'Supernatural Encounters in South Korea' is six chapters of mystery and dread gathered from directly recorded accounts around South Korea.
'Living Belief' explores ghostlore in Korean tradition and modern times.
'The Dead Live Here' looks at haunted houses and other buildings around Korea.
'They Follow Us' highlights claims of phantoms attaching themselves to the living.
'Spectres of War' focuses on how ghosts are linked to Korea's military.
'Noctivagations' reveals claims by guests on the Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk.
'Dumpling' shares a personal anecdote of the dead returning to comfort the living.
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Can I say for certain that any of what you’ll read in this book actually happened? Were two lovers truly tossed into gothic terror by bodiless fingertips inching up their caressing skin? Did a grand, ancient spirit actually comfort a grieving young woman? Are items in a small Seoul museum haunted? Did it all really happen?
For my part, I can only say that those who shared their stories seemed genuine. What’s more, they had nothing to gain by sharing them. Some, in fact, had something to lose. In the end, I'm just the messenger with a mind open to the strange and extraordinary. I'll leave the decisions to you.
Morrissey is a fantastic storyteller, as anyone who's joined his tours or read his comics is well aware, and in this book he collates more than a decade of authentic tales of the supernatural and weaved them together so that they culminate in a moving and importantly personal conclusion.
Whether you're a true believer or a complete skeptic, you'll find something here to make you question what you think you know, and all the inspiration anyone should need to finally book that flight to Korea.
A fascinating book about the potential supernatural experiences people have had in South Korea, written by Shawn Morrissey, a Canadian and long-term resident of South Korea. He uses his experiences as a long-time heritage interpreter, travel guide, and educator to gather stories from across the country about those who have experienced the inexplicable. The book is written in a very easy-to-read, casual voice that adds a lot of authenticity to the tales. Shawn shares paranormal (or maybe not) experiences people have had and gathered the stories through many years of firsthand research, making the tales more fascinating. Some experiences, like the one an individual had on the Seoul Subway system, are terrifying. In contrast, others, like those described at a historic palace in the city, will leave you with goosebumps. The book ends with Shaw’s very own heart-wrenching supernatural encounter that literally left me in tears as I read it.
I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in South Korea, Asian history and folklore, and the paranormal.
I have already read the digital version of the book and definitely plan to purchase a paper copy to add to my paranormal bookshelf at home.
Shawn Morrissey is a great writer and an even better storyteller. Supernatural Encounters in South Korea is like the ghostly hands from one of the encounters recounted inside - it grips you tightly and doesn't let go until it decides to.
Whether the encounters were actual ghost hauntings, figments of people's imaginations, or maybe something in between, Shawn's storytelling is capable of making you believe in ghosts, even if just for a moment. And after reading the "Dumpling" chapter, I truly hope that benevolent ghosts are real and watch over us in our time of need.
I am genuinely glad that Shawn decided to open up his archive of stories and share some of them with us. The only shortcoming of this book, in my opinion, is its length. I wish there were more stories told by Shawn, tied together by strings of history and folklore, and wrapped in humor and personal insights.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone curious about the supernatural, South Korea or the supernatural in South Korea.
To be honest, I'm not one for stories of the supernatural, or even for non-academic non-fiction, generally speaking. Having said that, I enjoyed Supernatural Encounters in South Korea (SEISK) immensely. For the sake of transparency, I'll just say, Shawn Morrissey has been a close friend of mine since the early 2000s, but that just means my reading of his book is informed by knowledge of who he is and what he's lived through in the time he's spent in South Korea.
First, I want to say SEISK is executed beautifully. The writing runs from highly eloquent to seriously funny to downright excellent, and heavily sprinkled with precise vocabulary of the numinous. Shawn is in all the best ways a wordsmith, some might say a "cunning linguist," with sublime talents on full display page after page in SEISK. Drawing from the rich source material of both younger years spent in his native Newfoundland and those passed in his adopted East Asian home, Shawn weaves complex storytelling with a polished and highly absorbable voice. It all makes for a lovely reading experience, at once spooky, often personal, and always engaging.
Personally, I was curious how Shawn would thread the needle of his stories' ephemeral quality, both with his own personal insights and, frankly, trauma, without descending into an irrational, splashy, convoluted, or maudlin mess. Without letting the... ghost? out of the bag, suffice it to say, Shawn does this masterfully, leaving the reader both entertained and fulfilled. In short, he doesn't make any promises he doesn't keep, and those he makes are no small feat to meet.
Anyone with an interest in the paranormal or supernatural is likely to get a kick out of SEISK. If you like ghost stories, this book is for you. If you want read a highly personal account of real life and how it intersects with the abjectly fantastic yet clearly experiential, this book is for you. If you like books and want to read one that doesn't suck, SEISK has your name written all over it.
All that I didn't even mention my copy came with a custom bookmark! Why don't all books?
My introduction to Shawn Morrissey was through the Dark Side of Seoul podcast. I was astounded by the knowledge he had of Korean folklore, traditions, and even ghost lore. I knew I was going to be visiting Seoul & as a lover of nature spirits, traditional folktales, and a taphophile the podcast gave me a solid footing on what I wanted to explore while there. I’ve now been to Seoul twice and planning to return again. I’ve taken both Joe and Shawn’s night tours and Shawn’s Walk Among the Graves tour & can recommend all. Through these tours I was even more blown away by the seemingly unlimited tales Shawn has locked in his head. When I found out about this book I was excited to learn even more. It was what I knew it would be, an informative read done with humor, and respect. He doesn’t try to convert non believers, or embellish dramatically on the stories he tells. There is a good mix of stories from humorous to “Oh h*ll No!” I very much enjoyed the chapter on Gyeonghuigung as it’s my favorite spot in Seoul. And with final chapter I realized I have one more thing in common with the author, this was unexpected but fully understood. Hoping there will be Volume 2 coming soon as I know there are more tales to tell. Read this book if you have any interest in traditional stories, Korean history and/or modern chills.
Morrissey’s writing has a familiar warmth to it, like an old friend sharing stories. While it is years of qualitative research collected and presented in text, it never feels as such. The writing is accessible and clear, while being thoughtful and engaging. The passion by the author is tangible in his prose. Passion for the work, passion for storytelling. That alone makes this worth the read, besides the ghost lore and tales among the pages.
Pages you find you can’t stop turning, a book you can easily devour in one sitting, of course only if you’re brave enough. I am an avid horror enthusiast myself, and yet while reading I would pause, my head turning to check the quiet corners of my apartment between paragraphs. That being said, he does not rely on exaggerations or embellishments, nor does he come in with a criticizing overly skeptic tone. There’s playful, honest curiosity and openness that adds to the enjoyment of the read. He invites you in, as if to listen sitting around a campfire sharing stories. You as the reader are left with the same curiosity and questions, and maybe a chill or two.
I found myself wanting more at every tale, and not from any shortcoming by Morrissey. The opposite in fact, his ability to tell a story is so deeply captivating, I find myself wanting more to read. Regardless, I’m grateful he took the time to share from his archives of stories he’s compiled.
The final chapter, Dumpling, though perhaps is the hardest though most moving. This chapter alone, tying the book together in an emotionally personal experience, one that isn’t mine to delve into here, left the biggest impression. In fact, it took me the longest to get through as it brought me to tears.
This book is not only incredibly enthralling, balancing tones of being entertaining and educational, but it is incredibly heartfelt as well.
When you live in Seoul, or any big city, it’s easy to get swept away in the busyness of it all. Stories like this are great reminders to slow down. There’s so much to be missed in details, exploration, and conversations with others. We should all be more curious and more open.
There’s so much more to say, but I don’t wish to spoil a single story. I truly recommend this book to anyone.
Shawn Morrissey’s “Supernatural Encounters in South Korea” is a compelling journey into Korean folklore, urban legends, and modern paranormal experiences. As both a travelogue and a cultural exploration, the book deftly blends personal anecdotes, historical context, and interviews with locals to paint a vibrant picture of South Korea’s supernatural landscape.
Morrissey’s writing is engaging and accessible, making even the most obscure legends feel immediate and relatable. He takes readers through shadowy alleyways, ancient temples, and bustling city streets, always on the lookout for the mysterious and unexplained. The author’s curiosity is infectious, and his respectful approach to Korean beliefs adds depth and nuance to his encounters.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its balance between scepticism and open-mindedness. Morrissey doesn’t set out to prove or debunk the supernatural; instead, he presents stories as he finds them, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. This approach makes the book both entertaining and thought-provoking, especially for readers interested in the intersection of culture and the unknown.
The inclusion of historical background and interviews with Koreans from diverse walks of life enhances the work's authenticity. Morrissey explores everything from ancient shamanistic traditions to contemporary ghost stories, providing a well-rounded perspective on how supernatural beliefs persist and evolve in modern South Korean society.
If there is any shortcoming, the book leaves readers wishing for even more detailed accounts or follow-up investigations into some instances. However, this sense of mystery is appropriate, given the subject matter's elusive nature.
Overall, “Supernatural Encounters in South Korea” is an engaging, informative, and atmospheric read. It will appeal to fans of travel writing, the paranormal, and anyone interested in Korean culture. Morrissey’s passion for his subject shines through, making this book a memorable exploration of the uncanny side of South Korea.
I really enjoyed this. I often read lots of books about true paranormal experiences and this is among the best. It's quite unique because it doesn't just tell the supernatural encounters but it also connects many of them with Korean folklore. I've never seen that approach before in a book like this. The author also compares Korean ghosts and hauntings with other cultures, which was super interesting. It's also a little bit autobiographical. On that point, I doubt anyone can read the book's chapter 'Dumpling' and not feel an ache in their heart. :(
There's just one small thing that I didn't like too much. The author obviously does not like royalty. He mentions royals throughout the book a few times in connection to ghosts and he calls them 'regal toffs' (I had to look up the meaning of toff). He also doesn't address them as 'King (name)' or 'Queen (name)' and just writes their surnames. Myself, I love royals and their stories! So I think the author is a little too irreverent about them. But that is just a disagreement with the author and not a problem with the book or the writing itself.
The book is well written, spooky (the swimming story - OH MY GOD!), captivating, entertaining, and sometimes funny. A great read!
I genuinely enjoyed reading “Supernatural Encounters in South Korea” by Shawn Morrisey. It is filled with eerie tales and ghostly encounters from Koreans and travelers in a country that feels very familiar to me. Shawn spent years researching and collecting these stories, and he writes them in a way that makes you feel like you are hearing them in a cozy bar with soju and beer on the table, a warm light overhead, and a full moon outside the window. His storytelling pulls you along with ease.
But this book goes beyond witness accounts. Woven through the pages are sharp and fascinating insights into Korean folk traditions, some fading and others still very much alive. Old Korean ghost story books exist, But this one feels like the contemporary version this genre desperately needed. Even the most skeptical reader might get chills.
I highly recommend this book to both believers and skeptics who are drawn to Korea and appreciate a good ghostly thrill and of course who want to learn about Korean folk traditions in dealing with the supernatural.
I first came across Shawn on the Dark Side of Seoul podcast that he presents with Joe. The podcast instantly piqued my interest due to my love of history, folklore, traditions, and the odd supernatural tales from different cultures, especially South Korea. Shawn is a fantastic storyteller, and I was fortunate enough to experience his ghost tour a few years ago. This tour only cemented my admiration for his storytelling abilities and extensive knowledge.
Although I'm still on the fence about my belief in ghosts, I thoroughly enjoy listening to people's experiences. This is one reason I truly enjoyed reading Shawn's book. I appreciate his diligent work ethic in researching and collecting these stories and how he masterfully connects them to folklore and culture, blending them seamlessly. The last story in the book was particularly hard to read and absolutely heartbreaking, leaving me very tearful.
I really recommend this book and sincerely hope there will be more volumes in the future.
This was a fantastic read—I really appreciated how Shawn wove together his knowledge of Korean folklore with his Newfoundland roots. His blend of Korean cultural elements and vivid depictions of the local landscape, combined with his thoughtful word choices, beautifully showcase his passion for the subject and his pride in his Newfoundland heritage. The book also serves as a bridge across cultures, reminding us that while language, history, and experience may differ, we share more common ground than we often realize.
I was particularly intrigued by the concept of eum dominance —the gathering of malevolent spirits and fogs believed to spread illness. It draws fascinating parallels to the old idea of “miasmas,” once thought to cause respiratory diseases and tuberculosis in the 1800s.
I also loved the connections to Shawn’s Dark Side of Seoul walk. I had the chance to experience it on a dark night in May 2024, and it remains a highlight I’d recommend to anyone visiting Seoul. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out the next time I ride the Seoul metro!
I knew the author Shawn from one of his Dark Side in Seoul tours and was instantly drawn to his storytelling and the folklore tales of South Korea. In his book about supernatural encounters he tells stories from different people and in different settings and he always leaves the option to the reader, if it could have happened that way and if it seriously was supernatural or just... a play to the eye. I love how he's not wanting the reader to believe in ghosts, but to think about what may happen to us when we're dead. And it's not only entertaining but also educational; you get to know a bit about Korean tradition, folklore and beliefs. I enjoyed this book and hope, we'll get to hear more stories in the future.
I really loved this book, and had to make myself ration it into little chunks to avoid being done with it too soon, as I felt like each story deserved its space and attention. As anyone who has done a Dark Side of Seoul tour or listened to the podcast will know, Shawn is a great storyteller, and I really like how he puts the stories in their cultural context and relate them to each other rather than just conveying them. The book never tries to sell any idea of the supernatural to the reader, but invites you to come to your own conclusions, and there is no sensationalist spin, just experiences by individuals that are very hard indeed to explain. If you're interested in ghosts or South Korea at all, I'd highly recommend giving this one a read.
Supernatural Encounters in South Korea is a blend of a few things. It's entertaining because of how well written it is. It's refreshing because of how irreverent it is. It's funny because of how tongue-in-cheek it is. It's interesting because of how informative it is. It's captivating because of how chilling it is. And it's endearing because of how heartwarming it is.
It's a modern triumph of the genre of true paranormal accounts. But I am worried for the book because I fear it won't be on the radar of enough people. It will really be a shame if the book goes widely unnoticed.
Reading about ghost claims researched and recorded by a sceptic is interesting and a rather clever turn. Yet Morrissey does not disbelieve in ghosts, rather he 'is cautious about who tells (him) ghosts are real.' Many of the claims in the book are very creepy but they are presented in a casual voice which makes for an interesting and entertaining read. The addition of Korean folklore (and ghostlore, as the book describes it) ties points together. It all comes together in the last chapter called 'Dumpling' about Morrissey's own heartbreaking personal encounter that really needs to be read.
I joined Shawn’s dark side tour last 2023 and he was very knowledgeable about the dark history, folklore, traditions, beliefs and mythical creatures based on years of research through interviews and oral traditions handed down through generations and from first- hand experiences among his sources. This book is well written, highly-informative, exciting and bone-chilling and I am so happy that it is finally out after excitedly waiting for its release. Enjoyed reading it immensely cover to cover!
One of the most exciting, intriguing, and heartfelt books I have read in a long time. Combining folklore, history, personal experiences, interviews, and research, Shawn Morrissey delivers one of the most enjoyable reads on the topic of supernatural in South Korea. This book is well written and is bound to captivate any reader. In this book, Shawn approaches the topic of supernatural with more of a healthy dose of curiosity and skepticism, rather than with wild and overinflated beliefs or claims.
I recommend this book to anyone who is into Korean culture, but want a deeper dive into it. Shawn writes with a deep knowledge of Korean folk culture. If you are ever in Korea, I also recommend his tours! He’s a wonderful storyteller, which shows in the book. Shawn also writes from personal experience which gives to book more emotional resonance. Two huge disembodied thumbs up!
Shawn Morrissey is a passionate and talented story-teller, and his style makes Supernatural Encounters in South Korea both an engaging and quick read.
The book serves as both a resource on Korean folklore and traditions, as well as serving as a vehicle for personal stories of people who claim to have experienced supernatural experiences in South Korea.
The ending made me cry. It was a super personal story. Overall I really enjoyed it. It gave me a lot to think about in terms of Koreas connections to the supernatural... and the war graves hit home.
A great read. Perfect for anyone who's interested in spooky stories. Or even skeptics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is an easy to read book that gives an insight to past and current Korean culture regarding the supernatural. The authors voice comes through very clearly as if he is there telling you the ghost story. It is an interesting, fun and a little scary.
Brilliantly written and fascinating content. The book is well researched and the author does a great job of linking the stories he's collected from people with his encyclopaedic knowledge of Korean folklore. A must for anyone interested in Korea and the paranormal!
Fantastic read, as someone living in Korea, this books covers lots of the encounters that are always interesting to hear bit you normally wouldn't to talk with locals.
The stories happening in Korea gives a feeling of oddity, and as someone living in this fast culture, having a minute to read about these experi need that you rarely hear about feels like an odd breath of fresh air!