The K-Pop industry is full of superstitions, ghost stories, and scandal. Did you know that a singer from Miss A was visited by a ghost before one of their albums was released? There’s a ghost legend in a K-Pop video that is mentioned on the Dark Side tour, and we go into detail about that. We end the episode with listening suggestions for Korean music that is outside the archetypal “cotton candy” K-Pop that we hope you’ll appreciate.
10cm – 아메리카노 Americano 버스커 버스커 (Busker Busker) – 벚꽃 엔딩Dokkaebi Patrons Joel Bonomini
Angel Ear
Jamie Staley
Shaaron Cullenl
Become a Patron through Patreon and help us make more shows.
—CLICK HERE—
Tiers Gwishin $5/month
Early access to new podcast episodes
Video versions of podcast episodes
2 audio Ghost Stories/Folktales per month
Gumiho $10/month
1 Extra Audio Ghost Story/Folktale per month (total 3)
Exclusive spooky ambient music by Soraksan (1x month)
Plus everything in previous tier
Dokkaebi $20/month
1 Extra Audio Ghost Story/Folktale per month (total 4)
Shout-out in Dark Side of Seoul Podcasts
Monthly exclusive Google Hangout with Joe and/or Shawn
Horror-themed surprise loot sent to your mailbox each month
Guest: Prof. David Mason http://www.san-shin.org/David.htmlTake a tour with David through The Royal Asiatic Society, SIWA, or Tours By LocalsThis week we conclude with the fall of Buddhism and its eventual return. So many stories here!
The mysterious founding of what became Seoul and how Wangsimni got its name
Master Muhak’s prediction about the length of the Joseon Dynasty
Buddhism’s fall
What the suppression of Buddhism meant for Joseon and the future of Korea
A folktale about Master Muhak
The elimination of Buddhist nuns
How Buddhism recovered, the opening of Jogyesa in downtown Seoul
Dokkaebi Patrons Joel Bonomini
Angel Ear
Jamie Staley
Shaaron Cullenl
Become a Patron through Patreon and help us make more shows.
—CLICK HERE—
Tiers Gwishin $5/month
Early access to new podcast episodes
Video versions of podcast episodes
2 audio Ghost Stories/Folktales per month
Gumiho $10/month
1 Extra Audio Ghost Story/Folktale per month (total 3)
Exclusive spooky ambient music by Soraksan (1x month)
Plus everything in previous tier
Dokkaebi $20/month
1 Extra Audio Ghost Story/Folktale per month (total 4)
Shout-out in Dark Side of Seoul Podcasts
Monthly exclusive Google Hangout with Joe and/or Shawn
Horror-themed surprise loot sent to your mailbox each month
Guest: Prof. David Mason http://www.san-shin.org/David.htmlTake a tour with David through The Royal Asiatic Society, SIWA, or Tours By Locals
Buddhism’s arrival on the Korean peninsula to establish its role in the culture over centuries
The legend of Chadon
The internal rotting of the Buddhist Goryeo Dynasty
Yi Sang-gye’s coup and the rise of Neo-Confucianism
Dokkaebi Patrons Joel Bonomini
Angel Ear
Jamie Staley
Shaaron Cullenl
Become a Patron through Patreon and help us make more shows.
—CLICK HERE—
Tiers Gwishin $5/month
Early access to new podcast episodes
Video versions of podcast episodes
2 audio Ghost Stories/Folktales per month
Gumiho $10/month
1 Extra Audio Ghost Story/Folktale per month (total 3)
Exclusive spooky ambient music by Soraksan (1x month)
Plus everything in previous tier
Dokkaebi $20/month
1 Extra Audio Ghost Story/Folktale per month (total 4)
Shout-out in Dark Side of Seoul Podcasts
Monthly exclusive Google Hangout with Joe and/or Shawn
Horror-themed surprise loot sent to your mailbox each month
Was arrested at his mother’s house in Boryeong, South Chungcheong
Confession
Tried to say they died in a car accident
Drank 2 bottles of soju and “inhaled bond” around 4 p.m. Dec 25
Left home to buy cigarettes
Saw the two girls, kidnapped them, assaulted them for an hour
After he sobered up, choked them to death and chopped up the corpses in his bathroom
Loaded them into his trunk and dumped them near Homaesil, Suwon and in Gunja Stream, Siheung
New Confession
Murder of a 44-year-old woman in Gunpo in July 2004
a “date mate” employed by an adult phone room and told her to come to a motel in Geumjeong-dong
Had talked to her four times previously
Murdered her and threw her body into the sea from a bridge in Wolgot
Was picked as a strong suspect but released him for no evidence other than a fake reaction to a lie detector
Led to re-opening of other cases of missing women (Dec 2006-Jan 2007)
Accusations of a sloppy investigation from inside whistleblower
Brought in Jeong for questioning three times but let him go in the early stages
“At the time, Jeong was not home for five days, and the police also received information that he had attempted to sexually assault women in the neighborhood. Jeong was a possible suspect from the beginning,” the e-mail said. “However, the police just trusted Jeong’s claim that he worked as a substitute driver on the day the kids went missing. The police didn’t even cross-check with his employer to confirm he had actually worked that day.”
Police didn’t find blood evidence in his apartment until after he confessed
Only after a new commissioner took office did the investigation restart, and they looked into car rental records
Arrested Jeong without considering other suspects who could have rented the car
The Anyang investigators and other Gyeonggi offices didn’t work well together
Created nationwide data-sharing system
Received the death penalty (2009)
Song Hye-hee: missing since 1999, 17 years old at the time
Father has never stopped looking for her; continues to hang banners and posters around Korea asking for help in finding his daughter
Dokkaebi Patrons Joel Bonomini
Angel Ear
Jamie Staley
Shaaron Cullenl
Become a Patron through Patreon and help us make more shows.
—CLICK HERE—
Tiers Gwishin $5/month
Early access to new podcast episodes
Video versions of podcast episodes
2 audio Ghost Stories/Folktales per month
Gumiho $10/month
1 Extra Audio Ghost Story/Folktale per month (total 3)
Exclusive spooky ambient music by Soraksan (1x month)
Plus everything in previous tier
Dokkaebi $20/month
1 Extra Audio Ghost Story/Folktale per month (total 4)
Shout-out in Dark Side of Seoul Podcasts
Monthly exclusive Google Hangout with Joe and/or Shawn
Horror-themed surprise loot sent to your mailbox each month
Sid Toledo Lee joins us to talk about the history of UFO sightings in South Korea. He also speculates why you don’t hear of many alien abductions in Korea.
Dokkaebi Patrons Angel Earl Jamie Staley Joel Bonomini Shaaron Cullen
Become a Patron through Patreon and help us make more shows.
For our first true crime episode, we cover the Jijon Family. They were a gang of ex-convicts who went on a serial murder rampage in the mid-1990s and showed no remorse. Some even practiced cannibalism on their victims.
Dokkaebi Patrons Angel Earl Jamie Staley Joel Bonomini Shaaron Cullen
Become a Patron through Patreon and help us make more shows.
Exploring Korea’s Haunted History with the Dark Side of Seoul Podcast
Discover Korea’s Spooky Side with the Dark Side of Seoul Podcast Looking to delve into the eerie side of Korean history? The Dark Side of Seoul podcast, hosted by Joe and Sean, offers a captivating mix of history, folklore, and spine-tingling ghost stories that make Korea’s past come alive. In this episode, they’re joined by special guest Angel Earl, a long-time participant in the Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk and a dedicated fan of the podcast.
Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of ghost stories, or just curious about Korea’s hidden mysteries, this episode is packed with tales of haunted palaces, personal experiences, and even dark tourism in Canada.
Guest Spotlight: Angel Earl
Angel has spent nearly five years in Korea, transitioning from teaching English to becoming a head teacher and manager. She also spent four years as a tour guide for the House of Sharing, dedicated to educating people about the “comfort women” of World War II. Although she stepped back from guiding, Angel continues to share her knowledge with Western audiences through museums and educational programs.
Angel has also taken the Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk multiple times and has her own unique experiences to share. Her perspective adds depth to the podcast, blending personal anecdotes with a love for Korea’s rich (and eerie) history.
What Makes the Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk Special?
Angel has taken the tour so often she could almost lead it herself. She explains how each tour offers something new, whether it’s updated stories, new locations, or simply the atmospheric differences that come with each season. Joe’s tours lean into gruesome and humorous tales, likened to the style of Bruce Campbell, while Sean’s tours focus on history and folklore, engaging the “scholar side” of participants.
A standout location is Gyeonghuigung (경희궁), the “Mulberry Palace,” which has long been associated with supernatural experiences. Angel describes how stepping onto the palace grounds creates a damp, cold sensation, as though the air itself changes. Even skeptics among her friends have reported feeling uneasy there. Historical records, including writings by 19th-century traveler Isabella Bird, mention the palace’s eerie reputation, adding to its mystique.
Korea’s Haunted Heritage
The podcast also touches on other chilling tales, including the story of the Rainy Thursday Killer (also known as the Raincoat Killer), a notorious figure in modern Korean crime history. This visceral and true story often leaves tour participants deeply unsettled.
The conversation transitions to the shamanic roots of Seoul, with Inwangsan (인왕산) standing out as a central site for folk religion. Sean shares fascinating details about how Korean palaces like Gyeonghuigung were strategically built in alignment with shamanic beliefs, reinforcing their connection to supernatural forces.
A Global Perspective on Dark Tourism
The discussion isn’t limited to Korea. Angel and Sean explore the concept of dark tourism globally, sharing experiences from places like:
The Black Donnelly Farm in Ontario, Canada, tied to a gruesome vigilante massacre in the 19th century.
Savannah, Georgia, known for its rich ghost lore and haunted history.
Joe’s hometown tales from Alabama, including “Crybaby Hollow” and the pipe-smoking sea captain from Mobile.
These cross-cultural comparisons highlight the universal allure of ghost stories and the human fascination with the macabre.
Personal Paranormal Encounters
Angel shares a spine-chilling story from her childhood in Woodstock, Ontario, where she often saw a shadowy figure at the top of the stairs in her home. This personal experience adds a relatable and emotional layer to the podcast, reminding listeners that ghost stories aren’t just historical—they’re deeply personal.
Join the Experience
Inspired to explore Korea’s haunted history yourself? The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk is a top-rated experience offering an unforgettable journey through the city’s darker past. Book your tour at darksideofseoul.com, and who knows—you might even join Angel for a spooky adventure.
For even more thrills, the podcast hosts regular Watch Parties, where they screen classic horror films and chat with fans. It’s the perfect way to kick off your week with some eerie fun.
Support the Podcast
If you love the content, consider supporting the show on Patreon. Tiers start at just $5/month, offering perks like exclusive video content, audio stories, and even horror-themed goodies mailed to your door.
Final Thoughts The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast isn’t just about ghost stories; it’s about exploring the fascinating and sometimes unsettling intersections of history, folklore, and culture. With engaging hosts, knowledgeable guests, and a wealth of chilling tales, it’s a must-listen for anyone curious about Korea’s spookier side.
Dive into the darkness at darksideofseoul.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight—you never know what might be lurking in the shadows!
The first in our series on tragic deaths in Korean history. I have a feeling we’ll do a lot of these episodes.
Shawn tells the story of a palace servant of the highest consort of the crown prince under King Sejong. It’s a story of love, intrigue, black magic, and of course a tragic death.
Joe regales the tragic gruesome end of one of the Six Martyred Ministers, all of whom found themselves on the wrong side of the political wind with Prince Suyang/King Sejo came into power. Dokkaebi Patrons Joel Bonomini
Angel Earl
Become a Patron through Patreon and help us make more shows.
—CLICK HERE—
Tiers Gwishin $5/month
Early access to new podcast episodes
Video versions of podcast episodes
2 audio Ghost Stories/Folktales per month
Gumiho $10/month
1 Extra Audio Ghost Story/Folktale per month (total 3)
Exclusive spooky ambient music by Soraksan (1x month)
Plus everything in previous tier
Dokkaebi $20/month
1 Extra Audio Ghost Story/Folktale per month (total 4)
Shout-out in Dark Side of Seoul Podcasts
Monthly exclusive Google Hangout with Joe and/or Shawn
Horror-themed surprise loot sent to your mailbox each month
