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Hello! Thank you so much for being curious about our culture! 😊 The first thing that may feel unfamiliar when you come to Korea is ‘Culture of taking off shoes indoors’Well, I'll explain it very easily and sweetly! ✨

Actually, this culture is a very wise habit that originated from the lifestyle of our ancestors a long time ago. There are three main reasons!

• Because of health and hygiene! 👣 In Korea, people have long sat on the floor to eat and sleep. ‘Sedentary culture’has been developed. Since the floor is both the bed and the dining table, if you come in wearing shoes you used to wear outside, dust and germs will get on them, so it won't be hygienic, right? That's why it's important to always keep it clean!
• It’s thanks to the heating method called Ondol! 🔥 ‘Ondol’, a traditional Korean heating system, is a way to warm the floor. So the floor is very warm and cozy, but it's hard to feel that warmth if you're wearing shoes! Korean style relaxation involves resting while feeling the warmth of the floor with your whole body. 🛋️
• Think of your home as a precious space! 🏠 For us, home is a place where we can leave behind the complex daily life and rest most comfortably. ‘Sanctuary’ It’s the same place. Taking off the shoes you used to wear outside at the front door is also a psychological ritual that says, ‘Now I need to rest in peace!’ 😌

Of course, these days, restaurants and cafes have more chairs and tables, so the number of places to wear shoes has also increased! However, when going to a friend's house or visiting a traditional place, it is Korean etiquette to take off your shoes, so please remember! 😉

What do you think? Do you understand now? Next time you come to Korea, let's sit on the warm floor together and chat while eating delicious snacks! If you have any questions, please ask again! love you! ❤️🇰🇷