Seoul podcast explores Korean history, crime and ghost lore

The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast has explored Korean history, crime and folklore in more than 300 episodes, according to The Korea Times. Co-hosts Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey examine subjects ranging from the Joseon dynasty’s decline to accounts of ghost encounters.

The podcast focuses on aspects of Korean life that idealized tourism and popular-culture portrayals often leave out, The Korea Times reported. Its treatment of supernatural accounts also emphasizes questioning claims rather than accepting them as evidence of hauntings.

McPherson and Morrissey have each lived in Korea for more than two decades, according to The Korea Times. They also jointly lead The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk.

Their researched episodes include a multipart examination of serial killer Yoo Young-chul and an extended series, The Fall of Joseon. McPherson said the latter interests him for what it can reveal about contemporary society in both Koreas, the newspaper reported.

Traditional practices are another recurring subject. The hosts devoted a 13-part series to rites and customs associated with the Korean calendar, and Morrissey identified folklore and ghost lore as particular interests, according to the newspaper.

Morrissey described himself as a skeptic who considers scrutiny essential when recording accounts of hauntings. He also distinguished ghosts depicted in popular culture from accounts of purported encounters, The Korea Times reported.

Morrissey’s work beyond the podcast includes Supernatural Encounters in South Korea, a two-volume Dark Side of Seoul comics trade and a Substack, according to The Korea Times.