Korean Ghosts of the 15th Century: Poltergeists, Spirits, and Vengeance

When you imagine a ‘Korean ghost’, what comes to mind? Is there a typical modern view of the Korean ghost – how it looks and what it does? But is that how ghosts were always viewed?  

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Credits

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

       

 

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

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Ghosts of Korea Past: Hauntings in the 15th Century

When you think of Korean ghosts, what comes to mind? Perhaps the iconic image of a long-haired, pale-skinned woman in a white hanbok, or a terrifying gumiho lurking in the shadows? While these images are popular today, 15th century Korea had a very different view of spirits and the afterlife.

In our latest episode, we delve into some of the earliest recorded ghost stories in Korean history. From the chilling poltergeist activities that once haunted government officials to strange, unsettling appearances, we uncover a past filled with eerie encounters.

The 15th Century Korean Ghost: A Different Picture

In modern culture, ghosts in Korea are often associated with the cheonyeogwishin—female spirits in long white dresses, typically with an angry or vengeful demeanor. These images were solidified by movies and media. But the ghosts of the 15th century weren’t quite like this.

For instance, in the royal records of the Joseon Dynasty, ghosts appeared in many forms, some even taking physical shape or offering advice. The spirits weren’t just malevolent; some were perceived as troubling but not inherently evil.

Poltergeists in 15th Century Korea

Though poltergeists—noisy, disruptive ghosts—are a familiar concept in Western media, they were notably rare in Korean ghost stories. However, during the 15th century, Seoul witnessed unsettling disturbances in the homes of high-ranking officials. One famous account comes from Yi Du, a government minister, whose house was reportedly haunted by his late aunt’s spirit. The ghost was a peculiar one—eating food without utensils, and causing chaos with broken tiles and stones.

Yi Du’s ghostly aunt had a chilling presence, and when the king inquired about it, Yi Du confirmed the haunting, noting that his health deteriorated after he tried unsuccessfully to rid himself of her. Yi Du eventually fell ill and died—his failure to expel the ghost seen as a sign of inevitable misfortune.

Ghostly Appearances and Misfortune

Another striking ghost story involved Minister Kwon, whose father passed away, and the son who disregarded a low-ranking man’s grave in favor of a more prestigious one. The man’s ghost, angry and disfigured, appeared to strike down the offending geomancer, Yigwan. The violent retribution led to Minister Kwon’s son’s eventual ruin and execution.

These ghostly events were not only seen as terrifying but were tied to misfortune and moral lessons. The ghosts of the 15th century were often seen as spirits with unresolved issues or those who sought vengeance for wrongdoings.

Changing Perceptions of Ghosts

As Korean society evolved, so did the stories of ghosts. What we know today as the classic cheonyeogwishin—pale, ghostly figures—was only one evolution in a much older tradition of ghost stories. This shift in perception was heavily influenced by the rise of movies, media, and modern pop culture, but the roots of Korea’s ghost stories go back centuries, rooted in a cultural understanding of spirits and the afterlife.

In this episode, we uncover these early accounts of poltergeists, vengeful spirits, and the strange appearances of ghosts from Korea’s past. It’s a chilling reminder that Korea’s ghost stories didn’t always look the way they do today.

So, listen in as we explore these fascinating ghost tales from Korea’s 15th century and discover how these early spirits shaped the eerie stories we know today.