Why can an empty soju bottle get you money back at a Korean store?
You are not selling the glass. For eligible reusable bottles, a deposit is included when you buy the drink. Return the empty bottle to a retailer and the deposit is refunded.
A COMMON SOJU SIZE FALLS IN THE ₩100 BAND
Official deposit bands are ₩70 below 190 mL, ₩100 from 190 to under 400 mL, ₩130 from 400 to under 1,000 mL, and ₩350 from 1,000 mL up. A typical 360 mL soju bottle therefore falls in the ₩100 band when it is an eligible deposit bottle.
NOT EVERY GLASS BOTTLE QUALIFIES
Look for the reusable-bottle deposit marking. This is a return-and-reuse system for designated containers, not a cash reward for bringing in any piece of glass.
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