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 Naver Maps doesn’t always tell you about.
![Buzzsprout](https://darksideofseoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/buzzsprout.webp")
Join our Patreon to get more stuff
https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul
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 Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
Stewart MacMillan
Louise Dreisig
Strange Things Found on Naver Maps: A Hidden World of Oddities and Mysteries
Naver Maps has become an indispensable tool for many, but it also holds some strange surprises that most users may never notice. During our journey through Korea, we stumbled upon a collection of unusual, quirky, and downright strange places that left us questioning what else might be hidden on the digital map. From weird statues and mysterious tombs to strange shapes in the ocean, let’s dive into some of the most fascinating discoveries we’ve made on Naver Maps.
1. The Mysterious Paju Yongmiri Ma-ae-bul-ipsang
We first discovered a large, beautiful statue in Paju that seemed ordinary at first glance, but as we dug deeper, we learned it was part of a fascinating local folktale. This statue, listed on Naver as Paju Yongmiri Ma-ae-bul-ipsang, is one of those lesser-known gems that’s not usually highlighted in standard tourist guides. The monument’s connection to the past and the stories it tells make it an unmissable stop for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
2. Ancient Ruins of Hae-eum Wonji
Sometimes Naver Maps doesn’t just lead you to modern attractions — it points to relics of Korea’s distant past. One such example is the Hae-eum Wonji ruins in the countryside, where we found remnants of a 12th-century structure. Over the years, the site has developed into a small visitor center, though it’s still not widely known. With no signs in English, it remains a hidden treasure for those who take the time to explore.
3. Sejong’s Sister’s Tomb
In our search for historic sites, we uncovered a small but significant tomb — the burial site of Princess Jeonghyeon, the sister of King Sejong. Although not a royal tomb by the grand standards of Joseon royalty, it holds an intriguing story and the history behind the princess. As we pieced together the mystery, we were able to offer visitors a unique look into this little-known burial site, now featured on our A Walk Among the Graves tour.
4. The Message from Buddha
In the heart of Seoul, you might see something strange if you’re lucky enough: a message spelled out in colorful lanterns at Jogyesa Temple. Only legible from an aerial view, the message changes over time, and it has previously shared uplifting phrases like “나누면 따뜻해요” (“Sharing is warm”). While some messages are hard to read due to shadows, the phenomenon of seeing these lanterns from the sky is a spectacle worth noting.
5. The Jeju Arrow
In the waters off Jeju, we discovered a curious formation of objects that formed a giant arrow pointing toward the shoreline. Despite its eerie precision, there is no clear purpose for the arrow — is it related to fishing nets or something else entirely? It’s one of those Naver Map mysteries that continues to puzzle both locals and tourists alike. [Link]
6. Dokdo Emoji
Dokdo, a disputed territory between Korea and Japan, is one of the most contentious spots in East Asia. But on Naver Maps, it has its own cute “emoji” marker. Clicking on the emoji brings up information about Dokdo, and while it seems innocent enough, it’s also a reminder of the ongoing national tension around the islets. It’s a quirky but subtle addition to a highly sensitive political issue.
7. Sewol Ferry Wreck
Located in Mokpo, the remnants of the Sewol ferry wreck are visible on Naver Maps. The tragic sinking of the Sewol ferry in 2014 remains a major part of Korea’s modern history. While it’s difficult to fathom the human loss associated with the disaster, the wreckage site has become a poignant reminder of the tragedy. [Link]
8. The Lonely Flower in the Han River
Sometimes nature presents its own strange curiosities. On Naver, we found what seemed like a giant, heart-shaped symbol in the Han River, possibly a lone flower or the outline of a park. This mysterious flower can only be seen from an aerial view, and it adds a touch of the unknown to an otherwise well-known spot. [Link]
9. Frog Boys Memorial
On Naver Maps, the Frog Boys Memorial site, dedicated to the tragic murders of several young boys in the 1990s, is not clearly marked. Though it’s a somber place, it’s one that serves as a reminder of unresolved mysteries and pain that still linger in Korean society today. [Link]
Controversies & Tidbits
While some of these findings are quirky and fun, others reveal how digital maps can be a lens into the complexities of modern Korean society. For example, in December 2022, Naver Maps was criticized for prioritizing certain businesses over others in search results, and in the past, there have been accusations of Naver photoshopping content for promotional purposes. Whether these controversies affect your view of Naver Maps or not, it’s hard to deny that the platform holds some fascinating and mysterious spots to explore.
Conclusion
Naver Maps offers much more than a standard map service. While it’s not perfect, and sometimes the data is incomplete or outdated, it continues to provide access to hidden spots and unexplained phenomena across Korea. Whether you’re interested in history, natural wonders, or just looking for something off the beaten path, there’s always something new to discover on Naver Maps. Keep exploring, and who knows what oddity you’ll find next!
Leave a Reply