The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

Korea’s Strange and Growing Flashing Problem South Korea has had problems with flashing and public indecency for decades. The academic research on the issue goes back at least to the late 2000s, and honestly, probably much earlier than that. Yet despite years of concern, the incidents continue to happen with uncomfortable regularity. In Korean media,… Read more: Korea’s Flashing Problem

The 20th Century Political Composer Isang Yun is arguably one of the most important figures in Korean classical music. He bridged cultures by blending traditional Korean elements with modern European composition. Yet his life was shaped just as much by political violence as it was by music. In 1967, he was kidnapped by his own… Read more: The Composer Korea Tried to Execute

Why Taking a Sick Day in Korea Isn’t That Simple On paper, sick leave in Korea is straightforward. Employees are legally entitled to take time off when they’re unwell. In practice, it’s much more complicated. Sick Leave Exists… But It’s Not Used Many workers, especially in education, feel pressure not to take sick days. The… Read more: Why Teachers in Korea Can’t Take Sick Days

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