The Soju Sessions

In this week's episode, we discuss how Korean slang has evolved, funny Korean slang, and what is trending with young Koreans right now.We also get into older people using slang, the mad English you see on clothing in Korea, and the most important slang words for visitors to know right now.Loads more too, including (but not limited to) a Scouse slang guessing game and the origins of the podcast (and other bits and pieces).Something for everyone, as usual.Get on it.

In this week's episode, we speak with Korea English teacher Jana, who specialises in a mix of content creation and English teaching. We discuss the pressures on Korean kids and why English is given such priority in Korea, attitudes towards English, and whether or not studying English represents good value for money.We also get into the Suneung and Korean high school potentially being an abuse of human rights, what Westerners and Koreans get wrong about each others' cultures, and how Koreans view Westerners today.Something for everyone, as per.Get on it.

In our latest episode, we speak to American expat Sarah Mack, who is campaigning to bring the pots outside Hanshin Onggi in Haebangchon back to where they belong. She explains what happened, why she believes the pots are part of the neighbourhood's cultural fabric, and why she's determined to see them reinstated.But where do you stand? Should long-standing features like these be protected as part of a neighbourhood's character, or should local authorities be free to remove them when rules aren't being followed? Let us know in the comments. And if you've spent time in Haebangchon, we'd especially love to hear your thoughts. The full story is in our latest episode. Give it a listen, share it with someone who knows Seoul, and follow us for more stories and questionable journalism from Korea.

In this week’s (month’s) episode, we discuss:Substitute teaching in EnglandHBC’s Onggi WallHaebangchon’s Block PartyA Japanese streamer accused of racism/Japan’s superiority complexAnsel Elgort wearing a kimono in SeoulJapan banning the Taegukgi for the Asia GamesAI blitzing the Suneung/AI taking over in 2034/AI slopForeign cards finally working on Korean busesThe weird world of Chuseok giftsA Michelin-starred restaurant using ants as garnishJongno-3 being named the world’s coolest neighbourhood by Time Out magazineRising anti-China sentimentUS favourability at an all-time low in Korea

In this week’s (month’s/quarter’s) episode, we dig into Korea’s performance at the World Cup, the Iran v Egypt Pride match and a long-standing debate around who is the best Korean footballer of all time, Son Heung-Min or Park Ji-Sung.We also discuss a developing Korea, Japan and Philippines alliance, people (and corporations) who publicise good deeds and JungKook’s stalker.Loads more in this one too, including the Kim lineage north of the border, foreigners being eligible for public office, socialist ideals, and the apparent death of Korea’s fabled drinking culture, and loads more.

In this month’s episode, we discuss the BTS comeback gig, Yoon’s prison life and old people being banned from public transport in rush hour. There’s also talk about President Lee’s recent comments on Israel, Japan’s imperialist ideologies, Koreans saying ‘I Love You’ and the Kim Dynasty. Loads more too this month, including (but not limited to) how the Middle East conflict is affecting Korea, the UK’s absurd economic and extremist policies, K-pop marketing and an asylum seeker held in Incheon airport for 14 months.

In this month’s episode, we discuss Yoon’s recent life sentence, the Epstein files (and a notorious former resident of Cheongju), and people on death row (not the rap label). We also get into the IOC messing up the Korean flag (and playing the wrong national anthems), Stray Kids and effeminate Korean men, Ssireum and Korea’s Winter Olympic performance. Loads more too, including the behaviour of Chinese tourists, a potential solution for Dokdo, and the recent South Korea v SE Asia arguments.Something for everyone, as per.Get on it.

In this week’s (month’s ?) episode, we discuss our recent appearance in one of the world’s foremost media outlets, President Yoon’s sentencing, the exploitative practices of Chaebols, and BTS’s return (and the delusion of some of their fans).We also get into the Trump administration recently acknowledging kimchi as a superfood, a Korean mum jailed for stealing test papers, fruit prices and the lack of football talent in Korea.Loads more too, including a recent fire in a Gangnam slum, conscription in England, gay dating shows and marital expectations in Korea.Something for everyone, as usual.Get on it.

In this week’s episode, we discuss recent happenings on the Korean peninsula, including ciggie-style warning on soju, falling asleep on the Seoul subway and low-skilled workers having to show complete deference to everyone in Korean society.We also talk about Josh’s weird behaviour-management techniques, recent ChatGPT searches, the division of India and Pakistan, and Nuns and Priests being the very last people suited to running schools (we never quite know where these conversations will go).Loads more too, including people who get in the lift to go down one floor, a Jeonbuk Motors coach being banned for racial gestures, Dad Heung-Min, Hongdae Man and foreign property ownership in Korea. Oh, and Turkey teeth.Something for everyone, as per. Get on it.

In this week’s episode, we discuss Josh’s reverse culture shock now that he’s back in England, the Suneung and the absolutely horrible questions Korean kids have to deal with, as well as Chat GPT potentially diminishing the need for language acquisition.We also talk about the Korean government recently giving off North Korea vibes with the announcement that they're cracking down on foreign content creators slagging them off, defamation laws in Korea, and nuclear submarines.Loads more too, this week, including drones dropping gear into nick, chaebol nepotism, the recovery of a 600-year-old ship off the Korean coast, more ket turning up on Jeju beaches, and men potentially being allowed to study in female-only universities.Something for everyone, as per.Get on it.