Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Rise of occult tourism: 3 must-visit horror-themed spots in Seoul
A scene from the film "Salmokji: Whispering Water" / Courtesy of Showbox
By Park Jin-hai
In a season where the cinematic landscape can feel stagnant, the horror genre has emerged not just as a source of entertainment, but as cultural phenomenon.
The film "Salmokji: Whispering Water" has recently shattered the 3-million-viewer mark and is poised to unseat the legendary "A Tale of Two Sisters" (2003) as the highest-grossing Korean horror film in over two decades. On the small screen, the Netflix series "If Wishes Could Kill" mirrors this success, dominating global non-English TV charts.
However, the true story isn’t just in the numbers — it’s in how these works are spilling out of the screen and into the real world. "Salmokji," is a fictional account of a camera crew haunted by a dark presence in a reservoir, rooted in real folklore surrounding the Salmokji Reservoir in Yesan, South Chungcheong Province.
A promotional app that appeared in Netflix series "If Wishes Kill." Courtesy of Netflix
The film's success ignited a tourism boom, with audiences feeling compelled to verify the terror with their own eyes. The area surrounding the reservoir has transformed from a quiet rural site into a viral destination for "courage tests." The fervor became so intense that local authorities were forced to implement a 6 p.m. curfew, citing safety concerns.
The series "If Wishes Could Kill" also extends this trend. The story revolves around an app that grants wishes but curses the user in return. As a promotional tool, Netflix released a tie-in app, which has soared in popularity on both Google and Apple app stores, surpassing 1 million downloads.
Online communities are flooded with user experiences, with many saying, "I downloaded it out of curiosity but deleted it immediately," or "Just having the app on my phone feels eerie."
The horror genre has evolved beyond simple consumption; it is now about experiencing and sharing fear. The Korea Times has compiled a list of urban cafes and bars that are popular among locals for their ability to grant real-life chills.
Interior of "Geukrakwangsaeng" in Mullae-dong, Seoul / Captured from Instagram (@geukrak_coffee)
Geukrakwangsaeng
Tucked away in Mullae-dong in Yeongdeungpo District, Geugrakwangsaeng offers a hauntingly cinematic experience, poised thematically between a sacred temple and a psychological thriller.
The cafe's name, which means "being reborn in Paradise," sets a paradoxical stage for its dark, occult aesthetic. Inside, the concept comes to life through dim crimson lighting and Buddhist statues tucked in the shadows — a vibe that feels mystical to some and bone-chilling to others. Despite the eerie atmosphere, the cafe is a celebrated destination for gourmet tarts, offering a sweet, delicate contrast to its shadowy avant-garde interior.
Zoosindang in Sindang-dong, Seoul, is a cocktail bar inspired by Korean shamanism. Captured from Instagram (@zoosindang)
Zoosindang
Located in Sindang-dong, Seoul, an area once home to many shamans, Zoosindang pays homage to this spiritual heritage by reimagining a modern bar as a shamanic sanctuary — a shrine to alcohol, per its name.
The journey begins with a mysterious entrance designed to look like a shaman’s home, weathered and devoid of any obvious doors or handles. To gain entry, guests must push a stone cat statue, which reveals a hidden passage to a lush, neon-lit forest inside. The experience is defined by 12 famous zodiac signature cocktails, made with traditional Korean alcohols or whiskies. It has branches in other parts of Seoul including Mapo District and Yongsan District.
59 Stairs is a wine bar with a dark Gothic aesthetic. Captured from Instagram (@59stairs_euljiro)
59 Stairs in Euljiro
Named for the exact number of steps to its door, 59 Stairs
is a hidden gem located in Euljiro, tucked away at the top a fifth-floor walk-up. This climb separates visitors from the busy city streets below as they enter the hauntingly beautiful, Gothic-inspired space.
Known as a filming site for Netflix’s "My Name" (2021) and MBC’s "Late-Night Ghost Talk" (2021), the interior boasts a blend of vintage dolls, retro TVs and moody candlelight. It is a place of dramatic contrasts, where a gritty industrial entrance leads people into a sophisticated sanctuary.