The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

The Cherry Blossom Debate in Korea Cherry blossoms are one of the most recognizable signs of spring in Korea. Every year, crowds gather in places like Yeouido, Jinhae, and Seokchon Lake to enjoy the brief bloom. But behind the photos and festivals is a more complicated story. In Korea, cherry blossoms are not just seasonal.… Read more: The Korean Cherry Blossom Controversy

The Gwanghwamun Sign Debate: Hangul vs Hanja Korea’s most famous gate is once again at the center of a familiar debate. The question sounds simple: should the sign at Gwanghwamun be written in Hangul or Hanja? But behind that choice is a deeper conversation about history, identity, and how Korea presents itself to the world.… Read more: Fun size: The Gwanghwamun Gate Controversy

This or That: Korea Edition – Food, Hiking, and Cultural Showdowns Sometimes the best way to understand a place is not through a guidebook, but through the small choices people argue about. This episode takes that idea and runs with it. What started as a simple “This or That” game turns into a wide-ranging conversation… Read more: The Korea “Would You Rather” Episode You Didn’t Know You Needed

Pet Burial in Korea: Why You Can’t Bury Your Pet Pet graves are common in many parts of the world. Some pet cemeteries exist alongside human graveyards, while others are located on family land. In some countries, pets are even buried beside their owners. In Korea, however, this is extremely rare. During years of exploring… Read more: Why You Can’t Bury Your Pet in Korea

SEAblings vs. K-netz: What a K-pop Concert Revealed About Regional Tensions in Korea A Day6 concert in Kuala Lumpur on January 31, 2026 should have ended as just another night of fandom. Instead, it became a flashpoint. When Korean fansites were seen using DSLR cameras despite venue rules banning them, Southeast Asian fans pushed back.… Read more: SEAblings vs. K-netz: When K-pop Fandom Turned Into a Regional Reckoning