Mountains: Gods, Ghosts, & Killers (Re-release)

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Join The Seoul Hike to learn more about Korea's mountain myths and legends.

Mountains have always played a significant role in Korea's culture, folklore, and religion. From providing the backdrop for Korea's founding myth to being central to shamanic practices, the mountains are more than just natural landmarks—they are spiritual hubs, filled with gods, ghosts, and tragic tales.

In this episode, we explore Korea’s deep connection with its mountains, starting with the legend of Dangun, the legendary founder of Korea. His story is tied to Baekdusan, one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. We dive into the Baekdu Daegan mountain range, the main system running along the peninsula’s east coast, and how it has shaped the cultural landscape of the country.

The central figure in Korean mountain culture is sanshin, the mountain gods. These deities are often depicted as wise old men, but female representations, called yeo-sanshin, also exist. We discuss the tradition of communing with sanshin, a practice that has brought together Korean shamanism and Buddhist traditions. We highlight some of Korea’s most notable sacred mountains, such as Gyerongsan and Inwangsan, where shamans hold sanshinje rituals to honor these deities.

As much as mountains are associated with spirituality, they also harbor ghostly legends. From the infamous Dalgyal gwishin—a faceless and limbless ghost said to haunt the mountains—to the tragic ghost stories passed down through generations, the mountains of Korea are steeped in eerie tales. One such story is from Seoraksan, where a mother’s undying love for her child is immortalized in the Daeseung Falls.

But the mountains aren't just home to spirits—they have also been sites of violence and murder. From the Frog Boys to the tragic case of a 16-year-old girl found dead on a mountain, the mountains have witnessed dark chapters in Korea’s history. We also delve into the chilling story of a murder on Eodeungsan in April 2016, where a man, struggling with mental health, killed an elderly hiker.

In this episode, we also discuss personal encounters with ghosts in the mountains, as well as the cultural and spiritual significance of these sacred sites.

Tune in to hear the full stories of Korea’s mountains, gods, ghosts, and killers, and how they continue to shape the nation’s culture and folklore today.

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Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

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