The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk

Tag: Korean history

The Weird Science Behind Korean Food Nationalism

A 2023 paper published in the Journal of Ethnic Foods argues that Korean cuisine developed in isolation, authentic Korean food isn’t spicy, and even that royal court cuisine isn’t truly Korean. In this episode, we examine the paper’s historical, linguistic, archaeological, and scientific claims to see where the evidence supports the authors and where nationalism appears to outweigh scholarship.

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
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
Stewart MacMillan
Louise Dreisig
The Weird Science Behind Korean Food Nationalism
Academic papers carry a certain weight. Most of us assume that if something has been peer reviewed and published in a scholarly journal, it has survived careful scrutiny. That doesn’t mean every conclusion is correct, but it does mean the evidence should be solid.
That’s what makes a paper published in the Journal of Ethnic Foods so fascinating.
The paper, Science and Philosophy of Korea Traditional Foods (K-food), sets out to explain what makes Korean cuisine unique. That’s a perfectly worthwhile subject. Korean food has developed into one of the world’s most distinctive culinary traditions, and its growing global popularity deserves serious scholarship.
The problem isn’t that the authors celebrate Korean food.
The problem is that they often abandon careful scholarship in favor of sweeping conclusions that the evidence simply doesn’t support. It’s perpetuating more of the weird myths we’ve talked about in a previous episode.
It Starts With the Conclusion
One of the first things the paper does is argue that previous historians have misunderstood Korean food because they relied too heavily on Chinese historical sources. The authors state that their goal is to correct these “distortions” and present the “scientific truths” about Korean cuisine.
That’s an unusually bold claim.
Good research normally begins with a question. It follows the evidence wherever it leads. This paper often feels as though it already knows the answer and spends the rest of its pages trying to prove it.
That pattern appears again and again.
The Myth of an Isolated Cuisine
A central argument of the paper is that Korean food developed in relative isolation because the peninsula is surrounded by mountains and seas. It even invokes the old nickname “The Hermit Kingdom” to reinforce the idea that Korea evolved largely apart from its neighbors.
History tells a much more complicated story.
For thousands of years, Korea maintained relationships with China, Japan, the peoples of Manchuria, and later the Mongols. Ideas crossed borders constantly. Buddhism entered Korea from China. Confucian philosophy reshaped Joseon society. Trade moved ingredients and cooking techniques throughout Northeast Asia. Wars, migration, diplomacy, and commerce all influenced what people ate.
None of that makes Korean food less Korean.
If anything, it makes its evolution even more impressive. Great cuisines don’t emerge in sealed laboratories. They develop through adaptation.
Distinctive Doesn’t Mean Unique
The paper also argues that Korea’s banchan culture exists nowhere else in the world.
Anyone who has enjoyed a Korean meal understands why banchan feels special. A table filled with small dishes creates an experience unlike most Western dining.
But that doesn’t mean Korea invented the concept of serving a staple food alongside multiple shared dishes.
Across East and Southeast Asia, meals commonly revolve around rice accompanied by various communal dishes. Korea developed its own version, complete with its own etiquette, flavors, fermentation techniques, and seasonal traditions.
That’s already a remarkable achievement.
Claiming that nobody else does anything remotely similar simply isn’t necessary.
The Strange Claims About Sugar and Oil
One section of the paper argues that Korean cuisine developed without sugar or oil as elements that make food delicious.
That immediately raises questions.
Traditional Korean cooking has long relied on sesame oil and perilla oil. Honey and grain syrups have been used as sweeteners for centuries. Traditional desserts like yakgwa would be difficult to explain if Korean cuisine truly developed without either oil or sweetness.
The authors seem to be trying to distinguish Korean food from neighboring cuisines so aggressively that they end up making statements that don’t match Korean culinary history itself.
Can Genetics Explain Recipes?
Perhaps the biggest leap in the paper comes when it moves into population genetics.
The authors discuss ancient invasions, changes in male genetic diversity, and the role of women in preserving language and culture. From there, they conclude that Korean food could not have come from China or Japan.
That’s an extraordinary conclusion.
Women absolutely played an essential role in preserving food traditions throughout Korean history. Recipes, techniques, and family customs often passed through generations of women.
But ancient DNA cannot tell us where recipes originated.
Population genetics and culinary history are two very different fields. Connecting them requires evidence that simply isn’t presented.
Is Korean Food Really Not Spicy?
Another surprising claim is that authentic Korean food isn’t actually spicy because traditional Korean chili peppers are relatively mild.
There is a kernel of truth here.
Korean gochugaru is generally milder than many peppers used in Thailand, India, or parts of China. Korean cuisine often emphasizes balance rather than overwhelming heat.
But saying authentic Korean food is never spicy swings too far in the opposite direction.
Anyone who has eaten dishes prepared with generous amounts of gochugaru or Cheongyang peppers knows that Korean food is perfectly capable of delivering serious heat.
Replacing one exaggeration with another doesn’t improve the scholarship.
Royal Cuisine Isn’t Korean?
Perhaps the most astonishing statement in the paper is the claim that Joseon royal court cuisine isn’t really Korean because it was influenced by Chinese cooking.
That misunderstands how culture works.
Joseon court cuisine developed inside Korean palaces. It reflected Korean politics, Korean ingredients, Korean tastes, and centuries of refinement by Korean royal kitchens.
Every major cuisine absorbs outside influences.
French cooking borrowed from Italy. Japanese cuisine adapted ideas from China. Korean cuisine transformed ingredients and techniques from many different sources into something unmistakably its own.
Influence does not erase identity.
National Pride and Good Scholarship
None of this means Korean food isn’t extraordinary.
It is.
Korean fermentation techniques remain among the most sophisticated in the world. Kimchi alone represents centuries of experimentation and regional variation. The balance of vegetables, soups, grains, fermented sauces, and side dishes created a culinary tradition unlike any other.
That’s exactly why this paper feels so unnecessary.
Korean cuisine doesn’t become more impressive by claiming it developed in complete isolation. It doesn’t gain prestige by denying centuries of cultural exchange or by stretching evidence beyond what it can support.
The real history is already compelling.
Korean food grew through local innovation, foreign influence, adaptation, hardship, trade, war, and creativity. Like every great cuisine, it reflects both the uniqueness of its people and the world around them.
That’s a far richer story than any myth of culinary purity could ever be.

July 4, 2026
From Madness to Reform | The Fall of Joseon, part 17
King Jeongjo inherited a kingdom broken by madness, murder, and factional greed. In this episode, we look at how the grandson of Yeongjo—and son of the doomed Prince Sado—tried to rebuild the dynasty. From political purges and paranoid advisors to free-market experiments and the rise of new factions, Jeongjo’s reign was a fight to heal a wounded court without losing his crown.

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
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
Stewart MacMillan
Louise Dreisig
Fall of Joseon, Part 17: The King Who Would Heal a Dynasty
When King Jeongjo took the throne in 1776, Joseon was exhausted. His grandfather Yeongjo had spent decades balancing factions like a man juggling knives. His father, Crown Prince Sado, had died locked in a rice chest. The dynasty was fractured by guilt, paranoia, and hypocrisy.
Jeongjo’s challenge was to rule a kingdom that no longer trusted its kings.
Hong Gukyeong: The Power Broker
On his first day, Jeongjo declared publicly, “I am the son of Prince Sado.” That alone set the court on edge. Then he moved fast. He removed rivals, banished a few, and executed others. His closest ally was Hong Gukyeong, a brilliant and ruthless operator.
Hong rose quickly, becoming Chief Royal Secretary in 1776 and head of the royal army the next year. His sister, Wonbin, became Jeongjo’s concubine. Hong ruled like a prime minister, crushing opponents until his paranoia caught up with him. When Wonbin died, he blamed Queen Hyoui and allegedly tried to poison her. The scandal ended his career. Jeongjo expelled him in 1779, ending the brief “Hong era.”
A Scholar King Steps Forward
With Hong gone, Jeongjo ruled on his own. He saw himself as a philosopher-king, reviving the Confucian ideal of the monarch as teacher. In 1776 he founded Gyujanggak, a royal research institute that doubled as a policy think tank. He also launched the Chogyemunsin program to recruit young officials under 37. They were graded, rewarded, and even lectured by the king himself twice a month.
This flipped centuries of precedent. For generations, the scholar elite had tutored the king in Gyeongyeon sessions. Jeongjo reversed it. Now the king taught the scholars. The message was clear: he would not be lectured. He would lead.
Under Jeongjo, those sessions dropped from nearly 200 times a year to almost none by the late 19th century. Later monarchs, like Gojong, never held one. The Confucian power pipeline broke.
Factionalism Reborn
Jeongjo promised balance and impartiality, but factionalism just mutated. The old Noron faction split into new subgroups.
- Byeokpa (Dogmatists) clung to orthodoxy and defended Sado’s execution.
- Sipa (Realists) pushed reform and defended Sado’s memory.
The fall of Hong Gukyeong tilted power toward the Sipa. But arguments over Sado’s legacy reignited the faction wars. By 1792, petitions flooded the palace demanding rehabilitation for Sado or punishment for those complicit in his death. Jeongjo refused to take sides, hanging a sign over his desk that read, “An office for the policy of balance and impartiality.”
His approach was pragmatic. When factions fought, he just fired everyone. As one official later wrote, “When someone spoke about an issue, the first question was not whether it was true, but which faction he belonged to.”
That mindset—friend or foe over logic or morality—still echoes in Korean politics today.
Reform and Resistance
Jeongjo also tackled the economy. For centuries, merchants operated under a mercantilist system. Licensed traders monopolized commerce and funneled money to conservative allies in court. By the late 1700s, unlicensed markets were booming, prices were falling, and the monopoly class panicked.
In 1791, reformist official Chae Jegong proposed a partial free market. Jeongjo agreed. Goods not covered by state monopolies could now be traded freely. It was Korea’s first real taste of economic liberalization.
Conservatives raged. The policy was briefly suspended but never fully rolled back. Free markets weakened the old merchants and their bureaucratic partners. It also chipped away at the literati class, who found their government stipends shrinking. For the first time, impoverished yangban were encouraged to enter commerce.
Changing Society
Jeongjo’s reforms went beyond economics. He supported writers like Bak Jiwon, whose satirical novel A Story of the Scholar Gentry mocked the corruption and poverty of the educated elite. Jeongjo also pushed to end discrimination against illegitimate sons of literati, giving them limited access to government positions.
These changes didn’t erase inequality, but they cracked the rigid hierarchy that had defined Joseon for centuries.
Why It Matters
King Jeongjo’s reign is one of the last moments when Joseon tried to save itself. He reasserted royal power, curbed the scholars, opened the economy, and tried to balance ideology with pragmatism. But factionalism kept mutating. The court’s obsession with loyalty over logic remained.
Jeongjo’s reforms kept the dynasty alive for a while longer, but the seeds of decline were already planted. The scholar king could teach, punish, and reform, but he could not heal the rot.
October 10, 2025
POSCO Unforged: Corruption, Accidents, & Cover-Ups
POSCO helped forge modern South Korea, but at what cost? We trace the company’s origins under Park Chung-hee’s grand steel plan, its “Right-Turn Spirit” cult of willpower, and its risky “backward” build strategy. Then we peel back the polish to expose repeated fatal accidents, toxic pollution, sexual assault cover-ups, and corrosive “POSCO mentality” boondoggles—from F1 circuits to Olympic bids. Steel may be POSCO’s core product, but abuse and arrogance remain its absolute specialty.

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
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
Stewart MacMillan
Louise Dreisig
POSCO: Korea’s Steel Miracle—or Corporate Monster?
Founded in 1968 as the Pohang Iron & Steel Company, POSCO grew into the world’s fifth-largest steelmaker and a Korean industrial icon. Yet behind its celebrated “steel miracle” lies a legacy of worker deaths, environmental harm, and unchecked power. In this episode, we unpack how POSCO’s lofty ambitions morphed into a corporate culture that consistently sacrificed safety, ethics, and communities for profit and prestige.
1. A National Project Born of Ambition
- Park Chung-hee’s Vision (1967–68): Korea’s second Five-Year Plan identified steel as foundational. After a failed seven-partner consortium, Park Tae-joon secured Japanese reparations in the “Hawaii Plan,” fueling POSCO’s rapid launch.
- “Right-Turn Spirit”: Workers pledged to walk into the sea if the mill failed—symbolizing absolute commitment.
- “Backward” Construction: POSCO began with rolling mills using imported slab before finishing blast furnaces, ensuring early revenue to fund completion.
2. A Trail of Accidents and Cover-Ups
- 1977 Molten Iron Spill & Emergency led to “Safety Day” but did little to curb future risks.
- 2018 Nitrogen Asphyxiation: Four subcontractors died replacing cooling-tower materials; sub-contract workers bore the danger.
- 2019–20 Gwangyang Explosions: Multiple blasts killed five and injured dozens—equipment failures and corner-cutting safety protocols to blame.
- 2017–20: At least 18 fatalities across plants, many quietly hushed by the company.
3. Corporate Culture & Human Cost
- Sexual Assault Scandal (2018–22): A female engineer endured years of harassment by four male colleagues; HR gave one assailant a brief pay cut, then stalled on protecting her.
- Militaristic Hierarchy: Despite later “consensual” reforms, the chain-of-command ethos still leaves interns and subcontractors vulnerable.
- Environmental Neglect: POSCO remains a major polluter, operating in Russia despite global sanctions, and defending low transparency on emissions and waste.
4. The “POSCO Mentality” Boondoggle Syndrome
- POSCO’s success spawned Korean megaproject mania: remote F1 tracks, grand cultural festivals, and new industrial zones—often destined to underperform.
- Government and chaebols chase the next “steel miracle,” ignoring market realities and stakeholder voices.
Conclusion
POSCO’s story combines genuine ingenuity with deep moral failings. As Korea reflects on its industrial rise, it must also reckon with the human and environmental price of unbridled ambition—and demand accountability from its steel titan.
July 3, 2025
North Korea 75 Years Later, Featuring Jacco Zwetsloot (NK News Podcast)

Seventy-five years after the Korean War began, North Korea still defines its identity by the conflict. NK News Podcast host Jacco Zwetsloot explains how Pyongyang marks the anniversary, what myths it perpetuates about victory over the U.S., and which historical flashpoints—from land reforms to the nuclear program—have shaped Kim Il Sung’s successor states. We’ll also hear Jacco’s takes on everyday life under sanctions, the regime’s strategic pivots today, and where DPRK might head next.

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
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
Stewart MacMillan
Louise Dreisig
June 26, 2025
Unwelcome Guests: The 1871 US Incident in Korea

Featuring Thomas Duvernay, PhD | Sinmiyangyo: The 1871 Conflict Between the United States and Korea
When American warships steamed into Korean waters in 1871, they ignited more than just cannon fire—they opened a chapter of resistance, cultural clash, and a legacy that still echoes today. This week, historian Dr. Thomas Duvernay guides us through the Shinmiyangyo (신미양요), the United States’ ill-fated “punitive expedition” against Joseon Korea. From the diplomatic missteps that provoked conflict to the dramatic siege of Ganghwa Island’s forts, we unpack why this little-known clash matters—and how it shaped Korea’s cautious stance toward the West.

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
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
Stewart MacMillan
Louise Dreisig
Clash of Gunboats and Tradition:
Unpacking the 1871 Shinmiyangyo with Dr. Thomas Duvernay
In the spring of 1871, a fleet of five U.S. naval vessels anchored off Ganghwa Island, Korea. They also aimed to press for diplomatic engagement with Korea, which remained firmly closed to foreign contact. The next event was the Shinmiyangyo (신미양요). This was the “Western Disturbance of the Sinmi Year.” It marked a brief but bloody clash between the United States and Joseon Korea. The battle left Korean fortresses in ruins and American forces claiming a costly “victory.”
Why Shinmiyangyo Matters
A Turning Point
This was Korea’s first direct military confrontation with a Western power. The encounter foreshadowed the series of unequal treaties and foreign interventions that would follow in the late 19th century.
Diplomatic Disaster
What began as an effort at negotiation quickly escalated. This was due to mutual suspicion, miscommunication, and cultural misunderstandings. These issues transformed a diplomatic mission into an armed conflict.
Legacy of Resistance
The Korean defenders of Ganghwa Island’s forts became enduring symbols of national pride. They embodied resistance to foreign intrusion. These events shaped Korean attitudes toward outsiders for decades.
Key Moments Explored
The Incident That Sparked It
The General Sherman incident in 1866 was significant. The American ship was destroyed, and its crew was killed after a failed attempt to open trade. This incident remained unresolved. In 1871, U.S. officials demanded answers, but Joseon authorities refused to engage, wary of foreign intentions.
The Naval Show of Force
Rear Admiral John Rodgers commanded five warships and over 1,200 men. About 650 sailors and Marines landed on Ganghwa Island. They wielded modern rifles and artillery. These weapons far outmatched the Korean defenders’ matchlocks and antiquated cannons.
Siege of Ganghwa Forts
On June 10–11, 1871, U.S. forces assaulted several Korean forts. Despite fierce resistance, the Americans captured and dismantled the fortifications. Korean casualties were heavy—over 240 killed—while the Americans suffered three dead and ten wounded.
Aftermath and Treaties
Despite their battlefield success, the Americans failed to secure a treaty or open Korean ports. The U.S. withdrew. Korea’s isolationist policies held firm until the 1882 Shufeldt Treaty with the United States. This occurred several years after Japan’s own opening of Korea in 1876.
Insights from Dr. Thomas Duvernay
Cultural Blind Spots
Dr. Duvernay highlights how American officers did not understand or respect Korean diplomatic protocol. This lack of understanding turned a tense standoff into a punitive military raid.
Local Perspectives
Korean commanders chose to fight against overwhelming odds, guided by a sense of duty and honor. Their strategies and sacrifices are still studied as examples of resilience.
Long-Term Impact
The Shinmiyangyo deepened Korean suspicion of foreign powers. It reinforced the country’s isolationist stance. These factors shaped Korea’s responses to later diplomatic and military pressures.
Why You Should Care
The Shinmiyangyo is a vivid case study of 19th-century imperialism—where technology, cultural differences, and miscommunication collided with tragic results. In an era of renewed global tensions, its lessons about diplomacy, respect, and unintended consequences remain as relevant as ever.
Listen to the Full Interview
Tune in to hear Dr. Duvernay’s vivid reconstructions. Discover the untold stories behind this pivotal moment in Korean and American history.
June 19, 2025
Yeongjo’s Quest for Balance: Ending Factional Fury | Fall of Joseon 15
After the Noron and Soron slaughter of 1721–22, Joseon lay fractured. When Prince Yeoning ascended as King Yeongjo, he resolved to break the cycle. Through calculated pardons, strategic reshuffles, Confucian exhortations against in-group politics, and reforms of the powerful Ministry of Personnel and private schools, Yeongjo pursued an uneasy peace. Yet rival camps continued scheming even as he sought “Impartiality.” This episode unpacks Yeongjo’s high-stakes gambit to tame factionalism and why, despite his best efforts, Joseon’s scholar-officials remained as divided as ever.

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
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
Stewart MacMillan
Louise Dreisig
Noron vs. Soron: The 1721–22 Purges That Shook Joseon
Introduction
After King Sukjong’s death in June 1720, the throne passed to his Soron-supported heir, King Gyeongjong. Though Soron had the king’s ear, Noron controlled the State Council. What followed was one of Joseon’s bloodiest power struggles: a series of purges, coups, and counter-coups that nearly destroyed the Noron faction—and set the stage for Prince Yeoning’s eventual rise as King Yeongjo.
1. Noron Consolidates Power under Gyeongjong
- June 1720: Gyeongjong ascends; retains Noron Chief Councilors even as he appoints Soron leader Jo Taegu as Third State Councilor.
- August 1721: Noron pressures the ailing king to name his Soron-backed nephew, Prince Yeoning, as heir. When Gyeongjong resists, Noron’s influence only grows.
2. Soron’s Machiavellian Counterstrike
- Late 1721: Radical Soron officials impeach four leading Noron ministers on flimsy charges.
- Government shake-up: Gyeongjong, amid factional chaos, exiles the impeached Noron leaders, installs more Sorons in top posts—and even rumors swirl that he sanctioned assassination attempts on Prince Yeoning.
3. The Bloody Purge of 1722
- March 1722: Opportunist Mok Horyong, a serial faction-jumper, accuses 13 Noron officials of conspiring against Gyeongjong.
- Fabricated “evidence” fuels a savage crackdown:
  - 20 Noron elites executed
  - 30 beaten to death
  - 13 family members hanged, 9 forced to suicide
  - 173 others suffer collective punishment
- Even the king quipped that he was “relieved the kingdom still stands.”
4. Soron’s Mitosis: Junso vs. Wanso
- Post-purge: Soron itself splinters into radical Junso and moderate Wanso factions—though the lines remain blurry.
- Soron holds power until Gyeongjong’s death in 1724, but factionalism only deepens.
5. “Righting the Wrongs” and the Road to Yeongjo
- 1724: Crown Prince Yeoning becomes King Yeongjo. Despite Noron’s past support, he hesitates to purge Soron outright.
- He banishes extremist Junso leaders to remote posts, restores honor to some Noron martyrs, and proclaims a doctrine of “balance and impartiality.”
- Yeongjo’s early reign insists on anti-factionalism, but the cycle of purges, exiles, and uprisings—such as the 1728 Musin Rebellion—proves that tangpyeong (“equilibrium politics”) is easier said than done.
Conclusion
The 1721–22 Noron purges reveal how personal ambition and ideological fury eclipsed Confucian ethics in late-Joseon politics. Yet from these ashes, Prince Yeoning would emerge—weaponizing both mercy and ruthlessness—to become King Yeongjo and reshape Korea’s factional landscape for decades.
Fall of Joseon Series
The Execution of Deposed Queen Yun
Psycho Prince Yeonsan
The Literati Purge of 1519
Battle of the In-laws: The Rise and Fall of Kim Anro
Purging the Literati (1545-1565)
Rise of the Scholar Elite (1560s-1580s)
Imjin War, part 1
Imjin War, part 2
Imjin War, part 3
What Happened in Korea During Shogun?
The Bastard Prince
King Injo: Factionalism, Rebellion, Factionalism
Joseon Korea vs. Qing China: A Kingdom Caught Between Loyalty and Survival
June 12, 2025
When Love Meets Politics | Fall of Joseon, part 14

King Sukjong’s reign, beginning at just 13 years old, was a turbulent time for Joseon, marked by power struggles, love affairs, and the downfall of factions. His relationship with concubine Lady Jang became the focal point of one of the most dramatic political upheavals in Joseon history. When Sukjong named Lady Jang’s son as Crown Prince, it sparked a fierce backlash from the West Faction, leading to their eventual purge from the court. The episode also explores the rapid rise and fall of the South Faction, driven by internal royal feuds and Sukjong’s emotional entanglements. Factionalism, love, and royal power struggles took center stage as Sukjong navigated a court deeply divided, reshaping the future of Joseon in the process.
Fall of Joseon Series
The Execution of Deposed Queen Yun
Psycho Prince Yeonsan
The Literati Purge of 1519
Battle of the In-laws: The Rise and Fall of Kim Anro
Purging the Literati (1545-1565)
Rise of the Scholar Elite (1560s-1580s)
Imjin War, part 1
Imjin War, part 2
Imjin War, part 3
What Happened in Korea During Shogun?
The Bastard Prince
King Injo: Factionalism, Rebellion, Factionalism
Joseon Korea vs. Qing China: A Kingdom Caught Between Loyalty and Survival

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
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
Stewart MacMillan
Louise Dreisig
When Love Meets Politics: The Fall of Joseon, Part 14
In 1689, the Joseon court was rocked by a political earthquake that would reshape the dynasty’s future. King Sukjong, who had ascended the throne at just 13 years old, inherited a kingdom divided by factional strife. His personal life became intricately tied to the kingdom’s political fate when he fell in love with his concubine, Lady Jang.
Sukjong’s love for Lady Jang became more than a royal affair—it triggered a dramatic purge of the West Faction, a powerful political force within the court. When Sukjong named her son as Crown Prince, the West Faction, led by influential figures like Song Siyeol, vehemently opposed the decision. Sukjong, however, stood firm, and his decision set off a chain of events that led to the West Faction’s downfall and the rise of the South Faction.
The political fallout didn’t stop there. Sukjong’s emotional entanglements, along with his deepening bond with Lady Jang, led to a series of actions that alienated other factions. Lady Jang’s rise to power, her eventual promotion to queen, and the birth of her son as Crown Prince triggered more than just a political shake-up—it exposed the deeply entrenched factionalism that plagued Joseon politics. Sukjong’s court was a battleground where love, loyalty, and ambition collided, forcing the king to navigate a treacherous political landscape shaped by infighting, betrayal, and the pursuit of power.
However, Sukjong’s reign wasn’t solely defined by Lady Jang. The South Faction, which had emerged victorious in the purge of the West Faction, eventually faced its own downfall, and once again, it was royal family tensions that led to its collapse. Sukjong’s relationship with his queens, the political infighting within the royal court, and the shifting balance of power within the factions created a volatile environment where loyalty could change on a dime. The result? A period of intense factional warfare that set the stage for the further decline of the Joseon Dynasty.
This episode reveals the inner workings of a court consumed by power struggles, with personal relationships and political factions intertwining in a way that would have profound consequences for the future of the kingdom. Sukjong’s reign is a testament to how love and power can shape the course of history, especially in a court as divided as Joseon’s.
May 22, 2025
Strange Things Found on Naver Map

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.

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
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!
April 10, 2025
Joseon Korea vs. Qing China: A Kingdom Caught Between Loyalty and Survival | Fall of Joseon, part 13

In this episode of The Fall of Joseon, we dive into the political turmoil and military invasions that rocked Joseon Korea in the 17th century. Join us as we explore the first Qing invasion of 1627, the devastating effects of political factionalism, and the lasting consequences for Joseon’s political landscape. From King Injo’s chaotic rise to power and the internal conflicts of the West Faction to the tragic death of Crown Prince Sohyeon, we uncover the bitter struggles that shaped Korea’s history. Tune in for a gripping look at how these invasions and factional battles altered the course of Joseon Korea.
Join our Patreon to get more stuff
Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk
Credits
Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey
Music by Soraksan

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
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
Stewart MacMillan
Louise Dreisig
The Fall of Joseon: The Qing’s First Invasion and Political Struggles
The 17th century was a turbulent time for Joseon Korea. Amid internal political instability, external threats from new powers like the Qing Dynasty became increasingly difficult to ignore. In this episode of The Fall of Joseon, we dive deep into the events surrounding the first Qing invasion in 1627, exploring the causes, the invasion itself, and its devastating consequences on Joseon’s political landscape.
Background: The Stage is Set
Joseon’s reliance on Ming China for protection left it vulnerable when the newly-formed Qing Dynasty rose to power under Hong Taiji. While King Gwanghae had attempted to balance relations between the Ming and the Later Jin (Qing), King Injo’s accession in 1623 tilted the kingdom’s stance heavily in favor of Ming China. This change would soon prove disastrous for Joseon. With the Joseon ruling elite focused more on personal power struggles than national defense, the kingdom’s defenses were woefully inadequate when Qing forces advanced.
The First Qing Invasion: 1627
The invasion began in January 1627, when General Amin, leading a 30,000-man army, crossed the Yalu River into Joseon territory. Despite the large Qing forces, the Joseon military offered little resistance, with Pyeongyang falling within a week. King Injo and his court fled the capital, leaving Hanseong defenseless. This marked the first time in Joseon’s history that the capital fell into the hands of rebel forces, setting the stage for a deeply humiliating surrender.
The Qing forces, eager to focus on their war with Ming China, offered peace to Joseon under favorable terms. Despite accepting the peace deal, Joseon would soon face further tensions with Qing over tribute demands and military support.
The Second Qing Invasion: 1636
In 1636, after Qing’s victory over Ming, tensions escalated again. The Joseon ruling elite’s staunch pro-Ming stance angered Qing leaders. Joseon’s refusal to recognize Qing as the legitimate power in East Asia led to a second invasion. This time, Qing forces were much larger—120,000 strong—and the Joseon court was forced to flee again, this time to Namhan Mountain Fortress. The siege that followed was devastating, and after months of struggle, King Injo was forced to surrender.
The Humiliating Surrender and Its Consequences
After King Injo’s surrender in January 1637, Qing dictated harsh peace terms, including the severing of ties with Ming, adopting the Qing emperor’s era name, and sending royal hostages. The surrender ceremony, which included a humiliating triple kowtow from Injo, marked Joseon’s official submission to Qing dominance. The aftermath saw Joseon pay heavy reparations and submit to Qing’s will, with 500,000 Joseon captives taken as prisoners.
This surrender and subsequent tribute system turned Joseon into a vassal state, but it also fueled a growing anti-Qing sentiment among the Confucian elite, who viewed the Qing as a foreign and illegitimate power.
The Death of Crown Prince Sohyeon: 1645
One of the most tragic moments following the invasion was the suspicious death of Crown Prince Sohyeon in 1645. After being returned to Joseon by Qing as a hostage, Sohyeon’s life was filled with political tensions. His death, officially from malaria, was shrouded in mystery, leading many to suspect poisoning. His sudden and suspicious death led to a series of purges and political upheaval, with Crown Princess Minhoe and Sohyeon’s family suffering severe persecution.
Factionalism and Further Struggles
The political fallout from the invasions and the death of Crown Prince Sohyeon caused further factional divides within the Joseon court. As factionalism intensified, so did Joseon’s inability to deal with external threats like Qing. King Hyojong’s later attempts to reverse Joseon’s pro-Qing stance with military reforms and an anti-Qing policy ultimately failed due to a lack of resources and internal division.
Joseon’s political elite, consumed by their factional infighting and personal rivalries, failed to effectively respond to Qing’s demands, sealing Joseon’s status as a tributary state for years to come.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Qing’s Invasions
The Qing invasions in the 17th century left deep scars on Joseon Korea. These invasions shattered the illusion of Joseon’s invulnerability and revealed the weaknesses within the Joseon court. The Confucian elite’s obsession with political rivalries, combined with a lack of military preparedness, led to Joseon’s eventual submission to Qing. The political factionalism and anti-Qing sentiment that followed continued to shape Joseon’s history well into the 18th century.
April 3, 2025
Serial Killer Yoo Young-Chul, part 4: Aftermath

What was true about Yoo Young-Chul and what was urban myth? How badly did the authorities mess this up? Have things changed? We analyze what the psych and criminology experts have written about this case.

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
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Ashley Wright
Edward Bradford
Boram Yoon
Chad Struhs
Stewart MacMillan
Louise Dreisig
Serial Killer Yoo Young-chul, Part 4: Separating Fact from Fiction
When we started researching Yoo Young-chul, we expected to spend most of our time reading about the murders. Instead, we found ourselves spending almost as much time untangling the myths that have grown around him over the past twenty years.
That isn’t unusual. Every notorious serial killer eventually develops a mythology. Newspapers embellish details. Television dramatizes events. Internet forums fill in the blanks with speculation until people can no longer remember which parts were actually documented and which parts were simply repeated often enough to become “facts.”
Yoo Young-chul is no exception.
This final episode isn’t really about the murders. We’ve already covered those. Instead, it’s about everything that came afterward. What did psychologists conclude? What did criminologists learn? Where did the police fail? And what stories about Yoo still circulate today despite there being little or no evidence for them?
Was Yoo Young-chul really a criminal genius?
One thing that becomes obvious when reading Yoo’s interviews is how badly he wanted people to think he was smarter than everyone else.
He bragged constantly. He exaggerated. He claimed responsibility for crimes that weren’t his. He made shocking statements that were impossible to verify. Some people have taken those claims at face value ever since.
The reality is almost the opposite.
Yoo certainly planned his crimes. He adapted when his methods stopped working, and he paid attention to details that reduced the chances of being caught. But he also made some astonishing mistakes. In fact, he was ultimately arrested because he became predictable. The same phone number kept appearing. The same types of victims kept disappearing. It wasn’t some brilliant piece of detective work that brought everything together. It was people in Seoul’s criminal underground comparing notes.
There’s a certain irony there. The man who wanted to be remembered as a criminal mastermind was ultimately undone by ordinary pattern recognition.
The motive wasn’t as simple as he claimed
Yoo liked to portray himself as someone carrying out social justice. According to him, the wealthy deserved punishment and women working in the sex industry represented society’s moral decay.
It sounds almost ideological until you look at who he actually killed.
His victims weren’t powerful people exploiting society. They were elderly men and women living alone. They were women who were often among the most economically vulnerable members of society. They weren’t difficult targets. They were easy ones.
The academic papers paint a much more believable picture. His resentment toward wealth, his abusive childhood, repeated rejection, failed relationships, years in prison, and deep anger toward women all seem to have blended together into a worldview where he could justify almost anything. His victims became stand-ins for people he actually hated but couldn’t reach.
That isn’t unusual in serial murder. The fantasy becomes more important than the individual victim.
How serial killers think
One of the more fascinating things we came across was a model describing the seven stages of serial murder.
It starts with fantasy. The offender withdraws from reality and begins imagining violence. Then comes planning, followed by gaining the victim’s trust, taking control, the murder itself, and finally a kind of emotional crash. Before long, the fantasy starts building again and the cycle repeats.
Looking back over Yoo’s timeline, the pattern is remarkably clear. His cooling-off periods became shorter and shorter as the murders became routine. He refined his methods, improved his disposal techniques, and made fewer practical mistakes, even while becoming more psychologically dependent on the ritual itself.
It’s hard not to think of it as an addiction. Not to violence itself, but to the cycle.
The police weren’t prepared
Perhaps the biggest lesson from the entire case has nothing to do with psychology.
It has to do with bureaucracy.
Different police stations investigated their own murders without seeing the larger picture. Wealthy homeowners were one type of case. Missing escort workers were another. Even when identical footprints appeared at multiple crime scenes, investigators struggled to connect them because the murders crossed jurisdictional boundaries.
If you’ve lived in Korea for any length of time, this probably sounds familiar. Government agencies often operate in silos. During COVID, we saw different authorities issuing contradictory guidance because they weren’t coordinating effectively. The Yoo investigation exposed the same tendency years earlier.
Once Seoul Metropolitan Police finally brought everyone together and started sharing information, the investigation moved quickly. Unfortunately, by then eight people had already been murdered.
Nature versus nurture
Some Korean commentators tried to explain Yoo through biology, suggesting there might have been something inherited that made him violent.
Modern criminology has moved well beyond that.
Researchers do recognize that biology can influence aggression in certain circumstances, but there is no serious evidence that someone becomes a serial killer because of a particular gene or inherited trait. Environment matters. Childhood matters. Trauma matters. Social isolation matters. The choices someone makes matter.
That’s less satisfying than finding a single cause, but it’s almost certainly closer to the truth.
The places are disappearing, but the lessons remain
One thing we found strangely unsettling is that many of the locations connected to the case no longer exist.
The detached houses where elderly victims were murdered have been demolished. Yoo’s officetel has been rebuilt. Burial sites have been redeveloped. In some places, you could walk past today without the slightest idea that anything terrible ever happened there.
The physical reminders are disappearing.
The lessons shouldn’t.
Yoo Young-chul changed how serial murder investigations are conducted in Korea. He exposed weaknesses in communication between police agencies. He demonstrated why behavioral profiling matters. And perhaps most importantly, he showed how dangerous it can be when investigators try to force unusual crimes into familiar categories.
That’s really why we wanted to make this series. Not because Yoo Young-chul deserves more attention, but because the investigation surrounding him tells us far more about society than he ever could. The murders ended in 2004. The questions they raised about policing, psychology, and the stories we tell ourselves are still worth asking today.

September 2, 2021

Your cart (items: 0)

Products in cart
Product	Details	Total
	Available on backorder Previous price: Discounted price:	Save