Dark Side of Seoul

Dark Side of Seoul Korea's #1 GHOST and DARK HISTORY experience. Also a podcast and comic book series! This is the side of Seoul that you won’t find in the tourism brochures.

Take a tour down the dark alleys of the forgotten 600-year history of bloody massacres, seedy hideaways, and mourning ghosts. Stops on this tour include the following:

The site of a gruesome massacre

The bridge whose stones tell a dark story that lovers and passersby know nothing about

A neighborhood known to be occupied by the spirits of prostitutes who met grisly ends

Along the way we regale tales of Seoul’s famous ghosts and murderers, weird and surprising landmarks, and the ancient city’s scandalous secrets. Clairvoyants on the tour have reported that we also have a few vaporous guests who join us. Keep an eye out for them. This is not a food tour. There will be an opportunity to buy refreshments. Ladies will receive a measure of protection from certain Japanese ghosts. Children under 18 should not take this tour. It involves violent stories, s*x jokes, and foul-mouthed tour guides.

18/08/2026

A beloved Insadong shop, established in 1965, moved to Gangnam due to rising rents. The owner, tired of authenticity questions, found Insadong had become too commercialized. With many aging merchants retiring, the area's traditional character is fading, with fewer shops truly fitting the original definition.

18/08/2026

Insadong wasn't always the vibrant cultural hub we know today. It was a district of government offices and officials' residences, a place for investigations and law enforcement. Forget extravagant feasts – only the king and the wealthy could indulge.

18/08/2026

Did you know Insadong has laws about what kind of businesses can open there? Passed in 2013, these laws are meant to fine non-traditional shops, but they're rarely enforced. Businesses established before 2013 get a pass, leading to many shops selling souvenirs upfront but hiding traditional goods in the back.

18/08/2026

Don't waste your money on cheap, perfumed incense. Discover the hidden gem of organic, handmade incense made with pine needles. Get 200 sticks for around 8,000 won—quality that respects your senses and your wallet.

18/08/2026

You might think a 'Knife Gallery' is just about sharp objects, but the sign is misleading. It's a museum of real swords, military blades, culinary tools, and even fantasy weapons from popular culture. It's a donation-only spot filled with incredible craftsmanship.

18/08/2026

Discover Insadong Chatjip, a tranquil tea house with no English signs. Experience traditional Korean tea, like the unique pine needle tea, served with grilled rice cakes and honey. It's a peaceful escape with charming music and authentic seating.

18/08/2026

In 1978, the president of the Korean Folk Artists Association, implicated in a fake antique book case, resorted to desperate measures. He attempted to burn his office, fled, and then, from a rooftop, hurled Molotov cocktails into a building. #1978

11/08/2026

Nami Island is heavily promoted, but what's really there? Once a filming site for Winter Sonata, it's now transformed into a photogenic spot focused on Instagram appeal. Many visitors find it overcrowded and commercialized, questioning its true value. Is it worth the trip, or just 'Instagram p**n'?

11/08/2026

Many influencers flock to Nami Island, calling it a must-see. But is it living up to the hype? With reports of it becoming overly commercialized and appearing on 'overrated' lists, it might be time to reconsider this popular K-drama filming spot.

11/08/2026

This beautiful place is being ruined by over-tourism and pollution. The original ecotourism vision is lost as trash piles up and crowds descend. Influencers perpetuate mediocrity, leading people away from genuinely unique spots. Do your research before you visit.

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