Supernatural Encounters in South Korea

by Shawn Morrissey

'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.

----------

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.

153 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2025

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kevin O'Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sara Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sylvia134340 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Fred Cordell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Juan Ramon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 would highly recommend it to anyone.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tracey Thomson-Lamplough · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lucas Erbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!