Best ZenKimchi Podcasts (2024)

1
None Shall Pass! Segregation in South Korea 52:53

1h ago52:53

52:53

Korea can be a ton of fun, with its thousands of parks, facilities, restaurants, and pubs. But is it fun for everyone? Maybe not for those banned from entering these places. We explore segregation in Korea. Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk at https://darksideofse…

1
Haunted Tourist Sites in Korea 53:59

7d ago53:59

53:59

We explore a few of the lesser known haunted claims from some of Korea’s most popular tourist sites. 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 Ear…

1
Imjin War, part 3 | Fall of Joseon, part 9 35:41

14d ago35:41

35:41

Japan mounts its second invasion of Joseon Korea. Will the king again abandon his people? I think we already know the answer. Media recommendation Samuel Hawley’s Youtube series on the Imjin War (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piOuF02ijdQ) Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul …

1
Fugly Koreans, Fugly Americans 51:51

21d ago51:51

51:51

Part five of our series based on the book “Ugly Koreans, Ugly Americans,” where we explore more cultural differences and discuss them. Ugly Koreans, Ugly Americans: Cultural and behavioral differences between Koreans and Americans Min Byoung-chul 1993-2007 Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dar…

1
Horses 53:40

30d ago53:40

53:40

Our Zodiac series continues! The majestic horse plays a role in Korean folklore, from gods, ghosts, rituals, and even food! 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…

1
Korean Ghosts Love Pizza: Modernizing Rites for the Dead 58:18

1M ago58:18

58:18

Rites, charms, and ceremonies for ghosts and spirits have long been part of Korean folk traditions. But the times they are a-changin’. How are these old traditions done in the 21st century? 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 P…

1
The Sewol: 10 Years Later 1:02:55

2M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Ten years after the Sewol ferry disaster, how has South Korea changed? What surprising consequences sprouted from this tragedy? Danwon High School Memorial Classrooms Website 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 …

1
When K-Animals Attack! (And Escape) 59:39

2M ago59:39

59:39

We explore some cases of animals escaping, disrupting traffic, pooping on city streets, or worse - hurting people who got in their way. 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 …

1
Imjin War, part 2 | Fall of Joseon, part 8 54:04

2M ago54:04

54:04

Admiral Yi Sun Shin enters the stage with his rival Admiral Gwon Yul. Can Joseon officials suspend their factionalism to defend their kingdom? Well… Media recommendation Samuel Hawley’s Youtube series on the Imjin War (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piOuF02ijdQ) Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of …

1
Dying Alone 59:47

2M ago59:47

59:47

Major changes are happening in Korean culture, population, and lifestyle. With the changes come a growing tragedy: people who die alone and long periods before the bodies are discovered. 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 Prod…

1
Imjin War, part 1 | Fall of Joseon, part 7 48:40

2M ago48:40

48:40

While Joseon Korea officials bicker and backstab, Japan mounts an epic invasion. See King Seonjo run. Run, Seonjo, run! 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 Tie…

1
Why Did It Hafta Be Snakes 57:28

3M ago57:28

57:28

Our Zodiac series continues with snakes, their role in folk culture, and the snakes that inhabit Korea. PLUS Joe’s irrational fear of snakes. Media recommendations Ssssnake (1973) Stanley (1972) Snakes on a Plane Conan the Barbarian Anaconda (absolute garbage, but fun) Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a to…

1
Scams: Tourists & Expats 57:51

3M ago57:51

57:51

Con artists and scammers and hustlers, oh my! Korea has its fair share of these bloodsuckers, and many of them target you - expats and tourists! We highlight some of the worst. 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 Jo…

1
Rise of the Scholar Elite (1560s-1580s) | Fall of Joseon, part 6 50:13

3M ago50:13

50:13

Korea’s 300-year of rule by, of, and for the scholarly elite begins. But of course there must be intrigue, torture, and death. It’s the Joseon Dynasty. 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 Mor…

1
Ask Us (Almost) Anything 1:37:10

3M ago1:37:10

1:37:10

Questions from Instagram about Korean food, history, ghosts, and even skin care! We try to answer as many as we can in the only way we know how. 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 …

1
Dragons 54:44

4M ago54:44

54:44

Happy Year of the Dragon! We explore the powerful, determined creatures of myth found in Korean motifs, dreamlore, and spirituality. They’re also annoying jerks. Media recommendations (not really too many horror movie dragons) D-War (just kidding; don’t watch that) Godzilla (sorta) Dragonslayer Reign of Fire How to Train Your Dragon series Pete’s D…

1
Immigration Horrors! 1:13:54

4M ago1:13:54

1:13:54

You got a new job. It’s time to renew your visa. You’re applying for permanent residency. It’s hardly ever fun, friendly, or smooth-sailing. We look at some experiences with the most annoying and frightening part of Korea: The Immigration Office. Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of …

1
Seollal: Korea's Lunar New Year (re-run) 54:35

4M ago54:35

54:35

We have some history and trivia about Korea’s “other” New Year holiday. Listen now. 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 Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air. Credits Produced by Joe …

1
K-Horror: Best of 2023 1:41:08

4M ago1:41:08

1:41:08

What did K-horror have on offer in 2023? And how is the domestic film industry doing? Joining us again to discuss all this is film critic and producer Pierce Conran. Pierce Conran https://twitter.com/pierceconran South China Morning Post Letterboxd Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side o…

1
Han River Mysteries 58:45

5M ago58:45

58:45

The Mighty Han River! The river is highlighted in Korea’s economic success: the Miracle on the Han. Its waters are also keepers of dark secrets of death and ghosts. 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 …

1
Old Gods, Scorched Bones, & the Frozen Dead: The Folklore of the 12th Lunar Month 43:43

5M ago43:43

43:43

It’s the dead of winter. While gods and ghosts are making moves on the human world, the New Year is coming and with it, hope. 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 T…

1
Noisy Neighbors 1:00:26

5M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

In a country as small and densely populated as Korea, complaints over shared space are common. No complaint is as common - or as potentially murderous - as a noisy neighbor. 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 M…

1
Seoul Tower 38:15

5M ago38:15

38:15

The iconic symbol of Seoul has its roots in the 14th century. Listen to this episode for its history and weird trivia. 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…

1
Human Sacrifice 48:17

6M ago48:17

48:17

In burying the dead or building palaces, old Korea saw value in offering human sacrifices. And it happened more often than you may think. 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 b…

1
Long Nights, New Calendars, & Wicked Children: The Folklore of the Eleventh Lunar Month 39:05

6M ago39:05

39:05

Traditionally, concerns of the coming cold months set in. Some comfort in nights becoming shorter from winter solstice, but temperatures tend to plummet throughout the coming weeks. Survival and hopes that you’ve prepared enough winter stores are worries, but there’s fun and celebration as well. The 11th lunar month (11wol) starts on December 13, c…

1
Nakwon Arcade: Original Center of Korea’s Music Industry 1:22:26

6M ago1:22:26

1:22:26

That ugly building that goes over the road next to Insa-dong and Tapgol Park is a musician’s paradise. It was also the seed for Seoul’s gay culture. 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 Morris…

1
Dying With Dignity 51:34

6M ago51:34

51:34

Is dying with dignity a human right? Should we be allowed to choose death over suffering? In Korea, these are tough questions asked by the government, lawyers, doctors, and, more importantly, society. We explore the euthanasia issue in Korea. Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seou…

1
Words, Words, Words 1:02:00

6M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Continuing our exploration of the roots of Korean words. Learn about uses of fire, energy, and how to say, “This is the way,” in Korean. 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 *NEW* Gift Cards https://zenkimchi.com/give-the-gift-of-experi…

1
Happy Gods, Angry Ghosts, & Spirit Jars: The Folklore of the Tenth Lunar Month 41:09

7M ago41:09

41:09

Temperatures drop below freezing, snow appears on mountains, and drunk fishermen pee in the ocean. Bundle up, we’re about to share folk traditions of the tenth lunar month. 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 Mc…

1
Desecrated Graves 50:33

7M ago50:33

50:33

Desecrating a grave in Korea releases Manggwi, particularly nasty ghosts. Find out more in this episode. 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…

1
Yo, Don’t Step on the Yo! | “Ugly Koreans, Ugly Americans” part 4 47:49

7M ago47:49

47:49

We cover more rules of etiquette from this classic 1990s tome. Writing names in red, cutting in line, and more. 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 Patron…

1
Korean Ghost Stories & Urban Legends 59:58

7M ago59:58

59:58

We exhume and share Korean stories, urban legends, and real mysterious encounters to make your skin tingle with dalksal! Stories include the following… The Virgin Girl’s Grave A young woman, trapped in a flat grave, finds release when a passing man unknowingly lets her witness a simple act of nature, leading to her liberation and blessings bestowed…

1
Lost Souls & Blood Red Leaves: The Folklore of the Ninth Lunar Month 49:42

8M ago49:42

49:42

Summer’s muggy grip has let go. Frost sneaks onto early morning window panes. And ghosts need directions home. We explore the folklore of the ninth lunar month. 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 …

1
Limp Handshakes | “Ugly Koreans, Ugly Americans” part 3 59:04

8M ago59:04

59:04

We cover more rules of etiquette from this classic 1990s tome. Limp handshakes, staring at foreigners, last minute invitations, and more. 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 b…

1
Purging the Literati (1545-1565) | Fall of Joseon, part 5 37:04

8M ago37:04

37:04

Family infighting, betrayals, executions, dismemberments, more executions, and fratricide. Just a couple of decades in the Joseon court. 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…

1
Farewell to the Dead 55:18

8M ago55:18

55:18

Death is a transition but not one the dead do alone. At least not in Korean tradition. The dead need our help to pass on to whatever awaits them on the other side. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Kim Tae-young. Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk at https…

1
Moonlit Dances & Big-headed Star Men: The Folklore of the Eighth Lunar Month 57:14

9M ago57:14

57:14

Korea prepares for its grandest traditional holiday while evil ghosts try to knock jugs of water off your head… We explore the folk traditions of the eighth lunar month! 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 McPhe…

1
Break on Through to the Northern Side 51:33

9M ago51:33

51:33

Every now and again the headlines buzz: North Korean defects to South! Less often is that the other way ‘round. Is that because it happens less or because they don’t want us to know about such cases? We explore a few stories of those who defected into North Korea. Media recommendations Nameless Heroes (Unsung Heroes) - miniseries co-starring Abshie…

1
Battle of the In-laws: The Rise and Fall of Kim Anro (Fall of Joseon, part 4) 32:44

9M ago32:44

32:44

Fall of Joseon, part 4 Kim Anro would have out-machiavellied Machiavelli. He deftly found power, lost it, and committed to a long-chilled dish of revenge to regain it. 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 Pitch your idea here. https://w…

1
Suffering Ghosts & Star-crossed Lovers: The Folklore of the Seventh Lunar Month 38:04

9M ago38:04

38:04

Autumn slowly presents itself, but not without a few more bursts of heat and a couple rites for moaning spirits. We explore the folk traditions of the seventh lunar month! 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 Pitch your idea here. https…

1
Saemangeum: A disaster 52 years in the making 1:11:49

9M ago1:11:49

1:11:49

Korea recently hosted the World Scout Jamboree at Saemangeum. It was a disaster. But what are the environmental roots of this? Just how important was Saemangeum before it was turned into reclaimed land? Hint: one of Asia’s most important ecological sites. We’re joined by Dr. Moores, one of the foremost authorities of Saemangeum to discuss how the s…

1
Uglier Koreans, Uglier Americans 1:19:13

10M ago1:19:13

1:19:13

We have 22 more social differences from the book Ugly Koreans, Ugly Americans. Which ones are still relevant? Which ones should you be aware of? 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 Pitch your idea here. https://www.darksideofseoul.com/…

1
Knives Out: Korea’s Third Generation of Gangsters 1:15:14

10M ago1:15:14

1:15:14

Cho Yang-eun challenged the formidable Myeongdong Shin Sang-sa gang. Fists turned to knives, and Cho led a clownishly criminal life inside and outside of prison. 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 Pitch your idea here. https://www.dar…

1
Use Your Words 59:24

10M ago59:24

59:24

The Korean language is fun to study, especially when you break down words to their roots. Learn words like “booze whale” (Sulgorae) in this lighthearted episode. NOTE: Starting from about the 12:20 timestamp, Shawn misspoke! ‘Heup’ is not the word associated with 'blood'; 'hyeol' is the word. Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/d…

1
Melting Goats and Drunken Poets: The Folklore of the Sixth Lunar Month 50:48

10M ago50:48

50:48

The hottest month of the year carries some Korean folk traditions. Some were pretty dark. 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 Pitch your idea here. https://www.darksideofseoul.com/expats-of-the-wild-east/ Credits Produced by Joe McPher…

1
The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of the Myeongdong Gangsters 30:27

11M ago30:27

30:27

Shin Sang-hyun and his “New Sergeant Family” took over Myeongdong in the 1950s and later the Seoul criminal underground. But not without some serious battles on Seoul’s streets. 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 Pitch your idea here.…

1
Sex, Pries, and Videotape 1:05:27

11M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

Sex education is an important addition to our school systems. Learning about dangers is especially crucial. Despite Korea’s reputation for being an education haven, sex ed remains a mostly avoided subject. Stranger In The House What happens when your home is turned into a house of horrors? Stranger In the House is... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spoti…

1
Rains, Heat, and Poison: The Folklore of the Fifth Lunar Month 56:56

11M ago56:56

56:56

The fifth lunar month is one of the busiest for folklore, traditionally chock full of festivals, hair washing, and rainfall. And, of course, a few ways to ward off ghosts. Stranger In The House What happens when your home is turned into a house of horrors? Stranger In the House is... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the Show. Join our Patr…

1
Access Denied 1:24:10

11M ago1:24:10

1:24:10

Seoul is a wonderful city to explore, with its historic sites, quaint cafes, and reliable public transportation. Wonderful, that is, if you don’t require ramps, elevators, or smooth walkways. In this episode, we’re joined by Crystal Jo to explore Korea’s lacklustre track record in aiding the differently-abled. Stranger In The House What happens whe…

1
"Ugly Koreans, Ugly Americans" 1:22:01

12M ago1:22:01

1:22:01

In 1993, a little cultural guide was published to bridge the gap of cultural differences between Koreans and Americans. We’ll check in on this guide and see if it still holds up. 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 Pitch your idea here…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

ZenKimchi Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide