Best ZenKimchi Podcasts (2026)

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Where Have All the Soju Tents Gone? Part 1 54:13

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2h ago54:13

54:13

Send us a text There is no Waffle House in Korea. For decades, the pojangmacha was the last line of defense against going home hungry, broke, or blackout drunk. It was cheap, social, messy, and human. And then it slowly disappeared. In Part 1 of Where Have All the Soju Tents Gone, we trace the origins of the pojangmacha from Japanese yatai and Jose…

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Christmas Nightmares 2: Holiday Crimes 38:06

7d ago38:06

38:06

Send us a text Christmas is often framed as a moment of peace, forgiveness, and reflection. But in Korean history, Christmas Eve has repeatedly been chosen for violence, punishment, and erasure. In Part 2 of Christmas Nightmares, we examine three chilling cases tied to the holiday. We begin with the Seokdal-ri Massacre of 1949, when South Korean so…

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Christmas Nightmares 1: Darkest Holiday Stories 50:11

8d ago50:11

50:11

Send us a text 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 begin with the Heungnam Evacuation of 1950, remembered as the Miracle of Christmas, when nearly 100,0…

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K-Hacked: How Coupang Exposed Korea’s Cybersecurity Mess 55:44

15d ago55:44

55:44

Send us a text 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 Korea sells itself as an IT powerhouse, but behind the fiber optics sit outdated servers, neglected government systems, weak regulations and a corporate culture that treats security like a box to check. From…

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Weird Tours 1:20:55

29d ago1:20:55

1:20:55

Send us a text 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 arrive mid-argument, and reviews born from pure misunderstanding. The episode digs into what really der…

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Short: The Expat Quest for Thanksgiving 14:15

1M ago14:15

14:15

Send us a text 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 thanks goes beyond turkey, Macy’s parades, and football. Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Suppo…

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The Secret Military Club That Hijacked Korea 46:09

1M ago46:09

46:09

Send us a text Korea’s modern history has plenty of villains, but Hanahoe might be the most quietly terrifying. This was the private club of military officers that spent decades pulling strings behind the scenes and building the foundation for South Korea’s authoritarian era. Chun Doo hwan and Roh Tae woo did not just show up and grab power. They w…

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Moving Graves 53:45

2M ago53:45

53:45

Send us a text Special Guest: Ron Chang Korean graves do not always stay where you put them. In this episode, Ron Chang joins us to talk about what it is really like to exhume and relocate family graves in Korea. Ron recently moved the graves of his grandmother and grandfather from a remote mountain cemetery in Yangju to the special North Korean he…

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The West Comes Knocking | The Fall of Joseon, part 18 (1791-1801) 43:49

2M ago43:49

43:49

Send us a text When a Dutch sailor shipwrecked on Jeju in 1627, he thought he’d been captured by cannibals. Instead, he became Korea’s first Westerner—and the first sign of change that would shake Joseon to its core. This episode traces the arrival of Western guns, God, and ideas—from Jan Janse de Weltevree to the Catholic persecutions of 1801—as K…

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Haunted Barracks: Korea’s Military Ghost Stories 1:06:13

2M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Send us a text The Korean military is haunted — literally and culturally. Soldiers whisper about phantom footsteps, cold spots inside fences, and radio calls from the dead. In this episode, we look at the legends that thrive in Korea’s barracks: the White-Clad Old Man, the Combat Boot Ghost, the Ammunition Depot Spirits, and the Fog Ghost along the…

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Shawn Wrote a Spooky Book 54:23

2M ago54:23

54:23

Send us a text Here it is! Finally! Shawn Morrissey's much anticipated book of Korean supernatural encounters is released. We ask him your questions. Will he answer them? Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Support the show Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patre…

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Why Korean City Slogans Sound So Weird (and Why We Love Them Anyway) 1:05:48

3M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Send us a text Korean cities love English slogans, but rarely get them right. From “Hi Seoul” to “Busan is Good,” we explore how Korea’s branding obsession created a national genre of delightful linguistic chaos. Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Support the show Join o…

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From Madness to Reform | The Fall of Joseon, part 17 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

Send us a text 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 he…

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Kidnapped! 59:07

3M ago59:07

59:07

Send us a text Kidnapping and abduction attempts are on the rise in Korea, with more than nine cases per week. We break down the numbers, the shocking cases from Seoul to Jeju, and the weak court responses that leave parents furious. From lures near schools to drug-laced drinks, we look at why this trend is growing and how authorities and families …

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Cursed Landmarks 58:06

3M ago58:06

58:06

Send us a text We tour Korea’s “cursed landmarks,” from the Blue House to Jongno Tower, the National Assembly, Cheonggyecheon, and beyond. These sites carry dark folklore, bad feng shui, ghost stories, and political baggage. What makes a landmark “cursed,” and why do Koreans still talk about them? Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Boo…

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Cruel Summer 2: Crueler Summerer 54:10

4M ago54:10

54:10

Send us a text Our follow-up to Cruel Summer shows Korea’s August crimes were just as horrific. A shaman murdered her niece in a ritual. Couples turned their homes into crime scenes. Babies were abandoned for cash. Convenience store clerks were stabbed for no reason. This summer didn’t cool down. It only got darker. Korea's #1 ghost and dark histor…

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Cruel Summer 49:25

4M ago49:25

49:25

Send us a text Summer in Korea sucks. This was a record-breaking year for temps. Floods were awful again. Crime was pretty damn bad, too. Big one, little details: headless body found in Taebaeksan; wearing winter clothing - so been there a while. Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your comic at DarkSideO…

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K-Pop Demon Hunters: Folklore & Satire 1:17:04

4M ago1:17:04

1:17:04

Send us a text K-Pop Demon Hunters looks flashy on the surface, but it hides a lot of Korean folklore inside the glitter. We talk about mudang rituals, dokkaebi, tiger and magpie tricksters, and why the movie is both a tribute to K-Pop and a satire of idol culture. Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your…

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The Wailing Woman and the Red-Hatted Ghosts of Korea | Spooky Chills Summer 1:08:28

4M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

Send us a text We close out Spooky Summer with a set of chilling Korean ghost stories and urban legends. Joe shares tales of the Wailing Woman, the Red-Hatted Ghosts, and the eerie story of “Visiting the Grandparents.” Shawn brings first-hand accounts from interviews, from couples plagued by unseen forces to political hauntings at City Hall. A mix …

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Ghost Stories That Grew Up With the City | Spooky Chills Summer 1:00:30

4M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Send us a text A chill night-walk through Korea’s darker folklore: we bring together old graves, cursed bills, haunted portraits, and digital terrors. Hear how a man’s midnight pit stop frees a trapped virgin ghost in 1930s Jeonju, why a gruesome urban legend is said to hide inside Korean currency, and how a painting and an elevator can quietly rew…

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11 Haunted Haunts of Seoul | Spooky Chills Summer 46:36

5M ago46:36

46:36

Send us a text Shawn and Joe guide you through 11 of Seoul’s eeriest locations—from the pressure-draining crossroads at Sejong Intersection to the ginkgo-guarded spirits of Marronnier Park. Along the way you’ll encounter singing servants of a Japanese collaborator, phantom beggars at Jongmyo Park, wailing soldiers outside the university morgue, and…

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Unsettling Urban Legends | Spooky Chills Summer 1:19:51

5M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

Send us a text Turn off the lights. Slip on your headphones. Tonight’s Spooky Summer episode takes you to the edge of your seat with five skin-crawling tales of the unexplained: A lone soldier buried a war widow’s baby by moonlight—then dared to steal her ransom. What he unearthed under the old tree was far more terrifying than combat. Three boys d…

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Echoes in the Dark: Our Creepiest Stories | Spooky Chills Summer 1:22:56

5M ago1:22:56

1:22:56

Send us a text Ready to pucker up from sheer creepiness? Ditch the cheery summer playlists and crank your earbuds—these tales will haunt your dreams. From phantom hands blocking elevator doors to severed pianist fingers humping keys in a jar, we’ve rounded up the nastiest, most head-scratching Korean urban legends your average tourist guide sniffs …

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Ghost Stories on Jayuro Highway | Spooky Chills Summer 1:00:50

5M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

Send us a text Shawn and Joe take you on a fog-shrouded drive down Paju’s Jayuro Highway to hunt the road’s most bone-chilling legends: the Woman in Sunglasses, blood-oozing meat packages, and the cursed box no driver wants to touch. They sift witness accounts from freaked-out truckers and local ghost hunters to figure out whether these tales are u…

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Spooky Summer Ghost Stories 2025 51:34

6M ago51:34

51:34

Send us a text We kick of Spooky Chills Summer 2025 with three fresh stories and more. Brace yourselves for three spine-tinglers in Spooky Chilly Summer Part 7: • The Hong Kong Grandma’s deadly Q&A—answer wrong, and you’re never seen again • The Forest Chair that traps souls in a vision of their own funeral • The Subway Ghost who still asks, “Can y…

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Prince Sado’s Madness and Murder | The Fall of Joseon, part 16 (1735-1762) 55:48

6M ago55:48

55:48

Send us a text Prince Sado’s life reads like a gothic horror: crowned heir, but driven mad by his father’s cold perfectionism, he slew palace servants and terrorized court ladies—then was locked in a rice chest by King Yeongjo, left to die over eight harrowing days. Drawing on Lady Hyegyeong’s 1805 memoir, we untangle Sado’s paranoia, rituals, and …

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POSCO Unforged: Corruption, Accidents, & Cover-Ups 1:01:03

6M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Send us a text 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 …

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North Korea 75 Years Later with Jacco Zwetsloot (NK News Podcast) 45:44

6M ago45:44

45:44

Send us a text 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 S…

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Unwelcome Guests: The 1871 US Incident in Korea 1:37:21

7M ago1:37:21

1:37:21

Send us a text 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 guid…

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Yeongjo’s Quest for Balance: Ending Factional Fury | Fall of Joseon 15 47:26

7M ago47:26

47:26

Send us a text 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 …

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Korea and Canada Share Folklore? 55:05

7M ago55:05

55:05

Send us a text You may find it hard to believe that two countries as different as Korea and Canada have shared folklore. Why is that? And just what do they share? In this episode, we have a listen to a presentation on the topic made at the invitation of Seoul City and the Canadian Embassy. For the video version of this episode, watch it here: https…

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Unexplained Deaths of Expats in Korea 51:56

7M ago51:56

51:56

Send us a text Death is inevitable, but for many expats in Korea, the cause of death remains a mystery. In this episode, we delve into the unsettling number of unexplained deaths among foreign nationals living in Korea. From recent tragedies like the case of a Bangladeshi man who collapsed on the dance floor in Hongdae to the broader statistics of …

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When Love Meets Politics | Fall of Joseon, part 14 28:09

7M ago28:09

28:09

Send us a text 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 P…

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Tragic Ghosts 53:57

8M ago53:57

53:57

Send us a text What makes a ghost so moody, and why are some spirits bound to haunt the living with vengeance and sorrow? We explore the most tragic and unfulfilled spirits in Korean tradition, from wonhon—the ghosts of the forsaken, to yeommae and taejagwi—the spirits of those who died in anguish or sorrow. Join us as we uncover the stories behind…

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Ask Us. We Dare You! 1:13:35

8M ago1:13:35

1:13:35

Send us a text What is something about Korea that’s overrated? Why is shamanism viewed so negatively? How has Korean changed since COVID? We took your questions and we answer them! Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Support the show Join our Patreon to get more stuff htt…

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Ghost Book Sneak Peek 1:00:42

8M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Send us a text Shawn gives us a preview of his upcoming book about Korean ghost stories, encounters, and folklore. Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your comic at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Support the show Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of S…

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Gwangjang Market: Secrets, Snacks, and the Shady Side of Seoul’s Most Famous Market 1:02:29

8M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Send us a text Gwangjang Market is a street food paradise… but what’s lurking behind the bindaetteok stalls and mayak gimbap counters? In this episode, we dig into the tangled history of Korea’s oldest covered market—from its rebellious beginnings and refugee-fueled food scene to whispered stories of political gangsters, sky-high stall rents, and t…

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Boondoggles: Korean Grand Prix 1:06:44

9M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Send us a text South Korea's hosting of the Formula One Grand Prix in Yeongam (2010-2013) was supposed to bring global prestige, but instead became one of motorsport’s biggest flops. We dive deep into how mismanagement, cultural misunderstanding, construction disasters, and financial chaos turned Korea’s ambitious F1 dreams into an international em…

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Strange Things Found on Naver Maps 1:07:16

9M ago1:07:16

1:07:16

Send us a text 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 …

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Joseon Korea vs. Qing China: A Kingdom Caught Between Loyalty and Survival | Fall of Joseon, part 13 41:32

9M ago41:32

41:32

Send us a text 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 chaoti…

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Korean Tourism 50 Years Ago 1:48:56

9M ago1:48:56

1:48:56

Send us a text What was Korea like for tourists in 1975? In this episode, we explore the unique travel experience of that time, based on a fascinating book from the era. From the government’s tourism promotions to the must-see sites of the day, discover what Korea looked like for international travelers half a century ago. Korea's #1 ghost and dark…

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Tapgol Park 1:08:27

10M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

Send us a text Join us as we explore the history of Tapgol Park, a significant landmark in Seoul. From its origins as a temple site to its role in pivotal events like the March 1st Movement, Tapgol Park is woven into the fabric of Korea's modern history. Learn about its transformation, struggles with urban development, and what the future holds for…

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Friendly Fire 51:08

10M ago51:08

51:08

Send us a text In The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast episode "Friendly Fire," we investigate a tragic mistake during a live-fire drill in Pocheon, South Korea. Joint ROK-USA military exercises led to accidental shelling of a civilian area, injuring over 25 people and causing significant damage. What went wrong? We discuss pilot errors, the lack of coor…

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Korean Funerals 1:09:04

10M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the emotional and cultural significance of Korean funeral rites, as seen through the lens of a recent family funeral. From the preparation and altar arrangements to the mourning rituals and final burial, we cover the detailed process that many families experience. Whether you’re curious about the customs o…

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School Murder 1:36:34

10M ago1:36:34

1:36:34

Send us a text In this somber episode, we discuss the tragic murder of elementary school student Kim Ha-neul, allegedly at the hands of a teacher, and the ongoing investigation into the case. This incident has shocked the nation and raised significant concerns about school safety in Korea. Was this murder an isolated case, or does it highlight syst…

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Korean Conspiracy Theories 1:45:50

11M ago1:45:50

1:45:50

Send us a text Explore the rising tide of conspiracy theories in Korea, from government cover-ups to ideological divides, and how these beliefs are shaping the nation’s political landscape. Media recommendation Classic Mr. Pizza ad: The True Origins of Pizza (한글자막) Korea's #1 ghost and dark history walking tour. Book at DarkSideOfSeoul.com Get your…

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King Injo: Factionalism, Rebellion, Factionalism | Fall of Joseon, part 12 39:13

11M ago39:13

39:13

Send us a text King Injo: Factionalism, Rebellion, Factionalism | Fall of Joseon, Part 12 delves into the turbulent reign of King Injo, who ascended to the throne following the downfall of Gwanghae-gun. Amidst the chaos of factional strife, his reign became defined by rebellion, power struggles, and intense political maneuvering. With Joseon deeply…

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Korean Ghosts of the 15th Century: Poltergeists, Spirits, and Vengeance 51:05

11M ago51:05

51:05

Send us a text We’re taking a step back in time to the 15th century to uncover how ghosts were viewed in early Korean culture. From poltergeist activity to terrifying apparitions, this episode challenges today’s popular ghost stories and offers a look into the eerie events of ancient Korea. Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/dar…

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Murder! Or Self Defense? 1:03:43

11M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Send us a text 🚨 What Happens When Self-Defence Goes Wrong in Korea? 🚨 In this gripping episode, we examine the case of Choi Mal-ja, who defended herself from an attacker and received a prison sentence for it. Why did Korean law not recognize her self-defence? Tune in to hear how this case unfolds, the legal issues around self-defence in Korea, and…

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Squid Game 2: Korean Culture Elements You Missed, Part 2 1:41:59

12M ago1:41:59

1:41:59

Send us a text We dive into as many Korean cultural nuances we could find that may have had you scratching your head while watching Squid Game 2. Also, get out your maps because we track down almost every single filming location in Seoul. Join our Patreon to get more stuff https://patreon.com/darksideofseoul Book a tour of The Dark Side of Seoul Gh…