Why Do Koreans Take Off Their Shoes at Home?

In most Korean homes, you take off your outdoor shoes at the entrance. It comes from a culture of sitting and lying on the floor, and from ondol, the floor heating system—plus people simply don't want to track outside dust indoors. When you visit, look for the line between the lower entryway floor and the raised indoor floor. Take off your shoes, then step up inside. Some homes offer indoor slippers, but not every household does it the same way, so it's easiest to follow your host's lead. Bathroom slippers are usually worn only inside the bathroom. Some restaurants and guesthouses also ask you to take off your shoes, so check the entrance for a shoe rack or a sign.