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Artwork for The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

ZenKimchi
Korea
Dragons
Korean Language
Lunar New Year
Folklore
Korean Folklore
Year Of the Dragon
Etymology
Nakwon Arcade
Seoul Tower
Pandemic Noise Complaints
Chinese Language
Live Music Scene
Counterculture
Human Sacrifice
Violent Confrontations In Housing
Social Pandemic
Sound Proofing Issues
Han River
Ghost Stories

Korean dark history, ghost tales, folklore, serial killers, true crime, and more. You are about to discover why Korea has the spookiest stories and darkest history.Folklorist Shawn and history buff Joe delve into Korea's gruesome stories of massacres, betrayals, and blood. It's like "Game of Thrones" in Asia. We share our passion for Korea and its struggles throughout time. If you enjoy shows like... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes299Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeHistory

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Artwork for The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

Latest Episodes

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Christmas is supposed to be a time of warmth, safety, and reunion. But history doesn’t always cooperate.

In Part 1 of our two-part Christmas Nightmares series, we explore some of Korea’s darkest stories tied to the holiday season. We... more

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Shawn and Joe dig into Korea’s crumbling cybersecurity myth and the Coupang leak that exposed almost every user in the country. Korea sells itself as an IT powerhouse, but behind the fiber optics sit outdated servers, neglected govern... more

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Shawn and Joe trade war stories from the front lines of Seoul’s tour scene. Influencers melting down in costume, drunk guests apologizing between vomit breaks, bathroom disappearances, oddball actors who steal the show, couples who ar... more

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This is a blog post I (Joe) wrote on ZenKimchi.com in 2012 about the extreme lengths expats in Korea would go to for creating Thanksgiving in their adopted country. I exhume this post every year to remind myself and others that giving... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Jacco Zwetsloot
Host of the NK News Podcast and senior advisor at the Australian Chamber of Commerce
NK News Podcast
Episode: North Korea 75 Years Later with Jacco Zwetsloot (NK News Podcast)
Thomas Duvernay
PhD, historian and expert on Korean history
Episode: Unwelcome Guests: The 1871 US Incident in Korea
Bart van Genugteni
Travel YouTuber known for the series 'Welcome to My Dong', which explores lesser-known neighborhoods in Seoul
YouTube Channel 'I Go Bart'
Episode: Welcome to Bart’s Dong
Ryan Berkabal
Urban exploration enthusiast and guest provider for episodes
Episode: The Lost Urban Exploration Video
Pierce Conran
Film critic and expert on Korean cinema
South China Morning Post
Episode: K-Horror: Best of 2023

Hosts

Joe McPherson
Co-host with a strong background in history and a passion for Korean folklore, Joe offers engaging insights and anecdotes. He often blends humor with serious topics, enriching discussions surrounding Korean culture and its darker histories.
Shawn Morrissey
Co-host and folklorist with a deep understanding of Korean culture, Shawn brings a unique perspective to discussions, focusing on the folklore and ghost stories that permeate Korean history.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 216 ratings
  • Interesting topics but pretentious host

    I binged a bunch of episodes. They cover interesting topics and are knowledgeable and passionate. I am Korean American and have been living in Korea off and on for years. They know quite a lot about Korean folklore, history, and culture. They respect and embrace the culture and have valid criticisms.

    One thing that bothers me is one of the hosts comes off as better-than-thou and pretentious like a hipster who doesn’t like anything popular. He is actually quite closed off in the opinions he form... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Lianne222222
    United States3 months ago
  • My favorite podcast

    Listen to this all time whenever I’m on the train or wandering seoul. Working through all the episodes! Thanks guys

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    joe92526251
    United States7 months ago
  • Informational

    I enjoy their contrasting personalities as well as interesting stories from modern and historic times and their discussions of the culture of South Korea. I love the new things I learn from these hosts! Can’t wait to do their ghost walk when I visit Korea.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    canDi :) sugga
    United States10 months ago
  • Top show

    I follow these awesome guys on all social media platforms so it was a given I was going to follow this podcast. Honestly, I’ve enjoyed every show, even though sometimes they approach difficult subjects, they do it sensitively. Some of the funnier stories will make you laugh out loud. I hope someday to get to Korea and enjoy their night walks around Seoul 🙏🏻 keep up the great work guys.

    Sarah L Cookson UK 🇬🇧

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sezi46
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Interesting and Engaging

    Such a nice way to learn more about Korean culture!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marydy
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

However, some feedback mentions a desire for broader perspectives on topics, hinting at occasional concerns regarding representation and biases in discussions.
Many listeners enjoy the in-depth exploration of Korean culture and history, often expressing appreciation for the hosts' engaging and humorous storytelling.
Overall, listeners appreciate the knowledge and passion that comes through in the episodes, often stating that the podcast makes them feel more connected to Korean culture.
Several reviews highlight the informative and entertaining nature of the content, making it a go-to source for those curious about Korea's darker histories.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#73
South Korea/History
Apple Podcasts
#75
India/History
Apple Podcasts
#163
Singapore/History
Apple Podcasts
#183
Switzerland/History
Apple Podcasts
#248
Poland/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Shawn Wrote a Spooky Book
Q: For your book, how did you find people for interviews?
Network with friends and family, ask for referrals, and build a network through personal stories shared.
Shawn Wrote a Spooky Book
Q: Any tips for a successful Kickstarter?
Prepare well in advance, have a reasonable funding goal, ensure good marketing strategy, and be clear about your rewards structure.
Shawn Wrote a Spooky Book
Q: How did you select the stories for the book?
I curated stories that I believed had the most potential for being real, avoiding those that seemed unbelievable or were classified as 'bullshit'.
Shawn Wrote a Spooky Book
Q: Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes, I'm a skeptic; however, I believe supernatural encounters do occur but the majority of claims are often mistaken or fabricated.
North Korea 75 Years Later with Jacco Zwetsloot (NK News Podcast)
Q: Are you worried about North Korea as a resident here?
Generally no, but I worry about the people in North Korea and their quality of life. While there's a risk of conflict, the probability seems low based on historical context.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

What is The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show offers listeners an engaging exploration of Korea's darker historical narratives, encompassing ghost stories, folklore, and true crime. Episodes cover a variety of themes including the complex relationship between historical events and cultural identity, the personal experiences of expats, and contemporary societal issues. Unique to the content is the compelling mix of humor and heartfelt anecdotes that portray not only the spookier side of Korean culture but also its rich historical tapestry. Episodes investigate significant topics such as high-profile criminal cases, military ghost stories, and the often-overlooked tragedies of the past, making it an intriguing option for those interested in the intersection of culture, history,... more

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How many listeners does The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast:

1. Crime Junkie
2. Morbid
3. Rotten Mango
4. Dark History
5. The Deck

How many episodes of The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast are there?

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 299 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast?

Recent guests on The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast include:

1. Jacco Zwetsloot
2. Thomas Duvernay
3. Bart van Genugteni
4. Ryan Berkabal
5. Pierce Conran

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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