Remove shoes — the no-shoe culture
In Korea, you remove your shoes when entering:
- Private homes: Always — the home is treated as a clean space.
- Temples: In all buildings (not on the outdoor grounds).
- Traditional restaurants: When sitting on the floor (Ondol) — recognizable by the raised entrance area with a shoe rack.
- Hanok guesthouses: Always.
- Jjimjilbangs: At the entrance — shoes go in the locker.
- Fitting rooms in stores: Sometimes.
Look for the raised area or a shoe rack at the entrance — these are the signs. Wear socks without holes and shoes that are easy to slip on and off (slip-ons instead of lace-ups).
