You may notice quite a few homeless people around Seoul Station. A lot of visitors ask me, “Why are there so many homeless people here?” One of the biggest reasons goes back to 1997, during the Asian Financial Crisis. In Korea, we usually call it the IMF Crisis . A lot of companies went bankrupt, unemployment rose very quickly, and many people suddenly lost their jobs and income. Some people eventually lost their homes as well. And many of them came to Seoul Station . Why here? Because this was one of the main places to find day labor and temporary jobs , and it was also the main railway station if they wanted to go back to their hometowns. But some had no money left and nowhere else to go, so they stayed around the station. That is one reason Seoul Station became one of the main gathering places for homeless people after the 1997 crisis. Then another thing happened. Once many homeless people were here, churches, charities, NGOs, and the government started providing help here. Th...
The "green bottle that makes you spill secrets" refers to soju, Korea’s famous alcoholic drink. The iconic green bottle of soju is known for making people relax, lower their guard, and sometimes reveal things they didn't plan to after a few drinks. It's a common joke in Korea that after sharing enough soju with friends, secrets just tend to slip out.
Soju is smooth and easy to drink, and because of that, it can catch people off guard. In Korean culture, drinking together is often seen as a way to bond and break down barriers, and soju plays a big role in these social moments. The green bottle symbolizes more than just alcohol—it's about connecting with others, sharing personal stories, and sometimes, spilling those secrets!
It's a phrase commonly used to describe soju, Korea’s beloved and iconic alcoholic drink. Soju is traditionally sold in a small green bottle, and it has a long history of being enjoyed in social settings—from casual dinners to big celebrations. But why do people often say that the green bottle makes them spill their secrets?
Well, soju is known for being smooth and easy to drink, but it can sneak up on you! It's not as strong as some other liquors, but after a few shots, it can quickly lower your inhibitions, making people feel more relaxed and open. This is why people often joke that after sharing a few bottles of soju with friends, secrets just seem to slip out.
In Korean culture, drinking together is seen as a way to bond and break down barriers, especially between colleagues, friends, or even strangers. Soju plays a big part in this, as it encourages people to open up. Whether it's a deep conversation or a funny confession, that little green bottle has a way of bringing people closer.
Fun Fact: The color of the bottle is green because, in the 1980s, it was found that green bottles were more eco-friendly and cheaper to produce.
Soju is a clear, distilled liquor with an alcohol content of around 16-25%. Traditionally, it was made from rice, but nowadays, soju is also produced using various ingredients such as sweet potatoes, wheat, and barley. Besides the traditional flavor, soju with fruit flavors like peach, grapefruit, and apple has become very popular among younger people due to its sweeter and lighter taste.
History of Soju (소주역사)
Soju has been enjoyed for about 700 years, dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty. In the 13th century, Mongols brought the distillation technique they learned from Persia to Korea, marking the beginning of soju production. During the Joseon Dynasty, distillation methods improved, and soju became a drink enjoyed by all classes of society. It remains a beloved beverage in Korea to this day.