Best ZenKimchi Podcasts (2024)

1
True Crime Summer: The Death That Changed Seoul’s Foreign Community 1:03:37

1h ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to True Crime Summer, our best true crime episodes. In early 2008, an English teacher and his girlfriend were killed in an apartment fire. It was a turning point in the disparate expat community. Many of the charity and fundraising groups we see now started here. But is that the whole story? We talk about Bill Kapoun…

1
True Crime Summer: Cho Doo-soon & Sex Crime Law Failures 1:10:12

7d ago1:10:12

1:10:12

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to True Crime Summer, our best true crime episodes. Korea’s most notorious criminal is set to be released in late 2020. Only recently has the “I was drunk” defense been scrapped as an accepted excuse for sex crimes. We explore the problematic legal and cultural barriers to effective sex crime prevention in Korea. **W…

1
True Crime Summer: Prison Break 1988 1:01:36

14d ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to True Crime Summer, our best true crime episodes. Prisoners escape and end up becoming folk heroes. How did this happen? This is a story that many have forgotten until now. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey Music by Soraksan Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bonomini Shaaron Cullen Devon Hiphner …

1
True Crime Summer: The Jijon Crime Family 32:57

22d ago32:57

32:57

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to True Crime Summer, our best true crime episodes. They were a gang of ex-convicts who went on a serial murder rampage in the mid-1990s and showed no remorse. Some even practiced cannibalism on their victims. Credits Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey Music by Soraksan Top Tier Patrons Angel Earl Joel Bon…

1
True Crime Summer: Prince Sado, The Royal Serial Killer 1:10:34

28d ago1:10:34

1:10:34

Send us a Text Message. Prince Sado’s tale has been told through TV and film. Living in the 1700s, he got away with many killings and cruel acts. Yet there are others who say he himself was a victim. Listen as we delve into the life and legends of one of Korea’s most notorious royal members and how his death marked the beginning of the end of the J…

1
Women Ghosts of Jeju Island 52:53

1M ago52:53

52:53

Send us a Text Message. Ghosts are everywhere, so they say. But perhaps no place in Korea is more haunted than Jeju Island. But these aren’t just ghosts. They’re goddesses. 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
A Flock of Sheep 55:48

1M ago55:48

55:48

Send us a Text Message. Our Zodiac series continues! The timid sheep may be easily led but that doesn’t mean it’s unimportant. Just ask evil spirits. 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 Morri…

1
Stabbings 55:57

2M ago55:57

55:57

Send us a Text Message. We’re halfway through 2024 and stabbings have made the news far too many times. We’ll look at some of those stories from the past couple of years. 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 McPh…

1
The Lost Urban Exploration Video 38:21

2M ago38:21

38:21

Send us a Text Message. Last year, we made a video exploring a neighborhood slated for demolition. We held off on releasing it until now. Here’s the audio version. Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8E3tYvBY1I Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk at https://darks…

1
None Shall Pass! Segregation in South Korea 52:09

2M ago52:09

52:09

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Haunted Tourist Sites in Korea 53:14

2M ago53:14

53:14

Send us a Text Message. 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 To…

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

2M ago35:41

35:41

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Fugly Koreans, Fugly Americans 51:07

3M ago51:07

51:07

Send us a Text Message. 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/darksideofseou…

1
Horses 52:55

3M ago52:55

52:55

Send us a Text Message. 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 Morriss…

1
Korean Ghosts Love Pizza: Modernizing Rites for the Dead 57:34

3M ago57:34

57:34

Send us a Text Message. 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://darks…

1
The Sewol: 10 Years Later 1:02:11

4M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
When K-Animals Attack! (And Escape) 58:55

4M ago58:55

58:55

Send us a Text Message. 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 S…

1
Imjin War, part 2 | Fall of Joseon, part 8 53:20

4M ago53:20

53:20

Send us a Text Message. 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/darksid…

1
Dying Alone 59:03

4M ago59:03

59:03

Send us a Text Message. 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://darkside…

1
Imjin War, part 1 | Fall of Joseon, part 7 47:55

5M ago47:55

47:55

Send us a Text Message. 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 M…

1
Why Did It Hafta Be Snakes 56:44

5M ago56:44

56:44

Send us a Text Message. 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/d…

1
Scams: Tourists & Expats 57:07

5M ago57:07

57:07

Send us a Text Message. 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.co…

1
Rise of the Scholar Elite (1560s-1580s) | Fall of Joseon, part 6 49:29

5M ago49:29

49:29

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Ask Us (Almost) Anything 1:36:25

5M ago1:36:25

1:36:25

Send us a Text Message. 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 McPher…

1
Dragons 53:59

6M ago53:59

53:59

Send us a Text Message. 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 You…

1
Immigration Horrors! 1:13:10

6M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

Send us a Text Message. 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 t…

1
Seollal: Korea's Lunar New Year (re-run) 53:51

6M ago53:51

53:51

Send us a Text Message. 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. …

1
K-Horror: Best of 2023 1:40:24

6M ago1:40:24

1:40:24

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Han River Mysteries 58:01

6M ago58:01

58:01

Send us a Text Message. 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 Pr…

1
Old Gods, Scorched Bones, & the Frozen Dead: The Folklore of the 12th Lunar Month 42:59

7M ago42:59

42:59

Send us a Text Message. 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 Morri…

1
Noisy Neighbors 59:42

7M ago59:42

59:42

Send us a Text Message. 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 C…

1
Seoul Tower 37:31

7M ago37:31

37:31

Send us a Text Message. 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 Mu…

1
Human Sacrifice 47:33

8M ago47:33

47:33

Send us a Text Message. 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…

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Long Nights, New Calendars, & Wicked Children: The Folklore of the Eleventh Lunar Month 38:21

8M ago38:21

38:21

Send us a Text Message. 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) …

1
Nakwon Arcade: Original Center of Korea’s Music Industry 1:21:42

8M ago1:21:42

1:21:42

Send us a Text Message. 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 Mc…

1
Dying With Dignity 50:50

8M ago50:50

50:50

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
Words, Words, Words 1:01:16

8M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Happy Gods, Angry Ghosts, & Spirit Jars: The Folklore of the Tenth Lunar Month 40:25

9M ago40:25

40:25

Send us a Text Message. 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 Cr…

1
Desecrated Graves 49:48

9M ago49:48

49:48

Send us a Text Message. 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 Soraksa…

1
Yo, Don’t Step on the Yo! | “Ugly Koreans, Ugly Americans” part 4 47:05

9M ago47:05

47:05

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

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Korean Ghost Stories & Urban Legends 59:14

10M ago59:14

59:14

Send us a Text Message. 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 liberatio…

1
Lost Souls & Blood Red Leaves: The Folklore of the Ninth Lunar Month 48:58

10M ago48:58

48:58

Send us a Text Message. 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 Produc…

1
Limp Handshakes | “Ugly Koreans, Ugly Americans” part 3 58:19

10M ago58:19

58:19

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Purging the Literati (1545-1565) | Fall of Joseon, part 5 36:20

10M ago36:20

36:20

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
Farewell to the Dead 54:34

10M ago54:34

54:34

Send us a Text Message. 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 S…

1
Moonlit Dances & Big-headed Star Men: The Folklore of the Eighth Lunar Month 56:30

11M ago56:30

56:30

Send us a Text Message. 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 Credi…

1
Break on Through to the Northern Side 50:49

11M ago50:49

50:49

Send us a Text Message. 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) - minis…

1
Battle of the In-laws: The Rise and Fall of Kim Anro (Fall of Joseon, part 4) 31:59

11M ago31:59

31:59

Send us a Text Message. 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 y…

1
Suffering Ghosts & Star-crossed Lovers: The Folklore of the Seventh Lunar Month 37:20

11M ago37:20

37:20

Send us a Text Message. 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 Pit…

1
Saemangeum: A disaster 52 years in the making 1:11:05

12M ago1:11:05

1:11:05

Send us a Text Message. 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 Saemang…

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