No Shoes!

Taking off shoes when entering a building is a really important cultural piece in Korea. At my dental office, at many restaurants, in anyone's home, and at school, I take off my shoes.

Floor cleanliness is historically important in Korea because people spent a lot of time sitting on the floor. Traditionally the heating system comes from below the house, so sitting on the floor was a great way to keep warm in the winter.

Even though all the kids sit in desks, and our schools have central heating the tradition of taking off shoes is is still very strong in Korea. Normally the everyone puts their shoes in a cubby, but it is not unusual to see shoes by the door at school. The kids are supposed to wear slip on sandals inside, but everyday I see kids running around school without any socks or sandals. I worry for them in the winter, because my feet are cold even with my two pairs of socks and slippers. I suppose they're used to it.