challenges faced by patients.

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

Kor...

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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

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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 Hi...

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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

Pure Korean

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